Wandering Eyes

It felt as though Triston Moodley had an angel on his shoulder as he steered Beetlegeuse (NZ) (Rageese) to victory in the Northland Business Systems (1600m) at Ruakaka on Saturday. A son of Rageese, Beetlegeuse was bred by Windsor Park Stud co-owner Gina Schick, who races the four-year-old in the care of Sam Mynott. Just over a month ago, tragedy struck the Schick family, with 10-year-old Jimmy losing his life in an ATV accident. In the maiden contest, Moodley wore the familiar Windsor Park colours – including Jimmy’s favourite cap, and his mount was full of running early as they took up the pacemaking role. Beetlegeuse travelled beautifully, and after kicking clear at the top of the straight, he was never in danger, saluting by two lengths over Embossed. Despite closing at nearly $40, Mynott had been quietly confident in the gelding, who was third-up this preparation. “I was actually quite confident with him, his work has been outstanding and he was quite unlucky in his first up run, then just didn’t cop the wet track at Tauranga” she said. “I was pretty happy with the way he was going, I was just praying for a semi-decent track to give him a go on, which we got up there on Saturday. “I left it up to Triston, but I wanted to be nearer to the front, whether we led or not was up to him. It worked out well and he gave him a beautiful ride – he made all the right decisions.” Mynott shared that much of Beetlegeuse’s race preparation had come at the Windsor Park property in Cambridge, making it very much a team effort. “It was very special, the horse wore Jimmy’s cap which was pretty cool and it was super to get this win for Gina,” she said. “His last three gallops were on the beautiful grass track out at Windsor Park, and there has been a lot of people involved with him, so it was a fitting result. “He came to me towards the end of last year, he had a few little issues that we were able to iron out. He had to have surgery to get an infected tooth pulled out, which set us back a couple of months, so we’ve been patient with him. “Fair play to Gina for giving him that time, and for trusting me that he was worth carrying on for.”Out of an unraced Niagara mare Rose Grace, Beetlegeuse was Mynott’s 16th winner of the season from just 92 starters. View the full article

David Greene has enjoyed a multitude of success with the progeny of Songbird, and that continued at Ruakaka on Saturday with Free Bird (NZ) (Tarzino) breaking maiden status in the Ruakaka Your Best Bet In Winter (1200m). A half-sister to Greene’s first Group winner Stolen Dance (NZ) (Alamosa), Free Bird showed promise at the trials, before placing in her first start in early January. She followed up that effort with a sixth placing, and was subsequently sent for a break before returning in the far north. In a market largely dominated by Top Dollar, Free Bird jumped at $14.80 under Vinnie Colgan, who pressed forward from the gate and eventually settled off the fence in sixth. With blinkers on for the first time, Hard Attack was full of running and led the field up to the home corner, where he found a decent kick and gave his rivals plenty to chase. It looked like Hard Attack may hold on, but coming charging down the centre was Free Bird, who had the upper hand on another late closer in Kudos to take the opener by a head. The daughter of Tarzino was coming out of a fourth-placed trial effort behind Chicago Dream, who had his turn in the winner’s circle in the following race. “She trialled okay at Auckland, but David Greene talked her up a bit and was quietly confident I think,” Colgan said. “The race worked out quite well for me, I ended up six-back and one-off, and able to improve early. It was a fairly long run up the straight and she was pretty green, there’s lots of improvement to come from the outing today.” Greene had thought the six-furlong journey would prove too sharp for his charge, but was rapt to be proven wrong. “I thought 1200m would be too short for her today, but 10 out of 10 on the ride there from Vinnie,” he said. “There was genuine speed on there and she finished off like a tough horse, like we know all of the horse’s out of the mare are. “She’s a hard one to have all her own conditions, she doesn’t want the track too hard or too wet, so it was a nice in-between track here today.” Bred by Dane and Jenna McLeod, Free Bird is out of an unraced Black Minnaloushe mare Songbird, of whom produced the Group One-winning Stolen Dance as her first foal. Of her remaining five foals to race, four have been winners, including Finest Wine, who finished fourth in a Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) in Greene’s care. The McLeod’s race the filly in an ownership group that includes a number of their family members, including successful owner Gerald Shand. View the full article

Ashley Dascombe couldn’t have dreamed for a better start to his riding stint in New Zealand, guiding Our Daymo (NZ) (Zed) to victory on his opening day at the races at Trentham. The Englishman arrived in the country just over a month ago, and basing himself with accomplished trainer Raymond Connors, he was presented with a golden opportunity aboard the hurdle debutant, who was a two-time winner on the flat in just nine starts. In conditions beyond the point of a Heavy 10, Our Daymo closed a $2.90 second-favourite behind Quid and jumped from the inside barrier, where Dascombe allowed him to settle as Main Street took up the pacemaking role. He continued to bide his time along the back straight and started to move into contention at the 600m, drawing level with Quid over the third to last fence. The pair would fight it out all the way down the straight, and just when Quid looked to have the upper hand, a tough Our Daymo fought back to get up by a nose. A mud-splattered Dascombe was thrilled with the result, and reflecting on the run, everything went in his favour. “That was the heaviest ground I’ve ever ridden on, heavy would be an understatement,” he said. “We walked the track all the way around and the stick was going half-way into the ground. “He (Our Daymo) went perfectly, we got to where we wanted to be on the rail. Getting him settled and jumping well was the main objective, considering it was his first time over hurdles. “They kicked on quite a bit along the back, but it was a bit early for me to go, so I sat and waited for him until we turned in. He kept finding and finding down the straight, it was unbelievable really. “A massive thank you to Raymond for letting me ride the horse, I’m very grateful to him for the opportunity.” The Trentham meeting was one to remember for Dascombe and his English counterparts, with Will Featherstone claiming a drama-filled maiden steeplechase with Hey Hey Hey, and Joshua Parker continuing his formidable association with Billy Boy to win the Aztech Engineering Wellington Hurdle (3200m). Similar to both Featherstone and Parker, Dascombe had experience in point-to-point racing in the United Kingdom before taking his chance in the Kiwi industry. “I starting out hunting when I was young,” he said “My godfather, Ben Parker, was the farrier at Phillip Hobbs Racing during that time, and I would go in with in to the stable and hold the horses for him. “From there, I went for one week of work experience and was hooked, and Mr Hobbs and Johnson White allowed me to come in on Saturday mornings and during school holidays to ride out. I went on to the British Racing School and was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship at PJH, which I loved and I can’t thank Mr Hobbs and Johnson White enough for taking me on. “After three years, I decided to move on to Chris Barber’s, who is a successful point to point trainer. I was there for a season, and gained more experience especially with young horses. “For the next two years, I went on to different yards to ride out around the southwest area, before hearing about the opportunity to come out to New Zealand, which I’ve always wanted to do. “I decided to do it, and I’m loving it.” Working out of Connors’ Bulls property, Dascombe is looking forward to seeing more of the country, particularly heading down south during Grand National Week. “I’ve been here since the 27th of May and I’m based with Raymond, he’s a very good trainer and I’m working for him here every day,” he said. “It means a lot for him to trust me with horses like Our Daymo, especially after he won one of the biggest flat races this year with Trav (Gr.2 Auckland Cup, 3200m). “While I’m here, I’m looking forward to going down to Christchurch and spending some time there before I go back to England. But, riding anywhere is a great opportunity.” View the full article

Driver Penalty B Munro | NZ Metropolitan 27 June; use of whip; suspended 28 June – 13 July inclusive. Trainer Penalty R & J Dunn | NZ Metropolitan 27 June; incorrect gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties MR WONDERFUL | Waikato Bay of Plenty 24 June; late scratching after falling in score up; must complete trial. HEZ BLESSED | Winton 26 June; lame; veterinary clearance required. BROOKIES PLAYER | Winton 26 June; atrial fibrillation; veterinary clearance including ECG required and must complete trial. JACCKA ELVIS | Winton 26 June; soft palate displacement; veterinary clearance required. ALWAYS BE MATTIE | Auckland 27 June; lame; veterinary clearance required. CARRERA VAMOS | NZ Metropolitan 27 June; broke in running; must complete trial. The post 23-29 June 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

David Eustace hasn’t left a Sha Tin meeting empty-handed since mid-May and the trainer looks well placed to continue his hot run at Tuesday’s Hong Kong Reunification Raceday. Successful for the sixth straight Sha Tin meeting when banging in a double on Saturday, Eustace has a strong hand in Tuesday’s Class Two Hong Kong Reunification Cup (1,400m) thanks to the airborne Light Years Charm and the consistent Swift Ascend. Light Years Charm chases a third straight victory after a pair of...View the full article

Rider Penalties A Lawson-Carroll | Auckland 25 June; use of whip; fined $400. B May | Canterbury 26 June; use of whip; suspended 30 June – 6 July inclusive. S Collett | Whangarei 28 June; use of whip; suspended 7-17 July inclusive. Y Okubo | Whangarei 28 June; use of whip; fined $350. J Nishizuka | Whangarei 28 June; medical clearance required. D Parker | Wellington 28 June; incompetent riding; suspended 7-27 July inclusive. J Parker | Wellington 28 June; incompetent riding; suspended 6-26 July inclusive. M Roustoby | Wellington 28 June; incompetent riding; suspended 29 June – 19 July inclusive. S Fannin | Wellington 28 June; use of whip; fined $400. Trainer Penalties E Hocquard | Non raceday dated 23 June; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $1,800. M & K Murdoch | Auckland 25 June; incorrect gear; fined $50. D Walsh | Canterbury 26 June; incorrect gear; fined $50. Horse Penalties CHILLI CON KHAN | Auckland 25 June; late scratching after dislodging rider in preliminary; must complete trial. MACCEDES | Canterbury 26 June; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. MUSKETEER | Canterbury 26 June; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. NO PLAN BE | Whangarei 28 June; late scratching after becoming fractious in barrier; must complete trial. ZEEFA ZED | Wellington 28 June; leg injury; veterinary clearance required. Protests KING OF HEARTS | Waverley 10 April; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. SMUG | Wellington 28 June; took incorrect course; disqualified from 1st. CATCH AND RELEASE | Wellington 28 June; took incorrect course; disqualified from 5th. FABULOUS NANCY | Wellington 28 June; took incorrect course; disqualified from 6th. General The OTAGO RC meeting scheduled for 29 June was abandoned due to the track conditions. The post 23-29 June 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

2024 Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan took an early lead under Sofia Vives and hung on to win despite bearing out badly in the lane of the $171,337 Highlander Stakes (G2T), one of five graded stakes June 28 at Woodbine.View the full article

An unexpected victory by Roll On Big Joe dethroned a four-race win streak for Booth and foiled Durante's attempt at a longshot victory at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's Mindframe pressed a slow early pace then proved best in the lane to defeat a star-studded field in the $940,000 Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) June 28 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Brilliant Berti's late-running score over stablemate Taking Candy provided trainer Cherie DeVaux a satisfying exacta in the $499,250 Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) June 28 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

NEVADA BEACH (c, 3, Omaha Beach–Morrow Cove, by Yes It's True), one of three initially entered for trainer Bob Baffert in Saturday's Los Alamitos Derby, led in his stablemate Varney (Vekoma) to earn his first black type. Favored at 2-5 after the scratch of Tiz Secure (Maximum Security) brought the field size down to four, Nevada Beach quickly hooked up with Varney through the early stages and it was clear into the turn that the stablemates were far superior. With Varney stuck down inside unable to keep up, Nevada Beach was kept to task through the final sixteenth and won going away while geared down over a strung-out group. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0. O-Pegram, Michael E., Watson, Karl and Weitman, Paul; B-Paul Tackett Revocable Trust, Phil Tackett Estate & Christy Tackett; T-Bob Baffert. Sales History: $260,000 ylg '23 KEESEP. The Omaha Beach (@SpendthriftFarm) colt #5 NEVADA BEACH ($2.80) won the $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby with ease, giving trainer Bob Baffert his ninth consecutive win in the race. @JJHernandezS19 was in the irons. pic.twitter.com/mZD14L6lo2 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 The post Nevada Beach Tops Baffert Exacta In Los Alamitos Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna's jockey Brain Hernandez Jr. comments after win in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, June 28.View the full article

Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's Mindframe pressed a slow early pace then proved best in the lane to defeat a star-studded field in the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) June 28 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Claiborne Stallion Seasons and Bloodstock Manager Jacob West speaks on Mindframe's win the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, June 28. View the full article

Though the grandstand remains quiet during the off-season at Keeneland, the racetrack does not, as trainers' barns grow and flourish with the continuous arrival of 2-year-olds ready to take the next step towards debuting as fully-fledged racehorses. It's a time of year filled with a sense of excitement for what's to come as trainers, owners and fans alike brim with the anticipation of watching who might develop into future stars. This feeling is one that seems to reverberate most throughout Cherie DeVaux's barn following the recent arrival of one very special trainee: Nymue (War Front), the final foal out of the great champion Zenyatta (Street Cry {Ire}). After receiving her early training at April Mayberry's farm in Ocala, a facility run by a family that has overseen the breaking and training of Zenyatta and all of her progeny, the 2-year-old filly Nymue arrived at DeVaux's barn three and a half weeks ago. “For any 2-year-old that comes in to us, we want to make sure that the transition is as smooth as it can be. It's a whole different ballgame when they come from the farm and come in here because they're in such a different environment. So we really try to just let them get acclimated to a different lifestyle,” explained DeVaux. “The first day she came in, she was standing at the front of the stall wide-eyed and really not knowing what to do. But when she got out to the track, she understood what was going on. She's super, super smart, so now she knows training is a little bit later, she takes her morning nap and knows when feed time is coming. So, she knows what to expect.” Nymue at Keeneland | Sara Gordon Nymue arrived to the DeVaux barn with fellow Mayberry Farm graduate Shuggy (Twirling Candy), the first foal out of Zenyatta's oldest daughter Zellda (Medaglia d'Oro), who was retained by owner Ann Holbrook Moss after scratching from the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training back in April. The Zenyatta daughter and grandson pair have been training in company in the mornings, which has helped both acclimate to the hustle and bustle that comes with life at the racetrack. Despite being a June foal, Nymue has grown well into her own, standing at an estimated 16.3 hands. With her age and size in mind, DeVaux has continued what the Mayberrys started by easing the filly into her training with a practice of mindful patience. “She had a very deep foundation as far as fitness goes, but now we have to bring her along slowly as far as the speed work goes. That's very important when it comes to bone growth and generation,” said DeVaux. Within the past week, DeVaux kicked it up a notch with Nymue. Though the trainer didn't ask for a whole lot more than what has been expected since her arrival, the filly delivered plenty, and then some. “For a filly that has only had a couple of leg stretchers, her open gallop was what some horses breeze. I went and saw our early 2-year-olds and they were struggling to do just half of what she was doing, and [Nymue] did it with ease. Every horse is an individual, so you're trying not to put the cart before the horse, but it shows there's a lot in there,” said DeVaux. “When you have a big horse like that, they're naturally going to be faster. But it's not about time, it's about how she does it, so we'll do a lot of these exercises for her before we see a formal published breeze. We have to make sure she has the foundation.” Nymue's arrival in DeVaux's barn, alongside Shuggy, marks a new era for Holbrook Moss, who campaigned Zenyatta with her late ex-husband, Jerry. It will be Holbrook Moss's first foray into solo ownership, which she is proudly embracing with a new stable name–AHHA Stables–represented by custom black silks with a white star, which she designed herself. After sending Zenyatta's first four foals of racing age to the West Coast to train under John Shirreffs, who also conditioned their dam, Holbrook Moss made the decision to keep Nymue on the East Coast to take advantage of the racing opportunities, particularly in Kentucky and New York. Nymue outside of Shuggy | Sara Gordon “I interviewed several trainers and just clicked with Cherie. She's married to David [Ingordo], who purchased Zenyatta [as a yearling], and she's been living with Zenyatta all around her for quite a while now. I think she really understands the opportunity and sees it as a continuing story for Zenyatta, and that's the best you can ask for, right? It's the enthusiasm and brilliance that she has,” said Holbrook Moss. “With Cherie, I get to go see Zenyatta and the family [in Kentucky], and Nymue and Shuggy are right there too. I want to be on this side of the country. In the 70s, I lived in New York, and now I'm in my 70s, and I thought, 'I want to be in New York, too,' which is so good on so many levels.” For DeVaux, the care and oversight of Zenyatta's final foal is a responsibility that she does not take lightly. But in that responsibility, there is also immense pride and appreciation for the opportunity Holbrook Moss has given her. “She really put a lot of thought and process into her decision making and ultimately thought that this would be the best fit. It's really an honor. It was emotional. I was a big fan of Zenyatta, one of the many, and I do feel that there's a level of respect with every one [of her progeny]. You have to approach them as an individual,” reflected DeVaux. “You have a responsibility to the filly, to the fans, and most importantly to Ann, to give Nymue the best chance possible. I'm excited and emotional, but ultimately honored to train a filly like this.” Joining Holbrook Moss in this new chapter as her stable's manager is none other than Todd Claunch, a good friend of Holbrook Moss's who previously worked as the farm manager of Lane's End Farm, Zenyatta's home, before retiring after a 34-year career with the farm this past December. It's a role fitting for a man that accomplished so much during his tenure, and one that Holbrook Moss describes as Zenyatta's “best friend.” “When he retired, I said, 'How do we stay involved?' So, it naturally just evolved into a situation where now he's my racing manager and I'm thrilled to have him. He has a beautiful heart, so I'm really tickled that he's helping us out,” said Holbrook Moss. “Zenyatta loves Todd, that's her boyfriend. For as long as she's been there, he would go to see her first thing in the morning and right before he would leave the farm. She just loves him.” Though Holbrook Moss plans to campaign her homebreds, she has also joined a partnership for the first time, buying into a couple of horses with the Terranova family. “I love the horses. Zenyatta was the most amazing gift. When David purchased her [as a yearling], it was the same year Giacomo won the [GI] Kentucky Derby. That was a really big year and it's just been a gift all along the way,” said Holbrook Moss. “Zenyatta is an extraordinary being. She continues to touch people's hearts and uplift them. This is her legacy.” On Saturday, Nymue and Shuggy loaded onto a van bound for Saratoga Race Course, where they will continue their training throughout the summer. The horses will be stabled in DeVaux's barn on the Oklahoma training track side in the barn formerly occupied by recently retired Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Nymue (outside) and Shuggy work | Sara Gordon “Nobody is in a hurry and Ann is wonderful about being patient, as they were with Zenyatta, and there's no pressure on us. We have to let the filly tell us how to go. I have a feeling we'll open gallop her and she's going to have a published work without even trying, because she's just a naturally big and fast filly,” said DeVaux. Though Nymue will be the last foal out of Zenyatta to dance across the racetrack, marking a bittersweet moment for all of those connected to the beloved Hall of Fame mare, it remains a pivotal moment for Holbrook Moss, who embarks on a new venture with a renewed sense of excitement. “I just can't explain to you how blessed I feel. I have felt that every moment that I've been in the horse industry, around the horses, and with the horses, celebrating them and their achievements. And Nymue is absolutely another gift.” The post Holbrook Moss And DeVaux Embark On New Chapter With Nymue, Zenyatta’s Final Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's not often considered a head-scratching race when a reigning Canadian Horse of the Year wins over a strong field that includes two other Canadian champions, but that's exactly what happened Saturday in the GII Bet365 Highlander Stakes at Woodbine. Sure, 4-5 choice Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) won, just like he was supposed to, but it was the manner in which he won–veering out badly–that left perhaps more questions than answers. As a precaution after pulling up, he was vanned back to his barn and examined by veterinarians. It was quickly discovered Patches O'Houlihan suffered a soft-tissue injury. No long-term prognosis was immediately available, but the gelding and fan favorite was reportedly resting comfortably. In his first start of 2025, Patches O'Houlihan won the 5 1/2-furlong Thorncliffe Stakes by four lengths, setting a new synthetic track record of 1:02.28 at Woodbine while getting a 108 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest of the year to date in North America on synthetic. He then missed a scheduled start in the GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes when he spiked a fever, but he missed little training time. The gelding switched to the grass for the Highlander, a surface which had netted a previous win for him on the GII Nearctic Stakes last October. In addition to his Horse of the Year title, Patches O'Houlihan has twice been named Canada's champion male sprinter. He's won nine black-type events, six graded. In the Highlander, Patches O'Houlihan went right to the front, as is his custom, while last-out GI Jaipur Stakes second My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) chased from second. The champ set a first quarter pace of :22.13, but going into the turn, regular rider Sofia Vives looked uncomfortable, as if she were applying the brakes, with her arms and legs extended far in front of her torso. 'Patches' veered out just after he rounded the turn, opening up a huge hole to his inside, which My Boy Prince took advantage of and quickly looked as if he might catch the eventual winner, eventually getting within a head. Down the stretch, Patches O'Houlihan continued to drift badly–finally running closer to the grandstand than the rail–but held sway by a neck and a huge heart as My Boy Prince also drifted and swapped to his wrong lead. While all eyes were on the first two, the eventful race concluded with MGSW Dresden Row (Lord Nelson), who was supplemented to the Highlander, in third, giving the three Canadian champions the trifecta. Pedigree Notes: Patches O'Houlihan is one of six black-type winners–two graded–for Reload, a son of Hard Spun who stands at Northern Dawn Stables in Ontario. The Highlander winner and runner-up are both out of daughters of Silent Name (Jpn), who also stands in Ontario at Adena Springs North. Maythefourthbwithu has a 2-year-old colt by Souper Speedy and a yearling full-brother to Patches O'Houlihan. All have been bred by Frank D. Di Giulio, Jr., for whom Patches O'Houlihan campaigns as a homebred. #5 PATCHES O'HOULIHAN ($3.60) drifted through the stretch but still couldn't be beaten in the $200,000 Highlander Stakes (G2) at @WoodbineTB. @SofiaLVives was aboard the five-year-old Reload gelding for trainer Robert Tiller. pic.twitter.com/S3fMQrtVXU — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 Saturday, Woodbine BET365 HIGHLANDER S.-GII, C$234,400, Woodbine, 6-28, 4yo/up, 6fT, 1:08.39, gd. 1–PATCHES O'HOULIHAN, 124, g, 5, by Reload 1st Dam: Maythefourthbwithu, by Silent Name (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Cat's Calling, by Caller I. D. 3rd Dam: Jazzie Jagua, by Tom Cat O/B-Frank D. Di Giulio, Jr. (ON); T-Robert P. Tiller; J-Sofia Vives. C$144,000. Horse of the Year-Can, Ch. Male Sprinter (twice)-Can, Lifetime Record: 16-13-1-0, $853,848. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–My Boy Prince, 120, g, 4, Cairo Prince–Hopping Not Hoping, by Silent Name (Jpn). (C$115,000 Ylg '22 CANSEP). O-Gary Barber; B-Murray Graham Smith (ON); T-Mark E. Casse. C$48,000. 3–Dresden Row, 122, c, 4, Lord Nelson–Elle Special, by Giant's Causeway. ($11,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $70,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-True North Stable and Bloom Racing Stable (Jeffrey Bloom); B-TCR Ranch (KY); T-Lorne Richards. C$22,000. Margins: NK, 3, HD. Odds: 0.80, 2.25, 8.70. Also Ran: Playmea Tune, Niagara Skyline, Old Chestnut. Scratched: Its Time to Shine, Ms. Tart. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O’Houlihan Injured in Highlander Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unraced since winning the GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland last October, MINARET STATION (c, 3, Instilled Regard–Beau Recall {Ire}, by Sir Prancealot {Ire}) showed no rust off the layoff, firing midstretch to win the American Derby. Now a winner of his last three, the 5-2 second choice split runners in pursuit of loose pacesetter Freedom's Not Free (Omaha Beach) who took the field into the final furlong before a host of challengers drove him down late. Minaret Station, caught in a four-wide surge inside the sixteenth pole, had plenty of response for Cristian Torres to win ahead of Native Runner (Laobon) while Freedom's Not Free lasted for third. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1. O/B-OXO Equine LLC; T-William Walden. Minaret Station and @cristiantorr64 win the American Derby for @wwaldenracing! pic.twitter.com/EMheZruspk — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 28, 2025 The post Minaret Station Takes American Derby Off The Layoff appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thorpedo Anna put to rest any lingering doubts about her talents as a 4-year-old June 28, thundering to her seventh stakes score in the $498,500 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Repole Stable and St Elias Stable's 'TDN Rising Star' MINDFRAME (c, 4, Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense) was his own worst victim in last year's GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes, his inexperience costing him victories in both of those marquee events for the 3-year-old generation. He got the monkey off his back, at least to some extent, when proving best in a thrilling four-way go in the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, and in the GI Stephen Foster Stakes Saturday afternoon, cemented his position as one of the top handicap horses in the country with a one-length defeat of fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) to stamp his ticket to this year's Classic at Del Mar, the same race won en route to a championship by Sierra Leone last fall. 'TDN Rising Star' First Mission (Street Sense) was ridden positively by Luis Saez from gate one and was quickly joined by Mindframe to his outside. Mystik Dan enjoyed the run of the race hugging the fence from just behind the pace, while Sierra Leone was unsurprisingly void of early speed, waiting for the second half of the race to deliver his best. First Mission continued to show the way down the back, but Flavien Prat asked Sierra Leone for some mid-race acceleration and the duo were up into third, three wide outside of Mindframe into the second turn. Positions were unchanged nearing the stretch and when First Mission rolled away from the inside, there was room for a rail-skimming run for Mystik Dan, if good enough. He peaked on his run, but Mindframe still had more to offer, and even though he wanted to lug in–again–at the eighth pole, he fought on bravely for the victory. Sierra Leone looked like he was under a full head of steam approaching the stretch before appearing to idle a bit from third. He, too, lengthened his stride nicely inside the final furlong and was getting to the winner. First Mission outfinished the 2024 Derby winner for third for a noteworthy 'TDN Rising Star' trifecta. Sales history: $600,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 7-5-2-0. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stable; B-R Larry Johnson (MD); T-Todd Pletcher. Mindframe takes the G1 Stephen Foster at @churchilldowns under @iradortiz for trainer Todd Pletcher! @RepoleStable TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/8XAz8KEsYd — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 28, 2025 The post Constitution’s Mindframe Leads Home ‘Rising Star’ Triple In Stephen Foster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a fortunate spark of front-end speed, Serendipity (Street Sense) made every pole a winning one to take her first higher level race in the GIII Selene Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday. A former member of Brad Cox's shedrow, the filly won for that trainer in her debut going two turns on the grass at Gulfstream Park Mar. 23. Forced to run on the main track at the Big A May 9, the bay was a fading runner-up against optional claimers in her next start. Tabbed as the 5-2 second choice here, the daughter of Street Sense blazed out of the gate and took the field into the first turn, while favorite Not Time (Not This Time) was a touch rank in the third position. Serendipity looked like a picture of poise through controlled splits of 50 and change through the first half mile and entering the lane she spurted away. Tiz Her Money (Tiz the Law) tried valiantly to make up ground, but it was not enough in the end as the Josie Carroll trainee hoisted the trophy. “I think she's [Serendipity] an exceptionally nice filly,” said Carroll. “I know her connections all thought the same. It was their opinion she would take to the synthetic and they were spot on. She's come up here and done nothing but train well.” Pedigree Notes: The venerable Street Sense (by Street Cry {Ire}) now has 44 graded scores to his credit, which is led by MGISW & current sparkling sire in his own right McKinzie. The winner's dam produced current 3-year-old filly in-training & 2023 OBS Spring buy Nay V Belle (Midshipman). She foaled a filly by Nyquist last year and was bred to Elite Power for last term. Cafe Belle's own dam is GIII Comley Stakes heroine Snowbell (Tapit), who also claims SW Twice as Sweet (Candy Ride {Arg}). Saturday, Woodbine SELENE S.-GIII, C$152,100, Woodbine, 6-28, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m (AWT), 1:45.22, ft. 1–SERENDIPITY, 118, f, 3, by Street Sense 1st Dam: Cafe Belle, by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Snowbell, by Tapit 3rd Dam: Burmilla, by Storm Cat 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($250,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods; B-Scott Clarke, Reynard Bloodstock, Nicky Drion, S. Murat & Michael B (KY); T-Josie Carroll; J-Rafael Manuel Hernandez. C$90,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $125,386. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Tiz Her Money, 118, f, 3, Tiz the Law–Money Madness, by Rahy. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($45,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $55,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Peter Deutsch; B-RTA Family Trust, George E. Saufley (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. C$30,000. 3–Somethinabouther, 122, f, 3, Mendelssohn–Phantom Proton, by Ghostzapper. ($210,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-X-Men Racing IV LLC, Madaket Stables LLC and SF Racing LLC; B-Stepaside Farm LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. C$15,000. Margins: 2HF, 2HF, 1 3/4. Odds: 2.95, 7.00, 3.20. Also Ran: No Time, Madame Obey, Nata Trouble, Ella It Is, Crystalaire (GB). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #5 SERENDIPITY ($7.90) goes wire-to-wire in the $150,000 Selene Stakes (G3) at @WoodbineTB. This is the first graded win for the three-year-old Street Sense (@DarleyAmerica) filly, who is now 2-for-3 in her career. Rafael Hernandez was aboard for trainer @jcarrollracing. pic.twitter.com/AMOYQSYwL2 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 The post Serendipity Draws Chance Card Early And Wins Woodbine’s Selene appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Woodend Beach trainers Ben and Greg Hope will be looking for some luck with their four runners at today’s Addington meeting. “All runners are a chance with a bit of luck on our side,” said a statement on the Ben and Greg Hope Racing Facebook page. In the main event of the day, race eight, the Lisa Latta Racing ‘Silk Road’ Winter Series Final over 1980m for a good stake of $25,000, the Hope pair Rena and Our Shangri La will need to overcome some tricky draws to compete. Rena ($10.00FF), driven by Gemma Thornley, has drawn the outside of the gate. Coming into today off the back of a strong win last time, the three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven filly will need to be on her game to feature, but does possess the speed to do so. Our Shangri Lana ($7.50FF), driven by Ben Hope, has drawn the outside of the second row and will need luck on her side. Coming into today third up in a campaign, the four-year-old Art Major mare has been building nicely. Other chances in the event include current equal favourites Tremendous Sensation ($5.50FF) with driver Blair Orange and trainer Ken Barron, while Major Performer ($5.50FF) for driver Carter Dalgety and trainer Trent Yesberg, who has been recently gaining some beach air while domiciled with Matt Purvis, looks a strong chance. Grettymac ($3.00FF), a newcomer to the Hope barn, has her first race for the team in race seven, the Thanks To All My Loyal Owners & Staff Handicap Trot over 2600m, driven by Ben Hope. Formerly with Jonny Cox, the six-year-old Majestic Son mare last raced in April this year and has not been seen at trials or workouts since. Randel Huston P ($2.90FF) is the current favourite for trainers Brent and Tim White, driven by Blair Orange, while Deirdre Franco ($8.00FF) looks a trotter in form for trainer Chris Thornley to be driven by regular pilot Gemma Thornley. Kowhai Nugget ($4.80FF) rounds out the Hopes’ chances in race nine, the Thanks Rangiora Equine Services Mobile Pace over 1980m. The five-year-old Sweet Lou gelding did not have things go right at his previous start, but has the draw to use to regain form. Race one gets underway at 1:13pm. View the full article

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 16:10, DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY-G1, €725,000, 3yo, c/f, 12f Field: Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Lazy Griff (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Pride Of Arras (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Puppet Master (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Serious Contender (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Shackleton (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Thrice (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: There is nothing not to like about the chances of Lambourn completing the Derby double, with this track sure to suit even more than Epsom but past experience suggests this is no done deal. Tennessee Stud is one of those certain to enjoy this more conventional circuit, Green Impact comes here a fresh horse spared the stresses of the big tests so far and if Pride Of Arras comes back to his Dante form he poses a genuine danger to the favourite. That isn't even mentioning how much Lazy Griff will appreciate a stiffer stamina test than the Derby and the omnipresent threat from Lambourn's stablemates, which include the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master. Ryan Moore might not need to lead from the front, but as it worked so well for Wayne Lordan in the Blue Riband it could be a case of rinse and repeat. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 17:30, GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €400,000, 4yo/up, 12fT Field: Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Iresine (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}), Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Francis Graffard saddles two leading contenders in this small-but-select field. Calandagan was outwitted by Jan Brueghel in Epsom's G1 Coronation Cup earlier in the month and bids for a Group 1 breakthrough having run second in all four prior starts at the highest level. His Resolute Racing-owned stablemate Goliath, winner of last year's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will head postward coming back off a confidence-boosting victory in ParisLongchamp's G3 La Coupe earlier this month. This stellar renewal also features Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and G1 Prix Vermeille runner-up Aventure and fellow Wertheimer homebred Junko, who has already saluted twice at the highest level. Dual Group 1 winner Iresine completes the quintet. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:55, PRIX EUGENE ADAM-G2, €130,000, 3yo, 10fT Field: Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Parachutiste (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Dumonet (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Sinileo (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Aga Khan Studs homebred Daryz puts his unbeaten record on the line coming back off a wide-margin victory in this month's Listed Prix Ridgway. The operation last won this in 2015 with the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe entry's half-brother Dariyan (Shamardal). Trainer Francis Graffard is also represented by G1 Prix du Jockey Club 10th Parachutiste. The strong overseas challenge includes last year's G2 Champagne Stakes winner Bay City Roller returning off a second to Opera Ballo, his first defeat in four, in last month's Listed Heron Stakes. He is joined by G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes hero Scorthy Champ, who is upped to 10 furlongs for the first time having finished unplaced in both G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Irish 2000 Guineas. Last month's Listed Derby du Midi winner Dumonet is not out of the reckoning while Sinileo will bid to provide Andre Fabre with a record-extending 15th win in the contest. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Lambourn Eyeing Derby Double In Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a strong turn of foot, Tom's Magic (Justify–Dixie Chicken, by Rahy) was tough down the lane to take the Tale of the Cat Stakes at Monmouth on Saturday. Bet down below even-money, the 3-year-old was content to let longshots show the way out of the chute and through the first turn. Heading for home, Tom's Magic gunned his engine and got down to business. The colt seized the lead and the rest in the final furlong was history. Outrunner (American Pharoah) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:42.68. An Ontario-bred, the colt has the potential to be a contender for the King's Plate at Woodbine this summer. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-0. Sales History: $200,000 '23 KEESEP. O-CJ Thoroughbreds and Mo Speed Racing; B-Sean Fitzhenry & Dorothy Fitzhenry (ON); T-Michael Stidham. The post Justify’s Tom’s Magic Conjures Nice Score In Tale Of The Cat At Monmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LUSH LIPS (GB) (f, 3, Ten Sovereigns {Ire})–Lamyaa {GB}, by Arcano {Ire}) came from just off the pace Saturday to post an impressive win in the Tepin Stakes at Churchill Downs. Second in the both GIII Florida Oaks and the GII Edgewood Stakes in her last two starts, the 8-5 favorite left little doubt, coming out of the middle of the pack under Flavien Prat and swinging for home widest of the field to challenge. Longshot Ninth Island (Constitution) gave way at the eighth pole and it was all Lush Lips from there as the daughter of Ten Sovereigns won going away on the line. Lifetime Record: 8-3-3-0. O-Medallion Racing, Weston, Steve, Hoffman, Stewart, Shanahan, Mrs. Paul and Magnier, Mrs. M. V.; B-The Pocock Family; T-Brendan P. Walsh. Sales History: £82,000 ylg '23 GOFFUK. Lush Lips breaks clear and wins the Tepin Stakes for Flavien Prat and Brendan Walsh! pic.twitter.com/eJCtydI2El — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 28, 2025 The post Lush Lips Comes From Off The Pace To Score In Tepin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Erasing the La Troienne loss from everyone's minds, reigning Horse of the Year THORPEDO ANNA (f, 4, Fast Anna–Sataves, by Uncle Mo) got back in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs in Saturday's GII Fleur de Lis Stakes, a 'Win and You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff where she will almost certainly look to defend her title from last year. Facing just four other horses, the 'TDN Rising Star' got off to a clean beginning and sat a cozy second just off Royal Spa (Violence) who handled the tempo through moderate fractions of :23.43 and :47.07. That pair opened up a gap back to the rest of the field with Thorpedo Anna always keeping the pressure on the leader, cruising up alongside midway around the far turn. Royal Spa couldn't go with her and settled for second as the 'Grizzly' came home under wraps, leading in a strung-out group with only Taxed (Collected) making up ground from out the rest of the pack late. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. 3-year-old Filly, MGISW, 14-11-2-0. O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Edwards, Mark, Hicks, Judy B. and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks; T-Kenneth G. McPeek. Sales History: $40,000 ylg' 22 FTKOCT. “She's not done! Not even close!” – @TravisStone THORPEDO ANNA ($2.70) is BACK in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at @ChurchillDowns! @b_hernandezjr piloted her to victory in the @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup Challenge Series Race #WAYI into the Distaff for @KennyMcPeek. pic.twitter.com/1AN5FHoEsX — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 Saturday, Churchill Downs FASIG-TIPTON FLEUR DE LIS S.-GII, $498,500, Churchill Downs, 6-28, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8m, 1:48.52, ft. 1–THORPEDO ANNA, 124, f, 4, by Fast Anna 1st Dam: Sataves, by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Pacific Sky, by Stormy Atlantic 3rd Dam: Aldebaran Light, by Seattle Slew ($40,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks, and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. $308,500. 'TDN Rising Star' Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. 3yo Filly, 14-11-2-0, $5,133,413. *1/2 to McAfee (Cloud Computing), MGSP, $200,880. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Royal Spa, 121, m, 5, Violence–Bodacious Babe, by Mineshaft. O/B-Breffni Farm (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset. $100,000. 3–Taxed, 119, m, 5, Collected–Yankee Union, by Yankee Gentleman. ($27,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $105,000 2yo '22 OBSMAR). O-Richard Bahde; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY); T-Randy L. Morse. $50,000. Margins: 3, 4 1/4, 2 1/4. Odds: 0.35, 3.80, 14.16. Also Ran: Gin Gin, Save Time. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Thorpedo Anna Rebounds With Win In ‘WAYI’ Fleur De Lis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article