Wandering Eyes

The first reported foal by three-time Grade I winner Gufo (Declaration of War–Floy, by Petionville) was born Friday, Jan. 24. Out of Blurricane (Rebellion {GB}), winner of the 2017 Ballade Stakes at Woodbine and earner of more than $500,000, the colt was bred by Ballycroy Bloodstock in Ontario. Gufo stood his first season at Ballycroy before moving to Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky ahead of the 2025 season, his second year at stud. “We're thrilled with this colt out of the resilient mare Blurricane,” said Michaela Kemp of Ballycroy Bloodstock. “He's sure to be a runner.” During his racing career, Gufo won Grade I events at ages three, four, and five: the GI Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes and the Sword Dancer Stakes twice. He won or placed in another dozen stakes, many of them also Grade I. Gufo will stand the upcoming season at Darby Dan for $5,000. The post Darby Dan’s MGISW Gufo 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

Kicking off the graded stakes action Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park, Dixiana Farms' homebred Forever After All rallied down the center of the turf course to catch Chop Chop by a nose in the $150,000 La Prevoyante Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Talk about a tried and true stakes horse. Since breaking her maiden at Woodbine in Sept. 2023, Mystic Lake (Mo Town) has contested nothing but stakes or graded stakes races and, with her win in Saturday's GII Inside Information Stakes, has earned over $1,000,000 while also winning such races as the GIII Miss Preakness Stakes and the GII Charles Town Oaks both last year. 5 3/4 lengths behind Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the 1 1/16-mile GI Cotillion Stakes at Parx in September, the daughter of Mo Town got back on track when cutting back to six furlongs to take the listed Sugar Swirl Stakes when last seen Dec. 21. Clearly back in her distance wheelhouse Saturday as the 2-1 second choice, Mystic Lake was drawn inside of her main rival in 4-5 favorite Emery (More Than Ready) and the pair broke on top together with 8-1 shot Olivia Darling (Palace) splitting the two through the opening quarter in :22.94. The compact field of just five never got too far apart with the trio of leaders blocking Jody's Pride (American Pharoah) in behind them with Haulin Ice the back marker into the far turn. Mystic Lake, closest to the rail of the leaders past the half in :45.69, had to hold her ground as Jody's Pride found a gap to move into as Olivia Darling dropped back and it was still three across the track as the sprinters turned for home. Emery looked to be beaten furthest out with Mystic Lake along the rail having to fight Jody's Pride but the final sixteenth saw the favorite level out and make things tight on the wire with Mystic Lake just prevailing in a driving three-way finish. Pedigree Note: One of 13 stakes winners for Mo Town, who continues Uncle Mo's legacy as a sire of sires, Mystic Lake is the first and only reported foal out of an unraced Itsmyluckyday first dam. After selling as a 2-year-old at OBS March for $130,000 in 2023, the winner RNA'd last May for $370,000 just days before her success in the Miss Preakness Stakes. In another nail-biting photo finish, MYSTIC LAKE (Mo Town) digs in and fights back to secure victory in the GII Inside Information Stakes at @GulfstreamPark on @PegasusWorldCup Day! pic.twitter.com/W92rtXw52B — TDN (@theTDN) January 25, 2025 Saturday, Gulfstream INSIDE INFORMATION S. PRESENTED BY MYRACEHORSE-GII, $208,000, Gulfstream, 1-25, 4yo/up, f/m, 7f, 1:22.59, ft. 1–MYSTIC LAKE, 123, f, 4, by Mo Town 1st Dam: Salty Soul, by Itsmyluckyday 2nd Dam: Pyramyst, by Pyramid Peak 3rd Dam: Almost Mystical, by General Assembly ($3,500 Ylg '22 OBSOCT; $130,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR; $370,000 RNA 3yo '24 FTDMAY). O-C2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms LLC; B-Peggy Costanzo (FL); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $132,000. Lifetime Record: 14-7-3-1, $1,033,354. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Emery, 123, f, 4, More Than Ready–Athena, by Street Sense. ($235,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV). O-Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Mary K. Grum (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $40,000. 3–Jody's Pride, 120, f, 4, American Pharoah–Jody's Song, by Scat Daddy. O-Parkland Thoroughbreds and Sportsmen Stable; B-Mr. Steve Weston (KY); T-Jorge R. Abreu. $20,000. Margins: NK, HD, 10. Odds: 2.20, 1.00, 7.10. Also Ran: Olivia Darling, Haulin Ice. Scratched: Dazzling Move, Miuccia, Nic's Style, Sterling Silver. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Mystic Lake Hits The Million-Dollar Mark With Inside Information Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Among several notable workers for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert on Saturday morning at Santa Anita was Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), who this week was named the 2024 champion 2-year-old male. With rain expected later in the day and continuing through the weekend, it was a busy training session on both the main track and training track as 229 horses recorded timed workouts ahead of the weather. Citizen Bull worked in company with older horse Pilot Commander (Justify), who most recently was fourth in the GI Malibu Dec. 26. Citizen Bull and Pilot Commander were each clocked going five furlongs in 59 flat. They were the fastest of 106 works at the distance. The newly crowned champion is a candidate to run in next Saturday's GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, which is a points-paying prep for the GI Kentucky Derby. Citizen Bull has not started since winning the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar Nov. 1. Also on the tab was Madaket Road (Quality Road), who drilled five furlongs in :59.60 seconds, which was the fourth-fastest work at the distance. The 3-year-old exits a maiden win going six furlongs at Santa Anita Dec. 26. He is nominated to the Lewis as well. Baffert also worked 3-year-old filly and GISW Tenma (Nyquist), older horses GISP Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) and Richi (Chi) (Practical Joke) and a 3-year-old colt by Curlin out of Hall of Fame mare Beholder who has yet to be named. Tenma, who most recently won the GII Starlet Stakes at Los Alamitos last month, worked four furlongs in 48 flat. The 3-year-old colt by Curlin out of Beholder went four furlongs in a sharp :47.40 seconds. It was the fourth-fastest of 59 works at the distance. The $4 million auction purchase for owner Zedan Racing has worked eight times since Dec. 8. Mirahmadi, who is targeting the GI Santa Anita Handicap on Mar. 1, worked four furlongs in :48.60 seconds. It was his second work since an impressive front-running allowance win going a mile Jan. 4. Richi worked four furlongs in :47.40 seconds. A Group 1 winner in her native Chile, Richi served notice Jan. 4 when winning the GIII Las Flores Stakes going six furlongs in her second U.S. start. Notable workers for trainer Michael McCarthy included 'TDN Rising Star' Bullard (Gun Runner). Nominated to the Lewis and most recently was third in the GII San Vicente Stakes in Arcadia Jan. 4, the colt drilled four furlongs in 48.60. Trainer Richard Mandella worked Kopion, who was an impressive winner of the GI La Brea Stakes when returning from an 8 1/2-month layoff. The Omaha Beach filly drilled five furlongs in 1:00.60. Click here to access many of these Saturday's workouts. The post Newly Crowned Champion Citizen Bull Fires Bullet For Baffert appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Named a 'TDN Rising Star' as a summer 2-year-old back in 2022, Mike Ryan's BE YOUR BEST (IRE) (m, 5, Muhaarar {GB}–Kamakura, by Medaglia d'Oro) dropped 13 straight races after a win in the P.G. Johnson Stakes that September. But those days are now distant memories, as the bay has found her best form since switching to the barn of Saffie Joseph, Jr. and won her third consecutive race at the graded-stakes level in Saturday's $500,000 GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park. Offering sound value at 7-1 in the 8 1/2-furlong contest, Be Your Best broke alertly from her low draw and took up a stalking role from second as her stablemate In Our Time (Not This Time) took the field along at a good gallop for the opening half-mile. The duo put a bit of a break on their rivals, including favored Raqiya (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who ranged up into third, having been ridden for a turn of foot as opposed to the front-running tactics employed in the GII Goldikova Stakes on Breeders' Cup weekend. Be Your Best got the better of that battle to lead into the final furlong, then had to dig in late to stave off a late dive from Sacred Wish (Not This Time) by a short neck. Lifetime Record: 18-5-3-2. O-Michael J Ryan; B-St Croix Bloodstock; T-Saffie Joseph Jr. #3 BE YOUR BEST ($16.80) got to the lead in the stretch and held off a fast closing #10 Sacred Wish to win the $500,000 @TBAftercare Pegasus World Cup F&M Turf Invitational (G2) at @Gulfstream Park. @zayas_edgardo was up for @SaffieJosephJr. pic.twitter.com/uxPWvV5QHN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 25, 2025 The post Be Your Best Stays At Her Best In the Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Craig Ferguson has a cups double-double in his sights at Riverton on Sunday. Last month the trainer-driver bagged both the Forbury Park pacing and trotting cups on a highly successful trip to Wingatui. On Sunday, Ferguson will link up with the same cup-winning horses in Nutcracker and Moment Of What at another venue well known for its rich history in the thoroughbred code. And the pair look legitimate winning threats again. Nutcracker is coming into the Carriers Arms Hotel Riverton Cup in arguably the form of her career. “She has probably stepped it up a bit this year, to what she did last year,” Ferguson said. “She was pretty good last week chasing a pretty smart horse, One Change. “It was a good second and they got home in quite nice time. “She seems to be in a good space at the moment.” The mare heads into tomorrow’s feature after chasing home One Change in her second in the Northern Southland Cup. Proven in the cups grade, on grass tracks and from standing starts, Nutcracker looks to tick all the boxes needed ahead of her Riverton Cup tilt. “One of her biggest assets is her manners. She will walk around at the start and behave herself. “When the others play up she will just stand and wait.” “She tends to make a pretty good beginning. She’s off 10m on Sunday but the way he’s been getting off the mark hopefully she can make that up pretty quick.” Moment Of What cruised to victory in the Forbury Park Trotting Cup last month but he has put two glaring zeros next to his name since. In the first of those runs, the Amber Hoffman-trained trotter was checked early in the Gore Trotters Cup before making another mid-race mistake. In his latest outing, Moment Of What loomed up on the turn in the Cromwell Trotting Cup before breaking on the home turn. While the trotter may be down on confidence, Ferguson knows he is capable of winning with his best manners. “I thought he was probably going to win at Cromwell — he was absolutely jogging. “But he has got it wrong a couple of times lately. “Hopefully, he can bring his A-game and trot the distance, but he has certainly got the ability.” Ferguson also starts Netherton Franco in the last race on the card. The mare produced the best run of her campaign when putting away a lower-grade field with style at Ascot Park last week. “She seems to like the grass. She went super last week, she felt like she did it with a bit more in store “She was a touch disappointing before that so we added a set of blinds and it seemed to make a difference.” Precious Memories in race 1 opener looks another of Ferguson’s key drives at Riverton. View the full article

By Mike Love The vibrant atmosphere at Mt Harding Racecourse is set to come alive today as Clubs of Canterbury Race Day kicks off the club’s 2025 season. Featuring an impressive lineup of eleven thrilling races, the first race is scheduled to start at 11:40 AM, in what promises to be a day filled with excitement for racing enthusiasts and local supporters alike. This year’s event boasts large, competitive fields, with many local trainers and drivers taking center stage. Notable names to watch include renowned driver Ricky May and the O’Reilly family, who have a strong reputation in the racing community. Their involvement adds a local touch to the event, drawing in fans eager to support their favourites. In addition to the racing, Clubs Day will feature various entertainment options, including food stalls, live music, and activities for families. Local businesses have rallied to support the event, creating a festive atmosphere that enhances the racing experience. Michael and Wilson House currently lead the trainers, juniors, and amateurs premiership, in what may be a screenshot moment, and they have a great chance to further their lead today with six runners lining up, each possessing strong each-way chances. They include Fabricate ($11.00FF) and Courage Reactor ($5.00FF) in race four, La Dama ($12.00FF) in race five, Stickifingers ($11.00FF) in race six, Ann Sophie ($3.20FF) in race eight, and Jazzy Styx ($7.50FF) in race eleven. Wilson, as the primary driver for most of Michael’s horses, also has three outside drives. View the full article

Kicking off the graded stakes action Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park, Dixiana Farms' homebred Forever After All rallied down the center of the turf course to catch Chop Chop by a nose in the $150,000 La Prevoyante Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Making his first start outside the United States, Rattle N Roll earned an automatic spot in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) by winning the SAR$1.5 million The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (G3) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse Jan. 25.View the full article

Rider Penalties A Lawson-Carroll | Wanganui 20 January; use of whip; fined $250. T Davies | Wanganui 20 January; medical clearance required. D Cooper | Southland 23 January; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 25 January). M Cartwright | Auckland 25 January; careless riding; suspended 3-14 February inclusive. V Colgan | Auckland 25 January; careless riding; suspended 26 January – 5 February inclusive and fined $2,000. R Mudhoo | Kumara 11 January (heard Canterbury 25 January); misconduct; suspended 3-12 February inclusive. S Wynne | Canterbury 25 January; use of whip; fined $200. D Montes de Oca | Canterbury 25 January; failed to make weight; fined $200. Trainer Penalties C Cole | Matamata 22 January; failed to scratch by required time; fined $350. T Rae | Canterbury 25 January; incorrect gear; fined $150. Horse Penalties HIGHLY LETHAL | Wanganui 20 January; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. ASTUCIA | Matamata 22 January; reared at start; must complete trial. MISS LAYLA | Southland 23 January; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. INDIE ARDIE | Southland 23 January; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. TAVATTACK | Wanganui 25 January; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. STAR IN THE SKY | Canterbury 25 January; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. General The Matamata RC meeting of 22 January was abandoned after Race 3 due to an unsafe track. The post 20-26 January 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

WinStar Farm and CHC Inc.'s RAPTURE (c, 3, Uncle Mo–Positively Royal, by Bernardini) had to be used some early on to gain a forward position from an awkward draw, but settled nicely from there just off the speed and responded when asked to finish off his race to graduate by the better part of seven lengths in his two-turn debut Saturday at Oaklawn Park to earn 'TDN Rising Star' honors. A debut second to subsequent strong-figure Tampa allowance winner Vassimo (Nyquist) on his one-mile unveiling at Gulfstream Park Dec. 14 while finishing a baker's dozen ahead of the third-placed runner on that occasion, the $300,000 Keeneland September yearling jumped here as the 9-10 chalk and was ridden positively by Eclipse Award winner Flavien Prat, but despite showing that good early speed, was no better than three deep at the first corner. Clearly second and doing the chasing turning up the backstretch, the bay colt was ridden along just a bit a half-mile out just to hold his position and avoid being sandwiched between rivals and he was under more vigorous urging to come after the pacesetter midway on the turn. Kept after by Prat, Rapture was back into the bit at the top of the lane and responded to a left-handed whip inside the final eighth of a mile to win clear. The winner is bred on the same cross responsible for GISW Mo Town and other graded winners Modernist and Mopotism, the latter named the dam of GII Los Alamitos Futurity winner and top Classics candidate Journalism (Curlin). Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. O-WinStar Farm LLC, CHC Inc & Siena Farm LLC; B-Bill & Terry Mathis MST LLC & Rochelle Bloodstock LLC (KY); T-Brad Cox. The post Uncle Mo Colt Rapture Captures Oaklawn Maiden, Becomes a ‘Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Don Alberto homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' Senza Parole (Gun Runner), sidelined since posting a jaw-dropping, 7 3/4-length debut victory at Saratoga last summer, has resumed training with Chad Brown at Payson Park. Senza Parole was scratched from the GI Frizette Stakes at Aqueduct Oct. 5 due to a “very minor physical problem,” per Don Alberto's Chief Operating Officer Reed Ringler. Senza Parole was the 3-5 morning-line favorite for that 'Win and You're In' contest for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, which was won in runaway fashion by the maiden Scottish Lassie (McKinzie). “(Don Alberto co-owner) Carlos Heller and Chad Brown huddled up and decided to bring her back home to the farm and take care of that minor physical problem and give her time and rest,” Ringler said. “She's back in training at Payson with Chad and he's really happy with her. I don't know yet what the target is this spring, obviously we'd like to hit the (Kentucky) Oaks, but knowing Chad, he's gonna let the horse tell us when. She'll probably start posting works in February and we'll see what the targets are from there.” Senza Parole earned a gaudy 94 Beyer Speed Figure in her aforementioned six-furlong unveiling in the opener at the Spa Aug. 23. The distant second-place finisher that day Stunner (Girvin) has since added a win in the Tempted Stakes and a runner-up finish in the FTBOA Florida Sire My Dear Girl Stakes. “Obviously, it was a tough setback, but we always thought her brightest days were in front of her and we weren't gonna push her unnecessarily,” Ringler added. One of 16 'Rising Stars' for leading young sire Gun Runner, Senza Parole is out of the winning Street Cry (Ire) mare Senza Te, a half-sister to SW & GISP Flor de la Mar (Tiznow). Don Alberto purchased Senza Parole's second dam Sacristy (Pulpit) for $700,000 at the 2013 Keeneland November sale. Senza Parole went through the ring twice and failed to meet her reserve both times, RNA'ing for $120,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September and for $240,000 as an OBS April 2-year-old after breezing in :10. We're SPEECHLESS! Senza Parole, daughter of @Three_Chimneys stallion Gun Runner, breaks her maiden impressively in Race 1 under @iradortiz for Chad Brown. pic.twitter.com/8bffl7Cs1r — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 23, 2024 The post Unraced Since Spectacular Debut Win at Saratoga, Senza Parole Back in Training appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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The Ken McPeek-trained RATTLE N ROLL (h, 6, Connect–Jazz Tune, by Johannesburg) had just one horse beaten for the opening six furlongs of Saturday's $400,000 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup (King's Cup), a race carrying international Group 3 status for the first time and earning the winner a guaranteed spot in the field for the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup four weeks down the road. Quietly ridden by Joel Rosario, who had earlier won the Riyadh Dirt Sprint qualifier for Jimmy Jerkens aboard Ancestral Land (GB) (Sioux Nation), Rattle N Roll was felt for about three furlongs out as the now Saudi-owned and Chief Stipe O'Neill-conditioned E J Won the Cup (Omaha Beach) blazed a trail up front beneath Mike Smith. Finding his best stride in upper stretch, Rattle N Roll was steered back down towards the inside by Rosario and slalomed his way home to a 4 3/4-length victory. Rattle N Roll, last-out winner of the GII Clark Stakes in November, is campaigned by Lucky Seven Stables but carried the silks of Saudi businessman Sharaf Mohamad Alhairi, the same gentleman who leased Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) prior to his victory in last year's Saudi Cup. Sales history: $55,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $210,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 24-10-2-3. O-Lucky Seven Stable & Sharaf Mohamed Alhairi; B-St Simon Place (KY); T-Ken McPeek. Saturday, King Abdulaziz (Riyadh), Saudi Arabia CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES CUP (King's Cup) (KSA-G1) (Saudi Cup 2025 Qualifier)-G3, SAR1,500,000 (£323,850/$399,900), King Abdulaziz, 1-25, 4yo/up, 1800m, 1:52.95, ft. 1–RATTLE N ROLL, 128, h, 6, by Connect 1st Dam: Jazz Tune, by Johannesburg 2nd Dam: Rap and Dance, by Pleasant Tap 3rd Dam: Dance Review, by Northern Dancer ($55,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $210,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-Lucky Seven Stable & Sharaf Mohamed Alhairi; B-St Simon Place (KY); T-Ken McPeek; J-Joel Rosario; SAR750,000. Lifetime Record: GISW-US, 24-10-2-3, $.2,341,591 Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Wait To Excel (GB), 128, h, 6, Postponed (Ire)–Al Baidaa (GB), by Exceed and Excel (Aus). 1ST BLACK-TYPE, 1ST GROUP BLACK-TYPE. (35,000gns HRA '23 TATAUT). O-Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin A/Aziz; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Limited; T-T Aldaihani; J-N Almudaini; SAR300,000. 3–Wootton'sun (Fr), 128, g, 6, Wootton Bassett (GB)– Sous Le Soleil, by Tizway. 1ST GROUP BLACK-TYPE. (€75,000 Wlg '19 ARQDEC; 100,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT; €80,000 HRA '22 ARQAUG; 170,000gns HRA '23 TATAUT). O-Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin A/Aziz; B-H Viallon; T-A M Al Kahtani; J-A Alsarhani; SAR225,000. Margins: 4 3/4, NK, 1 1/4. Also Ran: Mr Trinket (Ire), Almaan, E J Won the Cup, Almobeer (KSA), Final Destination (GB), Waqtuk, Carmel Road, Carracci, Jack Red Cloud (Ire), Akfeek, Scotland Yard, Uncle (GB), Ajwadi (GB), Badr, Off The Map, Power In Numbers, Raaed (Ire). Scratched: Defunded, Haqeet, Alia, Royal Mews (Fr). The post Rattle N Roll Punches Ticket To Saudi Cup With Towering King’s Cup Score appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the morning of Jonbon's ninth Grade 1 win in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot last Saturday, the recently-retired Aidan Coleman, who partnered Nicky Henderson's chaser to four of those top-level triumphs, opened up about the mental turmoil that comes with being forced out of the saddle through injury. Coleman speaks openly and honestly about coming to terms with being yesterday's man and how he is searching deep within himself to fill the void. Contextualisation alone is not enough to weather this storm but it does give Aidan Coleman strength when his morale begins to dip–and God knows today is going to be one of those days. Had this been a normal day, and had Coleman not been catapulted to the ground during a low grade hurdle race at Worcester 19 months ago in an incident that left him lucky to keep his right leg, things could have been a whole lot different. But it's not. Instead, it is Nico de Boinville who will partner Jonbon in this afternoon's big race at Ascot, the Clarence House Chase. De Boinville has slotted into one of the most envied seats in National Hunt racing with the now retired Coleman, who guided JP McManus's crack two-mile chaser to nine wins all told, cast to the sidelines. In anticipation of the big match-up with Energumene, the trade newspaper leads with the word 'UNMISSABLE' in block capitals. Ain't that the truth. Coleman won't be tuning in to watch Jonbon land a ninth Grade 1. He has timed the long drive from Ireland back to England so that he doesn't have to endure the pain of being reminded precisely what he's missing. It's not as if he needs something else to keep him awake at night either. “You can't escape it,” the 36-year-old explains. “Waking up this morning, the first thing I saw was Jonbon and Energumene on the front page of the Racing Post. Today would have been something I'd have loved–I'd have been like a kid in a sweet shop going to ride Jonbon. Instead, I mucked out and rode out a few horses here for Kevin [his brother and trainer].” He continued, “I genuinely wish everyone connected to Jonbon the best of luck, though. And don't get me wrong, there are some people I don't wish the best of luck to in this game. I actually hate that–when a fella gets jocked off a horse or something and he comes out saying best wishes and all of that. I'd be like, 'f**k 'em!' I won't be able to watch Jonbon today, and I don't really care if he wins or loses, but I don't want him not to win. Does that make sense? I watch racing every single day but I won't watch it today.” In the grand scheme of things, getting robbed of some of the best days of your career is a pretty good deal compared to what some of Coleman's weighroom colleagues have been forced to endure in recent times. In the past year alone, Grand National-winning jockey Graham Lee was left with catastrophic life-changing injuries following an accident in the stalls at Newcastle while bright young talent Stefano Cherchi died at the age of just 23 following injuries sustained in a fall. “I'm 36 years old now and I'm going over to stay in somebody's room for a while. Talk about being lost. I do worry that I will feel like this forever, which wouldn't be ideal.” “There are so many people who are worse off than me,” Coleman acknowledges. “I keep telling myself that. But that's them and this is me. I have been very good at compartmentalising things my whole career but sometimes it is quite difficult. I meet a lot of people when I am out and about and they ask me what I am doing with myself. My answer to them is that I don't know. It's very hard for people to help me when I don't know what I want to do myself. If I knew what I wanted to do I would go and do it. But I just don't have a clue. And that's hard. “On the darker days, when I am going down that steep slope, I have to tell myself, 'wait a minute, stop. It could be so much worse.' It's on those days when you think about how some other people have been far less fortunate than me. I did what I dreamed of doing. I just wouldn't have minded having a little bit longer at it.” He added, “I am not a great sleeper at the best of times but I am very worried about the fact that I moved back to Ireland six months ago but just couldn't settle here. My bags are packed and I am going back to the UK today—a place where I have spent half of my life—but I am worried that this move is not the answer, either. I hope it is. I really do, because I don't want to feel like this for the rest of my life. I don't want to be a vagrant. I really wanted to be happy here in Ireland and maybe it's nothing to do with what country I am in, maybe it's to do with where I am in my life.” Do you feel lost? “Yea, I suppose I am lost. Everyone keeps asking what I want to do with my life but I can't tell them. The second thing people say to me is, 'surely you must have some idea,' to which I tell them, 'no'. So yea, I definitely am lost. “Last year was a tough one because, not only did my career end, but I also lost my best friend Michael Byrne. I've lost a few friends in recent times, the likes of Liam Treadwell and even James Banks was a mate of mine as well. There's a lot of stuff going on in my head but I am on top of it. And I think it's important to talk about these things for obvious reasons. “But even from my time riding, I was well able to take the knocks and experienced just as many lows as I did highs. Like, I can tell you of how I missed Grand National and Gold Cup winners, so I've had lows. But that National winner [100-1 chance Mon Mome] I missed out on was ridden by Liam, so I take great solace in that.” Coleman riding out at his brother Kevin's yard | Brian Sheerin It was last April when Coleman officially announced his retirement to Nick Luck. There have been stints working on Racing TV and he has also helped out his brother Kevin, arguably one of the most impressive young trainers on the scene in Ireland. Neither role was enough to sustain him, however. “They say 'a sportsman dies twice' and I promise you that is true. Like, if I go to Cheltenham now, I don't know where to go or what to do with myself. How many hundred times have I been to Cheltenham in my career? If I want to go to the owners and trainers area now, I need to ask one of the lads for a favour and a lend of a badge or something. And I'm not complaining. It's just when you retire you're out. And that's fine, too. I mean, I only rode horses for a living and I didn't do anybody any favours so I am not looking for anything in return. But, when you retire, you are a different person when you walk back onto a racecourse. You're yesterday's man.” He continued, “I love what Kevin is building here but it's a shame it is not enough to keep me. This is his canoe. But I feel like my move back to the UK has let a few people down and he's one of them. I hate that feeling, letting people down. I think Kevin had been factoring me being around this year. He wouldn't say he's disappointed but I know that he is. He knows that I have to do what I have to do, though. I can't just stay in Ireland even though I'm not happy. “I tried doing a bit of work with Racing TV as well but didn't like it. I can't see myself doing TV. I like the smaller stuff, like doing podcasts, because invariably you're talking about a topic or a race that's worth talking about. I like that stuff because it's interesting and it's snappy. A full day doing TV at the races, it's just not my cup of tea. I was just a fish out of water on Racing TV. I wouldn't mind helping owners out in some capacity. I have seen a lot of wealthy people come and go in this game. A lot of them left the game because they were being fleeced so, maybe if they had someone in their corner, things would have been different.” The cruel reality of this situation is that we really shouldn't be sitting here on Kevin's sitting room sofa in Carrick-on-Suir dreaming up a career plan for a man who has over 1,200 winners under his belt and will forever be associated with horses like Paisley Park, Epatante and of course Jonbon. For starters, Ascension Day–the horse who ended Coleman's career–was taking part in a pretty nondescript maiden hurdle at Worcester on that fateful evening. These were the types of rides that Coleman had more or less ruled himself out from travelling the length and breadth of the country for the previous season. A backlash from trainers forced him to buck up on his ideas. But secondly, and far more seriously, the plastic railing that Coleman smashed into when his mount ran out at the last was supported by a metal pole. When that collided with the right knee, it did so much damage that it has taken four surgeries to come some way right. Retired jockeys Jamie Moore, Paddy Brennan and Coleman at Sandown last year | Racingfotos.com “It's funny, I cut back on riding those types of horses the year before my accident and I got persecuted for it. Trainers probably thought I wasn't as interested. I think I had 30-odd winners that season, which is terrible, but there were some big winners in there. I was told that I needed to get my head down and ride at some of those country tracks a bit more. There was nothing to ride but I felt pressured to do it. It kind of pisses me off still that it was an issue for people. It's just ironic that the injury that ended my career came in the exact race I set out to avoid riding in towards the end of my career. “Funnily enough, I have absolutely no qualms about the horse I did ride in the race, though. It was for a good friend of mine in Shaun Lycett and I had done all of the schooling on Ascension Day. Now, what he did was dirty, running out at the last, but he was going to win had he not done that. But there was just no excuse for the rail to be supported by a metal pole. It was poor track management. Plain and simple. Things like that shouldn't be happening in this day and age.” He added, “A lot of people have been really helpful to me since my retirement. JETS [Jockeys Education and Training Scheme], for example, have been fantastic. Phil [Kinsella] and Lisa [Delany] are amazing people and I can pick up the phone to them any time. The only time I have felt let down was by the IJF [Injured Jockeys Fund]. I know that they do some wonderful work, and I am sure a lot of people have some good things to say about the IJF, but I also know of a lot of people who don't have many good things to say about the organisation. “They were worse than useless for me. I paid for every part of my own rehabilitation myself. Although they said the facility was there for me, they also rang me after I retired to apologise for not being able to help me. I was told to wait a week on an appointment I needed yesterday so I decided to go out and get my own physio [Emma Edwards] and personal trainer [Conor Shoemark]. Because when I had my last meeting with my surgeon, I said to him, 'cards on the table, Doc, when you opened me up 18 months ago, where did you think I'd be now?' He said, 'to be honest, it's a miracle–I thought you'd definitely be walking with a cane and that you'd have a disability for the rest of your life.' So full credit to Emma and Conor. It's all down to their hard work that I am at least able to sit on a horse again.” There is a lot to unpack here and, in many ways, Coleman's rehabilitation is only just beginning. He makes no bones about the fact that he has dark days and has only recently come to terms with the fact that he is now in a position to talk to a professional about dealing with life after being a jockey. What does the future hold? Nobody can answer that question but himself. “I have been trying not to talk to someone until now. But I will. Definitely. Because it's gone too long feeling like this. I need to sort something out. When I am out and about, I enjoy working in the yard and all of that, but it's not real life as such. “I'll stay with one of the boys over in England–Sammy Twiston-Davies or someone–there's no shortage of guys over there. But I'm 36 years old now and I'm going over to stay in somebody's room for a while. Talk about being lost. I do worry that I will feel like this forever, which wouldn't be ideal.” He concluded, “But I just thought that, if something is going to happen in my life, it won't be around here. I've lived around the Cotswolds before and I like the area. There is plenty of work in the build-up to Cheltenham over there with podcasts and things like that. And then I'm just hoping to figure things out in my own head. I'm not looking for any handouts and I don't want any favours. I'll work in McDonald's before I go looking for any handouts from anybody. I just need to figure things out for myself.” The post Aidan Coleman: “They Say ‘A Sportsman Dies Twice’ And I Promise You It’s True” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Services have been set for James E. “Ted” Bassett, who passed away Thursday at the age of 103. Visitation will be held Monday, January 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Keeneland Clubhouse, 4201 Versailles Road Lexington, KY. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, at 11 a.m. at the Central Christian Church, 205 E. Short St. in Lexington. Bassett will be laid to rest privately at the Lexington Cemetery. The post Services Set for Bassett appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars MAGNIFIQUE - R4 (6) Has trialled well ahead of his debut in what looks a weak race Jay Rooney SUNLIGHT POWER - R3 (4) Had no luck last start but should atone with Purton on for the first time Jack Dawling ENJOY GOLF - R4 (2) Promising last-start second the perfect springboard to a win here Phillip Woo SUNLIGHT POWER - R3 (4) Will only require clear running to ring up a second win this term Shannon (Vincent Wong) YUEN LONG ELITE - R6 (2) Had no luck in the home straight last start and can make amends Racing Post Online GORGEOUS WIN - R8 (3) Excellent run last start can go one better with Purton taking the reins Tom Wood VOYAGE SAMURAI - R3 (6) Always puts in and carries 15 pounds less this time around in Class TwoView the full article

Tough and talented mare Elettrica (NZ) (Vespa), who has a half-brother in the catalogue for Karaka 2025, added valuable black type to her CV with a dominant victory in Saturday’s A$160,000 Listed Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m). It was the first black-type success for the Vespa mare, who has had 36 starts for six wins, 14 placings and A$528,317 in prize-money. She has won over distances ranging from 1300m to 1800m. Elettrica is trained by Richard and Will Freedman at Rosehill, and all of her three previous Australian victories had come at her home track. The most recent of those was under a 59.5kg topweight in a Benchmark 78 handicap in November. The step up in class in Queensland on Saturday brought a much lower impost with only 54.5kg on her back, and Elettrica took her career to a whole new level in the Sunshine Coast feature. Ridden by apprentice jockey Bailey Wheeler and sent out as a $5.50 second favourite, Elettrica finished powerfully from the back of the field to score a commanding victory by two and a quarter lengths. Elettrica races in the colours of Tricolours Racing & Syndications, whose director James Moss bought her for $51,000 from the Valachi Downs Dispersal Sale on Gavelhouse Plus in 2022. “James Moss didn’t pay much to purchase her from an online sale, and it’s been a genius move as the mare is now a stakes winner,” Richard Freedman told Racenet. “Her value has soared. It’s just been a great day all around and we couldn’t ask for any more.” Elettrica commenced her career in New Zealand and initially raced for breeder Kevin Hickman, winning two of her eight starts for Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer. Out of the More Than Ready mare On The Move, Elettrica is a half-sister to the multiple black-type winner Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag). Landsdowne Park will offer a half-brother by Satono Aladdin during Book 1 of Karaka 2025 on Sunday, catalogued as Lot 169. Elettrica became the sixth individual stakes winner for her sire Vespa, joining Puntura (NZ), Carolina Reaper (NZ), Mackenzie Lad (NZ), Wakari (NZ) and Chokito (NZ). View the full article

Saturday’s A$130,000 Nick Johnstone Real Estate Handicap (1200m) at Sandown was the first raceday appearance in nine months for Sunshineinmypocket, and the highly talented New Zealand-bred made an impressive return to action. The Proisir gelding kicked off his career with three consecutive wins at Ballarat and Sandown in February and March of last year, then finished sixth in the Listed Bendigo Guineas (1400m) in April in his only other start. Patiently handled by trainer Ciaron Maher, the four-year-old resumed his promising career with a stylish win on Saturday. Sunshineinmypocket jumped from the outside gate in a field of nine, and jockey Jaylah Kennedy took him out the back and moved him across to the rail. Kennedy angled her mount to the outside in the straight and pushed the button, and Sunshineinmypocket accelerated smartly and drew up alongside the leaders. Despite running low on fuel in the final 50m, Sunshineinmypocket dug deep in a head-bobbing finish and edged out fellow New Zealand-bred runner Carbonados by a nose. “We got a split at the top of the straight and he let down really well,” Kennedy said. “He’d had enough by the line, but he’s going to take a lot of benefit from this run. He’s a really nice horse.” Sunshineinmypocket has now had five starts for four wins and A$156,625 in stakes. “He went out after the Bendigo Guineas, we thought he just needed a good break,” assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said. “Then he came back in and just didn’t quite come up, so we tipped him out again. Thankfully the owners allowed us to do that. “So he’s been away for a fair while, but he’s always shown promise. He knows how to win, put it that way. “He’s lightly raced and it’s going to be interesting to see where he gets to. We’re looking forward to the next couple of runs. “He’s a bull, he’s really developed, and he has a turn of foot.” Sunshineinmypocket was bred by Daniel Nakhle, who won Saturday’s Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie with his homebred star Crocetti. The dam of Sunshineinmypocket is the Jimmy Choux mare Sunrise Ruby, whose dam A Touch Of Ruby won the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). Sunshineinmypocket was a $6000 purchase from Haunui Farm’s draft at the 2021 National Weanling Sale at Karaka. He returned as a member of Prima Park’s draft for Book 2 of Karaka 2022, but failed to meet his $35,000 reserve. View the full article

Last season’s champion male three-year-old Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) returned to his brilliant best at Ellerslie on Saturday, defeating a star-studded sprint field in the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m). The Zacinto gelding was one of the standout performers on the Karaka Millions card 12 months ago, extending his unbeaten career record to seven-from-seven with a dominant performance under 60kg in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m). It capped a winning sequence that also included the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). But Crocetti has been through his share of ups and downs through the 12 months since he hit those lofty heights, winning only one of his next five starts. He was scratched from the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham earlier this month because of unsuitable wet ground. Crocetti made a big impression with a blistering gallop between races at Ellerslie on January 12, giving his connections plenty of confidence leading into Saturday’s $700,000 Railway. But that confidence was washed away by heavy rain in the 90 minutes leading into the race, with Crocetti jumping from the inside gate on deteriorating ground. Jockey Warren Kennedy was able to get away from the fence within the first 200m of the race, taking up a position in fourth behind Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard), Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) and Luberon (NZ) (Embellish). That trio appeared to have the finish to themselves halfway down the home straight, with Alabama Lass edging ahead of a brave Babylon Berlin while Luberon chased hard down the outside. But then Kennedy switched Crocetti across heels and into a gap between Alabama Lass and Luberon, and the horse took care of the rest. Crocetti pinned his ears back and roared home, getting the better of Alabama Lass in the final strides to snatch victory by a short head. It was the second consecutive Railway victory for Kennedy, who won the race aboard Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) last year. “This means the world to me,” Kennedy said. “Everyone knows Daniel Nakhle (owner-breeder) was instrumental in getting me to New Zealand, and Crocetti and I have such a fantastic bond. “His preparation hadn’t been the best until today, he just hasn’t stepped up. I told Danny (Walker, co-trainer) that he was getting there too easily and just getting cruisy and not attacking the line. I suggested that we try some blinkers “You saw the gallop here a couple of weeks ago, where I couldn’t hold him, and now he’s really attacked the line today. The old Crocetti is back, for sure. “Being drawn one on a horse that likes dry ground, I was worried when the rain came. But I got him off the fence straight away and we had a lovely run through. The splits came when I needed them, and the way that he attacked the line proved that he’s back. He wanted to win. He really fought for it and deserved it.” Trained by Danny Walker in partnership with Arron Tata, Crocetti has now had 13 starts for nine wins, two placings and $1.19 million in stakes. “Unbelievable,” Walker said. “I thought he was battling 200m from the finish. He was grabbing the ground, like he does when it’s wet and he’s not comfortable. But then he just tried and really stuck his neck out. “Going into the Telegraph, I was so confident that he could win that race. I went to bed happy on the Friday night, but then it was wet on Saturday morning and it was a disaster. “He’s just a super horse and he showed that today.” View the full article

Barely fourty minutes after taking their eighth individual Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contest with La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth), the Te Akau Racing team made it back-to-back successes on the night at Ellerslie with favourite Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) scoring a brilliant victory in the Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The three-year-old daughter of super sire Savabeel had looked a filly of enormous talent when finishing runner-up to Velocious (Written Tycoon) in the Karaka Million 2YO twelve months earlier and backed up that opinion in her first three-year-old run when finishing third to Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) and Captured By Love Written Tycoon) in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in the Spring. Put aside for another break she resumed with a win over 1200m at Te Rapa in December before disappointing a few when only sixth in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson went back to the drawing board and made a crucial gear change by applying blinkers for Saturday’s contest which proved the masterstroke along with bringing another top Aussie jockey in Blake Shinn across from Melbourne to ride her. Shinn has been an integral component in the success enjoyed by Te Akau’s Victorian stable and a fleeting trip across the Tasman to partner the filly in a jumpout convinced him she was on track for the effort she produced when charging home form midfield to collar Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivacii) and Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High), who looked likely to fight out the finish at the 300m. “It’s special to be able to come here on one of New Zealand’s biggest days, have a great book of rides and importantly get a winner,” Shins said. “It’s a big team effort and that’s what they do (Te Akau Racing), they win these big races so I’m thankful for the opportunity. “She jumped better than she did last time and she had blinkers applied today. I came over about two weeks ago and jumped her out in them and I thought they made her a bit more tractable and put her into the right spot where I wanted (today). “I’m just really proud to be able to achieve this for Te Akau.” Walker paid tribute to Shinn for producing the goods when it mattered. “It was a lovely ride by Blake as he rode her for a touch of luck and got the split at the right time,” he said. “That’s why you have these international riders on. “Also well done to David Ellis who bought her. She was actually our last yearling to sell of her year and they are often very good as Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) was the same and so was Avantage (Fastnet Rock). “I think her last run was just a little about being second up but if you didn’t run then she couldn’t have won tonight. “You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t sometimes. “We will let the dust settle now but she will probably have a run between races somewhere and then go straight into the slot race here in March.” Walker was referring to the first running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1600m) slot race that will be one of the many highlights on the newly minted Champions Day programme at Ellerslie on 8 March, with Damask Rose being recently announced as the representative for slot holder Te Akau Racing. The daughter of Flying Spur mare Sombreuil was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $200,000 out of Milan Park’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft. She comes from an extended family that includes her grand-dam Te Akau Rose who was a winner of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) along with Gr.1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) winner and now successful sire Brutal. TAB Bookmakers reacted quickly by moving Damask Rose into equal favourite for the NZB Kiwi alongside Checkmate, with the pair sitting at a $6 Fixed Odds quote ahead of Aussie raider Evaporate at $8. View the full article

It wouldn’t be Karaka Millions night if the familiar tangerine and blue colours of Te Akau Racing were not front and centre in the finish of one of the two feature events, the Listed TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). The 2025 edition of the contest proved no difference with promising filly La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) extending the Matamata stable’s outstanding record in the race to eight victories with a gritty on pace effort. Leading Victorian rider Craig Williams made the trip across the Tasman to partner the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared daughter of Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth and produced an absolute gem to guide her home. Williams made good use of her handy barrier draw (5) to head forward at the start, disputing the pace with Aussie raider Hello Romeo (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) before easing to a clear lead with 300m to run. Hard up against the fence, La Dorada produced a powerful kick and shot two lengths clear before gamely holding out the late charge of outsiders Vega For Luck (NZ) (Lucky Vega) and South Island visitor Miss Ziggy (NZ) (Brazen Beau) who stormed home from second last on the home turn. Williams was his usual calm and collected self after picking up his third win in the race, noting the addition of vizor blinkers and a tongue tied had been crucial to the performance. “The gear change today meant I had the right filly and she was very good,” Williams said. “She had a lovely run throughout although the instructions weren’t that specific. “It was all about her and they knew the horse they had.” Williams had previously taken out the contest aboard Ruud Awakening (Bernardini) in 2013 and with Ockham’s Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion) a year earlier Walker paid tribute to the staff involved with their Matamata operation and his training partner Bergerson. “This is terrific and great for Sam as he has had to sustain a lot of pressure as I have been in Melbourne a lot,” Walker said. “Full credit to him and the team, this was great as it is good to win on the big stage. “Also well done to David Ellis to buy eight individual winners of this race, as if you go anywhere in the world and find someone who has done that, you wouldn’t find it. “She just paraded so well and she looked a picture. “Craig Williams rode her a treat and the staff have been working hard as it’s this time of the year where you have to raise the bar. “It’s just fun being part of this night as it is the night on the racing calendar.” Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis purchased the filly for $190,000 out of the Waikato Stud draft during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in 2024 after purchasing her dam, Gold Fever (NZ) (Savabeel), as a yearling for $110,000, from the draft of Sledmere Stud, at the 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She comes from an extended family that includes Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Gold Rush (NZ) (So You Think), a race also taken out by Gold Fever while outstanding Sydney galloper Golden Mile and Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Major Beel (NZ) (Savabeel) also feature. View the full article

Champion Sydney-based trainer Chris Waller turned back the clock at Ellerslie on Saturday with a heart-stopping victory by Konasana (Dundeel) in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). Konasana was Waller’s first New Zealand winner since the 2002-03 season, when he took the plunge and moved across the Tasman. He has gone on to become one of the all-time greats, winning more than 170 Group One races and earning Hall of Fame induction in both New Zealand and Australia. Waller has won many bigger and richer races than the Westbury Classic, but Saturday was a special homecoming. “It’s massive,” Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “And it’s great that the horse was ridden by Rory Hutchings, another expat New Zealander who outrode his claim for Chris as an apprentice in Sydney. Now they’ve both gone full circle. “It also means a lot to get this win for Woppitt Bloodstock (owner-breeders) with Debbie Kepitis and her family here. It’s pretty emotional stuff, really.” Konasana brought strong credentials into her trans-Tasman raid, with five wins to her name including a last-start success in the Gr.3 Belle of the Turf (1600m) at Gosford on New Year’s Eve. She had also won the Gr.3 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) on heavy ground at Randwick last April. A bold performance was expected from the daughter of Dundeel, who jumped as a $3.80 second favourite. But her prospects appeared to take a major blow when she was squeezed backwards soon after the start and dropped out to the tail of the field. Konasana was still well back and had a wall of horses in front of her turning into the home straight, but Hutchings drove her through a narrow opening and she chimed in with ominous ease with 200m remaining. However, the unheralded Imprevu (NZ) (Wrote) provided a major scare with a career-best performance. She dashed through on Konasana’s inside and matched motors with the Australian raider through a thrilling final 100m. In a head-bobbing finish, Konasana prevailed by a half-head. Imprevu finished three lengths in front of the third-placed Malt Time (Adelaide). “I had no idea whether we’d won it,” Hutchings said. “We weren’t clean away and took a while to get into stride. “She was going so well in the straight and got there so easily, I thought it was all over when she burst through. I couldn’t believe that another one came with her and made it so close. But it’s such a relief to get this win. Nothing went to plan, but she was still gutsy enough to get the job done. “It’s a big thing for Chris to bring a horse over here. I’m sure he’ll get great satisfaction out of this, and Debbie and the family too.” Duckworth suggested that New Zealand may not have seen the last of Konasana, with the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) on Champions Day on March 8 a likely target. “There’s a big chance she’ll stay for that,” Duckworth said. “Knowing there’s a sequence of races she could target was a big factor in sending her over. “I’m just delighted for the horse. It wasn’t our intention to sit last, but she got a bad squeeze coming out of the gates. I didn’t know whether we’d got it on the line, but I’m glad we did. “We’ve always had a pretty good opinion of this mare. Her first Group win was on a wet track in the autumn, so we were delighted to see her do it on good ground in the Belle of the Turf and again today. “She travelled over beautifully and looked an absolute picture today. I thought we’d have some fun today if she ran up to her looks.” Konasana capped a special week for Kepitis, coming just a couple of days after Octagonal was announced as an inductee into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. The 10-time Group One winner was raced by Kepitis’s father and uncle, Bob and Jack Ingham. “We’re so excited,” Kepitis said. “Having Octagonal honoured with induction into the Hall of Fame is wonderful. He was an amazing horse for Jack and Bob. He put them on the map. They would both be so proud. “We bred Konasana and she’s been wonderful for us. To come over to New Zealand with a plan and have it come off is great. It’s all down to the master, Chris Waller, and his amazing team.” View the full article

A career-best campaign for Tumuch (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) went up another level on Saturday when the five-year-old scored his first black-type win in the Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton. The Satono Aladdin gelding has barely put a foot wrong in seven starts this season, starting with a win in Rating 75 grade at Riccarton in September. He then finished second and fourth in two appearances during the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November, followed by an outstanding last-to-first performance in a 1400m open handicap at Cromwell on December 1. Tumuch had no luck when third in the Timaru Cup (1600m) on December 28 and sixth in a 1400m open handicap at Wingatui last weekend, but he dropped down to 1200m on a quick turnaround on Saturday and produced the performance of his career. Ridden by Akshay Balloo, Tumuch settled near the tail of the talented Timaru Stakes field and still had a dozen horses in front of him with 250m remaining. But Balloo turned him loose down the outside of the track and Tumuch produced an explosive turn of foot, bursting to the front in the final 50m and winning by three-quarters of a length. “He was very impressive,” co-trainer Karen Parsons said. “He was about as impressive as that when he won at Cromwell last month too. He’s racing in really good form at the moment. “We’ll probably aim him at Wingatui now.” The Wingatui meeting on February 8 is headed by the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1400m). From 16 starts, Tumuch has recorded five wins and four placings and has banked $171,080 in stakes. Tumuch is out of the unraced Captain Rio mare Pamela Place (NZ), whose half-brother Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking) won 15 races including numerous triumphs in those same red and white colours of the Parsons stable. His career highlight came in a successful North Island raid on the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m) in 2020. The Timaru Stakes was the first stakes success for Balloo, a Mauritian jockey who arrived in New Zealand in 2019 after spending time at the South African Jockey Academy as an apprentice. Balloo also won Saturday’s Berkley Stud at Karaka 2025 Rating 65 (1200m) aboard Avitus. “It’s my first black-type win in New Zealand, so it’s a big thrill,” Balloo said. “It was a lovely ride to pick up for John and Karson Parsons. The horse is in good form and has quite a strong record at the track, so I was reasonably confident going into the race. “We ended up further back than planned, so I was a bit worried for a while, but then the horse showed a very good change of gears in the straight and won impressively.” View the full article