Wandering Eyes

Never Risk (Fr) (No Risk At All {Fr}) is one of seven wildcards that have been added to the Tattersalls Online February Sale. Set for Feb. 11-12, the sale now features 137 lots across both Flat and National Hunt spheres. Offered as lot 136, the bay has won two races over hurdles at Pau in his past three starts and is a half-brother to listed-winning hurdler Loquas (Fr) (It's Gino {Ger}), who also ran second in the G3 Grande Course de Haies de Printemps Handicap Hurdle. Other entries include Enjoy D'Allen (Fr) (Network {Ger}) (lot 131), third in the G1 Irish Grand National Handicap Chase; the placed Wild Embers (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) (lot 132); five-time winner Red Maids (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) (lot 134) who is a half-sister to listed winner and group-placed Duneflower (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}); handicap winner Apache Canyon (Ire) (Kessaar {Ire}) (lot 135); seven-furlong winner Bishop's Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) (lot 133): and Santorini Grey (Ire) (Ocovango {Ire}) (lot 137). For the full catalogue, please visit the Tattersalls Online website. The post Never Risk Leads Wildcards For Tattersalls Online February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tim Husbands is to leave his position as CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse in April 2025 after five years in the role. Husbands joined Leopardstown as CEO in January 2020, having previously worked as CEO of the Titanic Experience in Belfast. On his departure, Husbands commented, “It was a real privilege for me to lead Leopardstown Racecourse over the last five years and I have been very proud of our achievements during that time-it is very much a team effort at the racecourse. I have had brilliant support both from my very skilled and experienced staff on site but also from everyone I came into contact within the industry, whether HRI, our Clerk of the Course, trainer, jockey, and media. “The industry works best when it works together – and I have to say that is what I have found since day one. I thank each and every one for that and will miss that sense of camaraderie. Leopardstown is one of the top tracks in Europe, and I am glad that I have played my part in maintaining that position in my five years.” Paying tribute to Husbands on his departure, Paul Dermody, CEO HRI Racecourses, said, “Tim brought a high level of experience in event management and a keen focus on customer experience to his role at Leopardstown and he certainly delivered in so many key areas at the racecourse and across the overall Leopardstown campus. “Tim has announced his departure and everyone at HRI wishes him the very best in the years ahead and thank him for his contribution to the industry. The process to find Tim's replacement at Leopardstown Racecourse will begin in the coming weeks.” The post Tim Husbands To Leave Leopardstown Racecourse In April appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I recently finished reading a book called “The Horse God Built: The Untold Story of Secretariat, The World's Greatest Racehorse” by Lawrence Scanlon. Figuring to maybe get a new tidbit or two about the great horse, I was astonished at how it really was more of a pilgrimage of someone becoming a passionate fan. It covered a lot of information about “Big Red” (or “Super Red” if you feel the former belongs to Man o' War), but what was much more interesting was how it provided a look at the life of Secretariat's groom, Eddie Sweat, that I had never heard before. It delved into the man he was, and the life on and off the backstretch so many shared with him. It showed how racing was a way of life for so many–not a job but a passion that evoked great pride by all involved. Time and again, brought him in contact with people, industry members, and fans alike who felt racing was a part of who they were and what they did. It is a book I feel every racing fan, new and old, needs to read. While at a Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission meeting a few months ago, I heard a presentation given by one of the lead investigators for the Racing Commission about a trip taken to Ireland to see how racing enforced rules in their jurisdictions. He mentioned how on weekends, many folks would head out to the track to watch the flat or jump races because it was just, “part of their culture…it's what they did.” At a veterinary symposium on farm animal welfare issues about 15 years ago, an anthropologist talked about how exposure to farms and farm animals over the last 50 years has changed. I do not remember the exact percentages, but he said that in the early to mid to late 20th Century, roughly 70-80% of people had exposure to a farm to see and understand what it was about. By the late 20th and into the 21st Century, that percentage had flipped to 70-80% of younger adults never having even seen a farm in person, and that some had spent their entire lives in the confines of the beltway that surrounded cities. It changed what their culture and perspective on things were. These instances made me think about the way racing in America used to be part of our culture and if we ever could return to some form of that. Racing may still be embedded in the culture of some states, but it clearly has been lost in the mainstream of America. One looks at other countries and it is amazing the way racing is embraced and celebrated there, like Japan and the crowds and betting handle they take in every racing card, and the way fans there embrace the horses and the humans who are part of the racing team. Australia and the “race that stops a nation.” When was the last time a race truly stopped the U.S.? I would argue it was all the way back in 1938 at The Great Match Race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. We see all around us how racing is failing, and some owners of racetracks are trying to get out of the business completely. Other places are working to revitalize and modernize the racing landscape by building new grandstands. Will that be enough? Will the everyday person frequent the track enough to make all the efforts worth it? I know it is preaching to the choir, but racing does need a new generation (or several new generations) of fans and handicappers to help racing survive. Real fans who feel racing is part of who they are and what they do. Fans who back that love up with wagering regularly on track. How do we bring racing back into the culture of America? Can we bring that exposure of kids and adults alike to farms and the horses on them? Can we make them want to know more about the sport and what makes it so great? Some groups, such as “Amplify Racing” and “Light Up Racing” are certainly trying to do this, but it cannot end with them. This is different than fixing some of the internal problems the sport has. This is about making folks want to put down the phone and pick up a program. It is about making the latest move by a trainer to go with this jockey over that one what is being talked about at the water cooler along with the latest baseball news. It is about making the track, and not the metaverse, the place people want to head out to on a weekend day or weeknight for some fun. Can it be done? It can if the right people are allowed to really do what they do best. We can all make racing something that is part of the culture of America again. We have to. Bryan Langlois is a veterinarian and the Vice President of ThoroFan, a national Thoroughbred racing fan organization. The post Letter to the Editor: Can Horse Racing Return to Being Part of American Culture? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After several years of talk and expectations, Belmont Park is finally looking like a racetrack once again. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan Farm.View the full article

Thomas Huet will join Arqana's bloodstock team from February 17. Based at Saint-Cloud, he will be in charge of the prospection and nominations of horses-in-training for the sales, as well as the coordination and promotion of catalogues in that area. He will also be the point of contact for the Arqana Series. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Huet was a professional jockey in France for numerous trainers, including François Doumen, Mikel Delzangles, Robert Collet, Jonathan Pease, Rupert Pritchard Gordon, Fabrice Chappet and Mathieu Boutin. He also worked in Australia, riding for Gai Waterhouse, Paul Perry and Peter Snowden. Following his sporting career, Huet set up his own agency and worked as a jockey's agent. He has also assisted trainer Philippe Decouz with the preparation of his horses in training and with client relations. Commenting on this new role, he said, “I'm delighted to be joining the Arqana bloodstock team permanently. I will regularly be at the races to provide assistance and answer any questions about the sales or the Arqana Series.” Bloodstock Director Ludovic Cornuel added, “We're delighted to be welcoming Thomas to the bloodstock team after a year as a consultant with us. His experience is valuable, and he will specialise in horses-in-training. He will be based in Chantilly and attached to our offices in Saint-Cloud, which will allow him to attend race meetings in the Paris region particularly.” The post Thomas Huet Joins The Arqana Bloodstock Team appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brett Crawford, one of South Africa’s top trainers with a career spanning over two decades, is embarking on a new and exciting chapter in Hong Kong. With an impressive record of 38 Group One wins and nearly 1500 career victories, Crawford has established himself as a prominent figure in South African racing. His transition to Hong Kong’s competitive training scene has been hailed as “the opportunity of a lifetime,” a sentiment echoed by both local and international observers. At 53, Crawford has experienced an eventful career, beginning as a young rider and later training under renowned mentors such as Mike de Kock and Dennis Drier. His own training career took off in 2001, and his most successful season came in 2017/18, with six Group One victories, cementing his reputation. Crawford, reflecting on his journey, noted, “To be given the chance to work in Hong Kong is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’ll be doing everything I can to make the most of it.” In Hong Kong, Crawford is entering a high-stakes environment, where his skills will be tested in one of the world’s most competitive racing jurisdictions. “I’ve always wanted to come to Hong Kong, and when the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to take it,” Crawford said. “It’s a fantastic racing environment, and I’m excited to get started.” Crawford’s achievements in South Africa have been marked by his steady climb up the trainers’ premiership rankings, and his work alongside his son, James, in the 2023/24 season demonstrated his dedication and family-driven commitment to racing excellence. “Having James by my side as we look toward the future makes the journey even more rewarding,” Crawford said. View the full article

New Zealand Cup winner Mehzebeen is set to make her Australian debut in a Benchmark race at Caulfield on Saturday on a path towards a staying feature in South Australia next month. Trained by Mark Walker, Mehzebeen is scheduled to take her place in Saturday’s Benchmark 100 race over 2000m, which will be her first start since winning the Group 3 New Zealand Cup over 3200m at Riccarton in mid-November. The mare also won a 2600-metre Listed race at Riccarton a week before her New Zealand Cup success. “She has come over for the Adelaide Cup,” Walker said. Walker said the mare’s best form is over further than the 2000m of Saturday’s event. “But she had a couple of jumpouts, there’s a nice Listed race at Moonee Valley in two weeks over 2500 metres and then she runs in the Adelaide Cup,” he said. Mehzebeen will jump from the inside barrier in Saturday’s race with star jockey Blake Shinn to ride. Shinn has formed a good association with the Te Akau Racing stable in recent times, including winning the Karaka Millions 3YO on Damask Rose for the trans-Tasman operation last month at Ellerslie. “Blake Shinn is on her so that is a big bonus,” Walker said. “Whatever she does, she will be better once she gets up in trip to those other distances, but she should be thereabouts at the finish anyway.” The New Zealand Cup win took five-year-old Mehzebeen’s record to five wins from 19 career starts and Walker is hopeful the stayer can measure up in an Adelaide Cup. “It’s quite a genuine two-mile race at Riccarton and she won it pretty well,” he said. “Obviously they’ll be a better class of horse, but she just keeps stepping up most campaigns, so she should be a chance.” The G2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) is on March 10 at Morphettville, with the Listed Torney Night Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley on February 21. View the full article

There are 12 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, February 8. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Caulfield, Randwick, Doomben, Ascot, Alice Springs & Te Rapa (NZ). Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 8, 2025 Caulfield Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Doomben Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips Te Rapa (NZ) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 8, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

It’s only a week to the NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales and HRNZ is here to answer any of your queries. The Sales will kick off at Karaka in Auckland on Saturday, February 15 and then move to Christchurch for a day’s selling on Tuesday, February 18. In all there will be around 340 yearlings up for sale, including 70 from Next Gen sires. The Next Gen – Own The Thrill concept is brand new in 2025. Complete with $600,000 in bonuses, it is a new ownership model devised by HRNZ to attract the “Next Gen” of owners and to showcase emerging stallions. It must be emphasised though that every yearling at the sales is Next Gen eligible as long as other criteria are met. They are that the horse is trained by a Next Gen trainer (non-Group 1 winning trainer as of January 1, 2025) OR is owned by a Next Gen ownership group, with at least 30% of members being first-time HRNZ owners or individuals born after 1984. The Next Gen concept has prompted a lot of discussion since its release. There has been a lot of excitement but also some confusion. So with just a week to go until the first Next Gen-sired yearlings go under the hammer anyone wanting further information or clarification should contact HRNZ’s Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden. He can be contacted at matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz Footnote : For anyone at Karaka for the sales wanting transport to the races at Alexandra Park next Friday night (February 14) there is a bus leaving the Double Tree Hilton at 4.15pm. It will return after the last race. There is still limited capacity available. To book a seat contact cameron@hrnz.co.nz To see more about Next Gen click here View the full article

Horse owners are urged to stay alert following the recent detection of Strangles cases in the South Island. While these cases are not linked to the racing community, Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease, and vigilance is key to protecting equine health. We encourage all horse owners to take proactive biosecurity measures, monitor their horses for any signs of illness, and follow best practices to prevent the spread of infection. Early detection and responsible management are crucial in keeping our equine communities safe. What is Strangles? Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract in horses. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through: · Direct Contact: Nose-to-nose interaction between horses. · Indirect Contact: Shared equipment, contaminated water buckets, feed troughs, and tack. · Environmental Contamination: The bacteria can survive in the environment for days to weeks under favourable conditions, increasing the risk of indirect transmission. While most horses recover with proper care, the infection can lead to serious complications such as abscess formation in other parts of the body (“bastard strangles”), prolonged illness, or in rare cases, death. Early detection and prompt management are critical to minimise its spread and impact. Symptoms to Watch For: · Fever: Temperature above 38.5°C · Nasal Discharge: Thick, pus-like discharge · Swelling/Abscesses: Around the head and neck (lymph nodes) · Cough: Difficulty eating or reduced appetite · Breathing Issues: Respiratory noise or laboured breathing How to Protect Your Horse: 1. Vaccinate: The Strangles vaccine can help prevent infection or reduce symptoms. 2. Limit Contact: Avoid direct contact and shared equipment with infected horses. 3. Stay Put: Do not move horses to or from affected yards. 4. Travel Caution: Assess the risks of transport, particularly if your horse is unvaccinated. If your horse shows any symptoms, isolate them immediately and contact your veterinarian for testing and guidance. Please click here for more information from the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation. Being vigilant will help protect our horses and limit the spread of Strangles. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Cambridge-based trainer-driver Benjamin Butcher will take the next step in his recovery with a drive at the trials next week. The 29-year-old has not driven in a competitive race since a crash at Alexandra Park last August when he broke his shoulder and suffered a serious concussion. “I’ve had a lot of advice about head injuries and I am certainly not rushing anything,” says Butcher. “I’ll go the trials next week and then see how I’m feeling after that.” At one stage the symptoms were so severe he was sleeping “19 to 20 hours a day”. “I’ve been pretty good although around Christmas time I had a few headaches with all the socialising and that.” While he hasn’t driven a winner since July he is having good success as a trainer. His first came with $23 longshot Waltzing With Miki at Alexandra Park in October last year for James Stormont. This year he’s had three wins from just eight starts. “Dad (David) and Zach (brother) have both driven a winner for me now and I might get a photo of that up on the wall when I get a winner of my own!” Waltzing With Miki won again at Cambridge on January 9 while Barbarossa followed up a win there on January 24 by upsetting in the Taranaki Steelformers Stratford Cup at Hawera a week later. As others scrambled at the start, Barbarossa and driver Zev Meredith headed straight to the front. The challengers did not come until the 600 metre mark. Upon straightening there was a wall of runners with only half a length separating the first five home. Paying $58, Barbarossa prevailed by a neck. It was the Captaintreacherous seven-year-old’s ninth win in 102 starts. “It was a bit of a surprise that one but he had been racing well and toughed it out.” “He’s a horse that is capable of running some good times but it just depends if he feels like doing it on the day and I’m rapt for the owners that he got the win,” Butcher said post race. Butcher is currently working a team of seven and is based at his father David Butcher’s place at Cambridge. “I’ve warmed to the training side of it,” says Butcher, “even when I come back driving I probably won’t drive as much as I used to and to get a few winners has made it even better.” View the full article

By Mike Love The beach appears to be agreeing with well-bred trotter High Step. Yesterday the four-year-old mare recorded her second win in five starts for Woodend trainer Bob Butt when she won the G.K. Fyfe Painting “Making It Happen” Handicap Trot at Rangiora. Previously with Mark and Nathan Purdon, High Step was sent out to Butt during the spring to rejuvenate on the beach. Since winning first up at Kaikoura back on November 4, the daughter of Father Patrick raced okay during cup week, including a seventh in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks won by the unbeatable Keayang Zahara. High Step and Butt began well from their 20 metre handicap, settling towards the rear of the field. They worked into the one out three back position at the 1200m where they stayed before being produced from the 500m to get up and pip Samantha Ottley and Holly Highlander, winning by half a head. “She went good,” says Butt, “they sent her out to the beach for something different. She’s done a good job.” High Step is supremely bred, being out of Muscles Yankee mare High Gait who won 16 races and placed 12 times of only 34 starts, including a Group 3 and Group 2 victory. High Step has now won six from 17 including four races in Australia before returning to New Zealand at the end of 2023. “She’s well bred, so her racing will be limited,” says Butt. High Step was bred by Breckon Farms Ltd who have 36 yearlings on offer at the National Yearling Sale at Auckland next Saturday, February 15. Other highlights of the day included Tom Bagrie training his 100th winner when Hi Hopes won the Tyre General Amberley Mobile Pace with Seth Hill. His century came from 835 starters, with his first training success being DD Trotter, driven by Dexter Dunn, at Motukarara in 2016. View the full article

Addington Raceway is set to shine even brighter as racing under new track lighting begins tonight. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) has been working closely with Signify, a world leader in lighting, to ensure the upgrade to the track lighting is world class, and meets the highest standards of safety for horses and all participants. To see Addington’s media release click here View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh’s phone will likely be ringing red-hot following Penman’s win at Tauranga on Friday. The $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) is fast approaching and many of the slot holders have yet to show their hand and select their contender, and Marsh believes his classy three-year-old is the perfect candidate. The son of Contributer finished runner-up in his first two outings last year before breaking through for his maiden win over 1400m at Te Rapa last month and showed his class on Friday when running out a dominant victor in the Aerocool Developments (1400m). Jumping from the ace barrier in a small but competitive field, Penman began well under jockey George Rooke, who quickly handed up the lead to Gold Card, who kept an honest tempo up front, opening up several lengths on his rivals during the middle stages of the race. Rooke didn’t panic and slowly reeled in their foe and took the lead at the turn in unison with stablemate Tardelli on the outside. The pair entered a dogfight down the straight, with Penman coming out on top in the closing stages to score by 2-3/4 lengths, with a further 7-1/2 lengths back to NZB Kiwi contender Domain Ace in third. “I have just taken my phone off silent just in case a (NZB Kiwi) slot holder would like to ring,” Marsh quipped. “It was very impressive. “He jumped nice, Gold Card, as I thought, wanted to really run along a bit, and he got a beautiful trail. It looked like it was going to be a bit of a titanic struggle with the two stablemates, but he was good in the end.” Marsh was also pleased with Tardelli’s efforts, but said distance will be his friend. “I wonder if he is just looking for a little bit further,” he said. “Blinkers on, he just needs to maybe sharpen up a bit. Up to a mile next start will suit him a lot more.” While hopeful of gaining an NZB Kiwi berth with Penman, Marsh said both of his three-year-olds have bright futures. “They are two very nice horses that are certainly going places,” he said. Marsh was back in the winner’s stall later on the card when stakes winner Glamour Tycoon took out the Emac Electrical 1200. Racing in the colours of Bourbon Lane Stable, the daughter of Written Tycoon has now won three and placed in six of her 14 starts, including victory in the Listed The O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1340m), and has earned more than $165,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Three-year-old filly Way Out West made a winning debut when comfortably defeating older horses in the Laser Electrical Tauranga Maiden (1400m) at Tauranga on Friday. The Andrew Forsman-trained daughter of U S Navy Flag had placed in two of her four trials, including an eye-catching effort at Matamata prior to her raceday debut. From an inside draw, Way Out West came from midfield on the rails to score under Craig Grylls. The premiership-leading jockey took a gap closest to the fence when it presented at the top of the straight and Way Out West attacked the line in the manner of a filly who will prove effective over further ground. “It was a very good win on debut today,” Grylls said. “She was three-back on the fence and the horse that was in the trail rolled off and I got a nice suck run up in behind them. The leader presented me with a nice gap, and she has really run away with it and done it pretty comfortably. “It was a top effort first-up.” Grylls had previously ridden the filly at the Matamata trials and tellingly elected to ride her over some of the opposition. “It was quite a nice performance at the trials that day and she has improved, and I think she is only going to improve again too,” he said. Winning trainer Andrew Forsman knows a bit about the family, having prepared Way Out West’s three-time winning dam Candybelle in conjunction with Murray Baker, with the Savabeel mare a winner up to 2100m. “It was a good win. I think anytime a three-year-old filly can debut and beat older horses it is always a promising sign,” Forsman’s Racing Manager Joe Walker said. “It was a great ride. The plan was to be positive, which I think is everyone’s plan today, but he stayed patient, she was midfield on the fence, and she got a dream run through. “She has always shown us a bit. Her latest trial was very encouraging. It was a good trial in a tidy heat of horses. “Beating the older horses on debut today, it bodes well for the future for sure.” Bred and raced by John and Jan Hargreaves and Heidi Birch, Way Out West defeated fellow three-year-old filly Sperlari by just under a length, with Andora back in third. View the full article

Ciaron Maher says it’s ‘possible’ Pride Of Jenni could come out of retirement. Rumours have swirled in racing circles for weeks about the door remaining open for Pride Of Jenni to return to work with her status on Racing Australia listed as ‘spelling’ rather than ‘retired’. Owner Tony Ottobre has played a straight bat when asked about her racing future, preferring not to comment. However Maher on Friday said the prospect of a return for Pride Of Jenni was ‘exciting’. “Possibly. I’ll have a yarn to Tony and see what he wants to do. Possibly could come back. It’s very exciting,” Maher told RSN 927. “We will take it one step at a time. She’s had a decent enough break. We will see how we go. I wouldn’t make any predictions just yet.” Pride Of Jenni was retired in the spring after suffering a bleed in the G1 Champions Mile at Flemington in November. Pride Of Jenni failed to beat a runner home in the Champions Mile, with Racing Victoria stewards later confirming she had been officially banned for three months after bleeding from both nostrils. In all, the seven-year-old Pride Of Jenni has raced 35 times and won more than $10 million in prizemoney. View the full article

NT trainer Paul Gardner (right) celebrates a win with jockey Casey Hunter. The Paul Gardner-trained Zesty Spice is chasing a fourth consecutive win in Alice Springs, and he faces another big test in a Benchmark 76 over 1400m at Pioneer Park on Saturday. The four-year-old gelding will have his hands full against a small but strong field made up of runners from the Terry Gillett and Kerry Petrick stables. Great Buy impressed first-up when second over 1200m in open company on January 18, Brat has won three of his past six starts, Venting won last year’s Alice Springs Cup, and Dip Me Lid finished strongly for third over 1600m at BM54 level last Sunday. Despite a rating of 65, Gardner is optimistic after Zesty Spice decimated his rivals over 1400m in BM54 and 0-64 class in January before repeating the dose over 1400m in 0-70 grade last Sunday. “It’s a big jump in class, but he’s pulled up a treat after Sunday,” he said. “If he’s good enough we’ll look at the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) in March. “It’s a good field on Saturday, but he’s stepped up in his last three races and he’s going well.” After one win from 11 SA starts for Gawler trainer Brett Campbell, Zesty Spice was a first-up seventh in the Red Centre last July. From October-December, the gelding had six starts for a win over 1200m and a second over 1400m. “It took a while to work him out, but we got there,” Gardner said. “It’s been a pleasant surprise put it that way, but I always thought he had something there. “Can’t fault him at the moment, you can only win and I’m very happy.” Gardner stipulated that sending Zesty Spice to the front was never a devised strategy. “Basically, you’ve got to go forward, especially up here on the dirt tracks,” he said. “If your horse is close enough they’re always a chance. “Raymond takes him to the front and gets him into a nice rhythm. “He gets to the corner and they look like coming at him, but Raymond asks for a bit more and off he goes. “When Dylan Stanley rode him in November, he won coming from behind.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Te Rapa Races Where Te Rapa Racecourse – 12 Sir Tristram Ave, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand When Saturday, February 8, 2025 First Race 12:30pm NZDT (10:30am AEDT) Visit Dabble Group 1 racing in New Zealand on Saturday heads to Te Rapa Racecourse, where the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and BCD Group Sprint (1400m) headline the nine-race program. Clear skies are the theme of the day, meaning the Soft 5 rating at the time of acceptances should be a Good 4 come raceday. The rail will be out 2m for the entire circuit, with the first race set to jump at 12:30pm NZDT (10:30am AEDT). Herbie Dyke Stakes Tip: La Crique La Crique is yet to miss the top two in her four starts this campaign, and despite winning just one of those, she looks awfully hard to beat in the 2025 Herbie Dyke Stakes. The six-year-old mare was only nosed out of a victory in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day by the talented Snazzytavi, while she managed to put 1.3 lengths on El Vencedor — her main rival in betting with horse racing bookmakers for Saturday’s Group 1. From barrier one, Michael McNab will give her every opportunity with an economical run, and barring any bad luck, La Crique should be adding a third Group 1 to her resume. Herbie Dyke Stakes Race 6 – #10 La Crique (1) 6yo Mare | T: Simon & Katrina Alexander | J: Michael McNab (57kg) BCD Group Sprint Tip: Here To Shock Aussie raider Here To Shock has won three of his last four starts, and his only failure in that time was a midfield finish in the Big Dance (1600m) when suffering cardiac arrhythmia while carrying 62kg. The son of Shocking was a determined on-pace winner of The Supernova (1400m) last time out on a day where it was hard to stick on after being in the leading brigade. Nash Rawiller will have him close to the speed throughout once again, and with a tactical advantage on some of his key rivals, Here To Shock looks the one to beat. BCD Group Sprint Race 8 – #1 Here To Shock (9) 7yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Nash Rawiller (59kg) David & Karryn Ellis Fillies Classic Tip: Leica Lucy The Robbie Patterson-trained Leica Lucy has won her last two races in impressive fashion in Group 3 company. Despite the Group 2 David & Karryn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) being a step up in grade and trip, everything the three-year-old has shown so far suggests she will handle the occasion with aplomb. Leica Lucy looks to be the class horse in the field, and she will be given every opportunity from barrier one. David & Karryn Ellis Fillies Classic Race 4 – #1 Leica Lucy (1) 3yo Filly | T: Robbie Patterson | J: Craig Grylls (56.5kg) Waikato Guineas Tip: Bourbon Proof Bourbon Proof was far from disgraced in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and looks like he will enjoy every bit of the 2000m in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas. He meets Tuxedo again, who beat him home by 2.3 lengths last time out, but this bloke appeared to be hitting the line better than his key market rival. Michael McNab will likely settle the son of Justify in the second half of the field, but with a bum to follow and a well-timed sprint, Bourbon Proof has the turn of foot to be featuring in the finishing. Waikato Guineas Race 7 – #3 Bourbon Proof (9) 3yo Colt | T: Stephen Marsh | J: Michael McNab (57kg) Best Bet at Te Rapa: Charmrose Charmrose was a determined maiden winner at Wanganui on January 20, and with natural improvement third-up, she looks set to go on with the job. The four-year-old mare settled second and was chasing a hot tempo throughout, which is good form considering the 3.8-length margin back to third. She looks set to gain a similar run in transit from barrier nine under Craig Grylls, and if Charmrose can offer a kick in the home straight, she will be hard to gun down. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Charmrose (9) 4yo Mare | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | J: Craig Grylls (56.5kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Te Rapa Te Rapa quadrella selections Saturday, February 8, 2025 1-10 1-3-5 1-9-12-13 3-9-13-14-15-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

South African handler will join the city’s ranks next season after being officially unveiled by the Jockey Club on Friday morning.View the full article

When action resumes for the 23rd season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing April 15, a record amount of purse money will be offered for the premier racing schedule at Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing.View the full article

After several years of talk and expectations, Belmont Park is finally looking like a racetrack once again. View the full article

Emotions will run high at Te Rapa if specialist short course performer Babylon Berlin can finally break through at the highest level. The multiple top-flight placegetter will chase a deserved victory in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) on Saturday with the Ben and Ryan Foote-trained mare to jump from a handy enough barrier in gate six. Stablemate Myakkabelle will also be in action at the meeting when she pursues a maiden black-type victory in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) on her way to a higher goal. Babylon Berlin has an excellent conversion rate of 10 win from 33 starts, including four victories at Group Three level and three Listed events. She has gone close to an elusive Group One on several occasions with placings in the Railway Stakes (1200m) and Telegraph (1200m) and finished runner-up behind Imperatriz in the BCD two years ago. Two starts back, Babylon Berlin was too good for Waitaki and Crocetti in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m) in early December and following a pair of trials finished fourth in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m). “It was six weeks between runs and it always takes a toll on them, especially a good doing horse like her,” Ben Foote said. “She has come on a lot in the coat since that run and she’s thriving. “She’s good to go again, we’re happy and she’s been working very well.” Vinnie Colgan has partnered Babylon Berlin in each of her last four starts and will take the reins again. “He’s had a few rides on her now and has worked her out well,” Foote said. “Hopefully, the track will be good and they run along. I don’t see why she won’t get the 1400m again, she ran a cracker of a race when second to Imperatriz.” Colgan will also guide the fortunes of Myakkabelle, having been aboard the two-time winner in her last three outings. The daughter of War Decree was a resuming third before she overcame a slow start to run fifth in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) hope then stepped up to a middle distance to finish a sound fourth, after being held up at the top of the straight, in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m). “It’s a good race for her (at Te Rapa) and even though it lacks numbers, there’s quality there,” Foote said. “It will give us a really good line on her before the Oaks. We think she will get better as she gets over further and whatever she does on Saturday will bring her on again.” View the full article

King Of The Castle will make a welcome return to New Zealand racing on Saturday when he contests the Listed Nellies Restaurant & Bar Hazlett Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui. The eight-year-old son of Castledale was a standout for trainer Kelvin Tyler as a younger horse, winning three races before his talent was identified by Newcastle trainer Joe Pride, who struck a deal with the Riverton horseman, who retained a 30 percent share. King Of The Castle went on to win a further five races in Australia for Pride, and placed in the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) and Listed Santa Cup (2000m), accruing more than A$625,000 in prizemoney. Tyler said he got great enjoyment in watching his gelding perform across the Tasman, including being trackside to watch him run fourth in the A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day, but he is glad to have him back. “He got to a point where Joe Pride thought he might have reached his mark. He was carrying some big weights and was still competitive, but he let us bring him back,” Tyler said. “We still had a 30 percent share in him over there, and the other 70 percent were quite happy to send him back and give him over to us. “It has been a huge thrill. He has only had 38 starts, so he is still lightly raced. He has come back 100 percent sound, in good order and I am sure he is going to run some good races here. “We are pleased to have him back and he is enjoying his paddock.” While bringing home King Of The Castle raised some concerns with his 90 rating, weight won’t be an issue for him this weekend where he will carry just 53 kilograms, through the help of with 11-time winner and Group One performer Perfect Scenario, who has been lumbered with the topweight of 60kg. “That top weight has made it into a pretty even race,” Tyler said. “It is always a bit of a worry bringing some of these high-rated horses back. All going well we will go to the White Robe (Gr.3, 1600m), which is weight-for-age, and we will take it from there.” King Of The Castle will be joined in Saturday’s contest by stablemate Master Marko, who has been freshened since his subpar ninth placing over 1400m at Wingatui last month. “He has come through his race well and he is nice and fresh,” Tyler said. “He carried a bit of weight (60kg) last time, got back from a bad draw (11) and it was a track where they weren’t coming from the back. It was a fair run and he seems to be alright. He is another runner’s chance.” Later on the card, in-form mare Foreign Affair will be trying to gain a berth in next month’s $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) when she contests Saturday’s ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m). “I have targeted this race with her,” Tyler said. “We have got visor blinkers on her. We have always had a bit of success with them when we have put them on for the first time. “She has got a bit of an awkward draw (16), but she might come into 11 the way it looks. She is a good, honest mare and I am pretty sure she will go another good race.” Tyler is hopeful of having a handful of contenders in the ODT Mile Final, with the $200,000 purse being a strong incentive. “At this stage, I have got three or four that could be chasing that race, and they are all reasonable chances,” he said. View the full article

The connections of Our Time are continuing a successful association with the family of the promising four-year-old who has earned an early crack at a major prize at Te Rapa. The lightly raced Peter Lock-trained representative has made an encouraging start to his career to be in line for a share of the $350,000 pot on offer in Saturday’s Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m). The well-related son of Time Test has already showed he has inherited a good measure of the family ability with a course and distance victory at just his third start prior to Christmas. He is a half-brother to the Per Incanto mare Faithful Feat, the winner of seven races including the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint Handicap (1400m) for Lock and breeders Peter Hart and Ian MacDonald, whose colours are also carried by Our Time. “Peter lives in Auckland and Ian lives in Australia and they’ve been with me for a long time, they are great clients,” Lock said. “I’ve also got Faithful Feat’s brother, Mighty Boy, for them and he’s an absolute cracker and just a lovely horse. “He’s a big, strong and laid-back bloke and has got a lot better brain than her, she was very hot but could really gallop.” Their dam is the Snitzel mare On Yer Feet whose half-brother Hiflyer was also trained by Lock and won twice at Group Three level in the Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and Thomson Handicap (1600m) and finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1600m). Our Time has made an early impression and following an unplaced debut run, finished second before breaking his maiden. “We’ve always had a very high opinion of him and he’s a horse really going places. We do think he’s quite special,” Lock said. “He had his first start at New Plymouth and we got a wet track and that was disappointing. He then ran well at Rotorua before he went to Te Rapa and won impressively. “Kelly Myers got off him and said he was a really, really good horse in the making. “It’s a bit of a nuisance that Kelly can’t ride him as she’s getting married, so we’ve swapped jockeys and got Rory Hutchings and I’m happy to have him on.” Our Time indicated his readiness for Saturday with a trial placing last month in an open 1200m heat at Matamata. “Everything has fallen into place for him, and he trialled really well with a nice third and I took him over to Te Rapa to gallop between races the other day and he’s pulled up well,” Lock said. “It’s in the lap of the Gods now, but it doesn’t look an overly strong line-up of horses so hopefully we can get a slice of it, that would be great. “You don’t get too excited about it in this game though, it can bring you down to earth pretty quickly.” View the full article