Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk David Butcher’s hoping for a fitting finale for the well-performed You Little Beauty at Taupo on Monday. The Sweet Lou six-year-old, who’s won 13 races, will make her final race day appearance in the day’s feature pace, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Lake Taupo Summer Cup (4.17pm). After the race she will head to the broodmare paddock as she’s in foal to Legendary Hanover. “I’d love to get her up,” says Butcher. After she started out with Ross Paynter, You Little Beauty has had 40 starts and seven wins for Butcher since he took over her training in August 2024. She is one of three Butcher-trained runners in the Cup alongside Hooray Henry and Louezyana. Butcher will drive You Little Beauty in her swansong while sons Zachary and Benjamin will handle Hooray Henry and Louezyana. You Little Beauty and Louezyana will start off 10 metres, 10 ahead of their other stablemate. “It’s a strong field,” says Butcher, “it won’t be easy.” You Little Beauty opened at $7 on the fixed odds market with last start winner American Me (45m) and The Surfer (30m) the favourites at $3.40 and $4.40. Butcher’s in for a busy day as harness racing heads to the Taupo Racing Club for the first time. He has “just about the whole team there”. Eight of his own horses will be racing while he will have 10 drives on the 13-race programme, with a number looking like handy each-way chances. He trains two in Race 2, the NZMCA Pop At Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace – Enzo ($4FF), who he will drive, and Desistella ($6.50) with son Benjamin in the sulky. “Enzo can be a bit of a noddy,” says Butcher, “he’s got ability but I’ve had two goes on him for two gallops.” Butcher has only had him for a few weeks, after he was with son Zachary, and he did finish second in a recent trial. In Race 3, the Skyline Packages for February/March on Sale Now Trot – Butcher will drive another of his team in favourite Brother Johnson ($2.60). “He’s getting his fitness back, likes the grass and does everything right so hopefully we could get a place with him.” Another well-supported runner is Valerei ($4.80) who is fresh up in Race 4, the Hire A Venue at Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace. The Vincent four-year-old placed twice from seven starts last campaign. “He can be a bit on and off but from the draw (2) he’s half a chance to get some money.” The other Butcher-trained and driven runner is Caulfield ($7) in Race 12, the Beta Vet Mobile Pace. “He’s so consistent and races good on the grass. He’s a place chance.” Butcher’s outside drives are : Race 5 : The Elite Athlete ($13) Race 6 : Barsukov ($5.50) Race 7 : Eastwood Admiral ($5.50) Race 8 : Keep It Klassy ($10) Race 13 : Ragnar Lothbrok ($4.50) The first race is due to go to 11.30am with field sizes capped at 10 because of the unique nature of the Taupo track. To see the Taupo fields click here View the full article

The milestone 100th edition of New Zealand’s National Yearling Sale has caught attention throughout the thoroughbred world, including one of the United Kingdom’s leading trainers. Among the crowd at Karaka on Sunday was the recognisable figure of William Haggas, the winner of more than a dozen Group One races in his homeland including the Derby (2400m) with Shaamit and Oaks (2400m) with Dancing Rain, along with other elite-level triumphs in France, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Australia. Haggas was invited to attend the centenary sale by NZB principal Sir Peter Vela, a long-time friend for whom Haggas has previously trained horses in the northern hemisphere. “I’ve known Sir Peter for a long time and I’ve always promised that I would come, and I’ve finally made it,” Haggas said. “It fitted in well and I’ve always wanted to see it, and I’m pleased that I’ve come.” The 65-year-old’s taste of the Kiwi industry also included Saturday’s Karaka Millions twilight meeting at Ellerslie, headlined by the six-length runaway by unbeaten filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) in the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). “I thought it was terrific,” he said. “The only great shame was the weather, because we got a bit of English weather and everyone had made an effort to dress up and enjoy themselves. But it looked to me like everyone decided to forgive the weather and just get on with it, and it was a great atmosphere. “Well Written showed a great turn of foot. She just needed to get organised at the top of the straight, and then it was game over. I don’t know the quality of the opposition, but horses that can quicken are usually pretty good wherever they are in the world.” The Karaka sale grounds and the yearlings catalogued for this week’s sale have made a similarly favourable impression. “The complex is very well organised here,” he said. “It’s very easy for the customer to see the horses, plenty of room, plenty of cover if the weather is filthy, which it has been. “It’s easy to find your way around. Already I know where to go, whereas if you go to Keeneland in America, it takes five sales to get used to it. Tattersalls is the same, it’s big. Goffs in Ireland is pretty easy to work out, but this is as good as I’ve seen. “The style of horse here is not too dissimilar to what I’m used to. I’ve been impressed by the quality of the stock. I’ve found it very difficult to value them, but that’s normal stuff for me, because I find it difficult to value them everywhere. But there are some very nice horses here, so I hope it goes well for them. “I get the impression from people here that the industry is in a critical stage in New Zealand, with the foal crop diminishing and the guarantees of prize-money from Entain halfway through its five-year tenure. So it’s really important that people support the business if they want it to succeed. It’s not going to succeed on its own. It’s going to succeed because everyone gets together and really commits to breeding and racing. “What’s really struck me here is how many breeders own horses in training, which is a good thing, so let’s hope that it continues, and even though we won’t be still here in another 100 years, but hopefully the place will be.” Haggas has made a habit of targeting the riches of Sydney’s autumn carnival, reasoning that his horses’ fresher legs might have an advantage over locals who have been competing through the season. He won the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) with Addeybb in 2020 and 2021 and Dubai Honour in 2023, the Gr.1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) with Addeybb in 2020 and Dubai Honour in 2023, and the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) with Dubai Honour last year. He expects to be back again in a few months’ time. “We’re planning to bring Dubai Honour again for the Tancred, and then we’ve got another horse, Caviar Heights, who might do the Ranvet and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes,” he said. “His bloods are done and he’s got his place in quarantine, and he looked in terrific condition when I left, and by all accounts he’s doing really well. He’s a horse that we like a lot, we got him from another trainer. He ran only three times last year. His last start was disappointing, but it took a bit of time to work him out. I think he’ll have a good year. Whether he’s up to the Queen Elizabeth, I don’t know, but one thing I’ve learned in racing over the period of time I’ve been training is that if you’re not in, you can’t win.” Haggas, a son-in-law of the legendary jockey Lester Piggott, is now watching with pride as his son Sam forges his own career as a bloodstock agent. “I’ve asked him three times whether he wants to take over from me at some stage, and every single time he never had the decency to even pause before he gave his reply, so I don’t think he’ll be doing that,” Haggas said. “He enjoys the bloodstock side, he is developing lots of data, especially for tried horses, so he’s coming at it from a different angle, which I admire. And one of the beauties of coming out here is actually I’ve probably spent more time with him this week than I do at the moment, because he’s here, there and everywhere, and we’re obviously busy in the summer, so it’s been very nice, and he’s doing very well.” View the full article

Weigh In is live from the NZB Karaka Sales Complex to review all the action of the TAB Karaka Millions race night and get all the latest news, straight from the horse’s mouth. Weigh In, January 25 View the full article

Bloodstock agent Kevin ‘Millie’ Walls was a key player on back-to-back big lots at Karaka on Sunday, securing a colt for $675,000 before being underbidder on a $600,000 colt that was the very next yearling through the ring. Bidding on behalf of his clients and good friends Ron and Judi Wanless, Walls withstood the challenge of Andrew Williams and Jamie Richards to win a fierce bidding duel for Lot 93. The colt was offered by Hallmark Stud and is by rising star Waikato Stud sire Super Seth out of the Almanzor mare Rozala. The dam is a half-sister to the dam of Gr.3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) winner Public Attention, while the second dam is the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Katie Lee. “I’ve been buying on type,” Walls said. “We actually bought the half-brother to this colt last year (for $100,000). He’s won a jumpout for us and I know he goes pretty well. “I thought this was just an outstanding colt, one of the best-moving colts on the complex. Ron wanted to keep putting his hand up. I said no, but he kept on going.” Lot 94 a colt by Proisir was sold for $600,000 from the draft of Trelawney Stud. Photo: Angelique Bridson There was barely a moment for Walls to catch his breath before he began bidding on Lot 94, Trelawney Stud’s colt by Proisir out of the Van Nistelrooy mare Ruqqaya. Herself a two-race winner, Ruqqaya is the dam of six winners including Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) winner Grunt, along with Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m) winner Zayydani. Ruqqaya is also a half-sister to the five-time Group One winner, New Zealand Horse of the Year and successful sire Ocean Park. Walls went up to $575,000 for the colt, but had to settle for second place as Yulong, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and Kestrel Thoroughbreds put in a winning bid of $600,000. Grunt is a member of Yulong’s stallion roster. “I know that colt’s family well from my days as stud manager at Trelawney Stud,” Walls said. “Ruqqaya was a lovely mare and has left great foals. “He’s a lovely colt, but we got beaten by Yulong. They stand Grunt, so that’ll be a good home for him.” Walls was also active earlier in the day, going to $300,000 to purchase Lot 17 – Trelawney’s filly by Sword Of State out of the Ocean Park mare Oceans Eight. The second dam Ruud Van Slaats won twice at Group Two level and is dam or granddam of four black-type performers. “She’s a filly from another family I know well,” Walls said. “I thought she was a lovely, lovely filly. Fillies from that family are hard to get, so Judi’s going to have a lot of fun racing her.” View the full article

A striking colt by Satono Aladdin lured respected trainer David Payne back to Karaka on Sunday after more than a decade-long absence. The last time the South African-born Payne bought a horse at Karaka was in 2013, when he paid $150,000 for a High Chaparral colt – the latest in a long line of purchases dating back to the 1980s. “I haven’t been here for at least 10 years,” the now Sydney-based horseman said. “I used to come in the 1980s, including the old days when it was at Trentham. I’ve bought a lot of good horses from here over the years, like Petrava, Take A Walk, Hoeberg – they all won Group One races.” The Fairdale Stud-bred Petrava, by Imposing out of Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) winner Silver Liner, was purchased in 1983. She was raced by Laurie and Jean Jaffee and won 10 of her 15 starts in South Africa including five Group Ones. Petrava’s daughter by Maroof, Hoeberg, was bred by Sir Peter and Philip Vela and was bought for $350,000 at Karaka in 1999. She followed in her mother’s footsteps and became another elite performer in South Africa for the Jaffees, winning four Group One races and also venturing to Dubai for a placing in the Gr.1 Dubai Duty Free (1777m). Bakharoff colt Take A Walk was bred by Jim Campin, was purchased from Karaka in 1991 and won the Gr.1 Queen’s Plate (1600m) at Kenilworth in 1994. Lot 24 a colt by Satono Aladdin from Little Avondale Stud sold for $450,000 to trainer David Payne. Photo: Angelique Bridson All these years later, Payne announced his return early on the opening day of Sunday’s Book 1 session of Karaka 2026 when he went to $450,000 to secure Lot 24. Offered by Little Avondale Stud, the Satono Aladdin colt is out of the twice-winning Snitzel mare On Yer Feet, the dam of four winners from four foals to race including Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) winner Faithful Feat. The colt is also closely related to the dual Group Three winner and Group One-placed Hiflyer. “I’m 78 years old, so I thought I might slow down, but it looks like I’m back in business,” Payne quipped. “My owner wanted me to come. This owner, Wayne Shelton, is keeping me in racing. I’d have 20 horses in training and he must have a share in about 15 of them. “He’s also got a 20 percent share in Ceolwulf, so maybe he’s spending some of the winnings from that horse. He’s raced quite a few horses with me and we’ve been successful with a lot of cheap horses, but now he’s stepping up after Ceolwulf. Before I go out, he wants to give me a Group One winner for him.” The Satono Aladdin colt made an immediate and indelible impression on Payne. “I wanted a Satono Aladdin, because I think he can give you a classic horse,” he said. “I looked at them all, and I saw this one and I said, ‘Jeez, he’s just an athlete.’ He’s a lovely horse and has a lovely, fluent action. Satono Aladdin is doing well and he’s out of a Snitzel mare, so it’s all there. I just thought, ‘This is the one I’d love, if I can get him.’ “He should be a 1600m horse, which is what you’re looking for. I’m hoping we can try to win a Guineas or something like that.” Despite training relatively small numbers at his Rosehill base, Payne has put together an outstanding record of big-race success since moving to Australia in 2002. “You can still compete,” he said. “I’ve had Ace High, Montefilia, Criterion, all those top horses. So you just need one. I’ve always been lucky and found one, and I hope this is the next one.” View the full article

Leading jockey Umberto Rispoli, who was thrown from his mount Unconquerable Keen (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) nearing the sixteenth pole of Saturday's Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, was taken to the hospital and has been diagnosed with a fractured ankle, tibia and fibula, according to a post on X from his agent Matt Nakatani. “This isn't the end of the road for us,” Nakatani wrote. “We will be back stronger than ever. We greatly appreciate all of your support.” Nakatani posted that Rispoli will undergo surgery in the near future pending conversations with doctors. There was no immediate timeline for his return to the saddle. Rispoli was replaced on his two remaining mounts on the program, including aboard Almendares (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who rounded out the triple in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf. He was scheduled to have four rides Sunday at Santa Anita, including Later Than Planned (Ire) for Phil d'Amato in the Baffle Stakes. Latest update on Jockey Umberto Rispoli This isn't the end of the road for us. We will be back stronger than ever. Thank you again for all the texts and calls. We greatly appreciate all of your support @umbyrispoli #TeamRispoli #PrayersUpForASpeedyRecovery pic.twitter.com/iXaep147oe — Matt Nakatani (@MATT_NAK) January 25, 2026 The post Rispoli Suffers Multiple Fractures In Spill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For a sixth time, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert scores in the $100,500 La Canada Stakes (G3) Jan. 24 at Santa Anita Park with 5-year-old Nafisa. View the full article

Perfect Shot pulled the upset in the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park Jan. 24, extending Steve Asmussen's win streak to five and giving him seven wins in the past eight years. Dual grade 1 winner La Cara finished fifth.View the full article

Umberto Rispoli's mount in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, Unconquerable Keen, clipped heels in deep stretch and dislodged him. The rider suffered a fractured ankle. The horse walked off under his own power. View the full article

For a sixth time, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert scores in the $100,500 La Canada Stakes (G3) Jan. 24 at Santa Anita Park with 5-year-old Nafisa. View the full article

Perfect Shot pulled the upset in the $300,000 Houston Ladies Classic (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park Jan. 24, extending Steve Asmussen's win streak to five and giving him seven wins in the last eight years. Dual grade 1 winner La Cara finished fifth.View the full article

Amerman Racing's Test Score outran stablemate One Stripe to give trainer Graham Motion a 1-2 finish in the $937,800 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Skippylongstocking finishes ahead of his other 7-year-old rivals, stablemate White Abarrio and Full Serrano.View the full article

Elen Nicholas has ridden the highs and lows of racing with Knights Realm (NZ) (Castledale), and Saturday proved to be the pinnacle of their journey. The Cambridge-based apprentice rode the Clinton Isdale-trained gelding in his first two starts, with the pair involved in a race fall in their second outing which resulted in Nicholas being sidelined by injury for over a year. “It wasn’t his fault, he fell over a horse that had fallen in front of him. It was just the wrong place at the wrong time,” Nicholas said. “I remember flying through the air and looking down and I thought Triston (Moodley, jockey) was hurt because he wasn’t moving. We both came too and I was so relieved he was fine. My ankle was in so much pain and I realised I had broken my leg, which put me out for 18 months.” She reunited with the son of Castledale last month when runner-up in the Taupo Cup (2000m), and on Saturday at New Plymouth they went one better to win the Gr.3 Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Taranaki Cup (1800m). The six-year-old gelding jumped away well from his inside barrier and he was able to maintain his advantage on the rail to take up the pacemaker role. Nicholas dictated terms up front before they were challenged on the outside by Enrico from the 400m, with the pair opening up several lengths on their rivals as they turned for home. Race favourite Bridal Train took chase, but Knights Realm kicked again down the straight and ran out a dominant 7-1/4 length victor over Enrico, with a further head back to Bridal Train in third. “It was an emotional win and a bit of a surreal one as well,” Nicholas said. “What a cool thing to win a Group Three on that horse. “He was second in I think 10 of his previous 26 starts, he loves coming second, but definitely wasn’t coming second today, he won by a good bit.” They were initially set to take on multiple Group One winner El Vencedor, but the Stephen Marsh-trained gelding was scratched, alongside Group Two performer and Taupo Cup victor What You Wish For and Group Three performer The Odyssey, as a result of the Heavy10 track conditions. While other trainers were despondent by the wet weather, Isdale was licking his lips, with Knights Realm thriving on rain-affected going, which proved to be the case once again on Saturday. Knights Realm had finished runner-up in his last two starts and Isdale was rapt his consistent gelding was able to break through for an elusive stakes victory. “He has been running a lot of seconds and for him to put it together like that was really great,” Isdale said. “He loves a wet track and a couple of the favoured runners came out and it all panned out well. He went into the race in good form, he just needed a bit of luck, and he certainly got it. “He is very honest, he always puts his hand up.” Isdale was particularly pleased for Nicholas to get the win on him. “It was really good for Elen to win on him because she had done a lot early in his career and had a race fall on him which put her out for a year, so it was just good for her to get the win on him,” he said. Isdale was intending to send Knights Realm to the spelling paddock following Saturday’s run, but after his dominant performance, he is now contemplating one last summer assignment for him. “It is always good to go out on a winning note, but when he won like that we might have to roll the dice one more time,” he said. View the full article

Entering Saturday's $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, the 7-year-old SKIPPYLONGSTOCKING (h, Exaggerator–Twinkling, by War Chant) and his year-younger stable companion White Abarrio (Race Day)–the 2025 Pegasus hero–had made a combined 59 trips to the races, good for 22 visits to winner's circles from coast-to-coast and earnings touching $11 million. The now-white White Abarrio was the pick of the two as the 7-2 Pegasus third choice behind 3-2 Disco Time (Not This Time) and last year's GI Curlin Florida Derby hero Tappan Street (Into Mischief) at 3-1, but when the dust had settled and in a race that fell apart after sizzling early fractions, Skippylongstocking ruled the day, causing a 21-1 surprise. Disco Time, undefeated in five starts heretofore and last seen winning the Dwyer Stakes by nearly 10 lengths last November, was kicked straight into the lead by Flavien Prat and went hard on the engine through fractions of :22.25 for the opening quarter. For their parts, White Abarrio and Skippylongstocking were sixth and eighth, respectively, with Tappan Street in the middle, niggled along almost throughout. Disco Time led past a half-mile in a demanding :46.08 with Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast) pouring in the pressure and White Abarrio made steady progress to make it a line of four into the far turn. Announcer Pete Aiello called Skippylongstocking's name as he raced past Tappan Street who was 'going to have to do much better to be a factor' but he'd run his race three furlongs out. In the meantime, White Abarrio hit the lead under a hold at the head of the lane and looked all over a winner, but Tyler Gaffalione had Skippylongstocking in full flight, went to his stablemate inside the furlong and scooted clear to take become arguably the quietest $5-million winner in recent memory. Sales history: $15,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP; $37,000 2yo '21 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 36-13-3-7. O-Daniel Alonso; B-Brushy Hill LLC (KY); T-Saffie Joseph Jr. WOW! SKIPPYLONGSTOCKING ($45.20) wins the $3M Pegasus World Cup (G1) under @Tyler_Gaff after overtaking stablemate WHITE ABARRIO for a @SaffieJosephJr exacta in the @BreedersCup #WAYI at @GulfstreamPark. Congratulations to owner Daniel Alonso and all the connections. pic.twitter.com/FotFSb4WI0 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 The post ‘Yippy Skippy’! Veteran Skippylongstocking Upsets the Pegasus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amerman Racing's Test Score outran stablemate One Stripe to give trainer Graham Motion a 1-2 finish in the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Now 2-for-2 at Gulfstream Park, Steve Landers Racing's Destino d'Oro pulled the upset to win the $490,500 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G2T) Jan. 24.View the full article

NOBLE AFFAIR (c, 3, Vekoma–Paden Affair, by Rockport Harbor) was unveiled Dec. 27 at this venue but sprinting on the turf, and ran on well to claim third in a blanket finish after trailing early on from eighth. Moved to the dirt for this second jump, he was asked to navigate a sloppy surface as Fair Grounds hustled to beat the weather, and left the gates carrying 3-1 odds on this seasonal debut. Out to set the pace through an opening quarter in :22.38 and after four furlongs in :45.89, Noble Affair was still leading the bunch, but that lead was under pressure from Corona de Oro (Bolt d'Oro) in the lane. Game along the rail as the 2-1 favorite came calling from the grandstand side, his advantage was shrinking late as the pair battled down to the wire. Noble Affair managed to hold off that looming rival by a half-length and it was a long way back to third. The victor is the most recent to the races for Paden Affair, who has now produced five successful offspring from six of racing age. Her most recent is a yearling colt by Nashville, and the mare is due to Elite Power for 2026. Paden Affair is a half-sister to SW & GSP Indian Burn (Indian Charlie), herself the dam of MGSW & GISP Crazy Beautiful (Liam's Map). Noble Affair was purchased for $600,000 at OBS April last season after previous selling for $275,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September last year and bringing $75,000 as a weanling during the auction's November sale in 2023. #8 NOBLE AFFAIR ($8) goes gate-to-wire digging in late to win race 7 at the @fairgroundsnola. The son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm) was ridden by @James_D_Graham and is trained by Steve Asmussen. Wathnan Racing owns, pic.twitter.com/SELIos1aMO — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 7th-Fair Grounds, $54,000, Msw, 1-24, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.84, ft, 1/2 length. NOBLE AFFAIR (c, 3, Vekoma–Paden Affair, by Rockport Harbor) Sales history: $75,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $275,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $600,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $38,450. O-Wathnan Racing; B-Sandra Sexton & Silver Fern Farm (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Vekoma’s Noble Affair Strikes at Second Asking to Graduate at Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amerman Racing's TEST SCORE (c, 4, Lookin At Lucky–Joy Of Learning, by Kitten's Joy) continued a phenomenal afternoon for the newly turned 4-year-olds on the grass at Gulfstream Park, as he emerged from the pack to take out the $1-million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, just holding off a late surge from his very well-backed stablemate One Stripe (SAf) (One World {SAf}). Off at odds of 7-1 in his first start outside of age-restricted competition, the rail-drawn homebred secured the perfect spot two back on the fence in the box seat as Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) made the running for Hall of Famer Mike Smith. Ridden for luck, with favored Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) stalking his every move from the fence a few lengths adrift, Test Score was angled sharply to the outside of the pacesetter in upper stretch, edged to the lead and proved narrowly best. One Stripe, hammered at the tills in the late stages to jump at odds of 4-1, sat a midfield trip for leading South African jockey Gavin Lerena, came widest for the drive and was getting to the winner. Almendares (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) finished a longshot third. Lifetime Record: 13-5-3-3. O-Amerman Racing LLC; B-Mrs Jerry Amerman (KY); T-Graham Motion\ TEST SCORE ($17.20) held off a flying One Stripe (SAF) in the $1,000,000 Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) at @GulfstreamPark. Trainer @GrahamMotion trains the 1-2 finishers! @jockeyfranco was up on the 4YO Lookin At Lucky colt. Pegasus World Cup is now: https://t.co/UXCZfzZ4lz pic.twitter.com/MOoRgUHdM7 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 The post Test Score Leads Home Motion 1-2 In Pegasus Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Junior Alvarado and trainer Bill Mott partnered up again for another win on Saturday's Pegasus World Cup card as GRAND JOB (f, 5, Justify–Sure Route {GB}, by Ishiguru) romped home as the favorite in the GII Inside Information Stakes. Exiting a non-factor eighth in her 3-year-old finale facing allowance winners at Churchill Downs in November, Grand Job had previously shown an affinity for the Gulfstream surface when second in the GIII Royal Delta Stakes over the local main track last March. Drawn outside, the 2-1 favorite had plenty of early speed up the backstretch, racing three wide with Jody's Pride (American Pharoah) and One Magic Philly (Good Magic) both to her inside on the run into the far turn. Alvarado clearly knew what he had as Grand Job swept past both runners and was alone turning for home before she even kicked into high gear. A few shakes of the reins kept her focused as she out-finished Sterling Silver (Cupid) under a hand ride for the win. Mott and Alvarado teamed up three races earlier to win the GIII Fred W. Hooper Stakes with 'TDN Rising Star' Knightsbridge (Nyquist). Lifetime Record: 10-4-4-0. O-Bell Tower Thoroughbreds and Medallion Racing; B-Fullbury; T-Bill Mott. Sales History: $105,000 ylg '22 KEESEP. Fourth victory today for jockey @JuniorandKellyA! Grand Job easily wins the Inside Information S. G2 presented by @MyRacehorse. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/VQxrwb0qhk — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 24, 2026 The post Mott, Alvarado Partner For Another Win As Grand Job Romps In Inside Information appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

From the storied history of Haras de Bonneval to the beginning of a new chapter at Haras de Castillon, the 17th edition of La Route des Etalons had something to satisfy the curiosity of all who flocked to Normandy and its surrounding areas on Friday and Saturday. Among the overseas visitors taking part in the two-day event for the first time was renowned auctioneer John O'Kelly, just a few short weeks after bringing the curtain down on his time on the rostrum at Tattersalls. In any other year, O'Kelly would be in South Africa right now, carrying out the role he has made his own for over three decades, but a change of schedule for 2026 dictated that it was beef bourguignon rather than boerewors on the menu for this bright but blustery January weekend. As for the equine delights on offer, O'Kelly was so eager to sample them that he was reportedly the very first person through the doors at Haras d'Etreham when the clock struck 9am on Friday, the first of what proved to be many stops over the two days. “I think I made it to nine or ten [studs],” he told the TDN on Saturday evening, by now back in the comfort of his Belgian base. “I've always been abroad on this weekend, but the South African sale I'd usually be doing is actually going to be in March this year. That allowed me the time to get up there and do it. I mean, if you're going to be looking at yearlings by these sires, you better be looking at the sires themselves.” He added, “I'd recommend it [La Route des Etalons] to anybody. There was such enthusiasm and we all have to participate, don't we? The breeding world is not a hidden secret. It's there for the public and we need to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this game. How do you sell this game to people unless you actually let them participate? “I think it's a wonderful initiative. I've been to the one in Ireland as well and there is always plenty of people there with young children. It's great for them to physically be there and be able to see the horses.” In total, 84 stallions from both codes were there for the public to see across the two days, headlined by established stars such as Siyouni and Zarak on the Flat and Doctor Dino and No Risk At All over jumps. Of the younger stallions still in their formative years at stud, Vadeni at Bonneval and Sumbe residents Charyn and Mishriff both received favourable mentions from O'Kelly, but there was seemingly another who stood out above the rest. “I just love Big Rock,” O'Kelly explained. “I'd seen him as a yearling and loved him then. He was my pick of the bunch [at Yeguada Centurion], but I just thought, a son of Rock Of Gibraltar, how commercial would that be in the ring? I followed his career and he obviously turned into a very good racehorse. He's a beautiful-looking horse, a gorgeous horse. He's got limb, he's got a lovely head on him and great movement – he's just a very fine horse. “It was actually lovely to see Haras de Grandcamp back with stallions again, because they were out of the game for a season or two.” Big Rock, who enjoyed his finest hour as a racehorse when winning the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and Zagrey, the winner of the same year's Grosser Preis von Baden, have recently been joined at Haras de Grandcamp by Whistlejacket, who was another to taste success at the top level when landing the 2024 Prix Morny. Whistlejacket is one of only four specifically Flat stallions to retire to France for 2026, along with Beauvatier at Etreham and the Group 1-winning duo Marhaba Ya Sanafi and Tribalist, both of whom could be found in the sunshine at Castillon on Friday afternoon. In total, the new operation is currently home to five stallions and, for Benoit Jeffroy, this event provided an ideal opportunity to show them all off to the public, with the investment that has gone into making the facilities fit for purpose also plain to see. “That was the aim, to get as many people as we can to come and discover the new stallion station,” Jeffroy summed up, with Loic Malivet, president of the Federation des Eleveurs du Galop (French TBA), among those in attendance for the final show on Friday. “I think it's been a very successful day and both of the new horses have been very popular. Obviously, Tribalist was a seven-time Group winner and he won the Prix du Muguet three times, which has never been done before. He was a tough, consistent horse who showed when he won the Prix du Moulin that he was a real Group 1 performer. And he's by Farhh, who has proved himself a top stallion from very limited opportunities. “Marhaba Ya Sanafi is a Classic winner and he was also third in the Prix du Jockey Club. Both him and Triablist were sound, tough horses who raced for three of four seasons. I think it's great breeders to see that longevity in stallions and I'm delighted to have them because I only want to stand stallions that I will use with my own mares.” He continued, “A lot of breeders were very thankful to us for standing them at a reasonable price and, to me, this is so important. What I really wanted to have is stallions who give the breeders to opportunity to breathe, because I've been on the other side and I've seen how much it costs to breed a horse and the margins you have. These are good horses and they offer good value.” One person who had plenty of complimentary things to say about what he encountered at Castillon was that man O'Kelly, who rowed in behind plenty of breeders in giving the redoubtable Tribalist his seal of approval. “Castillon and the big new departure there is very exciting, isn't it?” he added. “I'll tell you, there's some investment going on there and I wish them the best of luck in the world.” Certainly, Jeffroy and his wife, Annabelle Aime, deserve the well wishes of all who want to see the French racing and breeding industries succeed, with Jeffroy acknowledging that it was a brave move to launch a new stallion operation at what he himself describes as “a pivotal moment” for the sport in France. Jeffroy speaks in more detail about the challenges facing the domestic product – highlighted by a €20.3 million reduction in prize-money for 2026, announced by France Galop in May last year – in a second piece to appear in the TDN in the coming days, with other prominent figures such as Nicolas de Chambure, Mathieu Alex and Pierre Gasnier also lending their voices to the debate. The post ‘The Breeding World Is Not A Hidden Secret’ – Access All Areas For La Route Des Etalons appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Destino d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro) ran them all down late in the lane to win the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park. Content to watch the action unfold from the rear of the field as frontrunners posted opening splits of :23.43 and a half-mile in :46.87, Destino d'Oro was called on to improve her position as the field closed ranks after six panels in 1:10.41 and running room became something of a precious commodity for several competitors to her inside. Swinging into upper stretch with a full head of steam, Destino d'Oro took the overland route and rolled right by her rivals to win it well. Crevalle d'Oro (Constitution) ran on for second while Movin' On Up (Accelerate) claimed third. The final time was 1:40.33. Destino d'Oro claimed the GIII Pucker Up Stakes last year at Ellis Park as well as the Tropical Park Oaks in her 2025 season cap at this venue. #3 DESTINO D'ORO ($33.20) comes flying down the outside to win the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup F&M Turf Invitational (G2) at @GulfstreamPark. The daughter of Bolt d'Oro (@spendthriftfarm) was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA and is trained by @Bradcoxracing. Steve Landers Racing owns. pic.twitter.com/kctfGCiwX4 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 Saturday, Gulfstream Park PEGASUS WORLD CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF INVITATIONAL S. PRESENTED BY THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE-GII, $490,500, Gulfstream, 1-24, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.33, fm. 1–DESTINO D'ORO, 120, f, 4, by Bolt d'Oro 1st Dam: Heart of Destiny (GISP, $242,089), by Lion Heart 2nd Dam: Doc's Destiny, by Doc's Leader 3rd Dam: Ventured, by Codex ($20,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $185,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Steve Landers Racing LLC; B-Hurstland Farm, Inc. & James H. Greene Jr. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Junior Alvarado. $285,000. Lifetime Record: 8-5-0-1, $829,884. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Crevalle d'Oro, 118, m, 5, Constitution–Sonoma d'Oro, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($60,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $220,000 4yo '25 FTDAUG; $500,000 4yo '25 KEENOV). O-TCC Stables LLC, Iavarone, Michael and Iavarone, Jules; B-Sandra Sexton (KY); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo. $95,000. 3–Movin' On Up, 118, m, 5, Accelerate–Stifle Yourself, by Cairo Prince. O-Kenneth L. Ramsey; B-Estate Of Harvey A. Clarke (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.. $47,500. Margins: HF, HF, HF. Odds: 15.60, 31.50, 7.30. Also Ran: Whiskey Decision, Heredia (GB), Caitlinhergrtness, And One More Time, Proctor Street, In Our Time, Breath Away (GB), Ready for Shirl, Classic Q. Scratched: Awesome Czech, Candy Quest. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Destino d’Oro Runs Down Rivals to Win Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Ashburton trainer/driver John Morrison will have a strong presence on his home track today, with eight drives and a number of each way chances. The meeting, that celebrates the various clubs of Canterbury, was transferred from Methven after it was deemed unsuitable to race on following this week’s bad weather. Morrison considers Destiny’s Dream as one of his best chances in the final race of the day, Race 11 the Ashburton MSA & Super Liquor Mobile Pace over 2400m. Coming into today after some credible runs at the recent Marlborough circuit, Morrison is quietly confident of a good run from the mare. “She’s been a great mare and has done a super job over the past 18 months for the stable. She shouldn’t be too far away if she gets a good run. She’s jumping out of her skin since she’s returned from Blenheim,” said Morrison. A race earlier Raknruin lines up in The Papanui – Founders Cafe Pace over 2400m. Raknruin won stylishly in a fresh state at Gore on December 27 and has had two runs since then leading into today. “I was disappointed with her run at Roxburgh, but she may not have handled the track. Then at Cromwell we had a false start and she threw her toys out. She can get a bit uptight when things don’t go her way. “I’m pleased with the draw because she’ll have no work to do. She can really run – she’s the best track worker I’ve got. She has the potential to win quite a few races. I’ve fiddled around with her shoeing a bit too since the Central circuit – so hopefully that will help her gait.” Morrison has six other drives on the programme including the shortest priced favourite of the day Scotlynn Fortress ($1.95FF) for trainer Dean Taylor in Race 3, the New Brighton Club By The Sea Mobile Pace over 2400m. “I don’t mind the horse, he’s a handy maiden. If he got a nice run he should go well, he’s in good form. Dean’s team is going well at the moment.” Morrison will link up with another of Dean Taylor’s runners Bodacious ($20.00FF) at longer odds in Race 9, the Hornby Club Handicap Trot over 2400m. “I haven’t driven it since it was a maiden. It can go near enough when it settles handy so we will be hoping for an economical run.” Morrison will also drive two runners for trainer Fred Scott. Take A Chance On Me in Race 4, the Richmond Club – The Borough Pace over 2400m, will need to find a few lengths to be a threat. However Courtney Rose in Race 6, the Rangiora RSA & Club “The Heart Of Rangiora” Handicap Pace over 2400m looks to have stronger credentials. “It went super at Nelson both days. A good draw and the way it’s been going she’s good enough to be right there. She begins pretty safe so should run well.” Kushite Warrior for trainer Malcolm Shinn has been steadily improving this campaign and looks set for another honest effort in Race 7, The Country Clubs, Oxford & Lincoln Pace over 2400m. “It ran on good at Addington on Friday. If I can just get her away and a nice sit she’s got a bit of speed.” Morrison links up with local trainer Ben Waldron and Georgie Zukov in Race 8, the Kaiapoi Club & The Garrick At The W.W.M.C Mobile Pace over 2400m. The 11-year-old gelding will line up favourite at career start 81. “He’s definitely improving. His run at Blenheim on the second day was good. He’s heading in the right path.” Race one gets underway at 12:10pm. View the full article

Litigation (Twirling Candy) posted four victories last season, with three in a row at one point, and he got right back to winning ways in his 2026 bow. Breaking his maiden in the middle of his campaign last year, he picked up two additional wins in succession against allowance company sprinting on the grass, defeating GISW Troubleshooting (Not This Time) while he was at it, and rallied belatedly at Keeneland in October to miss collecting his fourth in a row. He redeemed himself two back Oct. 31 when he defeated a Churchill allowance group across town and post his best career figure to date with a 92 Beyer. Litigation was last seen Dec. 20 at this venue running sixth in the Janus Stakes after being jostled at the break, and checked at the three-eighths marker. Made the lukewarm 5-2 favorite here, he watched the race unfold from eighth as 3-1 second choice Coppola (Into Mischief) set the early fractions of :20.79 and four furlongs clocked in :43.20 as the field launched rallies behind that leader coming off the bend. Swung seven wide in upper stretch, Litigation roared home in the final strides to nail 96-1 longshot Full Disclosure (Cajun Breeze) by a neck. My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) matched strides with the lead group in the final yards, and lost the photo for second by a nose, having to settle for third. During the running, around the sixteenth pole, Unconquerable Keen (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) clipped heels and lost the rider, completing the race without Umberto Rispoli and was collected by an outrider afterwards. The Stewards conducted a review of the running, but reported to not find any reason to alter the original order of finish. Litigation is the third stakes horse for dam Argue behind his half-sisters Slimey (Quality Road), purchased by Japanese connections in 2023, and SW Quality Response (Quality Road), who was exported to Australia in 2022. All of the winner's half-siblings to make it to the races have gotten their picture taken, and all four sisters, including the two black-type mares, are winner producers. The first live foal after several years of poor breeding luck for Argue, Litigation has a juvenile full-brother in the wings. The mare is due to Blame in 2026. GULFSTREAM PARK TURF SPRINT S. PRESENTED BY SEMINOLE HARD ROCK, $155,000, Gulfstream, 1-24, 4yo/up, 5fT, :55.03, fm. 1–LITIGATION, 120, c, 4, Twirling Candy–Argue, by Storm Cat. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Stone Farm; B-Stone Farm (KY); T-Brian A. Lynch; J-Mario Gutierrez. $87,420. Lifetime Record: 9-5-1-0, $362,641. *1/2 to Slimey (Quality Road), SP, $265,964. 2–Full Disclosure, 118, g, 7, Cajun Breeze–Theladysaidno, by Concerto. O-Sherry Racing, Inc.; B-Shadybrook Farm Inc (FL); T-Mohamed Jehaludi. $33,200. 3–My Boy Prince, 122, g, 5, Cairo Prince–Hopping Not Hoping, by Silent Name (Jpn). (C$115,000 Ylg '22 CANSEP). O-Gary Barber; B-Murray Graham Smith (ON); T-Mark E. Casse. $14,100. Margins: NK, NO, 1HF. Odds: 2.90, 96.40, 4.20. Also Ran: Asher's Edge, And Uwish, Coppola, Sam the Sham, Incanto (Ire), Eamonn, Out On Bail, Unconquerable Keen (Ire). Scratched: Khaadem (Ire), Sosua Summer. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Litigation Back to Winning Ways in Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Less than 48 hours after Team Godolphin celebrated Horse of the Year success, among other plaudits, at the Eclipse Awards ceremonies in nearby Palm Beach, KNIGHTSBRIDGE (h, 5, Nyquist–Tyburn Brook, by Bernardini) kept the good times rolling, as he contested a hot pace outside of his less-experienced chief market rival Life and Times (Justify), got the better of that duel turning for home and kicked on gamely to take out Saturday's GIII Fred W. Hooper Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Favored at 4-5 off a maiden success at the graded level in the seven-furlong GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes last time, the homebred bounced away alertly from gate six and argued the pace from the outside, as Life and Times, big-figure winner of each of his two career starts to date, showed the way through an opening quarter mile in :23.64 down the chute and they were at each other after four furlongs in :45.25. Going nicely in hand on the turn, Knightsbridge nosed in front under a hold at the five-sixteenths, opened a winning margin and held sway to the wire, as 26-1 Back Em Up (Take Charge Indy) spiced up the exotics. Life and Times managed to hold on for third. Lifetime Record: 7-5-1-1. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Bill Mott #6 KNIGHTSBRIDGE ($3.60) had plenty left late after an all out battle with Life and Times from the start to win the $175,000 Fred W. Hooper (G3) at @GulfstreamPark. The son of Nyquist (@DarleyAmerica) was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA, trained by Bill Mott, and owned by @godolphin. pic.twitter.com/lJJYndSS21 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2026 The post Knightsbridge Wins Battle and War In Fred W. Hooper appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article