Wandering Eyes

Maiden Watch: Week of Jan. 20-Jan. 26View the full article

A little more than a week after he was formally announced as the Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male of 2024, Citizen Bull kicks off his 3-year-old campaign Feb. 1 in the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

At a Jan. 28 Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission meeting, the University of Pennsylvania's Dr. Mary Robinson discussed how artificial intelligence and mathematical algorithms are helping to improve racehorse drug testing in the commonwealth.View the full article

These six horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week (30/1/2025) they head back to the racetrack. Iron Brigade (4g Art Major – Trigirl Brigade) Tr. S & A Telfer Travels to Hawera this Friday for the Stratford Cup (Race 7) on the grass and warmed up for this assignment with a win at the Pukekohe workouts (23/1/25) against two stablemates, Double Jeopardy and Seaside Rose. Trailed in the heat before popping out near the 400m to challenge the leader, kept going strongly to get his head in front close to home MR:2:08.6, 800m in 55.8, 400m in 26.6. Gets a head start over his main rivals and obviously very fit judging by this workout run, a welcome back to junior driver Alicia Harrison who also drove him in the workout. Lewey Maguire (5g Sweet Lou – Miranda Maguire) Tr. S & A Telfer Another of the Telfer team heading to Hawera/Race 8 after trialling successfully at Pukekohe (23/1/25) where he lead three rivals and held on to win narrowly. MR:2:03.6, 800m in 56.4, 400m in 27.2. Starting in Revell Douglas race for Junior Drivers and Kristina Denifostova who drove him in this workout retains the drive on raceday. Punters should note that of his three wins to date, two have been on the grass (Rangiora and Motukarara). Five Crowns (3g Bettor’s Delight – Gladamare) Tr. M & N Purdon Another of the Purdon 3YOs resuming after trialling impressively a week ago at Rangiora (23/1/25) where he trailed mostly then used the passing lane to finish best in a quick time. MR:1:58.0, 800m in 57.3, 400m in 28.7. Hasn’t started since running seventh behind Marketplace in the Harness Millions 2YO Colts and Geldings race back in October but looks well forward judging by the trial performance. Cops a handy draw at Addington this Friday in Race 11 and with the top driver on, he should be at cramped odds for his high profile ownership group. Next Level (4g Bettor’s Delight – Unforgiving) Tr. S Reid Has been in ‘cotton wool’ since running second at the Addington trials (18/12/24) behind race rival Amaretto Franco in a tame affair MR:2:12.4, 800m in 59.5, 400m in 28.8. That quiet run was his first official trial after running a brave fourth in the Group 1 NZ Derby behind We Walk By Faith (who ironically won last week on resumption) in early December. Nothing of that class against him in Addington/Race 4 on Friday night and from a handy draw looks a very strong prospect to add to his career record of three wins from only 10 starts. Riptide (3g Art Major – Bettor Think Twice) Tr. S & A Telfer Multiple trials performer in recent weeks, the latest at Rangiora (23/1/25) where he worked to the lead & held strongly to win MR:2:01.8, 800m in 57.5, 400m in 28.8. Has chosen to debut at Waikouaiti this Sunday (Oamaru on the grass) in Race 3 where he has got a great draw to use with Tim Williams to drive. Dam won four and has already left handy types in Storm (4 wins) & Double Jeopardy (3 wins to date) second dam a Group 1 winner and plenty of other black type performers to recommend this fellow as a promising racehorse. Rakasandy (3g Always B Miki – Rakabeach) Tr. P Hunter Went to the Wyndham workouts (17/1/25) and settled eighth of nine in Indian file, improved over last 1000m and able to secure late 1×1 cover, up to challenge final bend and kept coming to get over the top of his rivals. MR:2:03.5, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 28.40. Debuts this Friday at Invercargill / Race 6 from a wide draw against some promising maidens and while likely to benefit from the experience, looks to have a good motor. Odds should be appealing. View the full article

A colt by Walk In the Park (Ire) proved the most popular during the one-day Tattersalls Ireland Winter Flat and National Hunt Sale on Tuesday. Sold as lot 58, the bay son of Glasgow Allen (Fr) (American Post {GB}) commanded €50,000 from Coolmore's Gerry Aherne. His dam is a half-sister to Muhtathir (GB)'s multiple Grade 1-winning jumper Envoi Allen Fr). After purchasing the yearling from from The Beeches Stud, Aherne said, “The sire continues to break records and this is a very well-bred horse who comes from a great nursery. He was the one we really wanted today and we are delighted to get him. “Plans for him are fluid, we could bring him back for resale or keep him to race, there's plenty of time for him. He was a standout on looks and pedigree today.” Lot 172, a son of Blue Bresil (Fr), made €40,000 on the bid of Anthony Cahill and Martin Dowd. The Walshtown Stables-consigned bay is out of a full-sister to Lord Windermere (Ire) (Oscar {Ire}), a winner of the G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup, as well as a half-sister to a multiple graded-winning jumper in Sub Lieutenant (Ire) (Brian Boru {GB}). “He will come back for the Derby Sale,” said Cahill. “There are a few of us who buy together and my son was on the phone to me driving me on.” The highest-priced filly was a daughter of Affinisea (Ire) and Hollygrove Rumba (Ire) (Indian Danehill {Ire}) (lot 70), who caught the eye of Tuesday's leading buyer Richard Rohan at €38,000. The Ballincurrig House Stud-consigned miss was one of two horses to make that price on the day, as did lot 129, another son of Walk In The Park who went to Kieran Shields from the draft of Hillview Farm. Plans are flexible for the April-born foal, and Rohan said, “Her future is undecided as yet, she might be kept to race or could return to be resold, but we absolutely loved her since we saw her here. “Will has been building up a nice stock of young horses. Not only did I like this filly as an individual, but everything is hot in this pedigree with both Gowel Road (Ire) (Flemensfirth) and her being by Affinisea, too. I really like him as a sire, and he had a Cheltenham Grade 2 winner at the weekend.” “I hope he will be back here for the Derby Sale,” said Shields of the latter. “He is a young foal, but he has a nice outlook, and he is obviously by a top sire. He has good use of himself and is an attractive foal who I hope will make up into a smart three-year-old.” Of the 160 lots offered, 84 (53%) sold for a gross of €893,650. The average was €10,639 (-5%) and the median was €7,500 (+7%). Tattersalls Ireland's CEO Simon Kerins said, “We are delighted to have started the year with our newly named Winter Flat and National Hunt Sale. For the first time, we introduced Flat-bred yearlings to the sale, and this is an area we plan to build upon moving forward. “The trade today was somewhat challenging and highlights the selective nature of the National Hunt market, sustained demand for those that hit the mark and less so for those horses that didn't, a trend that has been consistent across all National Hunt sales over the past 12 months.” The post Walk In The Park Colt Stars At Tattersalls Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced Jan. 28 that Kevin Lavin, who had been vice-chair, has been named chair, replacing Dell Hancock, and Geoffrey Russell has been named vice-chair.View the full article

Tom Abel Smith set up Carrington Bloodstock in 2022 which operates out of Launde Park Farm in Leicestershire. Abel Smith previously worked at Juddmonte and Arrowfield Stud in Australia. He also has a background in polo. He now offers a comprehensive list of services to clients from boarding broodmares and youngstock to foaling and sales preparation. What made you happiest in 2024? Seeing horses going through the sales under our banner for the first time. Bit of a dream come true to be honest. How do you start your day? Bath and coffee. What is the best thing about your job? The horses, they are all different and when they click with you it's some feeling. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be? Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. It just puts me in a good mood. Is there a horse you wish you had bought in 2024? A Naval Crown (GB) filly from Hawes Stud at the Tatts December foals. I loved her, sadly I got out bid as is often the way. Racehorse of 2024 and why? Kyprios (Ire), he is tough and seems to do the job time and time again. Dark horse for the year ahead? Onsmoothoperater, he is owned by a great supporter of mine in Patrick Boyle and is trained by Brian Ellison. He won the G3 Geelong Cup and was 12th in the Melbourne Cup where he just had too much to do. I think there is more to come for a great set of connections. Value stallion for 2025? Perfect Power (Ire), has clearly made his mark already in the sales ring with his first foals. But he was a brilliant horse, a Group 1 winner at two and three. We purchased a filly foal by him and have two mares from the farm going to him. What would make 2025 a good year for you? Healthy foals and I suppose improving on what we have achieved in 2024. What is your motto for life? Dreams don't work unless you do. The post In The Hot Seat: Tom Abel Smith appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple Grade I winner Dr. Schivel (Violence–Lil Nugget, by Mining for Money) was represented by his first foal when Jocosity (Distorted Humor) produced a colt at Drion Thoroughbreds Monday. The foal was bred by Sarah Hinkle, Drion Thoroughbreds, and Alistair Roden. “He has good bone, scope, and size,” Roden said of the colt. “We're definitely breeding a few more mares this year to Dr. Schivel.” The colt is the second foal out of the 6-year-old Jocosity, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Pay for Peace (Silent Name {Jpn}). Campaigned by Red Baron's Barn, Rancho Temescal, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, and William A. Branch, and trained by Mark Glatt, Dr. Schivel won the 2020 GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity and the 2021 GI Bing Crosby Stakes. He was second in the 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint and third in the 2022 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and 2023 Bing Crosby. On the board in 12 of 15 starts, he won seven times and earned $1,347,100. Dr. Schivel stands at Taylor Made Farm for $5,000 S&N. The post First Foal for Dr. Schivel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced Jan. 28 that Kevin Lavin, who had been vice-chair, has been named chair, replacing Del Hancock, and Geoffrey Russell has been named vice-chair.View the full article

A year after its colt No More Time was ruled out of the Kentucky Derby (G1) due to injury, Morplay Racing begins a new quest for the Run for the Roses with Guns Loaded in the Feb. 1 $265,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. View the full article

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.View the full article

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced Jan. 28 that Kevin Lavin, who had been vice-chair, has been named chair, replacing Del Hancock, and Geoffrey Russell has been named vice-chair.View the full article

Delaware Park has made some changes to their stakes schedule in 2025, shifting the Delaware Handicap (G3) to September and debuting the Delaware Derby in June. The meet will run May 14-Oct. 11.View the full article

In the first National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll of 2025, Pegasus World Cup (G1) winner White Abarrio tops Thorpedo Anna for the No. 1 spot.View the full article

If the Kansas City Chiefs need any advice on achieving the historic three-peat come Super Bowl Sunday, they need only ask Dr. John Eaton who, in conjunction with First Row Partners and Team Hanley, achieved the milestone at last Saturday's Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards. As a co-owner of two-time champion sprinter Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) during her racing career (she sold to John Stewart's Resolute Racing for $6,000,000 at FTKNOV in 2023), Eaton was honored Saturday as the breeder of yet another champion sprinter when Straight No Chaser (Speightster) earned the accolade off his win in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint last November at Del Mar. From his home in Montana, Eaton, who has been involved in the racing and breeding industry since the 90's, spoke to what it meant having bred an Eclipse Award winner and how it differed from Goodnight Olive. “It's very exciting,” said Eaton. “The breeding is more satisfying [to me] than buying a horse and winning a Breeders' Cup. That's nice, and it pays a lot of bills to own that horse, but I get as much if not more satisfaction out of breeding a champion.” Straight No Chaser is a result of four generations of Eaton-owned mares dating back to Desireux (Fappiano), a mare whom Eaton purchased from Keeneland November as a 6-year-old in 1998. “With Straight No Chaser and [first dam] Margarita Friday, she's our third generation. It goes back to a mare named Desireux. She was a Fappiano mare that Steve and I purchased and we've been breeding for speed. [Second dam] Smile Maker (Capote) was the next one and then Margarita Friday is by Johannesburg and she's in foal now to Authentic. We have an Omaha Beach that we're probably going to race. And then we have a Practical Joke yearling that's a colt. We usually sell the colts and so he'll probably either go to a yearling sale or a 2-year-old sale. We've been pretty successful with 2-year-old sales. Margarita Friday will go to Gun Runner next year.” Straight No Chaser wins the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint | Horsephotos But Eaton was the first to note that his breeding luck hasn't always been so kind. “I bred a mare, Loma Preata, back in 1998 or 1999 myself. I bought the filly as a racehorse in France and brought her over here. After she was retired, I had a share in Forest Wildcat so I bred her and her first foal was a colt named Var. He was a Group 1 winner and a European champion. And the mare dies the next year. That's the difference between making money in the horse business. That was a tough pill to swallow because every foal after Var was going to be worth a lot of money. It's a great business, but it's a tough business. You have to have thick skin.” The success of Goodnight Olive, both on the track and in sales ring, made that tough pill just a little easier to swallow as First Row Partners reinvested that $6,000,000 back into new stock to head to trainer Chad Brown and Saratoga, where their story began. “[First Row] is a bunch of guys that sit in the front row boxes at Saratoga. We probably had [the box] for 25 or 30 years and we just decided, with the guys next to us, we said let's do a partnership and you know, we've been talking for 25 years and we decided to do it. Then a couple of other guys that have boxes decided to join so now we have six of us. Steve Laymon runs the partnership and he does most of the buying in-person. I help with the pedigrees and the 2-year-old sales. I'll look at all the videos and stuff, but he runs that partnership. With the breeding, he and I have been partners for 25 years or more, just the two of us. We had mares and raced and everything together before the partnership was created. We do have a few mares in the partnership. It was supposed to be just racing and it's gotten out of control,” Eaton says with a laugh. While Goodnight Olive was the first taste of top-level success for First Row Partners, it was hardly the first time the group had tasted victory on the track in their short five-year span. “We've had unbelievable success in [First Row]. We've only had it for five years. We had multiple Grade I winners and then got the two Eclipse Awards and two Breeders' Cups. [Goodnight Olive] was our first Grade I success but we've had several Grade II winners and Grade III winners within that short period of time which is a little unusual. That was an exciting night [when Goodnight Olive sold at FTKNOV]. We probably buy three to five horses a year. And you know you're going to have one every year that's going to be a stakes winner, just to pay the bills. One of them usually pays the bills. So it's not an easy business. We used to buy in the $145,000-$250,000 range. Now, [with the funds from Goodnight Olive], we're probably buying $250,000 to $350,000. But we keep it under control.” Goodnight Olive sells for $6,000,000 at FTKNOV | Fasig-Tipton Eaton recently purchased a home in Saratoga Springs, NY, not just to bring him closer to where his horses spend their summers but also as he looks to take advantage of a lucrative state-bred breeding program. “I'm probably going to move some mares to New York and have New York-breds as its such a great program. Plus, it's enjoyable to be there with the partners and enjoy the success. I haven't been able to really be at most of the races in four or five years now. Short term, I'll be buying some mares for myself to take to New York eventually.” Confidence in the New York-bred program, along with strong purses both there and in Kentucky, has Eaton looking to double down on his investment in the game, even others may be looking to get out. “We're all getting older. And you can't take the money with you so I'm probably going to step up participation at least in the breeding aspect. I wish I was 20 years younger, it would be a lot easier! It's a game of patience. Chad Brown has taught me that. But Kentucky is strong. And New York is so strong. They have a wonderful breeding program. If you're doing the New York-breds, most of the stud fees in New York are pretty cheap. That's the level I'll participate in with my horses probably for the time being until they prove that they're going to be a successful mare. Then I'll probably go to some stallions in Kentucky.” And as for going for the four-peat? “We're just hoping Straight No Chaser stays healthy. He's a very talented horse. It's just about keeping them healthy. We're always looking for the next one.” The post Dr. John Eaton Enjoys A Breeding High As Straight No Chaser Gives Him A Third-Straight Eclipse Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Professional Racing Association (PRA), which claims to represent around 170 trainers in Britain, has reversed its call for its members to refuse television interviews during the race meeting Sandown on Saturday. A statement released on Tuesday read, “The PRA has decided to call off the withdrawal of trainer interviews this Saturday to avoid further public conflict between two organisations that are fundamentally aligned.” The PRA, which was founded by Plumpton racecourse owner and former BHB chairman Peter Savill, had asked for payment from media rights companies in return for access to its trainers on race days. Currently, jockeys receive an annual group fee for TV input which is put towards their insurance scheme. Savill has stressed that “the money would not go to trainers personally – absolutely not”, and instead be used to aid “benevolent causes and the Injured Jockeys Fund, that need funding”. The PRA's proposed action at Sandown had not been supported by the Thoroughbred Group, the umbrella group which represents the Racehorse Owners Association, National Trainers Federation, the Professional Jockeys Association, National Association of Stable Staff and the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, and which is working on its own proposals for new commercial partnerships. A statement from the Thoroughbred Group read, “The sport should be working together to ensure that everybody is remunerated fairly, and any increased contributions should not be helping to fund groups that sit outside of the sport's governance structure. “Thoroughbred Group members are confident that the commercial partnerships proposal that is currently being debated by the industry presents a more constructive blueprint for the growth of the sport.” The PRA has, however, insisted that the interview boycott proposal had put the issue of the unequal distribution of racing's finances in the spotlight. Its statement continued, “Trainers fully understand the positive effect that the media have on our sport and the insinuation that any trainer who supported the withdrawal of interviews might be letting the industry down was therefore disappointing. “The publicity that this issue has attracted has highlighted one of the many inequalities in the distribution of racing's finances. “The main inequality though is the unfair distribution of racing revenue between horsemen and racecourses that filters down from the racecourse into prize-money. This is the PRA's main concern, and we do not want the current issue to deflect from that focus.” It also called for racecourses to treat the sport's participants as partners and for “horsemen and the BHA to demand a seat at the table of all future media rights discussion…so that horsemen finally receive their fair share of those deals and there is no misunderstanding as to how the income will be shared. It is unacceptable that racecourses have excluded them both from these negotiations for so long. “The PRA will continue to intervene where those in the official industry structure are unwilling to do so. Our goal continues to be to have the whole industry working together to increase the income for British racing, but this cannot happen till these imbalances are resolved.” The post PRA Backs Down on Proposed Interview Boycott appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Renee Gleelen/Kit Gow/TTR AusNZ Buyers remained hungry for top quality fillies on Day 3 of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, with Rich Hill Stud's Proisir (Aus) delivering the two top priced lots on the day. Curraghmore continued their super sale, providing two of the most sought after yearlings in the session on behalf of Nearco Stud. Lot 564 – Proisir (Aus) x Donna Marie (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), filly, NZ$1,100,000 The full-sister to champion middle-distance horse Prowess (NZ) (Proisir {Aus}) was always going to command attention when she entered the sales ring, and it was no surprise to see her crack the million-dollar mark when selling to Roger James and Robert Wellwood for NZ$1.1 million in the closing stages of Book 1. Her 2-year-old full-sister, now named Seychelles (NZ), was also a seven-figure lot when walking through this same ring twelve months ago, selling to the NZ$1.6 million bid of Moody Racing. James has found the 2025 renewal of Karaka tough and faced particularly fierce competition when stretching to take home the daughter of Donna Marie (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), who is herself the half-sister to Singapore's Champion 2YO Colt and Champion 3YO Miler Onceuponatime (NZ). “We didn't think we were unrealistic about prices, but we have been this year, and I think it's a reflection of our increased stakes,” he said. Coming off the back of a huge edition of the Karaka Millions raceday, perhaps bidders were a bit more willing to part with their cash to secure the goods. That was certainly the case for the connections of Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}), who added NZ$500,000 to her winnings at the weekend with victory in the Listed Aotearoa Classic. James secured this million dollar filly to race in their ownership. “From the first time I saw her, I thought she was perfect,” James said. “So balanced, I couldn't fault her. Someone, the buyer, who owns Orchestral asked me to rate her out of 10, and I said 10. I could not fault her in any way.” The perfect filly differs a little from dual Group 1-winning Prowess, and that was something that made James fall in love with her even more. “Prowess was a big, rangy filly that we had to wait for, and this filly is so balanced that you could see her doing things at the tail end of her 2-year-old year,” he said. “You could imagine her being a bit of a sprint 3-year-old. “Her attitude is bombproof. I saw her earlier today dead on her feet tired because she's been so popular, but the minute you asked her to walk, she had an overstep of about three inches. She's one filly that is going to give her guts for you.” Bred by Hallmark Stud, the filly's full-sister Prowess has set the tone for the page, as winner of the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes and G1 New Zealand Stakes amongst six stakes wins. Donna Marie's dam Scarlet Runner (NZ) (Kingdom Bay {NZ}) won the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic and is the second dam of three other stakes performers, including G3 Cuddle Stakes runner-up Goodsav (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}). Donna Marie was served again by Rich Hill Stud's Proisir, who stands for NZ$80,000 (+GST), after this filly's birth. At A Glance At the close of trade on the final day of Book 1, the aggregate finished at NZ$75,322,500 down from 2024's gross of NZ$79,585,000, but up from the 2023 figure of NZ$70,063,000. In 2025, 457 lots were sold, which is slightly less than the 473 who changed hands in 2024. The average for the sale in 2025 was NZ$164,819 which is comparable to 2024's figure of NZ$168,257, and a good rise on the 2023 average of NZ$151,980. The median figure dropped again from last year to NZ$110,000, down from NZ$120,000 in 2024 and NZ$130,000 in 2023, however, it is up on 2022's median which came in at NZ$100,000. New Zealand Bloodstock reported a clearance rate of 78%, which is the same as in 2024 and not dissimilar to 2023 (79%) and 2022 (77%). The top-seller on Day 3 was lot 564, a full sister to Prowess (NZ) (Proisir {Aus}) offered by Hallmark Stud, who was knocked down to Roger James and Robert Wellwood for NZ$1.1 million. Last year, Hallmark Stud sold her full-sister for NZ$1.6 million to Moody Racing. The Book 1 sale-topper came on day 2 and was lot 345, a Savabeel (Aus) filly from Symphonic (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}) who is the full-sister to dual Group 1 winner Orchestral (NZ). Offered by Haunui Farm, she was secured by Mulcaster Bloodstock and Chris Waller for NZ$2.4 million. Haunui Farm finished the sale as the leading vendor by aggregate, for the first time. They sold 24 yearlings, netting NZ$6.7 million in receipts. Curraghmore finished the sale as the leading vendor by average (three or more), having sold 18 yearlings for an average of NZ$322,222. They were also the vendor with the highest clearance rate (3 or more sold) at 86%. Champion sire Savabeel was the leading sire by aggregate. He had 35 yearlings make a collective NZ$10,050,000 at an average of NZ$287,000. He was knocked off the leading sire by average by Wootton Bassett (GB) whose nine yearlings sold for an average of NZ$361,000. St Mark's Basilica (Fr) is the leading first-season sire by average (three or more). His seven yearlings sold at an average price of NZ$235,000. Sword Of State (Aus) claimed the freshman honours in terms of aggregate; his 20 yearlings grossed NZ$4 million at an average of NZ$201,000. For the 20th consecutive year, David Ellis was the leading buyer. The Te Akau boss signed for 26 yearlings, spending NZ$4.5 million at an average of NZ$173,000. Lot 637 – Proisir (Aus) x Golden Hind (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), filly, NZ$850,000 Proisir provided the top two lots on the last day of Book 1, which is testament to the quality of his stock year on year. Within the first fortnight of the new year, he added two stakes wins to his record courtesy of Bourbon Empress (NZ) in the G2 Rich Hill Mile on New Year's Day and Whangaehu (NZ) in the G3 Trentham Stakes, with Vegas Queen (NZ) coming second at the weekend in the G3 Almanzor Trophy. The New Zealand Champion Sire in 2022/23 certainly commanded a premium for this filly out of Golden Hind (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), a half-sister to New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock), with Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock's winning bid coming in at NZ$850,000. Hawthorne admitted he ended up in a bit of a “bidding duel” over her, and it was a relief to hear the auctioneer's gavel come down. “(She's a) lovely, lovely filly,” he said. “We know how good Tavistock mares are. I think she is a nice sort of 1400-metre, miler filly. Tavistocks throw speed, you can get a fast horse out of a Tavistock mare. “Once she matures, she'll really come in to what we think (of her). I don't think she will be a flying 2-year-old, but I think she will be a nice Guineas filly.” The late Tavistock (NZ) has eight stakes winners to his name as a broodmare sire, and 58 winners from 114 foals from his daughters to start. Chief among those stakes winners is the perennial Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars {Aus}), who added the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes and G1 Cantala Stakes to his record in the spring. Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) is the other Group 1 winner from Tavistocks daughters, who won the G1 Telegraph Stakes amongst six career victories. “She will be for the GSA Racing team,” Hawthorne said. “Where she goes, we don't know (yet).” Bred by Nearco Stud and presented by Curraghmore, the filly is the first foal from the unraced Golden Hind (NZ), who is also a half-sister to G3 Kelt Memorial Handicap winner Ringo (NZ) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), and is closely related to G1 Victoria Derby-placed stallion Gorky Park (NZ). Golden Hind was covered again by Proisir after this filly's birth. Lot 628 – Sword Of State (Aus) x Fuld's Bet (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), colt, NZ$540,000 Cambridge Stud's Sword Of State (Aus) delivered the top-priced colt on the third day at Karaka, falling to the bid of Mulberry Racing for a tick over half a million dollars. He comes well-credentialled, as a son of Listed Gimcrack Stakes winner Fuld's Bet (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), who has already produced the G3 Northland Breeders Stakes-placed I'm All In (NZ) (Zoustar {Aus}). New South Wales-based trainer Brad Widdup spotted the colt early in the sale and circled him as one to take home for the Mulberry Racing team. “He was one of the colts that we found pretty early in the sale and we wanted to buy him,” Widdup said. “I didn't think we would have to go that hard, but it's nice to secure him, by a nice young stallion off of a great farm, so hopefully we can make him a racehorse. “He does actually look like a horse that will get up and running (early), he looks like a real Snitzel-speed type of horse. Let's hope he's got the quality. Obviously we had to dig deep to buy him, so it's a great effort by all.” Sword Of State has been well received at the first two sales to see his progeny so far, averaging 16 times his service fee (excluding GST) at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and averaging 13.4 times across all three days of Book 1. He saved the best for last, with this being his most expensive yearling at Karaka. He stands for NZ$15,000 (+GST) at Cambridge Stud. Bred and sold by Cambridge Stud, this filly has big boots to fill. All three of Fuld's Bet's foals to hit the track have come home winners, and she has plenty of blacktype around her, as she is a half-sister to R. Listed Inglis Nursery winner Irish Bet (Aus) (Smart Missile {Aus}), who accumulated HK$3.6 million (A$739,000) in prize money racing as Hong Kong Bet, and G1 Queensland Derby runner-up Rockstar Rebel (Aus) (Rebel Raider {Aus}). The family also features G1 Canterbury Guineas-placed stallion Cheval De Troy (Aus). Fuld's Bet delivered another filly by Sword Of State in November. Lot 579 – Savabeel (Aus) x Embedded (Aus) (Shamus Award {Aus}), filly, NZ$450,000 Champion sire Savabeel (Aus)'s progeny have continued to be in high demand across Book 1, and this filly is no exception. Trent Busuttin, who purchased the lot in conjunction with training partner Natalie Young and Cameron Cooke Bloodstock, was pleased to take one home at this price. “Obviously (she's) just by the right sire, Savabeel, he has a just outstanding record,” he said. No need to pump him up.” Busuttin and Young have had plenty of success with the progeny of Waikato Stud's champion, most notably with multiple Group 1-winning Sangster (Aus), so it makes sense to return to such a lucrative well for another drink. “She's a beautiful filly, she's probably one of the nicest fillies that I saw (at Karaka),” Busuttin said. “We knew we'd have to pay a fair bit of money for her. I thought if we could get her for under NZ$500,000, we would be doing well. “I've bought her for a group of clients, and the vendor's going to stay in for a leg. That always fills you with a bit of confidence when they're happy to stay in.” Busuttin is pleased to have the support of bloodstock agent Cameron Cooke, who had put the filly high on his list from the beginning. The team-up has resulted in several of Cooke's clients already investing in the filly. “(I'm) rapt with the filly, and she was one that I was hoping I'd go home with from the sale. So certainly glad we grabbed her. Just an outstanding type. We have had plenty of luck with Savabeels, and hopefully this continues.” Bred by Ultra Thoroughbred Racing, this filly is the first foal from Shamus Award mare Embedded, a full-sister to Listed Anzac Day Stakes winner Flying Award and a half-sister to Listed South Pacific Classic-placed Snake Charmer (Pentire {GB}). Second dam Flying Dansino (Aus) (Fusaichi Pegasus) placed in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes and is a half-sister to G1 South Australian Derby runner-up Zagreb (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}). Embedded was exported to Australia ahead of last spring, where she delivered a full sister to this filly. Trent Busuttin | NZB Lot 638 – Dundeel (NZ) x Grace Augusta (Aus) (Declaration Of War, colt, NZ$450,000 Another team-up between breeders Nearco Stud and consigner Curraghmore resulted in another top price paid for this colt, who received a handy pedigree update at the weekend when his dam's half-brother Coastwatch (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) added another string to his bow with victory in the Listed John Dillon Stakes at Sandown. Successful Cambridge-based trainer Stephen Marsh and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock teamed up to secure this colt, who is the first living foal from Grace Augusta (Aus) (Declaration Of War), a half-sister to G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}). “(A) standout type, he was a Dundeel with a touch of spark,” said Marsh. “I reckon he will go early enough, he's out of a half to Mighty Boss and he was a Group 1 winner.” Mighty Boss's only other win came as a 2-year-old, but he gave plenty of courageous performances as he got older, finishing 0.9l behind Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) in the G1 CF Orr Stakes and running fourth behind Showtime in the G2 Stutt Stakes. “We will keep him a colt and see what happens, we would love to try and make him a stallion,” Marsh said. “He was the last horse to bid on at Book 1 (for Marsh) and it was great to go out with a bang like that.” The colt is by far the most expensive lot that Marsh and Johnson acquired in Book 1, who signed the docket for 10 lots in total. Their second highest bid was NZ$380,000 on lot 337, the Savabeel half-brother to G3 Bonecrusher Stakes winner Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth {Aus}). Bred by Nearco Stud and offered by Curraghmore, this colt descends from G1 Australian Oaks victress La Volta (Aus) (Laranto {Aus}), whose other stakes winning descendants include G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes winner Catch A Fire (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) and G2 Sires' Produce Stakes-winning Seaburge (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}). Grace Augusta was covered by Dundeel's champion first-season sire son Super Seth after this filly's birth. Stephen Marsh | NZB The post Proisir Reigns Supreme With Second Seven-Figure Daughter From Donna Marie appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first foal by Little Big Bear (Ire), Europe's champion juvenile of 2022, was born on Saturday when Unchained Melody (Ire), owned by Aidan and Annmarie O'Brien's Whisperview Trading Limited, produced a bay filly. “She's a pretty filly with a good hind leg,” said Ana O'Brien. “[She's] a very good first foal and a great start for the mare. We're very happy with her and will definitely be supporting Little Big Bear again this year.” Unchained Melody is a daughter of Fastnet Rock (Aus) and hails from the famed Ballymacoll family of Hellenic (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and Islington (Ire) (Sadler's Wells). Whisperview reportedly have three other mares due to Little Big Bear in the coming months, including the G3 Jersey Stakes winner Ishvana (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). Timeform's highest-rated juvenile in the past five years, Little Big Bear was awarded a rating of 126p following his seven-length success in the G1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh. The post First Foal for Coolmore’s Champion Juvenile Little Big Bear appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Back by popular demand is the Mark O'Hanlon Memorial Racing and Breeding Quiz, which will take place on Tuesday, February 18. Moving this year from its traditional venue of the Lord Bagenal Hotel to Gowran Park racecourse, the fiendishly difficult quiz which has taxed some of the finest minds in the racing business will get underway at 8pm with Kevin O'Ryan as MC. Teams of four are invited to play for the coveted trophy which last year was won by Eoin Fives, Shane Power, Charles Weld and Declan Foy. Don't miss one of the highlights of the Irish social calendar. The post Mark O’Hanlon Memorial Quiz 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Verifying (Justify), who stands at Florida's Pleasant Acres Stallions, was represented by his first foal when a filly was born Jan. 25. The filly is out of the Malibu Moon mare Selective Memory and owned by Belvedere Farm. “There is so much to say about Verifying and the potential for his progeny to take the racing industry by storm,” said Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones. “A half-brother to 6x Grade I winner Midnight Bisou, Verifying is a dual hemisphere stallion who had a very successful breeding debut in Florida and Argentina in 2024. This first filly is an exceptional representation of his impeccable pedigree, and we can't wait to see the others as they arrive!” Verifying, who placed in the GI Champagne Stakes, the GI Toyota Blue Grass and the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes, stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions for $10,000. The post GSW/MGISP Verifying Represented By First Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Newly-turned 3-year-old Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) and Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup winner White Abarrio (Race Day) top Week 1 of the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll through Jan. 26. In addition to Citizen Bull, who won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar last November, Bob Baffert also trains the second-place 3-year-old in Barnes (Into Mischief). Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) was third while Saturday's GIII Southwest Stakes winner Speed King (Volatile) rounded out the top five. White Abarrio was the top-ranked thoroughbred, beating out newly-crowned Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner and fellow 'Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). Pegasus third and another 'Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) and MGISW 'Rising Star' Fierceness complete the top five. The post Citizen Bull And White Abarrio Debut Atop NTRA Top Thoroughbred Polls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kevin Lavin has been named chair of the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation, the organization announced Tuesday. Lavin, who was previously vice chair, replaces Dell Hancock, and Geoffrey Russell has been named vice chair. In addition, Mandy Pope has been elected to the board of directors, and former board of directors Donald R. Dizney and John C. Oxley have been awarded the position of director emeritus. Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, Grayson has provided nearly $42.3 million to underwrite more than 437 projects at 48 universities. Additional information about the foundation is available here. The post Kevin Lavin Named New Chair At Grayon-Jockey Club Foundation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the gloomiest of January days when even the snowdrops aren't bobbing their heads with too much enthusiasm, there is however an undeniable sense of excitement at Cheveley Park Stud. The red doors of the immaculate stallion yard give a flash of colour at least, as the one at the end of the row opens to grant access to a new stallion as grey as the day itself. Vandeek (GB) has already enjoyed some days in the sun and there is now hope of more to come from his secondary career. He is for now the sole Group 1 winner by Havana Grey (GB), the Whitsbury Manor Stud stallion who exploded onto the scene when his first runners took to the track in 2022 and has consolidated those early good impressions with a raft of notable performers from his two subsequent crops to race. When Vandeek arrived at Nottingham on July 21, 2023 to make his racecourse debut he already enjoyed a degree of fame as the sale-topper of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up, an achievement notched both from the fast time of his breeze show and the swiftly rising profile of his sire. Such notoriety can sometimes be a curse, but not in this case. Vandeek's debut covering season will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Cheveley Park Stud being owned by the Thompson family, whose red, white and blue silks have become a symbol of British-bred quality. Over those decades, the stud's broodmare band has been complemented by a stallion roster with a notable sprinting influence, highlighted by the Thompsons' homebred Pivotal (GB) and including Prince Sabo (GB), Dutch Art (GB) and the family's first stallion, Music Boy (GB), the winner of the Gimcrack Stakes in 1975. “We're going back to our grassroots, really,” acknowledges Cheveley Park Stud's long-standing managing director Chris Richardson. “Remembering the days with Music Boy in the 70s, and then following through with Polar Falcon and Pivotal […] we've had a wonderful history with speed stallions. So we're back to something that is more familiar to us. We're obviously delighted that we've been able to secure Vandeek for both domestic and international breeders, and hugely grateful to KHK Racing Ltd for allowing us to have him grace our property here.” As Vandeek strides out obligingly in the stallion yard alongside John Rice, in the paddock behind them grazes the now-retired 27-year-old Kyllachy (GB), another former stalwart of the stallion roster with the type of profile which is much needed, particularly in Britain. Vandeek, who will stand alongside Ulysses (Ire), is one of three specifically Flat stallions to be joining the ranks in the UK this year, along with Bradsell (GB) and Isaac Shelby (GB), while the dual St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov (GB) can be considered a dual-purpose prospect at Chapel Stud. Kyllachy, a dependable friend to breeders, had a final stud fee of £15,000 and that is where the unbeaten two-year-old and dual Group 1 winner Vandeek will be starting out. The latter's racing career lasted for a year and was carried out in six acts, with four of those ending in triumph, including the G1 Middle Park Stakes, G1 Prix Morny and G2 Richmond Stakes. He was third in both outings at three, behind Inisherin (GB) in the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes and Mill Stream (Ire) in the G1 July Cup. Last August came the announcement that he would stand at Cheveley Park Stud and he already looks very much at home there as he poses like a statue at length outside the stallion box which commemorates the Triple Crown winner Isinglass, who, back in the 1890s, became the highest-earning racehorse of that time. “It's remarkable. It's almost like he's been here before,” Richardson says. “From day one, he just walked in, and I think that's something that's been so special, that he can just adapt straightaway to the environment and what he is supposed to do.” He continues, “When he had his first race at Nottingham and he missed the break by four lengths and still won by four lengths, it was a sort of dozy performance that was so electrically impressive. And I think that sort of epitomises his nature. And to have gone on to be unbeaten at two, to go to Goodwood and win the Richmond Stakes and then come back to win the Morny beating Ramatuelle, who was a phenomenally talented filly, and the Middle Park – he's just taken it all in his stride. “He's got this wonderful athleticism, great movement and a wonderful head and mental outlook that just allows him to, as I say, just take everything in and do what he's meant to do. So let's hope that the next part of his career is just as successful.” The memorial plaque to Isinglass in the stallion yard | Emma Berry Bred in Wales by Kelly Thomas of Maywood Stud, Vandeek is out of the Exceed And Excel (Aus) mare Mosa Mine (GB). His granddam Baldemosa (Fr) (Lead On Time) is a half-sister to the classy Balbonella (Fr) (Gay Mecene), winner of the Prix Robert Papin when it was still a Group 1 and later fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches won by the great Miesque. A nine-time winner in France and America, Balbonella went on to produce the champion sprinter and notable stallion Anabaa, as well as Key Of Luck. “We're getting some terrific support from English breeders, as well as French and Irish breeders and some German breeders, too. So he's really catching the imagination,” Richardson says of Vandeek. “He's obviously the best son of Havana Grey to date and he's out of an Exceed And Excel mare, so there's plenty of speed.” Support is obviously key for any new stallion on the scene to have a chance of success, and in this regard Vandeek can call on the Cheveley Park Stud broodmare band. Though that has been streamlined in recent years, a significant number of the Thompsons' mares will be sent his way. These include Integral (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}), winner of both the G1 Falmouth and G1 Sun Chariot Stakes and the daughter of Group 1 winner Echelon (GB) (Danehill), and Zykina (GB), the dam of Group 1 winner Good Guess (GB), who was one of the busiest young stallions in Ireland last year at Tally-Ho Stud. “We've got 22 mares going to Vandeek this first season,” Richardson reports. “There's a Group 1 winner in Integral, and also a Pivotal daughter of Russian Rhythm in Zykina, who is the dam of Good Guess, who won the Prix Jean Prat. So that's the level of quality of mare that we're able to to offer, and I hope that gives assurances to those other breeders who are supporting us that we really are giving this horse a fantastic opportunity. And Vandeek, I think, deserves it.” The post Cheveley Park Stud Goes Back to Roots With Vandeek appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“Your Mr. Bassett doesn't come to Japan because of the war,” said a junior executive of the Japan Racing Association in late August 2004. It was close to midnight in Sapporo, where I had accompanied Rogers Beasley on my first trip to Japan. We had dined with Masayuki Goto, a very sharp man, then a general manager of corporate planning, who the same junior executive whispered would in time ascend to the top job. Gotosan insisted on karaoke after dinner, and I learned later such occasions bring out candor, laughter, and camaraderie. The trip was memorable as Hideyuki Mori attended the Keeneland September Yearling Sale weeks later and purchased an $8 million son of Storm Cat from the Lanes End consignment. At the time, I was just beginning my career in Thoroughbred racing and already knew of Ted Bassett. Over the years, I got to know Mr. Bassett well, especially when he and Bill Mooney were writing Keeneland's Ted Bassett: My Life. Mr. Bassett took a real interest in the market development initiatives at Keeneland, and I would be summoned to the cottage to provide background statistics on commercial parts of the book. The first of these involved Jim Williams or Karen D'Ambruoso asking for specifics to prepare and I would run up. Eventually the 'Bassett, James E.' would flash on my phone, and for some reason, one felt they needed to stand up straight from a seated position when answering. Mr. Bassett was a kind and intensely curious man, and seeing the stream of visitors to the cottage, you learned he was open to reciprocity with knowledge, wanted to learn about those visiting him, and inquired about their loved ones and their lives. His time in service was of immense importance, as you could always see the U.S. Marine Corp logo on the middle of his ZZ 77 license plate, on his lapel if wearing a coat, and around his office. Despite his openness, one had reservations of asking about his experience in World War II. When crossing the Pacific from California or Seattle, you fly over Midway. If flying to Australia, Guadalcanal, and flying north from Australia to East Asia, the Marshall, Palau, Volcano and Marianas islands. After Pearl Harbor, the Empire of Japan established a defensive perimeter that started north of the Sakhalin Islands, descended east along the international date line, swung west from the Gilbert Islands to New Guinea, now-Indonesia, to the Burmese peninsula, with occupation of the Korean peninsula, parts of China, British territories of Singapore and Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The distances are staggering. In 2010, HBO ran their series, “The Pacific,” following the 1st Marine Division in its land battles in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Peleliu (Marianas Islands), Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. I saw Mr. Bassett in the track kitchen one morning and asked him if he had seen it; he had. He was open to discussing it, and we did. Mr. Bassett watched “The Pacific” every week when it aired with interest, and said it was accurate. The Battle of Okinawa was the deadliest in the Pacific War, where American soldiers, sailors and Marines fought alongside allies from Great Britain, Australia, Britain, and New Zealand. Ted Bassett was one of these extraordinary individuals. America is a young, complex country, whose complexity grows as we age. When General Douglas Macarthur signed the Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri as she lay at anchor in Tokyo Bay, the United States was 169 years old. We proceeded to do the most extraordinary thing. After prevailing with our allies over Japan, we worked to rebuild them. Japan is a steadfast ally, our business partners and friends. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. On August 12, 2018, Masayuki Goto and his entourage are leaving The Jockey Club Round Table, and in a scrum, a group of us including Mr. Bassett and Roger Beasley strike up a friendly conversation. Mr. Goto was four years into his job as CEO and accomplished important goals which benefitted Japanese and American racing mutually. One of the younger JRA representatives with Mr. Goto mentioned something to me like what our karaoke friend said in 2004, and I smiled, thinking of Mr. Bassett, our two countries, and suggested taking a photo for posterity. This photo speaks to old friends, Mr. Goto's excellent command of the Beatles, the memorable Beasley rendition of Bobby Darin's Mack the Knife, and a very, very remarkable man, part of the Greatest Generation whose victories and sacrifice will outlive us all. Farewell and thank you, Mr. Bassett. The post Letter To The Editor: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Intidab (Phone Trick) and Kayrawan (Mr. Prospector), both graded-stakes winning stallions previously owned by Shadwell Farm, were euthanized due to the infirmities of old age, Old Friends announced Tuesday. Intidab was euthanized at the age of 32 on Jan. 23 while Kayrawan was euthanized at the age of 33 on Jan. 25. The stallions came to Old Friends following the death of Shadwell Farm's founder, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in March of 2021. “Our Old Friends family is saddened to lose these two Shadwell stallions,” said Old Friends CEO and President John Nicholson. “So many of us had grown exceedingly fond of Intidab and Kayrawan, both of whom led accomplished and well-traveled lives. In their final chapter, they were friendly and engaging ambassadors for Old Friends as well as for Shadwell Farm. Their last years were shining examples of responsible Thoroughbred ownership and aftercare.” The post Shadwell Stallions Intidab And Kayrawan Both Euthanized At Old Friends appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article