Wandering Eyes

Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Five G saw her path to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) come up a day short May 1 when she was scratched from Friday's 1 1/8-mile test for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs.View the full article

The final installment of the annual ABR series features Umberto Rispoli, who will get a leg up from trainer Michael McCarthy on Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner and expected Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Journalism.View the full article

Haras d'Etreham resident Victor Ludorum (GB) (Shamardal) became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Adam West-trained daughter Viva La Skids (Fr) pounced late in the Thursday's six-furlong Prix Royal Hampton at Saint-Cloud to defeat 11 rivals on debut. Occupying a position off the tempo towards the rear for the most part, the 77-2 outsider made relentless headway under pressure out wide inside the final quarter-mile and inched ahead in the dying strides to defeat Kalkara (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) by a neck. Prix Royal Hampton Saint Cloud – Classe 3 – 2 ans – 1200m – Bon Souple (3.3) – 12 Pts – 30 000 € Viva La Skids (f) Fabrice Veron (Victor Ludorum (gb) @DarleyAus – Mandoline (Ire) par Muhaarar (Gb) Adam West R.Deacon Ecurie Biraben pic.twitter.com/Jrym1eU0Fi — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) May 1, 2025 The post Freshman Sire Victor Ludorum Off the Mark With Viva La Skids at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Five G (Vekoma) will not contest Friday's GI Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, according to Daily Racing Form. Trainer George Weaver told DRF's Dave Grening, “This is the type of race where you've got to be 110% and we don't feel like she is.” A four-length winner in her second career start while facing New York breds at the Big A last fall, the Gatsas Stables-owned filly won this season's Cash Run Stakes in addition to finishing second behind fellow Oaks contender Quietside (Malibu Moon) in Oaklawn's GIII Honeybee Stakes Feb. 23. The post Five G Scratched From Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A year after recording a historic double with Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Kentucky Oaks and Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GI Kentucky Derby, jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. is coming back for more. The native of Lafayette, Louisiana will pilot the stretch-running GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square (Liam's Map), a live contender for trainer Ian Wilkes in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, and the Kenny McPeek-trained GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes runner-up Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) in Friday's Kentucky Oaks. The aforementioned reigning Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna will also be in action with Hernandez, Jr. in the irons, headlining the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne on the Oaks undercard. Just one of eight jockeys to sweep the Oaks and Derby and the first since Calvin Borel did so with Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird in 2009, the nation's 2004 outstanding apprentice jockey and 2024 Mike Venezia Memorial Award winner chatted with TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack as the first Saturday in May approaches. Q: A year has passed now since your monumental weekend winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Has it begun to sink in yet? BH: We stay so busy traveling and riding all over the place that we never really took the time for it to sink in. But with Derby week coming back around–you're doing all these interviews and everything–it's starting to sink in now. After the Derby, we got back real late that night. Neither my wife or I could sleep because we were just so excited about what happened in the 24-hour span. You always dream of winning a race like the Derby–we've been fortunate enough to win big races in the past–but winning the Oaks and the Derby was a completely different elevation. Between having the toast with the Governor right after the race in the Derby Museum and all that stuff, it's definitely gonna be memorable, that's for sure. Q: What were your expectations heading into this weekend with Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan last year? BH: We were really confident in Thorpedo Anna. When she went in and won like she did on Friday, I think it just kinda made going into Derby Day just that much easier. It made it to where everything was real nice and smooth and that's a testament to Kenny (McPeek) as well. There was no pressure in the Derby and that makes all the difference in the world being a rider when there's not that pressure on you. We were able to let Mystik Dan find his way and give him the right trip. It was all meant to be just the way things developed from the post-position draw all the way to him winning. Q: How much did winning the Derby and Oaks change your life? BH: I don't think it changed our lives that greatly. The next morning, I still had to get up and go help (wife) Jamie clean stalls at the barn (at our farm) and do all that stuff (laughs). I guess if it's changed anything, we're just a little more recognized now (Editor's Note: Hernandez, Jr. was featured in the popular new Netflix series 'Race for the Crown'). It opened up a few different opportunities. And we've gained some better horses. I think that's the only thing that's changed about us. Q: Is there any way to top that now? You've already won a Breeders' Cup Classic with Fort Larned for the same connections of Burnham Square. How does this impact your goals and outlook moving forward? BH: Once you win races like the Oaks and Derby, it tends to put it in the back of your mind, you want to do it every year. We're just trying to hope for a repeat and hopefully give these horses two good trips and go from there. It would be really awesome to be able to win the Derby for the Whithams and Ian (Wilkes) just because they were the people that gave me my first opportunity in Grade I races. To be able get them a Derby, that would be the ultimate goal. Q: What were your impressions of Burnham Square after riding him for the first time in the Blue Grass? Burnham Square, with Brian Hernandez, Jr. up, working for the Kentucky Derby | Horsephotos BH: He impressed me because he was able to make such a long, sustained run. I got him in the clear midway down the backside, and, just past the five-eighths pole, he started to make up ground and pick up those horses. For him to make that long of a run and run down East Avenue–a Grade I winner–it showed that he's looking to become an even better horse. He's not the type of horse that we can force into doing something early in the race. He's gonna have to leave there and travel and get his legs under him, then come with his run. I was fortunate enough to ride his mother and a few others of the family as well. Q: Trainer Ken McPeek announced on Twitter that Take Charge Milady's foot abscess has healed. You rode her for the first time in the Ashland, a very good second. What were your impressions of her? BH: She was impressive in the Ashland. I had worked her a couple of weeks before that down in New Orleans. She was training at Oaklawn all winter, then he sent her to New Orleans to train. She worked really well and we were going into the Ashland thinking she had a big chance. Even in the Ashland, if we'd been able to get a little better trip around the second turn, I think we would've made it a whole lot closer on La Cara. Q: It will be a real treat for the Oaks crowd to see Thorpedo Anna race in the La Troienne. What's this ride been like with her? BH: She's that once-in-a-lifetime racehorse. Especially now, each race that she goes into, she's 1-9, or she's the heavy favorite. So, there's always that added pressure of people having the target on your back. She just goes out there and does what she needs to and puts them away. She goes out there and shows her dominance is the best way to put it. She runs the heart out of horses. It's been a fun ride, that's for sure. Brian Hernandez, Jr. celebrates as Thorpedo Anna captures the 2024 Kentucky Oaks | Horsephotos Q: It's obviously a huge weekend coming up now. What does it mean to you to be in the spotlight on these big days? BH: That's what we worked so hard for all these years. You want the opportunities in these Grade I races and these big weekends. That's why 20 years ago I left Louisiana and moved here to Kentucky hoping for that chance to ride these big horses in big races. It's what we get up for every morning. Right after this year's Derby, the 2-year-olds will start coming in and we'll start looking for horses for next year's Oaks and Derby. The post Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.: ‘Once You Win Races Like the Oaks and Derby, You Want to Do it Every Year’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thirty-five years after Carl Nafzger won the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Unbridled, his former assistant Ian Wilkes has Burnham Square primed to shine on the First Saturday in May. View the full article

Francis Graffard trainee Vadinska (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) delivered an impressive debut performance in Thursday's Prix Fourire at Saint-Cloud and earned a TDN Rising Star badge after registering a 10-length success in the one-mile debutantes' heat. The January-foaled bay, who lined up as the 4-5 favourite here, broke from the outside stall and tracked the leading duo from a position three lengths off the tempo through the initial fractions. Inching closer rounding the home turn, she cruised to the front on the bridle in early straight and lengthened clear in style inside the final quarter-mile to easily outclass Ampola (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) by 10 lengths. The further they went, the further she went clear! Vadinska is out of a half-sister to the high-class Vadeni and runs out a super impressive winner on debut at Saint-Cloud! pic.twitter.com/iuZgUPYLjO — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 1, 2025 The post Aga Khan Studs Blueblood Vadinska Routs Rivals in TDN Rising Star Display at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He’s won Caulfield Cups, a Cox Plate and a Melbourne Cup, and now Ciaron Maher has won his hometown Cup thanks to Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) staving off the late charge from Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino) to land the 2350-metre Warrnambool feature on Thursday. The 2022 Turnbull Stakes winner lumped the topweight of 59kg to victory, leading throughout for star jockey Ben Melham. “It’s fantastic,” Maher said. “What a fantastic ride by Ben, he really understands this horse really well, he’s had some nice wins on him.” A rising nine-year-old, Smokin’ Romans has now won 11 of his 47 race starts and earned more than $2.3 million in prizemoney. “He’s been phenomenal,” Maher said. “He’s getting on a bit now; we change it up a bit for him. I can’t thank the team enough, he goes everywhere, he’s been hanging out at Ballarat the last couple of days but he’s normally down at Cranbourne, so a big thanks to them.” Melham was celebrating his second win in the Warrnambool Cup, 15 years after capturing the race on Hissing Sid. It was also the second leg of a double for him on Day 3 of the May Racing Carnival. “I wanted to lead on him because of the big weight,” Melham revealed. “It was just the weight that brought him back to the field going over the line. He had to go a nice-enough gallop just to make sure that nothing whipped around him mid-race. “It was a good, tough win in the end, he’s obviously a Group 1 winner, he’s got a bit of class. He mixes his form a little bit, but he does tend to go well for me.” View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — Galopin Des Champs, you say? He was yesterday's news. Today, and for the next few days at least, it's all about the Guineas. And what better way to start a day bursting with warmth and shiny promise from dawn than by watching the favourite for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas stride up Warren Hill not once but twice. Field Of Gold (Ire), in partnership with John and Thady Gosden's talented apprentice Luke Catton, had two short, easy canters on Thursday morning. His main work is done, a lot of those finishing touches for his appearance in the Classic line-up having been made during his convincing win in the G3 Craven Stakes a fortnight ago. “He's tightened up from the Craven and he's woken up a bit too; he's sharp in his work,” says Thady Gosden, after keeping close tabs on the colt through his binoculars from the top of the hill. Field Of Gold's sire Kingman (GB) was once a member of the powerful Gosden string. His sole defeat in eight starts came, narrowly, in the 2,000 Guineas of 2014 when he was second to Night Of Thunder (Ire). What a vintage renewal that turned out to be, and those two old sparring partners loom large this year, with Night Of Thunder being responsible for Godolphin's 1,000 Guineas favourite Desert Flower (Ire). Kingman, of course, would go on to atone for that one reversal in spectacular fashion by rolling through the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Prix Jacques Le Marois. Those are big shoes to fill. Gosden continues, “Last year as a two-year-old he was still quite unfurnished and he looked like he would mature into a lovely three-year-old, which he has done. Of course he ran fourth in the Lagardere on Arc day when the ground was a bit soft for him, but he's really matured as you want to see this year. He's a strong colt now and he has a wonderful mind. He's such a laidback character and he's not really too worried about much.” Field Of Gold won't have to worry about finding the ground too soft on the Rowley Mile this weekend as Newmarket has not had even a hint of rain since the overnight deluge just before the Craven meeting. As Saturday's declarations closed at 10am, only 10 colts were confirmed to stand their ground against the favourite. Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the sole Ballydoyle representative and also making the trip across the Irish Sea will be Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) for Joseph O'Brien, and the Jessica Harrington-trained Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Godolphin will be represented by last season's champion two-year-old Shadow Of Light (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Ruling Court (Justify), both trained by Charlie Appleby, and by Saaeed Bin Suroor's Tornado Alert (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Their fellow Newmarket trainees Benevento (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko) will become the first Guineas runners for trainers Raphael Freire and James Owen respectively, both of whom were out on Warren Hill overseeing their strings as Field Of Gold was in action. We heard about the colourful Guineas history of Phil Cunningham in yesterday's TDN, and his Yah Mo Be There (GB) (Mohaather {GB}) carries the hopes of Richard Spencer, while Hugo Palmer, a Newmarket trainer when he won the 2,000 Guineas back in 2016, returns to his old stomping ground from Cheshire with Seagulls Eleven (Ire), a son of that winner of nine years ago, Galileo Gold (GB). Thady Gosden continues, “Obviously it's a very deep race. It's the Guineas and it's always going to be. There are some pretty serious contenders coming over from Ireland and also from down the road at Charlie's. They are horses with exceptional form, some of them have run already this year and some haven't. It's going to be a tough one, for sure.” He adds of Field Of Gold, a foal purchase by Juddmonte from his breeders Bobby and Honora Donworth of Roundhill Stud, “He's got a good miling pedigree but he relaxes so well that you think that he might be able to stay further possibly. It's fantastic to have a Juddmonte-owned colt, by Kingman, back here at Newmarket for the Guineas and hopefully he can run a good race for the family.” Harry Davies will remember the days of Hugo Palmer's Galileo Gold all too well. He may have been only 11 years old at the time, but his mother Angie Shea was a long time lieutenant at the Palmer stable and Davies was riding out there before he was even tall enough to tack up a racehorse. He's grown a bit now, and is being given the chances his talent and dedication deserve, including a first ride in the 2,000 Guineas aboard the Gredley family's Wimbledon Hawkeye. The pair finished second to Field Of Gold in the Craven. For Davies, Newmarket born-and-bred, this is a big deal. “I always grew up watching the Guineas and I think I have been to every meeting since I was very young, so to have a ride is a big thing,” he admits. “It's very exciting to pick up the ride on Wimbledon Hawkeye. When I found out that I was riding him in the Craven it was very exciting and he ran a nice race to finish second. The winner is leading the market, so he's got to find three lengths on form. He feels really well. He doesn't really do that much at home, he's quite lazy in his work, but he's feeling amazing.” Harry Davies, 20, has his first Classic ride | Emma Berry Davies adds of the colt, who is also entered in the Derby, “The mile is probably his minimum now and at Newmarket in the Craven he probably got a little bit outpaced at one stage but stayed on well up the hill. A mile and a quarter is probably where I see him, but a mile and a half is the question that we will be asking him at some stage.” Davies has already ridden a stakes winner for the Gredleys and Owen this season, having won the Listed Nottinghamshire Oaks aboard Ambiente Amigo (GB) ) (Postponed {Ire}) on Tuesday. He also had a taste of Epsom when winning the Blue Riband Trial for his regular stable of Simon and Ed Crisford with Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). “I always wanted to be a jockey but it was apparent very early that I was getting tall, so I have had to work hard to keep my weight down. I am very lucky to be in the position I'm in, to have some good support and to have a ride in the Guineas,” he says. “It's all a little bit of a whirlwind sometimes but I'm just trying to keep my head down.” The post Juddmonte’s Field Of Gold to Face Ten in 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A rare star that emerged from Evangeline Downs, Coal Battle has the support of the Louisiana Industry behind him when he runs in the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3.View the full article

Horse Country, Ireland's premier immersive equine tourism experience, was launched at the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday. Supported by Fáilte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, Horse Country offers 15 visitor experiences that immerse guests in the world of Thoroughbred horses, including access to the yards and training operations of Aidan O'Brien (Tipperary), Johnny Murtagh (Kildare) and Jessica Harrington (Kildare). These globally-recognised trainers are opening their yards exclusively to Horse Country visitors, offering behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to see the training regimes and facilities for the equine athletes in their care. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive access to renowned stud farms like Kildangan in County Kildare and Coolmore in County Tipperary to explore the very beginning of a Thoroughbred's journey and witness firsthand the life cycle of these incredible animals, from newborn foals to future champions. Cathal Beale, Horse Country chairman and CEO of the Irish National Stud & Gardens, said, “Through my role in the Irish National Stud & Gardens, I see firsthand how the interest in Thoroughbred horses and racing significantly drives tourism in Kildare. “We are delighted to launch Horse Country today and excited to see this unique immersive equine tourism product further increasing domestic and international tourism while showcasing our world-renowned racing and breeding industry.” For more information on the various experiences available, visit www.horsecountry.ie. The post Horse Country to Offer Tours of World-Renowned Yards and Studs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

More than a quarter of this year’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) field line up this Sunday.View the full article

Kiwi-bred jumper Duke Of Bedford (NZ) (Tavistock) scored a memorable double at Warrnambool on Thursday when taking out the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) for trainer Andrew Bobbin. The son of Tavistock was a popular four-length winner of the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) at the Victoria track just two days prior, and was duly backed into $3.60 favouritism by punters. Jockey Arron Lynch replaced William McCarthy aboard the six-year-old gelding in the Grand Annual, and he rode him like he stole him, opening up several lengths early on against his rivals, which he maintained throughout, earning a comfortable 12-length victory in the finish. Post-race Bobbin admitted to feeling a bit nervous throughout the running, fearing Lynch may have pushed the button too early on his charge, but he needn’t have worried, and he hailed the gutsy ride. “I was watching him go around and I thought, ‘gee Lynchy, what are you doing?’ But he just kept finding and finding,” Bobbin said. “I thought ‘we are going to stop here soon’, but when they came down the hill that second time, he only had to get over them. What a ride? And what a confident ride? “Every jockey tells me that he might look like he is doing too much, but he’s just cruising, he is doing it so well. “This was a bonus today, the Brierly was the goal, and the way he did that today he might have undersold his ability.” With victory, Duke Of Bedford became the 23rd horse to complete the Brierly-Grand Annual double. He was bred by Blandford Lodge’s Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax, and is out of winning Fastnet Rock mare Miralago, a half-sister to the dam of Group One winner Danzdanzdance. “I have had that family for years and it goes way back to an English mare called Polly Soleil that I bought more than 30 years ago,” Graham Bax said. “I have bred a lot of good mares out of that family, including (multiple Group One winner) Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), (Group Two winner) Silky Red Boxer (NZ) (Casual Lies), Danzdanzdance, (stakes winner) Le Gai Soleil (NZ) (Tavistock), there’s a lot of good horses from that family. “It is a super family that has been performing for Blandford Lodge for a long time.” Duke Of Bedford was offered as at Inglis’ 2020 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale where he was purchased by STC Syndications for A$45,000. He went on to win one race for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young before he transferred to Andrew Bobbin’s Stawell barn, for whom he has added another seven victories to his tally, culminating in his Brierly-Grand Annual double. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Gold Cup Day Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Saturday, May 3, 2025 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble The $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) is one of a trio of Group 3 features on Saturday’s 10-race program on the northwestern fringe of Sydney. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with more scattered showers forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to maintain its Heavy rating. The Hawkesbury races on May 3 are set to commence at 11:20am local time. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Tip: My Oberon It was a non-event for My Oberon first-up in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 19. He worked through the line alright, however, and brings some elite form into this Group 3 contest. He got to within a half-length of Fangirl second-up last preparation, and if he can do something similar here, My Oberon will seem a big price at the $15 with Neds as they turn for the judge. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race 8 – #1 My Oberon (9) 8yo Gelding | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Joshua Parr (60kg) Hawkesbury Crown Tip: Belclare Belclare made a smart return for the Bjorn Baker barn in the 2025 All Aged Stakes, leading throughout the journey before tapping out in the final furlong to go down by three lengths. It was a definite pass mark for the seven-year-old, leaving the suggestion she can win something slightly easier. The Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) fits that billing perfectly, and with a clean jump from barrier 14, Belclare will give this lot something to chase down. Hawkesbury Crown Race 7 – #1 Belclare (14) 7yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Nash Rawiller (60kg) Hawkesbury Guineas Tip: Pisces Pisces has been hampered by poor barriers in back-to-back starts. The son of Frosted was the flashing light on both occasions, however, and appears set to peak third-up in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m). Expect Kerrin McEvoy to sit handier to the speed from gate five, and with Pisces set to gain the run of the race, this guy represents terrific each-way value at $19 with horse racing bookmakers. Hawkesbury Guineas Race 6 – #1 Pisces (5) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58kg) Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Aerodrome Aerodrome impressed on debut at Warwick Farm on April 16, showing a good turn of foot to hold out Hidden Motive as the pair cleared out by five lengths. Punters can follow the top two with trust, and with the way Aerodrome kicked late, the 1400m should be no issue. Expect Regan Bayliss to take luck out of the equation and lead throughout the journey, and provided nothing wants to get involved in a speed battle early, this guy should take plenty of chasing late. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Aerodrome (5) 2yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Regan Bayliss (58.5kg) Next Best at Hawkesbury: Black Run Black Run did enough on his Australian debut to suggest he’s worth following into this second-up assignment. The French import whacked away to get within 2.5 lengths of Poppin’ Champagne at Warwick Farm on April 16 but was outsprinted over the 1600m. The 1800m should be ideal second-up, and provided they make this a genuine staying contest, expect Black Run to be fighting out the finish this time around. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Black Run (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Braith Nock (a2kg) (58kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections Saturday, May 3, 2025 1-2-6-12-16 1-2-3-4-12 1-2-4-9-10 3-4-6-7-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk For many reasons last night’s win by Big Al on a wet and punishing Addington night was special. Trained by the father-daughter combo of Steve Clarke and Hayley Stewart, the What The Hill five-year-old, driven by Clarke, capped off a good run of recent form to secure his breakthrough win at start number 12 in the Mid Winter Xmas on Sale Now Trot. First and foremost it marked Stewart’s first ever training success, at start number 117. She’d previously had two placings with Nadira Franco. And three with Big Al “It was very exciting, we were quietly confident though you never know,” says Stewart. Big Al trotted off the mark like a pro and was in front early before handing up to Stuart’s Buller Boy and Blair Orange. “After he led up and then trailed my husband Joe said halfway through the race ‘if he doesn’t win today there’s something wrong’.” Steve Clarke then popped out before the passing lane to grab the leader on the home turn. He went on to win by a length. It was his eighth win in the sulky, and his 12th as a trainer. He trained on his own account between 1984 and 2019, with his daughter joining the partnership from the 2020 season. “We just train a small team and we are hobby trainers who work our horses at 6am and go to our day jobs so it’s never easy against the ‘professionals’, says Stewart, “and that’s one of the good things about these midweek meetings at Addington, they give everyone a chance.” Making it even better is the fact that the horse is named after Steve’s brother Alan, who died around five years ago. “Alan was known as Clarkee and he was at Addington every Friday night working at the start so Addington was a special place for him so it was cool to win a race there,” says Stewart. “And his wife and three daughters are all in Big Al’s ownership with us and they love racing as much as we do.” And the family connection doesn’t end there, with Big Al’s win coming just hours after they heard about the death of Steve and Alan’s godmother Janice Alford. His modest whip flourish at the finishing line was a tribute to both of them. Ordinarily Stewart would have been in the sulky too, though she is currently on light duties as she awaits the arrival of her first child due in October. Her first ever driving win is now firmly on the to-do list. “It would have been nice training and driving and ticking both of them off at the same time but that will have to wait till next year,” she laughs. In the meantime Big Al will be back next Wednesday before contesting the Anne Thompson Graduation Final on May 18 at Rangiora after he gained automatic entry with his third in the heat at Rangiora last week. Buddy reigns supreme at Addington By Mike Love Buddy Reign made the frequent trips down from Nelson to Christchurch a whole lot more worthwhile for Richmond Park trainer Kevin Musso. In a meeting run in testing weather at Addington yesterday, Buddy Reign was not deterred when winning Race 3, the Peninsular Beachfront Resort, Mooloolaba pace over 2600m with driver Tim Williams. “He did well to hold on and win. Kevin’s always provided me with a couple of drives so it’s nice to be able to get them a win,” said driver Tim Williams. Buddy Reign began well from the stand to settle mid field early. The eight-year-old Mach Three gelding was then left parked before regaining cover from the 850m. Williams then peeled at the top of the straight and was able to out muscle a strong challenge from runner up Festus Haggen to win by half a head at the line with a credible 28.4 final quarter under the weather and track conditions. “It was a bit unknown with a standing start. His gait is not the best because he gets a bit rough early,” said Kevin Musso. Musso also lined up Melando Chief in the same race, and finished only 4.3 lengths off the winner in seventh place. “They’ve both had their problems. This one (Buddy Reign) hurt himself as a two year old but I persevered because I knew he’d be alright. They get us out of Nelson so we can travel a bit.” Musso has had a lifetime interest in horses and with wife Bev have bred many over the years. “We breed all of our horses. I don’t think I’ve ever brought one. “We’ve had the Reign breed for a number of years now. Sonic Reign actually broke Starship’s record at Nelson.” Sonic Reign won five races and over $60,000 in stakes and is the older full brother to Buddy Reign who has now won two races and over $35,000 in stakes. View the full article

Jockey Jareth Loveberry has not scored in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but he knows almost what it feels like to win it, having just missed in the 2023 race with Two Phil's with his first Derby mount. This year, Loveberry returns, riding Chunk of Gold.View the full article

Zac Purton, Andrea Atzeni and John Size continue their hot form, while Matthew Poon and Pierre Ng fail to fire.View the full article

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column. My favourite Candyman moment By Brittany Graham In a week that continues to feel unbelievable for all the wrong reasons, there was no other subject to discuss than that of Greg Sugars. The harness racing world was shattered on Saturday evening when the shocking news of the passing of Greg Sugars became apparent. Whether you knew of Greg through his deeds on the track, was lucky enough to meet the man, or were privileged enough to call him a friend, this news has hit hard. It’s been a sad and heavy few days, however the joy of G Sugars has poked through on many occasions when discussing the good times. I have known Greg for many years, but since moving into the media was fortunate enough to converse with him on many occasions due to his incredible success. Whether he was about to partner Just Believe before an Inter Dominion, or I needed someone to speak to at the last minute (and he never said no, so was always the go to!), Greg was always willing. With over 70 Group Ones to his name, it was difficult to pick just one as a favourite for me. On reflection, the 2022 Chariots Of Fire is far more special now than it even was at the time. Greg and Jess (Tubbs) had prepared their first Group 1 winner, Moments Like These, to win the Queensland Oaks of 2021. They were relatively new in their training careers. Unfortunately, it was during COVID so it was up to the great Luke McCarthy to get the job done and Greg and Jess were forced to watch from Victoria. It would have been a whirlwind of emotions, but I am positive they’d wish their first elite success had gone a little differently – together. Fast forward only seven months it’s the Chariots Of Fire and Better Eclipse is storming down the outside. It would have made the disappointment of Queensland seem a distant memory. It was a textbook Sugars drive – cool, calm and collected while pulling the right rein, at the right time. What happened after the race though was a rare show of emotion from ‘The Candyman’. I could see him struggling to contain it as he walked towards me, and then the man who always knew the right things to say was speechless. He and his wife Jess were there together on track, and they had done it. Beaten the odds in one of Australia’s most prestigious races less than 12 months after the horse had joined their stable as a maiden. His smile and joy that night will stick with me forever – that is how I will remember Greg Sugars. View the full article

Glen Hill Farm's homebred Bridle a Butterfly posted a half-length victory over Out On Bail to win the $290,000 William Walker Stakes April 30 at Churchill Downs, giving 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Country House his first stakes winner.View the full article

What Wagga Gold Cup Day Where Murrumbidgee Turf Club – Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 When Friday, May 2, 2025 First Race 12:45pm AEST Visit Dabble The $200,000 Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) headlines proceedings on another cracking country racing program at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club this Friday. With pristine conditions forecast in Wagga Wagga this week, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 circuit for Day 2 of the carnival. The rail remains in the true position, with racing on Wagga Gold Cup Day scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Wagga Gold Cup Tip: Medatsu The Chris Waller-trained Medatsu closed off impressively in the Listed Albury Cup (2000m) on April 17 and was one of the better runs in defeat. The son of Staphanos got too far back from barrier 12, and with the track playing up-and-in throughout the day, it was tough to make inroads from the rear of the field. There appears to be genuine speed engaged in the 2025 Wagga Gold Cup, so expect Medatsu to be flashing down the centre of the course at a good each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Wagga Gold Cup Race 7 – #10 Medatsu (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (54kg) Best Bet at Wagga: Me Me Me Me caught the eye when returning from a 161-day spell at Kembla Grange on April 15, narrowly denied by Oui Oui Oui in the shadows of the post. The pair cleared out comfortably, with a 3.3-length margin back to third, suggesting punters can follow both with confidence moving forward. This maiden contest is no exception, and although Tyler Schiller will need to overcome the awkward draw (13), expect Me Me to prove too classy for country company. Best Bet Race 1 – #12 Me Me (13) 4yo Mare | T: Robert & Luke Price | J: Tyler Schiller (57kg) Next Best at Wagga: Fear No Evil Fear No Evil was denied a hat-trick of wins by Movin Out at Mornington on April 19 but never shirked the task behind the Group 1-placed filly. The son of Russian Revolution attempted to make every post a winner and was simply outclassed in the end, with the three-year-old looking better placed in this BM74 contest. Expect Jett Stanley to adopt similar tactics and lead from stall eight, and provided the pair can land a soft sectional in the middle stages, Fear No Evil should give a big kick and return to winning ways. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Fear No Evil (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Jett Stanley (60.5kg) Wagga Gold Cup Day quaddie tips Wagga quadrella selections Friday, May 2, 2025 2-4-9 15 1-2-8-10-12 1-5-8-10-11-13-14 Horse racing tips View the full article

Progressive stablemates Overdraft and Oscar have flourished in the care of Jo Rathbone and they put that on display with winning performances at Woodville on Wednesday. Dannevirke Dairy Supplies Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (2100m) contender Overdraft had trialled once before joining the Wanganui horsewoman, and after three seconds, the son of Burgundy broke through for his maiden success in a highweight at Waverley. Rathbone had been wary of the step into Rating 65 grade, but punters had confidence in her charge, closing him among the favourites for the Cup in a market headed by Rum Night ($3.70). In the hands of Jonathan Riddell, Overdraft settled three-wide in the second half of the field in deteriorating conditions. The gelding began slowly making ground along the back straight and was right in contention on the home turn, showing his staying qualities to defeat ex-Hong Kong galloper Gallant Hero by a long head. “I wasn’t surprised by him winning yesterday, he’s very honest and he gives everything really,” Rathbone said. “He’s always felt like a nice horse, but he’s been quite casual in his work, and now he’s becoming a lot more professional. “He’d had a trial before I got him, but he had some soundness issues. He had come to me as a bit of a last chance and to do something a little bit different, and he’s just one that has continued to impress me more and more with the more he’s done. “The wet track didn’t worry him at all, he’s gone on all surfaces and gone well.” Bred by Charlotte Myers, Overdraft was passed in as a yearling when presented at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, and was retained to race by his breeder and other family members. “He is Kirk and Charlotte Myers’ horse, Kirk is my partner Simon (Harrison)’s uncle,” Rathbone said. The gelding has plenty of pedigree on his page, being a half-brother to multiple Group One-winning juvenile Yourdeel. Earlier in the meeting, Rathbone got plenty of satisfaction out of Oscar’s deserved maiden success in the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1200m). Ridden by Jonathan’s daughter Amber Riddell, a three-kilogram claiming apprentice, Oscar showed his usual speed out of the barriers and found the lead, where he would remain all the way to the winning post holding off Good Craic by a length. The Mulaazem four-year-old had placed in his five previous starts, benefitting from a variety in his training by the former jumps jockey (Rathbone). “She (Riddell) rated him well in front and he found the line quite well, I wondered if he would run out of puff but he kept going,” Rathbone said. “He seems to be trying a lot harder lately with the more racing he’s done. “It’s always rewarding when you can see them running consistently good races and trying, and winning comes as an extra reward.” Oscar was bred and now raced by Gordon Lambert, whose colours have been seen aboard the likes of Group One-winning filly Mi Jubilee. View the full article

Stephen Marsh’s travelling road show continues this weekend with stakes contenders in two Australian states and a strong hand in a domestic age group feature. The Cambridge trainer has Roctave in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2000m) at Morphettville while Tardelli will do battle in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. On the home front, in-form fillies Lady Iris and Mazino will go head-to-head at Te Rapa in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1200m). Marsh, who returned this week from Hong Kong where El Vencedor was below par in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) after racing too fiercely, has plans to be trackside for Roctave’s Derby bid. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, the son of Roc De Cambes galloped well at Flemington on Tuesday morning and will travel on to Morphettville on Thursday evening. “He’s really well and has done a treat since he’s been over there,” Marsh said. “He won so well at Ellerslie that we thought there could be a nice race in him and then he went a boomer for third in the Championship Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m). “The first and second horses (Kiwi Skyhawk and Zormella) are well above average, so we thought we’d have a crack at the Derby.” To be ridden by Jordan Childs, Roctave will return home win, lose or draw after Saturday’s outing. Tardelli was an impressive winner three runs back before he was luckless when unplaced in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) and clinched his trip to Brisbane with a last-start second in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m). “Michael McNab has gone over to ride him, he’s drawn an outside gate (13), but he has settled in really well over there,” Marsh said. “He breezed up this (Thursday) morning so we’re happy with him. He was very good against the older horses in the Easter without a whole lot of luck again.” Tardelli’s performance on Saturday will determine whether the son of I Am Invincible races on at the Queensland winter carnival. “We’ll see what he does first and then make some decisions. We’re mindful he’s had a big trip, he flew to Sydney and then floated to Brisbane with no direct flights, but he does seem to have handled it well.” Closer to home, U S Navy Flag filly Lady Iris followed up her debut victory at Matamata with a runner-up finish behind stablemate Little Black Dress in the Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. “It was a great run and probably the only question mark is stepping up to the 1400m, she is a fast filly and will jump and put herself right up on speed,” Marsh said. Hello Youmzain’s daughter Mazino was second first time out at Pukekohe behind Little Black Dress before overcoming a check to run fourth in the Star Way. “The step up in trip will be right up Mazino’s alley, she has been very good in both of her runs,” Marsh said.Stephen Marsh’s travelling road show continues this weekend with stakes contenders in two Australian states and a strong hand in a domestic age group feature. The Cambridge trainer has Roctave in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2000m) at Morphettville while Tardelli will do battle in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. On the home front, in-form fillies Lady Iris and Mazino will go head-to-head at Te Rapa in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1200m). Marsh, who returned this week from Hong Kong where El Vencedor was below par in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) after racing too fiercely, has plans to be trackside for Roctave’s Derby bid. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, the son of Roc De Cambes galloped well at Flemington on Tuesday morning and will travel on to Morphettville on Thursday evening. “He’s really well and has done a treat since he’s been over there,” Marsh said. “He won so well at Ellerslie that we thought there could be a nice race in him and then he went a boomer for third in the Championship Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m). “The first and second horses (Kiwi Skyhawk and Zormella) are well above average, so we thought we’d have a crack at the Derby.” To be ridden by Jordan Childs, Roctave will return home win, lose or draw after Saturday’s outing. Tardelli was an impressive winner three runs back before he was luckless when unplaced in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) and clinched his trip to Brisbane with a last-start second in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m). “Michael McNab has gone over to ride him, he’s drawn an outside gate (13), but he has settled in really well over there,” Marsh said. “He breezed up this (Thursday) morning so we’re happy with him. He was very good against the older horses in the Easter without a whole lot of luck again.” Tardelli’s performance on Saturday will determine whether the son of I Am Invincible races on at the Queensland winter carnival. “We’ll see what he does first and then make some decisions. We’re mindful he’s had a big trip, he flew to Sydney and then floated to Brisbane with no direct flights, but he does seem to have handled it well.” Closer to home, U S Navy Flag filly Lady Iris followed up her debut victory at Matamata with a runner-up finish behind stablemate Little Black Dress in the Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie. “It was a great run and probably the only question mark is stepping up to the 1400m, she is a fast filly and will jump and put herself right up on speed,” Marsh said. Hello Youmzain’s daughter Mazino was second first time out at Pukekohe behind Little Black Dress before overcoming a check to run fourth in the Star Way. “The step up in trip will be right up Mazino’s alley, she has been very good in both of her runs,” Marsh said. View the full article

With five races under her belt, Cashla Bay (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) is one of the more seasoned runners in Saturday’s Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa, and trainer Andrew Forsman is hoping that works in her favour. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Cashla Bay made her debut in the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m) at Ellerslie in February where she beat just one runner home. She improved on that result when placing in her subsequent three starts, before breaking through for her maiden victory over 1400m at Matamata earlier this month. Forsman was rapt with the confidence-boosting victory and is hoping the daughter of U S Navy Flag can now earn some lucrative black-type this weekend before heading for a spell. “She has had a fair bit of racing and a fair bit of travelling, but we also wanted to make her a winner this campaign, she has been so genuine right the way through,” Forsman said. “It was good to tick that box the other day at Matamata and hopefully she can get some black-type.” Cashla Bay will jump from barrier six on Saturday and will be ridden by veteran hoop Vinnie Colgan. “It all sets up really nicely for her,” Forsman said. “We have got a good, experienced rider in Vinnie on and she has got the ability. The big thing with her is that she jumps and puts herself in the race and she can handle all track conditions. There’s no reason why she won’t have every chance. “She has been up a fair while now and this has always been the target, and hopefully she can go well.” Forsman will also be represented in the race by Engine Of War (NZ) (Circus Maximus), who will carry the silks of Australian micro-share syndicator MyRacehorse. The Circus Maximus gelding placed on debut over 1100m at Waverley last week, and Forsman is hopeful of a bold showing with that experience under his belt. “He is a very capable horse, he just lacks experience,” Forsman said. “We had to take him down to Waverley the other day without the benefit of a trial just to get his campaign going. “He is a horse we think a lot of, and I think he will make a nice horse into the spring of his three-year-old year.” Engine Of War is the first horse Forsman has trained for MyRacehorse, and he said his future is likely to be in Australia post-Saturday’s run. “They have just come onboard and bought into him,” Forsman said. “At this stage, I’d say his future lies in Australia.” On the undercard, stablemate Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) is a dual acceptor for the Modern Transport Group (1200m) and Peter Kelly – Bayleys 1400, with Forsman to decide on which race he will contest closer to Saturday. “We put in a late nom for the 1200m, which came on the radar because of the smaller field size and he is probably better weighted there,” Forsman said. “We have Craig (Grylls) engaged to ride him in the 75 (1400m), in his own grade, but he has drawn wide (16) in that. I am glad we have got the back up option. “It will also depend on what the track comes up like. Second-up, if the track was to be testing maybe he is better suited at the 1200m. 1200 to 1400m is about his range. “We will have to see how the fields shape up in the next couple of days and then make a decision. There’s no firm call either way yet.” One stable runner that will take her place in the Peter Kelly – Bayleys 1400 is last start winner Wainui Bay (NZ) (Iffraaj). The Haunui Farm-bred and raced mare has been freshened since her victory over a mile in February, and has pleased in her return, placing in her 950m trial at Cambridge a fortnight ago. “She has got to make the step up from 65,” Forsman said. “I think 1400m will be a little bit short of her best. We have taken the blinkers off. Toward the end of her last campaign she was going well but had a tendency to be a bit keen in her races and doing a bit early. “Back to 1400m, up in grade, blinkers off, I think with a light weight (54kg) she can run really well. I think she will be a horse to keep an eye on and see how she goes in 75 (grade).” Across the Tasman, Forsman will have one representative from his Flemington barn at Caulfield on Saturday, with stakes winner Mustang Morgan (NZ) (Preferment) to contest the Evergreen Turf Handicap (2000m). After running fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) last month, he disappointed when 12th in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m), and Forsman is looking forward to stepping him back in trip this weekend. “He seems great, I can’t fault him, we just don’t know why he went so poorly that (Australian Derby) day,” Forsman said. “We have taken the blinkers off and I think dropping back to the 2000m will suit him. It is a distance we know he has performed well over before, it’s just a shame that he has drawn a poor barrier (13). It is a race he needs to run in. There’s a similar race in a fortnight, and if it doesn’t work out this weekend that will set him up for that at least. “He will deserve a good break after this campaign and I think he will make a nice stayer in time.” View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, May 1. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 1, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Warrnambool Races 1-3 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $25 Apply from bet slip. Available one per fixed odds win bet per eligible races. Min 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, multi & bonus bets. If a given race has less than 8 runners, only the qualifying bets on the horse finishing 2nd will receive a bonus back. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paids $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Double Winnings! – Warrnambool Get DOUBLE WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Applies to Win, Place & Top 2/3/4 markets (excludes SRM). First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in bet slip. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $50. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Unibet T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Thursday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Thursday. Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Owners Bonus! – Win a bet on your horse & receive extra 15% of winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horses. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Daily Race Returns Bonus Back | Any Race Check BoomBox for full details. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your Vault for eligibility. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for May 1, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

The demand for American Pharoah in Japan might explode if his son, Luxor Café, follows in his sire's hoofprints and wins the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill DownsView the full article