Wandering Eyes

Through the first six weeks of the Classic Meet, Santa Anita Park posted gains over a strong first weekend in February. Through last weekend, the Classic Meet maintained increases in both on-track attendance and total all-sources handle for the season, which opened on Dec. 26. Wagering is up more than 7% as total all-sources handle exceeded $185 million. The business increases are despite the track being closed for a week due to the impact of the Eaton Fire on the local community. Additionally, the weekend of Jan. 10-12 racing was postponed as Santa Anita hosted a pop-up relief effort/donation site in the south parking lot. Southern California Edison continues to use the north parking lot at Santa Anita as their command center, while Cal Fire (California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection) is using a large part of the south parking lot as their base camp though mid-February. Field size average is also up nearly a full horse over the corresponding time last year. Racing resumes Friday, Feb. 7, for a three-day week, with first post time for the nine-race card at 12:30 p.m. PT. In addition to the $100,000 San Marcos Stakes, Saturday also features the Santa Anita Chili Cookoff, with all proceeds benefiting the Foothill Unity Center, which has been providing immediate relief to the victims of the Eaton Fire. The post All-Sources Handle Up at Santa Anita Despite Recent Fires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Texas Hall of Fame will honor Larry Craft, Bill Melson, Joe Peacock, Sr. and Joe Peacock, Jr., Mike Rutherford and American Quarter Horse Havanah Goodtime and Thoroughbred Too Much Bling. The Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Board of Directors and its Hall of Fame Selection Committee will induct its 2025 Hall of Fame Class into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Lone Star Park. “This year's inductees include some of the finest Texas Horses, Breeder's and Horsemen,” said Tommy J. Azopardi, Chairman of the Board. “The Texas Horse Industry has a lot to be thankful for and these individuals and horses have brought much notoriety to Texas, and it is an honor to welcome them into The Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame.” 2025 Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Class include: Larry Craft Larry Craft, who held a trainer's license for three years before becoming a racing official in 1969, served as Director of Racing/Racing Secretary at Philadelphia Park, Ak-Sar-Ben, Canterbury Downs and Oaklawn Park before making his way to Texas to serve in the same capacity at Retama Park and Lone Star Park from 1984-2009. Bill Melson Lifelong horse and cattleman Bill Melson, general manager of Cox Ranch and Sweetwater Land and Cattle Company, grew up in and around the West Texas town of Odessa and served as the President and a Board Member of the Texas Quarter Horse Association. Joe Peacock Sr. and Joe Peacock, Jr. The San Antonio-based Peacock family have been breeding and racing horses since 1968. The family initially owned Quarter Horses in the 1960's before transitioning to Thoroughbreds in the 1980's. Last February, the Peacock family won the $20-Million G1 Saudi Cup with Senor Buscador, the last horse the father and son bred, before his father's passing. Mike Rutherford Lifelong horseman Mike G. Rutherford started riding horses and working cattle on the family ranch near Austin, Texas at the age of 8. Rutherford showed, judged, and raced Quarter Horses before entering Thoroughbred breeding and racing. He worked in the oil and gas business and served as the Vice Chair of the Texas Racing Commission and a member of the board of directors for Breeders' Cup. 2025 Nominees to the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame – Horses Too Much Bling – Thoroughbred Trained by Bob Baffert, Too Much Bling raced for Robert and Janice McNair's Stonerside Stable. He retired with a 5-1-2 record from 11 starts and enter stud in 2007 in Florida before moving to Lane's End Texas near Hempstead, the following year. He stood at Lane's End's Texas farm for nine seasons and in 2016 was acquired by Valor Farm's Douglas Scharbauer. Too Much Bling has been a fixture among top Texas Sires since 2013 as he produced 14 crops. Havanah Goodtime – Quarter Horse Foaled in Texas in 2010, Havanah Goodtime was bred and owned by Bobby D. Cox of Fort Worth, Texas. She won her only start at 2 years old, and would become the dam of 13 foals, six of whom were winners, three were Graded I winners and one champion 3-year old. Havanah Goodtime was the daughter of champion sire Ivory James, out of Jess Celebrating by Mr. Jess Perry. The post Rutherford, Too Much Bling Among 2025 Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Inductees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Other Mozzie (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}) and 129 other lots have been catalogued for the Tattersalls Online February Sale from Feb. 11-12. Featuring 76 horses in/out of training, 22 broodmares, 16 yearlings, eight 2-year-olds, four stores and breeding rights to Aclaim (Ire), Ardad (Ire), Harry Angel (Ire), and Kameko, the sale will begin at 11 a.m. on Feb. 11. Bidding will close one day later. The Other Mozzie, a dominant 11-length winner at Naas last month and rated IHRB 138 over fences, will be consigned by Gavin Cromwell's Danestown Stables as lot 56. The 6-year-old has also won over hurdles and is a half-brother to Grade 3 winner and Grade 1-placed hurdler My Mate Mozzie (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}). Other lots of note include the listed-placed Shajak (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}), who has also won over hurdles as lot 47 from J P McManus's Martinstown Stud. Listed winner Dark Orchid (Dansili {GB}) (lot 110) will also visit the ring. She is the dam of the multiple stakes winner Daramethos (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who is Group 2 placed. The post The Other Mozzie One Of 130 Lots Catalogued For Tattersalls Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Truly Quality will look to begin his 2025 season the way he ended his 2024 campaign—on a winning note. In the $100,000 San Marcos Stakes (G3T), the son of Quality Road will not only kick off the new year but vie for his fourth consecutive victory.View the full article

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has identified more than 100 genes that may contribute to bone fracture risk in Thoroughbreds.View the full article

His Highness the Aga Khan was remembered on the opening day of the Goffs February Sale, where the auditorium fell silent before the action–which was headlined by a €150,000 Space Blues (Ire) filly–got underway shortly after 11am. The Aga Khan Studs was due to offer a draft of seven horses during the two-day sale but they were withdrawn as a mark of respect to one of the most influential owner-breeders who passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday night. “On behalf of the Board of Goffs, Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby and the management and staff of the Company, I would like to express our sincerest sympathies to the family of His Highness The Aga Khan on his very sad passing,” chairman Eimear Mulhern said. “We also send our deepest condolences to the Ismaili community throughout the world. His Highness was a wonderful man who made an enormous contribution, not just to the bloodstock industry but to the wider world through his philanthropy and humanitarian work. “As the shareholder of reference, his unwavering support and investment in Goffs over many decades, has provided Ireland with a world class Auction House to market and sell Irish thoroughbreds globally. On a personal level, I am deeply grateful for his support, his courtesy, guidance and inspiration. A truly remarkable man, may he rest in peace”. The Aga Khan has extremely close ties to Ireland and to Goffs particularly given he was a shareholder of the company. Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby paid a heartfelt tribute to the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. “His Highness was a truly inspirational person who gave so much to so many different people and areas of life. I felt privileged to have met him and will always be grateful for his advice and the time he gave to us.” Despite the heavy degree of poignancy on the day, there was space for some happiness in the ring, notably when Derek Iceton of Tara Stud sold his Space Blues filly to John Hyland of Oghill House Stud on behalf of owner Clive Washbourn. The day one sale-topper is out of Declaration Of War mare Dettoria (GB), whose daughter Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) won a Group 3 contest in France last year for Henry de Bromhead. Hyland opened the Space Blues filly up at €100,000 and, for a few minutes, it looked as though he might be rewarded for his outside-the-box bidding. Alas, the hammer fell at €150,000. Iceton beamed, “I never thought a horse of mine would be opened up at €100,000! It was lovely. It's a lovely family and the two-year-old by Space Blues is supposed to be very good–Ed Sackville bought him at Book 2 last year. We still have the mare–we nearly sold her in November. I was offered a lot of money for her but didn't sell her. She's barren and I have a lot of very good offers for foal shares but I am somebody who likes to own a foal myself so we'll see.” Confirming that the Space Blues was purchased on behalf of effervescent owner Washbourn, Hyland said, “I opened her at €100,000–those were my instructions. She is for Clive Washbourn and he is delighted; he's jumping up and down at the other end of the phone. She is a beautiful filly and has been bought to race. She will come back to Oghill House now for a break. She is well-bought and has great residual value too as a broodmare. I am thrilled for Derek Iceton and family–she is coming from a great home. We are delighted to get her.” Horan Hails Ghaiyyath After Golden Touch There can be no stopping a sire when he catches form and Jerry Horan of Ballynure Park was left singing the praises of Ghaiyyath (Ire) after selling his homebred colt by the stallion to Nancy Sexton signing under MK Bloodstock for €82,000. Horan sourced the dam Entertainment (GB) (Halling) for just €16,000 in foal to the stallion at the Goffs November Mares Sale in 2023. Wednesday's result represented an outstanding piece of profit for the County Wicklow man, who was keen to deflect all praise onto the stallion, who hit form with recent winners The Padre (Ire) and Opera Ballo (GB). “We bought the mare in foal to Ghaiyyath and were just lucky he's hit form at the right time,” Horan said. “It's a great result and we're delighted. To be honest, if he wasn't making that sort of money, we would have been happy to bring him home and re-offer him as a yearling. He's always been a lovely-walker and has plenty of quality. It looks like the sire is fulfilling his potential and he could be the real deal. Absolutely delighted.” The post Aga Khan Remembered On Day One Of The Goffs February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eclipse Award-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) is recovering from an abscess on his coronet band, forcing Chad Brown to scrub a key workout, and the conditioner confirmed that the reigning GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner will be forced to skip the G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on Feb. 22. “I couldn't really work him, so I just kind of played it safe and skipped it, which takes him out of the Saudi race,” Brown told the TDN by phone early Wednesday afternoon. “It's not a big deal and I'm glad the abscess did come out in a clean fashion. It'll grow down and his foot will be fine. He just wasn't 100% to breeze, so I didn't want to push it.” The $2.3-million topper from the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale was given some time off following his barnstorming victory at Del Mar on Nov. 2 and returned to the worktab with an easy three-eighths at Payson Park on Jan. 6. He had since drilled three consecutive Sundays at a half-mile, most recently covering that distance in :49.80 (19/72) on Jan. 26. “You could tell it was bothering him and something was going to come out of there and it did,” said Brown. “It's resolved, but the timing wasn't good. He won't miss a whole lot of time, but I was on a very tight schedule given we gave him a month off after the Breeders' Cup. He was supposed to fly out in a week and it just wasn't going to work.” Because Brown does not want to run Sierra Leone at a distance as far as a mile and a quarter in his first start at four, he also ruled out an appearance in the G1 Dubai World Cup on Apr. 5. Instead, Brown said that connections are considering launching the campaign in the nine-furlong GII Oaklawn Handicap on Apr. 19. “We might just regroup into a race like the Oaklawn Handicap, it's a lot of money, we should be able to ship him there efficiently,” the conditioner said. “Right now that's probably the race that makes most sense.” Looking farther down the road, Brown is looking forward to having one of the top horses in the handicap division for an otherwise full 4-year-old season and praised the ownership group for allowing the colt to train on. “The horse developed into all aspects, physically, mentally, so I've just been looking to maintain that,” said Brown. “I am just relieved he looks like he's maintained his form. Outside of this minor issue, up until that point, the horse was moving as well as he did last year and he looked as well as he did last year physically.” For a horse that has never finished outside the top three and has amassed earnings of just over $6 million, Sierra Leone took his fair share of criticism, particularly in the middle of the season last year. But Brown is pleased–less for himself than the horse–that the colt put it all together when it mattered most on the first Saturday of November. “Yes, I felt very vindicated for the horse,” he said. “He was able to beat ['TDN Rising Star'] Fierceness (City of Light), who really took over as the leading 3-year-old over the summer with his impressive runs at Saratoga. This colt, widely regarded as the most talented colt of the crop, disappointed a bit after the Blue Grass after being at the top of the division and he arguably ran the best race in the Derby. “For him to come up short in races like the Belmont and Travers, he did start to face some criticism and questioning, but overall he was able to redeem himself against older horses on a track that was favoring speed all weekend and over a track many of the horses hadn't run on before. I know he got a pace that favored him, but in fairness, he ran in some paceless races, too. I was very, very happy for the horse that he got the recognition he deserved and that it spilled over into an Eclipse Award, which he also deserved.” Brown indicated Sierra Leone could return to the worktab as soon as this weekend, but given that the colt's season won't begin in earnest for two months, is not in any rush. “I was very pleased with the way the horse looked today, I think we'll be fine,” he said. The post Champion Sierra Leone To Miss Saudi Cup, Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wagering in the U.S. rose $2.93% last month versus its counterpart one year ago, according to Equibase Wednesday. Commingled wagering on U.S. races increased to $802,903,279 from $780,034,372. Domestic (paid) purses also increased 7.96%, rising from $73,621,717 in 2024 to $79,482,656 this year. U.S. race days were up 7.37% to 233, while U.S. races rose to 1,995 from 1,853 (7.66%). Average field size increased from 7.86 to 8.14, while average available purses inched up to $360,437 from $359,189 last year. The post U.S. Economic Indicators for January Up Across the Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV, was the spiritual leader to 20 million Nizari Ismaili Muslims and a major investor in European racing and owned a number of prestigious equine and bloodstock properties in France and Ireland.View the full article

Following a week that included 10 wins, more than any other rider, two stakes victories and a graded score on Eclatant in the Feb. 1 Forward Gal Stakes (G3), jockey Luis Saez was recognized as the Jan. 27-Feb. 2 Jockey of the Week.View the full article

'Born to run, raised to win' is the motto at Stonestreet Farm and as the 13-time leading North American breeder by gross yearlings sales, it's evident that the farm's success in the sales ring translates onto the racetrack. Just last year, Stonestreet was responsible for the $5 million Keeneland September Sale-topping Curlin colt out of Grade I winner and producer Cavorting (Bernardini). Which stallion will that superstar mare be visiting this year? Stonestreet's John Moynihan shares that and more in the latest edition of TDN's 2025 Mating Plans series, presented by Spendthrift Farm. CAVORTING (13, Bernardini–Promenade Girl, by Carson City) to be bred to Good Magic Cavorting's colt by Curlin was the $5 million sales topper at Keeneland September last year. He's a beautiful horse and he's doing fantastic down at Mandy's Pope's, so fingers crossed there. We own Good Magic and he's a son of Curlin, so with Cavorting being the dam of Clairiere it's an obvious choice for us. I think it's good for her and it's an amazing shot for him. She's a 100% stakes producer, which is rare in our business. CLAIRIERE (7, Curlin–Cavorting, by Bernardini) to be bred to Nyquist Nyquist is having a fantastic season. He had the champion 2-year-old filly and just had a phenomenal year last year. This will be Clairiere's first foal. With Clairiere's running style and Nyquist's ability to get fast and precocious horses, we thought it was a great mix. ATHENA (13, Street Sense–Race Rocks {Ire}, by Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}) to be bred to Nyquist Athena is the dam of Emery (More Than Ready), who is my daughter's namesake. She's a fast, fast filly. Last year she ran second in the GI Test Stakes and won the GII Raven Run and the GIII Victory Ride. She was second in her 4-year-old debut last month in the GII Inside Information Stakes. She has really performed well for us. We bought Emery as a foal and then we bought the mare the next year when Emery was a yearling because we liked Emery so much. JULIA SHINING (5, Curlin–Dreaming of Julia, by A.P. Indy) to be bred to Into Mischief Newly-retired Grade II victress Julia Shining, a full-sister to champion Malathaat, will visit Into Mischief in 2025 | Sarah Andrew Julia Shining, who we just retired, is a full-sister to champion Malathaat. Into Mischief gets early, fast horses and she was extremely precocious. She won at Keeneland in October. We thought about potentially running her in the Breeders' Cup off a maiden race, but we decided not to do that. She went on to win the GII Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct as a 2-year-old. PAULINE'S PEARL (7, Tapit–Hot Dixie Chick, by Dixie Union) to be bred to Curlin Pauline's Pearl is from one of the great families of ours and she won the GI La Troienne Stakes. She's in foal to Gun Runner, which is kind of the magic cross with Tapit, but Curlin has also worked amazingly well with Tapit mares, producing Cody's Wish. We think this will give her a great shot and give Curlin another top-class mare. HOT DIXIE CHICK (23, Dixie Union–Above Perfection, by In Excess {Ire}) to be bred to National Treasure This is the dam of Grade I winner Pauline's Pearl. Dixie Union has worked so well with Quality Road and we think that National Treasure is an amazing sort of Quality Road. We are really excited about this cross. LADY AURELIA (11, Scat Daddy–D'Wildcat Speed, by Forest Wildcat) to be bred to Gun Runner Lady Aurelia is currently in foal to Curlin. She was as early as one can get, winning at Keeneland in April and then went on to win at Royal Ascot. This cross has produced two graded stakes horses by Gun Runner, one being Pappacap who was a really hard-knocking 2-year-old in Gun Runner's first crop, so the cross has produced a really top horse and I think it gives Lady Aurelia another great shot going to a proven sire. It's a cross that should get a 2-year-old. HAVISHAM (13, Bernardini–Love Dancing {Arg), by Salt Lake) to be bred to Nyquist This is the dam of Serengeti Empress (Alternation), who won the GI Kentucky Oaks and the GI Test. You don't see that happen very often. Havisham is a great-looking mare by Bernardini. The cross of Nyquist with Bernardini is what produced 2-year-old champion Immersive, so we're super excited about that. SLAMMED (7, Marking–Hennesey Smash, by Roll Hennessy Roll) to be bred to Curlin 2022 GII Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes winner and $1.1 million Fasig-Tipton November purchase Slammed will visit Curlin in 2025 | Coady We bought Grade II winner Slammed at last year's Fasig-Tipton Night of the Stars [for $1.1 million]. She was probably my favorite mare that we bought last year physically. A gorgeous, gorgeous mare and she's in foal to Nyquist. She's by Marking, who is a son of Bernardini. This mare was really, really fast on the racetrack. Going back to what we just discussed with Pauline's Pearl, Curlin has worked so well with Bernardini and the A.P. Indy line. With this mare being by a son of Bernardini, we think it's a great mating. With her speed I think it gives Curlin a great chance to have a really fast horse and it gives the mare a great chance going to Curlin. BELLAMORE (7, Empire Maker–Smart N Soft, by Smart Strike) to be bred to Into Mischief Bellamore is another mare that we bought at last year's Fasig-Tipton November Sale [for $800,000]. She's by Empire Maker, who is a great broodmare sire. I felt that this was arguably the last nice dirt-running Empire Maker filly that will be in the marketplace. Empire Maker is the broodmare sire of Laurel River (Into Mischief), who just was crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse along with City of Troy (Justify). The cross with Into Mischief has also produced Mandaloun, so we're going to be breeding Bellamore to Into Mischief for her first foal. We're very excited to have her. MANNERLY (11, Unbridled's Song–Mary Elise, by In Excess {Ire}) to be bred to Constitution Mannerly hasn't produced a stake horse yet, but she is the dam of Our Moonlight (Tapit), who is a new 'TDN Rising Star' and I believe she will be one of the best 3-year-old fillies running in California this year. We're breeding Mannerly back to Constitution, just trying to duplicate the cross that produced such a good Tapit filly. The post 2025 Mating Plans, Presented by Spendthrift: Stonestreet Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It is plain to see that the Aga Khan Studs are in excellent hands, but the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan IV nevertheless signals the end of one of the most significant chapters in the long and storied history of Thoroughbred breeding. During his 65-year tenure at the head of the Aga Khan Studs, he presided over a prolonged period of growth, both in the stature and size of the operation, which was consolidated and expanded by the acquisition of stock from other major breeders. Those included Francois Dupre, Marcel Boussac, Brook Holliday and Jean-Luc Lagardere, with the purchases of their respective operations adding, over time, some 450 horses to the Aga Khan's existing bloodstock. The Aga Khan Studs celebrated its centenary in 2022 and today the operation numbers five stallions, 160 broodmares and their young stock spread across 556 hectares in France and 980 hectares in Ireland. The 220 horses in training are split between Francis-Henri Graffard, Mikel Delzangles, Dermot Weld and Johnny Murtagh. Michael Halford, who is also on the roster, announced his imminent retirement from training on Tuesday. The Aga Khan's broodmare band would be the envy of any bloodstock operation and its strength stems from the deep foundations on which his Thoroughbred empire has been built. His bloodlines, through careful selection and dispersal, also play an influential role in many other broodmare bands around the globe. The more commercial element of the Aga Khan Studs – its stallion roster – could hardly be in better shape. While Sea The Stars (Ire), bred by the Tsui family's Sunderland Holdings, remains a potent force at Gilltown Stud, all four stallions at Haras de Bonneval, the headquarters of the French side of the operation, are homebreds. They are headed by the leading sire in France, Siyouni (Fr), who is being given increasing competition by Zarak (Fr), a son of the breeder's adored Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava (Fr), herself a ninth-generation descendant of Mumtaz Mahal (GB). The latter, as one of the original yearling purchases in 1922 by Aga Khan III, has not only been a cornerstone of the operation from its inception but remains one of the most influential broodmares in the history of the sport. Champion breeder ten times in France and five in Britain, leading owner in both those countries as well as Ireland, Aga Khan IV was inducted into the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Hall of Fame in 1997. His horses won 38 European Classic races among 162 Group 1 victories, including two in 2024, when Ezeliya (Fr) won the Oaks a few weeks after the success of Rouhiya (Fr) in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Though impressive, the numbers tell only half the story. What is more telling is the regard in which the Aga Khan Studs and the man himself are held. The heartfelt words of appreciation below from some of those who worked closely with His Highness speak to his dedication to the betterment of the breed and, most importantly, his magnanimity in defeat – something which all involved with the turf, no matter how great or small that involvement, must endure. All those who have followed racing for some time will have their favourite Aga Khan horse and will look upon those famous silks as an emblem of class and quality. Long may that continue. Tributes to His Highness the Aga Khan IV Pat Downes, manager of the Irish Studs for the Aga Khan for the last 27 years, said, “It's obviously a day of reflection. We have some great memories of some wonderful horses, but also of working for a truly great man. “He was gracious when he won and he was gracious when he didn't and it's something I personally always admired, the manner in which he faced victory and defeat. Gracious is exactly the right word. “I became very aware over the years spending time with him that one of the things that he was proudest of was the generations of his family, going back to his grandfather, [and] that the operation has survived and thrived. And we'd like to think it's in a very good place today, because of him and the way he guided us to look after the things that he felt were most important to the longevity of the operation, which was completely through the broodmares. He always felt they were the core from which everything else came – our brief was always to look after the broodmares and the families.” He added of the Aga Khan's daughter, “[Princess] Zahra has been involved for as long as I've been here and she is very passionate about the business as well. She too shares that sense of history and longevity and she too is very proud of where the operation is today – and we certainly look forward and hope to continue in the same vein.” His Highness the Aga Khan IV at Aiglemont | Scoop Dyga Francis-Henri Graffard was first sent horses by the Aga Khan Studs in 2019 and took over the training at the famed Aiglemont stables in Chantilly in 2022 on the retirement of Alain de Royer Dupre. He trained the Aga Khan's most recent Classic winner in France, Rouhiya (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), and he has under his care Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), one of the top-rated horses in the world last year, as well as Classic prospect Zarigana (GB). Graffard said, “I had a very long meeting with the Aga Khan four years ago when they were thinking about what to do about Aiglemont, and for me that was just an unforgettable day in my life, to sit in a living room with him and have a chat about racing and the future. “As a racing fan from an early age I read Courses et Elevage and obviously the Aga Khan silks and himself were just like heroes for me.” He continued, “In my first year in training I won the Prix des Chenes with Pearl Flute, beating a two-year-old of the Aga Khan, and I remember I was talking to the press after the race in the paddock at Longchamp and he walked behind me with Alain de Royer-Dupre. He stopped and patted my shoulder and he said, 'Very good job, young man, well done.' I was not expecting it and I called my parents and said to them that it was like I had been touched by God. I was so happy. “I have really seen since I started training how people really love his racing colours. Whoever they are – the big owners to the smallest owners or punters – the racing fans really love the green and red colours, and the Aga Khan himself.” Kirsten Rausing, speaking on behalf of the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation, said, “It is very hard to sum up such a magnificent achievement. Comparisons are odious but one would have to think that with what the present Aga has achieved, he is certainly in a class of his absolute own. “He was a figure of utmost importance and had a quiet influence, not only on racing and breeding but on the improvement of the integrity of the sport. He had immense success using stallions who were not necessarily at the top of the tree commercially but often whose best produce he had bred, such as Sinndar, by Grand Lodge. The strength of his broodmare band was unparalleled and, built up over 100 years, was replenished by the occasional block purchase. “The entire international Thoroughbred breeding industry stands in awe at the achievement of HH Aga Khan IV, attained over decades of dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm.” She added, “The Aga Khan's Thoroughbred bloodlines dominate and influence breeding the world over. On a personal note, I am immensely grateful to have been able to purchase Alruccaba as a two-year-old in 1985, from whom stem the Lanwades-bred champions Alborada, Albanova and Alpinista.” Alain de Royer-Dupre, who trained for the Aga Khan at Aiglemont from 1983 until his retirement in 2021, said, “I have great admiration for His Highness because he worked so hard and had so many other responsibilities. He was passionate about the racing but he was especially a breeder. As an owner-breeder he was interested that I identify the level of each horse. “He was a visionary and he was so far ahead. He was easy to work with because he would only take a decision once he had all the information to hand and it would never be done without careful thought.” John Oxx, who trained the Classic winners Sinndar (Ire) and Alamshar (Ire) for the Aga Khan, said, “He was an easy man to train for, he was always realistic, his geese were never swans. He had hopes, of course, like every owner and breeder. He hoped for a top horse every year, but there were plenty of years he didn't have top horses, like everybody, but he always expected that. He was hopeful rather than expectant.” He added, “To be that successful over decades takes an awful lot of effort. It is very difficult and not many people can keep at it for that long. It wasn't by accident.” On Les Aigles, Chantilly, with Nemone Routh and Mikel Delzangles | Scoop Dyga Johnny Murtagh said, “I have fond memories riding for His Highness the Aga Khan and we had some great days together. It was a privilege to ride in those silks and more recently to be a part of the team of trainers. Of all the great days we had together, I suppose Sinndar winning the Derby was up there with the best of them because that race meant a great deal to His Highness. To go on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sinndar was another special day. “We've enjoyed some success for His Highness since we started training, notably when Shartash won the Railway Stakes at the Curragh. It's just a very sad day for racing. He made a massive contribution to Irish racing in particular and played a massive role in my career as a rider and a trainer.” Guillaume de Saint-Seine, chairman of France Galop, said, “It is thanks to the determination and commitment of His Highness the Aga Khan IV that Chantilly and its surrounding area has once again become the historic jewel it deserves to be and that the reputation of its racecourse extends far beyond our borders. Thanks to his commitment and enthusiasm, the famous colours of HH the Aga Khan have continued to write history in the racing and breeding books of our sport. “Throughout his life, Prince Karim Aga Khan played a pivotal role in the horseracing industry, whether it was his horses carrying his legendary silks to victory or as a breeder of champions. “On behalf of France Galop, Elie Hennau, chief executive officer, and Henri Pouret, deputy chief executive officer, as well as the France Galop employees and all those involved in the racing industry, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan, with whom he shared his passion for racing, as well as to his family and friends and to all the staff members working at his yards and studs.” Christophe Soumillon, who was the retained jockey for the Aga Khan Studs between 2002-2009 and 2014-2022, said, “He was much more than an exceptional owner: he changed my life. Always present, in times of success as well as in difficult times, he also shared precious moments of my personal life. “I will forever remember the pride of having worn his legendary green jersey with red epaulettes, the one that allowed me to live my greatest dreams and reach the height of competition around the world. “In 2009, when my original riding contract was not renewed, he encouraged me not to give up. He reminded me that other jockeys had gone through the same ordeal and that this should become a strength, a new source of motivation. With kindness, he assured me that our collaboration would continue and that there were still great things to accomplish together. His Highness was much more than an employer, he was a true protector. “His legacy will remain imperishable.” On social media, a post from Coolmore described the Aga Khan as a “True visionary and breeder extraordinaire”. It continued, “European racing will be forever in your debt. RIP.” A statement released by the Aga Khan Studs read, “Everyone at the Aga Khan Studs, in Normandy, in Chantilly and in Ireland, send their sincere condolences to the family of His Highness the Aga Khan following his passing on 4 February 2025. “For 65 years, His Highness has been at the head of his family's breeding and racing operation, which is today one of the most prestigious in Europe. Guided by his passion for horses and the sport of horseracing, he has carefully developed and shaped his studs and bloodlines in a quest for excellence, whilst also playing a pivotal role in supporting the wider racing and breeding industries. “His memory will endure at the Aga Khan Studs through the horses he has bred and the families he has nurtured. Working under the direction of His Highness has been an honour and a privilege for all staff at his stud farms in Ireland and France and at the Aiglemont training centre, who benefit from his legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire for generations to come.” The post ‘In a Class of His Absolute Own’: Tributes Flow for HH Aga Khan IV appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five days after a strong second at Sha Tin, evergreen galloper strikes at city circuit to hand veteran handler a brace.View the full article

GI Man o'War Stakes winner Highland Chief (Ire) has arrived at Arvez Farm in France where the son of Gleneagles (Ire) will stand alongside Honolulu (Ire) and Roman Candle (GB) at a fee of €2,500 for 2025. Last seen finishing fifth in the GIII Singspiel Stakes at Woodbine in October, he retired as the winner of four of his 22 career starts and nearly $800,000 in total prize-money. Jim and Fitri Hay's homebred started his career in Britain with Paul and Oliver Cole, with his biggest success on these shores coming in the 2020 Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot. He later filled the runner-up spot in both the G3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes at York, before being transferred to the care of Graham Motion in America where he made the breakthrough at the top level when winning the 2022 Man o'War at Belmont Park. He also won the GIII Sycamore Stakes at Keeneland later that year. Highland Chief is a first crop son of Gleneagles and one of seven winners from eight runners out of the Hays' G3 Give Thanks Stakes heroine Pink Symphony (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}), a half-sister to the G3 Prestige Stakes, G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes and GIII Modesty Handicap winner Fantasia (GB) (Sadler's Wells). His third dam is the European champion two-year-old filly Blue Duster (Danzig) whose victories included the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes and G3 Queen Mary Stakes. The post Highland Chief Retired to Arvez Farm in France for 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Linebacker’s (NZ) (Super Seth) light spring holds no fears for connections ahead of the three-year-old’s return. John O’Shea isn’t anticipating Linebacker being ring rusty when he resumes for the first time as a gelding in the Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick. The Group 1 placegetter was only seen twice in the spring, most recently when sixth in the Golden Rose after a coltish pre-race display that resulted in him performing below expectations. Immediately spelled and gelded, Linebacker will kick off his latest campaign in Saturday’s three-year-old feature having only raced twice in the past 10 months. However, taking a line through his closing fourth to Traffic Warden first-up in The Run To The Rose (1200m) in September, O’Shea is expecting him to be a force in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m). “First-up he was very good last time in the six (furlong race), and he is going to concentrate a little bit better this week,” O’Shea said. “He came through his trial really well. I’m very happy with him and we’re looking forward to Saturday.” Under the set weights and penalties conditions, Linebacker will carry topweight of 58.5kg with regular jockey Kerrin Mcevoy secured for the ride. He will be one of two Eskimo Prince runners for the stable along with emerging filly Snow In May, who made a rapid ascent through the grades last preparation, winning a class one race at her second start at Newcastle in August before placing in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) two runs later. O’Shea expects Snow In May to want further than Saturday’s sprint journey, but says the timing of the race suits her better than taking the more traditional fillies’ path through next weekend’s Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) as she heads towards the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) on March 1. “We think three weeks into the Surround is better for her so she can have a little burn around on Saturday,” he said. Snow In May and Linebacker have drawn alongside one another in barriers three and four respectively with a field of 10 accepting for the Group 3 contest. View the full article

What 2025 Inglis Millennium Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, NSW When Saturday, February 8, 2025 Prizemoney $2,000,000 Distance 1100m Conditions Set Weights Two-Year-Olds 2024 winner Fully Lit (14) | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The seventh running of the Inglis Millennium (1100m) headlines the action at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a capacity field of 16 two-year-olds set to do battle for the $2 million prize. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable took out last year’s edition in the form of Fully Lit (2024), and with another potential three-pronged attack set to line up on Saturday, will the Inglis Millennium crown remain in the hands of a Sydney-based stable? Or can a Victorian-trained galloper make the trip north on the Hume Highway to claim victory? 2025 Inglis Millennium odds Horse racing bookmakers were quick to install the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Price Tag as the $3.40 favourite post-barrier draw, with the Zoustar filly making the trip to Sydney after finishing runner-up in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F) (1000m) at Sandown on January 25. A pair of undefeated gallopers, Rivellino and Within The Law share the second line of betting at $6.00, while Cobra Club ($7.50) rounds out those at marked at single figures. The chances don’t end there; however, with the likes of Open Secret ($13.00) and Bellazaine ($12.00) likely to have admirers at the big odds. 2025 Inglis Millennium speed map There should be a genuine tempo in this year’s edition of the Inglis Millennium, with the likes of Kujenga (2) and Open Secret (19) leading out in their respective debut victories. Expect the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained pair of Cobra Club (10) and Bellazaine (8) to press forward and sit on their hammer, while well-supported favourite Price Tag (11) should land into the perfect stalking position midfield with cover throughout. Within The Law (18) and Rivellino (16) may be worse than midfield from their awkward draws, with Jason Collett and James McDonald having a big decision to make to ensure they don’t get caught wide without cover in the early stages. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Inglis Millennium. Inglis Millennium 2025 preview & form The double-figure odds about Grafterburners with Neds is simply too big to ignore as the Kelly Schwida-trained colt heads to Sydney for the first time. The son of Graff was a dominant maiden winner two starts back at Ipswich on December 18, coming from last turning for home to swallow up his rivals and record a two-length victory in stylish fashion. He since went on to beat home Blitzburg at Eagle Farm on December 28, and with that horse franking the form to claim victory in last Saturday’s Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill, Grafterburners warrants respect and an each-way ticket in the 2025 Inglis Millennium. Price Tag must be considered the one to beat after an impressive return a fortnight ago, while Yolo and Bellazaine represent good each-way value for exotics players provided the latter makes the field as the current first emergency in the form guide. Inglis Millennium 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 4 GRAFTERBURNERS 12 PRICE TAG 7 YOLO 17 BELLAZAINE $100 betting strategy $50 each way Grafterburners (#4) @ $27 & $6.50 with Horse racing tips View the full article

What 2025 Inglis Millennium Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, NSW When Saturday, February 7, 2025 Prizemoney $2,000,000 Distance 1100m Conditions Set Weights Two-Year-Olds 2024 winner Fully Lit (14) | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss (56.5kg) Visit Dabble The seventh running of the Inglis Millennium (1100m) headlines the action at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a capacity field of 16 two-year-olds set to do battle for the $2 million prize. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable took out last year’s edition in the form of Fully Lit (2024), and with another potential three-pronged attack set to line up on Saturday, will the Inglis Millennium crown remain in the hands of a Sydney-based stable? Or can a Victorian-trained galloper make the trip north on the Hume Highway to claim victory? 2025 Inglis Millennium odds Horse racing bookmakers were quick to install the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Price Tag as the $3.40 favourite post-barrier draw, with the Zoustar filly making the trip to Sydney after finishing runner-up in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F) (1000m) at Sandown on January 25. A pair of undefeated gallopers, Rivellino and Within The Law share the second line of betting at $6.00, while Cobra Club ($7.50) rounds out those at marked at single figures. The chances don’t end there; however, with the likes of Open Secret ($13.00) and Bellazaine ($12.00) likely to have admirers at the big odds. 2025 Inglis Millennium speed map There should be a genuine tempo in this year’s edition of the Inglis Millennium, with the likes of Kujenga (2) and Open Secret (19) leading out in their respective debut victories. Expect the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained pair of Cobra Club (10) and Bellazaine (8) to press forward and sit on their hammer, while well-supported favourite Price Tag (11) should land into the perfect stalking position midfield with cover throughout. Within The Law (18) and Rivellino (16) may be worse than midfield from their awkward draws, with Jason Collett and James McDonald having a big decision to make to ensure they don’t get caught wide without cover in the early stages. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Inglis Millennium. Inglis Millennium 2025 preview & form The double-figure odds about Grafterburners with Neds is simply too big to ignore as the Kelly Schwida-trained colt heads to Sydney for the first time. The son of Graff was a dominant maiden winner two starts back at Ipswich on December 18, coming from last turning for home to swallow up his rivals and record a two-length victory in stylish fashion. He since went on to beat home Blitzburg at Eagle Farm on December 28, and with that horse franking the form to claim victory in last Saturday’s Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill, Grafterburners warrants respect and an each-way ticket in the 2025 Inglis Millennium. Price Tag must be considered the one to beat after an impressive return a fortnight ago, while Yolo and Bellazaine represent good each-way value for exotics players provided the latter makes the field as the current first emergency in the form guide. Inglis Millennium 2025 selections & best bets Selections: 4 GRAFTERBURNERS 12 PRICE TAG 7 YOLO 17 BELLAZAINE $100 betting strategy $50 each way Grafterburners (#4) @ $27 & $6.50 with Horse racing tips View the full article

The Australian racing season explodes into life this Saturday with the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes 2025 at Caulfield, and all eyes will be on Mr Brightside as he attempts to defend his crown. The reigning champion, boasting a glittering resume and a staggering $17 million in career earnings, is the early favourite to repeat […] The post 2025 CF Orr Stakes Field: Mr Brightside Hot Favourite Again appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Talented stayer Lombardi (NZ) (Verdi) made a stylish return in his new preparation on Wednesday at Riccarton Park, putting away a tidy field in the Rangiora Equine Veterinary Services (1600m). The son of Verdi recorded a pair of victories through the spring and placed in the Listed Sothy’s Spring Classic (2000m) before racing ungenerously and fading in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). His trainer and co-owner Bruce Smith allowed the gelding some time in the paddock, before assembling a plan to get to the Listed Positive Signs and Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m), kicking off in the midweek contest. Richard Stomper (NZ) (El Roca) and Sprocket Rocket (NZ) (What’s The Story) battled for favouritism, with the former closing on top at $3, but his hopes were dwindled at the start when missing away by four lengths. Lombardi had also been a stride slow, but soon made up ground on the inside and settled into a rhythm for jockey Leah Hemi. Tide And Time (NZ) (Time Test) went straight to the lead and was tested first by Fellini (NZ) (Belardo), but by the 200m, Lombardi had swallowed up the leaders and began to draw away, powering through the line to score by 1-1/4 lengths. Richard Stomper made up a huge amount of ground to finish second ahead of Sprocket Rocket. Central Districts-based Hemi has been aboard the six-year-old in 11 of his 28 starts and praised the training effort of Smith. “It was a little bit uncharacteristic for him to pull in the Cup, but he’s had a bit of time away and Bruce has got him really on target,” she said. “He just feels amazing, this horse just keeps improving. Bruce knows what he’s doing, I don’t ever question him and he tells me to get on and away I go. He’s got him down pact. “He’s definitely one of them (her favourite horses).” With the Wingatui feature now firmly in his sights, Smith plans to take Lombardi to the Ashburton meeting on February 23, before taking on the $170,000 feature a week later. “He’s a nice horse, this is a stepping stone to where I’m going with him and he’s come back bigger and stronger,” Smith said. “We got a few things wrong last year, but I know how good he is, I think he’s a very nice horse. “He had a month and a half out at the owner’s place and he’s come back in, he hasn’t had a big prep just six or eight weeks at the max. He’s just jogged around at home. “He’ll go to Ashburton next and his long-term goal is the Dunedin Gold Cup and St Leger. “I’m going to have a bit of fun.” Now a winner of five races, Lombardi has earned more than $130,000 for Smith and the remainder of his ownership group, which includes breeder Angela Hutchinson. He was the first foal out of her Kingmaker mare Queen’s Pal, a full-sister to stakes performer Kings Pal. Hemi was back in the winner’s circle at short notice, winning the C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup (1100m) aboard South Of Houston. The Terri Rae-trained mare was coming out of the Listed Timaru Stakes (1200m) last start, and after settling in behind the speed early, she found the gap on the rail in the straight and held off La Bella Nera (NZ) (Sweynesse) to win by just shy of a length. “She drew one and there was quite a lot of speed outside us, so it was quite nice to get in the trail there,” Hemi said. “It took her a few strides to really come up underneath me, but when she got balanced up, she hit the line really nicely.” Owned by Monovale Holdings, South Of Houston has won five of her 18, and twice since joining Rae’s stable in the spring. View the full article

El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) has been an unstoppable force at Ellerslie, and while there are looming targets at northern headquarters for the gelding, a lucrative bonus and prize money on offer at Te Rapa this weekend have lured his connections south. The Stephen Marsh-trained six-year-old will line-up in the $700,000 Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) on Saturday where he will be chasing a share of the $500,000 on offer in the Rich Hill Champion Middle Distance Series. The son of Shocking currently sits in second place (seven points) on the leaderboard behind Snazzytavi (10 points), and with the in-form mare ruled out of Saturday’s contest and glamour mare Orchestral also not taking her place in the quality line-up, it opens a golden opportunity for El Vencedor to take control of the series as it heads into the business end of the competition. “It is a great series that is worth a lot of money, and he is going so well,” Marsh said. “The field has changed shape (with the withdrawal of Snazzytavi and Orchestral) in the last 48 hours, but it makes it a very open affair now.” El Vencedor heads into the weekend in good form, dominating his rivals in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) at Ellerslie last weekend, extending his record to three wins from four starts at the Auckland venue, including victories in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes and Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m), and placing in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day. The series will return to Ellerslie for the last two legs, the Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) and Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), and a solid performance on Saturday will put El Vencedor in a good position to claim the lion’s share of the $500,000 bonus on offer. “It is a $700,000 race on Saturday, it is a great bonus, and we are going to get a good track,” Marsh said. “Once his fitness is up and rolling, he holds his fitness well and races well.” Stablemate Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) will also be chasing a $500,000 bonus, but this time in the Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series. The Group One winner is looking to recapture form this weekend in the highly anticipated $500,000 Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m), but Marsh is more hopeful than confident after drawing barrier 12. “We were really desperate for an inside gate so he got all favours, but he has drawn a wide gate which is going to make it very tough for him,” Marsh said. Stablemates Bourbon Proof and Andiamo (NZ) (Vadamos) will also be in search of black-type success in the Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) and Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) respectively. Marsh is particularly upbeat about the chances of Bourbon Proof who heads into Saturday’s contest off the back of a pleasing fourth placing behind Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). “I am really happy with him,” Marsh said. “Getting him up over ground is the real key. It is a bit of a sticky gate (9) to negotiate, but he is going great guns and any amount of luck he will be right in it.” Prior to Saturday’s feature meeting, Marsh will head to Tauranga with half a dozen runners on Friday, including last start Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m) placegetter Tardelli and last start winner Penman in the Aerocool Developments (1400m). “They are two very good three-year-olds that are on their way to better races,” Marsh said. “It is a five-horse field, but I think they are two quite exciting horses.” View the full article

Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) has conquered all before him at age-group level in New Zealand, and on Saturday, the star colt will take on the older horses in a star-studded edition of the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). In six starts as a three-year-old, Savaglee has won on five occasions, including the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m), Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m), all with considerable ease. His owners The Oaks Stud, and Pam Gerard, who trains the gelding at Matamata, resisted the temptation of a $1.5 million prize on Karaka Millions Night in favour of the $500,000 feature, which gives a more favourable lead-in to a tilt at the A$1 million Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1. The son of Savabeel had his final public appearance in an exhibition gallop last Friday at Te Rapa, where he will return this weekend to take on the likes of Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Australian raiders Busustow and Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking). “It was a nice day out and a bit of a hit out for him, he’s always pretty casual and never gives too much away,” Gerard said. “I’m happy with how he’s come away from that. “He’ll work in the morning and have a swim in the afternoon as usual for the next couple of days, it’s just keeping him ticking over. We’re just aiming to have him bright, healthy and happy. “He can do whatever he needs to do, he jumps and puts himself in the race, he can be back, forward, it doesn’t matter. He’s very adaptable, nothing needs to change.” As he has at every start this season, the colt will be ridden by Sam Spratt, and in the early TAB market, he is rated a $3.80 second favourite behind Grail Seeker ($2.30). Gerard’s stable will see plenty of the Kiwi countryside over the remainder of the week, with Reputation (NZ) (Iffraaj) heading to Tauherenikau and Harlech (NZ) (Darci Brahma) at Wingatui for respective stakes assignments. On Waitangi Day, Reputation will step out in the Listed NZB Clubs Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) after acquitting herself well against the likes of Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) and Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) in Group Two company in December. “It’s a tricky little race, it’s a big trip to get down there but it’s a nice chance for her to get some black-type,” Gerard said. “We’ve asked a lot of her this season, she’s raced well out of her grade and performed very well. This was probably one of the easier options for her, even though she’s had to travel a long way.” Harlech will take his place in the Listed Nellies Restaurant and Bar Hazlett Stakes (1400m) on Saturday in the deep south after a formidable campaign in Canterbury in the autumn last year, culminating in a win in the Easter Cup (1600m). “We had a bit of a hiccup before the Matamata Cup, nothing major, but we had to regroup with him,” Gerard said. “It was hard to find many starts up here in that grade in the open miles, so we’ve sent him down there. He’s been down for about three weeks now, we’re targeting the White Robe (Gr.3, 1600m) on the 1st of March and this is a nice lead-up. “He’s very well, he looks absolutely fantastic and loves it down there.” Closer to home on Friday, newcomer Fall For Cindy (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will make her debut in New Zealand at the Tauranga meeting. A winner of five races in Australia, Fall For Cindy won the Gr.3 Dark Jewel Stakes (1400m) last autumn, but after a quiet spring, owner Garry Chittick opted to bring the daughter of Sacred Falls across the Tasman in search of further black-type. “I’m still learning a bit about her, she’s very casual and laidback in her work,” Gerard said. “She’s going in without a trial, we had been looking to kick-off in the Lisa Chittick Plate (Listed, 1400m) at Matamata but she’s just caught me by surprise a bit in how laidback she has been. “When the noms were very light at Tauranga, we thought we’d give her a day out at the races and hopefully that will bring her on a little bit more, rather than just loafing around at home. “The 1200 could well be a little short and she’s got a bit of weight to carry, but if she can be hitting the line strongly, we’ll be happy with that result.” The mare will carry 58kg in the EMAC Electrical (1200m) courtesy of Triston Moodley’s two-kilogram claim, while her stablemate Lingjun Xiongfeng also lines up in the race, on an unconventional route to a middle-distance feature. “He’s another one we put in late, we couldn’t get a rider at 53kg unfortunately at Auckland last week,” Gerard said. “We are aiming him at the Kaimai Stakes (Listed, 2000m) at Matamata Breeders Day, he’s another horse with few races available for him and he needed to do something. With the light noms, we thought we’d pop him in and give him a hit out. “He loves Tauranga, it’s not ideal going from winning at 1600m back to 1200m and then up to 2000m the next start, so he’s really there for a day out. But we know what he can do, he’s pretty smart when he wants to be.” View the full article

Probably for the first time in New Zealand turf history, a Kiwi trainer has made a $3.5 million race his backup plan. Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie revealed today he had received multiple approaches from slotholders for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on March 8 to run his galloper Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci) in the race. But Ritchie has another target on the same programme in his sights for Tuxedo – the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m). Aucklander Grant Barnett, a long-time Ritchie stable client – firstly with Frank Ritchie, then enjoying Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) success with Magic Cape through Ritchie’s son Shaune – outlaid $70,000 for Tivaci gelding Tuxedo at Karaka. Into the ownership group, Barnett recruited Peter Archer, Bill Coates, Don Cotter, Murray Wills, Chloe Cumming and Chief Stipe Paulin. That group have had plenty to celebrate as Tuxedo followed a Te Aroha debut win with Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) success at Otaki, with second placings at Ellerslie ensuing, notably finishing runner-up to Damask Rose in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at his last start. That has led to a start in Saturday’s Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa, a race that will determine which path Tuxedo follows – the Derby or NZB Kiwi. “We’ve had a couple of approaches for the Kiwi but because my client (Barnett) bought him primarily to win the Derby, he’s been in racing a long time and it’s the blue riband event, we’ll have a go at that one first and see how we go,” Ritchie said. Tuxedo has delighted Ritchie and his co-trainer Colm Murray with his progress since the Karaka Million 3YO. “He’s come through fantastically. He’s done terrific. I don’t think he’s left a feed since we’ve been training him,” Ritchie said. “We’re at the point where we need to find out whether he’s going to get over further. He can get on the bridle a bit in his races but Te Rapa is the softest 2000m you get. It’s not an undulating track like Ellerslie so I think we’ll get all our answers on Saturday. “His form has been remarkably consistent, a couple of wins and a couple of seconds, but I think he’s right at his best when there’s a bit of give in the ground. We’re not going to get that this weekend but he’s been competitive despite that. “We’ve certainly got him fit enough. It’s just a matter of him coming off the bridle in the running of the race now.” TAB bookmakers have Tuxedo at $16 to win the Derby, Saturday’s Waikato Guineas set to be an important guide to his chances. “He’s got to put up his hand and suggest that he’s going to be competitive,” Ritchie said. “The Derby looks like it’s going to be a terrific race this year. Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) looks like he’s got a stranglehold and he left us behind last time. We’ve just got to mellow in the early stages of his races – that’s the whole key to getting him to run the Derby trip right out.” And if he doesn’t, Ritchie is ready to reconsider the NZB Kiwi as his backup plan. “Of course, (especially) if he fails to run the Waikato Guineas right out,” he said. “Chris Waller has a great record of running a horse at 2000m and going to the Doncaster (Handicap over 1600m) from there, especially with horses who get on the bridle a bit, it just takes the edge off them. And if you’re going to follow anyone’s lead, you might as well follow the best. “It’s four weeks from the Waikato Guineas to the Kiwi. Our options are still open. If we can do a deal with a slotholder, that would be nice, but we need to sit down on Sunday, have a look at the Waikato Guineas sectionals and see which way we press. We have a talented horse and that’s a good start.” Ritchie and Murray will also produce last-start Pukekohe maiden winner Alaskan (NZ) (Niagara) stakes company at Te Rapa on Saturday, the Dick Karreman-bred and raced Niagara filly tackling the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m). “It’s a small but sweet race but there’s some talent in there,” Ritchie said. “I see her as a real Oaks filly. She’ll be right at her best when she gets to a mile and a half. They can be tricky races when you get small fields. A sit-and-sprint won’t suit her because she’s a deadset stamina-based staying filly and she’ll be at her best when she gets to Trentham. “She’s a lighter-framed filly and she’ll have just this one and one more before the Oaks. We just want to see her hitting the line nicely this weekend.” View the full article

Opaki mare Ruby Rocks (NZ) (Burgundy) will be seeking back-to-back stakes victories when she heads to Tauherenikau on Waitangi Day to contest the Listed Clubs NZ Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The eight-year-old daughter of Burgundy was victorious in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m) at Trentham when first-up last month and has been freshened ahead of Thursday’s mile. “They left her alone (last start),” owner-breeder-trainer Roger Allen said. “If she gets another soft run like that and they leave her alone out in front, she will be hard to catch again. “I gave her a week off and then she has just been doing light work. She is thriving, she is getting better with age.” Allen is looking forward to tackling a stakes contest on their backdoor step, and said Ruby Rocks loves the Wairarapa track. “She seems to like the distance, but she just loves the Tauherenikau track,” he said. “We went down to Tauherenikau for a gallop (on Monday) and she flew around there.” Following Thursday, Allen is looking to return to Tauherenikau with Ruby Rocks in a fortnight to tackle the Wairoa Cup (2050m). Meanwhile, Allen will line-up four other runners on Thursday’s undercard, including Slice O’ Paradise (NZ) (Alamosa) in the NZB Mega Maiden Series Maiden (1600m), Touch O’Paradise (NZ) (Alamosa) in the Kuripuni Sports Bar And TAB Maiden (2050m), and Written in Rock (NZ) (Wrote) and Subtle Time (NZ) (Time Test) in the Chatham Islands Jockey Club Maiden (1000m). “I am quite confident with Slice O’ Paradise and Touch of Paradise,” Allen said. “The two three-year-olds are still quite green and it will be nice to give them a run, it is only 1000m.” View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Matt Ballesty to the position of CEO, effective 5 March 2025. Ballesty is a highly respected senior executive who has more than 30 years’ experience in high performance leadership as well as strategic commercial development and execution. “This is a homecoming,” said Ballesty of taking on the new role. “I’ve been passionate about racing for a long time as both an enthusiast and an owner and I can’t wait to get stuck into the hard work of further developing thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.” Ballesty has a vast commercial career, and although a New Zealand-Australian citizen, has held a number of senior executive roles internationally across Australia, Macau and Canada. Matt has also undertaken studies at the New Zealand Institute of Directors and was a board member with Heart of the City Auckland NZTR Chair Russell Warwick said Ballesty’s unique skill set makes him ideal to lead the organisation. “The racing industry is going through a period of significant change and Matt is the perfect candidate to ensure that every person contributing to the industry continues to play a key role in the future,” Warwick said. “This appointment is about securing the legacy of the racing industry in the long term. We could not be happier to have someone of Matt’s calibre holding the reins at this critical point.” In addition to his impressive corporate background, Ballesty has also demonstrated his strength in connecting key stakeholders across every part of the businesses he has worked in. “The success of the racing industry has always been built on the hard work done at a grassroots level by generations of Kiwis,” said Ballesty. “What excites me most is the opportunity to meet the people around the country who contribute to making the racing industry what it is today. Everyone from the breeders, trainers, owners and jockeys, right through to the clubs, play a critical role in creating a vibrant community and sport that continues to excel on the global stage.” The arrival of Ballesty was also welcomed by Dean Shannon, the Chief Executive for Entain Australia and New Zealand, a key strategic partner for NZTR. “Matt is a genuinely good human who’s fully committed to ensuring that the racing industry reaches its full potential in New Zealand,” said Shannon. “We can’t wait to see what he brings to the table in the coming years.” View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Southside Racing Pakenham – 420 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3810 When Thursday, February 6, 2025 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse hosts yet another Thursday night meeting this week. With scorching temperatures in the leadup and a warm forecast for race day, the early Good 4 track rating will likely be upgraded to a Good 3 at some point. The rail will be out 3m for the entire circuit, with the action getting underway at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Proved The Enver Jusufovic-trained Proved returns from a short eight-week let-up and looks poised to continue her undefeated start to her career. The Time Test mare is a natural front-runner and has drawn perfectly for her return from barrier one. Carleen Hefel will have no issue holding the rail in the field of seven, and if she can get an easy time of it over the 1000m, Proved should be good enough to justify her favouritism with Blondebet. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Proved (1) 4yo Mare | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Carleen Hefel (60kg) Next Best at Pakenham: Stay Silent Stay Silent returns to Melbourne after an eye-catching run in a $250,000 maiden on the Sunshine Coast, where he produced the quickest final 200m over the 1400m. The three-year-old gelding was beaten 2.8 lengths but was making up good ground on the back of a genuine tempo. Pakenham looks like it will suit the son of Deep Field perfectly, and from barrier eight, Ben Allen should have a back to follow when the whips are cracking. Next Best Race 6 – #6 Stay Silent (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Leon, Troy & Will Corstens | J: Ben Allen (59kg) Best Value at Pakenham: Champagne Jenni Champagne Jenni is set to resume from a four-month spell, and if she produces anything like what she did in her first campaign, she presents great value with horse racing betting sites. The three-year-old filly raced without much luck during her two starts in the spring but continued to hit the line strongly. Craig Newitt will have the National Defense filly towards the rear of the field, but with a well-timed sprint, Champagne Jenni has the ability to overhaul her rivals. Best Value Race 4 – #9 Champagne Jenni (12) 3yo Filly | T: Alexander Rae | J: Craig Newitt (57kg) Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections February 6, 2025 4-5-7-12 6-12 2-3-4-6 1-5-7-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article