Wandering Eyes

With the news of the passing of industry titan James E. “Ted” Bassett III, tributes from the Thoroughbred industry recount the enormous impact Bassett had in shaping the sport for generations to come. Elected president of the Breeders' Cup four years after the inaugural running in 1984, Bassett spearheaded the organization's growth and making the World Championships into the global affair it's known as, today. “Mr. Bassett served the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland, and a multitude of Thoroughbred racing industry organizations with magnificent honor and distinction, and his legacy will continue to make an impact for generations to come,” said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Our thoughts are with the many people whose lives he touched as we honor his memory.” Chauncey Morris, the executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, had similarly high praise. “Unequaled. Magnanimous. Marine,” said Morris. “These words are the very definition of Ted Bassett, his service to the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and its world-class Thoroughbred industry. His leadership of Keeneland was transformational. Our deepest condolences to his family.” The post Racing Industry Pays Tribute to Ted Bassett appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There’s plenty of excitement building towards this evening’s TAB Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie, which has been further enhanced by an NZB Kiwi slot announcement on a leading contender in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). Undefeated three-year-old Dealt With (NZ), who is a $6.50 third favourite for tonight’s mile feature, has been secured for the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) by Slot Holders Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing. The son of Ace High has made a monumental rise in the last month, winning on debut at Te Aroha over 1150m on January 4 before extending his unbeaten run, and securing his spot in the Karaka Millions 3YO, with a three-quarter of a length victory at Pukekohe on Sunday. Shaun Clotworthy, who trains Dealt With’s Karaka Millions race rival Billy Blinx, said the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has been on his radar for some time and he is excited his group has been able to secure him for the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. “He looks a really exciting horse,” Clotworthy said. “Everybody in the team that is involved in our slot are really excited to be able to secure a horse like him. “I saw him trial at Ellerslie on the day that Willydoit (New Zealand Derby favourite) won his trial, and I thought he was more impressive than Willydoit at the trials. “After his win at Counties (last Sunday) he came into contention. He is a horse with a tonne of potential. “Hopefully between now and the NZB Kiwi he keeps on improving. He is a real contender.” Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing’s announcement is timely, given tonight’s TAB Karaka Millions 3YO is one of the NZB Kiwi Bonus Eligible races, with the winner qualifying for a share of $1 million in bonuses if they run in the first three in the NZB Kiwi (1st – $600,000, 2nd – $250,000, 3rd – $150,000). “Most of the people in the slot will be at the races. They will be cheering on my stable but also have the bonus of having a real contender for the NZB Kiwi $1 million Bonus Pool in the Karaka Millions to cheer for as well,” Clotworthy said. Clotworthy said it’s great to be a part of the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi, with excitement noticeably building towards the rich feature. “I have been around the sales for the last couple of days and everyone has been talking about it (NZB Kiwi),” he said. “There’s starting to get a fair bit of hype around it now and there is a real vibe that it is going to be a great day. It’s a great initiative, so to be a part of the first one is awesome.” Clotworthy is enjoying being joined on the NZB Kiwi journey by several good friends and clients in their Slot Holder syndicate, and he said that has been the making of the experience so far. “That’s half the fun,” he said. “It’s a bit nerve-racking trying to secure a horse, but now we have secured a horse we can sit back and watch it unfold.” View the full article

As first reported by the DRF's David Grening, MGSW & MGISP Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}), one of the likely favorites for the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Saturday at Gulfstream Park, has been retired due to injury. Speaking to the DRF, owner Sol Kumin said Chad Brown informed him Thursday that Fluffy Socks was off in her left hind leg, and that X-rays showed a faint line which could lead to a condylar fracture. The decision was made to retire her, and she will be a scratch out of Saturday's contest. Kumin also added that she will ship to Dell Ridge Farm to await a stallion selection for her. “I'm bummed, but she did us right,” he told the DRF. The DRF report included that also expected to scratch are GSW Ocean Club (Curlin) and SW, SW & GSP-Fr See You Around (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), leaving a field of 11. The post Fluffy Socks Retired Due to Injury, Scratched from Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf 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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Grade I winner 'TDN Rising Star' Doppelganger (Into Mischief) was represented by his first foal, a filly out of Saucy Dame (Distorted Humor), at David Perrine's Perrine Time Thoroughbreds Friday morning, announced Pleasant Acres Stallions via a press release. The filly was born 9:30 a.m. and is reportedly healthy and strong. Described as 'blessed with exceptional bloodlines' by Christine Jones, the director of stallion services, the foal is out of a winning half-sister to MSW & GSP Stormy West (Gone West) and GSW Buffum (Bernardini). Another of the dam's half-sisters, GSP Renaissance Lady (A. P. Indy), is responsible for GSW Oxy Lady (Oxbow) as well as MSP Elusive Schemes (Elusive Quality). The second dam is the venerable Stick to Beauty (Illustrious), responsible for the likes of champion sprinter MGSW Gold Beauty and MGISW Maplejinsky (Nijinsky II)–in turn the dam of champion older mare and Filly Triple Crown victress MGISW Sky Beauty (Blushing Groom {Fr}) and the granddam of MGISW Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat) as well as GI Breeders' Cup Distaff heroine Pleasant Home (Seeking the Gold). The female line is active on both hemispheres and in several countries. Doppelganger won the GI Carter Handicap in 2023 and was multiple graded-placed as a sophomore in 2022 as well. He stands at Pleasant Aces Stallions for $10,000 in 2025. The post First Foal for Grade I Winner Doppelganger is a Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The board of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association met to discuss the recent statements made by Keith Brackpool on behalf of the Stronach Group, 1/ST Racing, and Gulfstream Park. According to the press release sent Friday, all discussions with Gulfstream to date had been premised on continued racing, not shutting down Gulfstream Park with or without decoupling. The statement continues that when representatives of Gulfstream Park approached the FTHA last summer, they proposed how to best save racing in South Florida as part of an overall plan. Closing Gulfstream in 2025, or at the end of 2028, was never mentioned or suggested, nor is that consistent with saving racing in South Florida. As a result, the FTHA will immediately undertake steps to do the following: Reassess the agreement entered with Gulfstream Park given the recent statements. Conduct a comprehensive analysis of all alternatives for continued racing in South Florida. Closely monitor all legislative or other steps that could put long-term racing in Florida at risk. The FTHA has already reached out to Gulfstream to have further dialogue. The organization is planning another general meeting in the near future and will announce details soon. The post FTHA Statement on South Florida Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The English polymath John Ruskin, who was always hard at work scribbling a well-timed observation for some future generation to co-opt, said when it came to the weather, “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” Well, bully for you Mr. Ruskin! Send him a going stick and put him to work on the nearest turf course. Some might care to offer quite a different observation after recent events. What we do know about the state of the weather is it has been rough across the lower 48. In an attempt to focus on sunnier times ahead, if we are speaking of things delicious and exhilarating, how about the pending graded stakes slate on Saturday? Leading off on a 'refreshing' afternoon, my colleague Christina Bossinakis brought us some well-timed historical perspective concerning Saturday's renewal of the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. Reporting from Hallandale's backside, her story behind 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher tells us why the signature race for older horses was designed as such some nine years ago and how it has become a jumping off point for stallion prospects. Of course we know this Pletcher's entry is not a lock. The 4-year-old is up against some formidable opponents in GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero White Abarrio (Race Day), Derby victor Mystik Dan (Goldencents), GISW Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) and GISW Mixto (Good Magic). Look for Locked's stablemate Crupi (Curlin), GI Santa Anita Derby hero from last year Stronghold (Ghostzapper) (covered yesterday by Bossinakis in TDN) and layoff runner Newgrange (Violence) to make some noise at odds in the double digits. Nations Pride wins the Arlington Million at Colonial | Coady Media If that forecast does not cheer you up, then do not forget about Gulfstream's undercard. The schedule is brimming with six other graded races. The GI Pegasus World Cup Turf issued an invite to Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and the 6-year-old Godolphin homebred accepted. The potential race time favorite has a trio of Grade I wins in North America for trainer Charlie Appleby. The only question mark is his fitness level. If the homebred is ready to fire, then his class could win the day. “He's [Nations Pride] always shown a good level of ability, progressing from 2 to 3 and from there on, he sort of progressed throughout his career,” Appleby said. “We found that the conventional tracks, the flat tracks of America and Dubai, suited him. So that's why he's mainly been internationally campaigned, really. I think 10 furlongs is probably his most ideal trip if you want to pigeonhole him into something like that, but I see no reason why the nine should be an inconvenience.” There are others drawn in here with more than a fighting chance. Integration (Quality Road) will look to avenge his loss to Nations Pride that he suffered in the GI Arlington Million at Colonial Downs in August. He too has not been seen since the fall when he won the GII Red Smith Stakes at the Big A. Trainer Shug McGaughey entered Integration in this race last year and after going off as the favorite he finished fifth. “I think he's [Integration] done well,” McGaughey said. “The Pegasus last year was kind of a last-minute thing. I had planned to give him some time off and run him at Keeneland and we decided to run here for the money. He didn't get the best of trips. Tyler [Gaffalione] rode him. He had him down inside and just couldn't get him out when he wanted to. I think with all the trouble he was in, it was a credible race.” If you fancy a longshot in the Pegasus Turf who is getting a cutback in distance, then give Balnikov (Ire) (Adaay {Ire}) the once over. Conditioned by Phil D'Amato, the 6-year-old has raced mainly on the Southern California grass courses. However, last May he thoroughly enjoyed a soft turf course at Pimlico and won the GII Dinner Party Stakes. Sticking with the same surface, the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf promises to offer some real value when it comes to wagering because there is not a prescribed deserving favorite. Certainly, Shadwell Stables's Raqiya (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) has some English form that is inviting and Sacred Wish (Not This Time) boasts a win last out in the GI Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar Dec. 1. Dona Clota in the Gulfstream paddock schooling | Lauren King However, more intriguing is an entry like Dona Clota (Chi) (Ivan Denisovich {Ire}), who won a pair of Grade 1 races in her native Chile. Now she joins trainer Ignacio Correas's outfit for Resolute Racing. One other name to remember is See You Around (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). The filly began her career in France, shipped to race for the live barn of Christophe Clement and she took home a black-type over this course last month. The rest of the Gulfstream undercard includes a bout between MGSW Mystic Lake (Mot Town) against MGSW Emery (More Than Ready) in the GII Inside Information Stakes, and a rematch ensues between the 1-2 finishers from the GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes, Rocket Can (Into Mischief) and Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance). They square off once more in the GIII Fred W. Hooper Stakes. Finally, a couple of turf distance tests will be administered in the GIII La Prevoyante Stakes and the GIII W.L. McKnight Stakes. Returning to issues skyward of the inclement variety, Oaklawn Park regularly deals with what Ruskin would call “different kinds of good weather.” Arkansas is particularly susceptible to a cold blast in January and Hot Springs was certainly on the receiving end of another good socking this time around. The Derby and Oaks series in 'The Natural State'–which both offer 20-10-6-4-2 on the path to Churchill in May–is back on track Saturday with the GIII Southwest Stakes and Martha Washington Stakes, respectively. First, the Southwest has drawn a field of 10, and blowing into town for Bob Baffert is Eclipse nominee & GISW Gaming (Game Winner). Finishing in early November as the runner-up in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile to newly-minted champion 2-year-old male & stablemate Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), the dark bay is looking to get back on track after he ran a distant third in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 14. Gaming working for the first time over the local strip at Oaklawn | Coady Media “He [Gaming] went from the top 12 to nowhere,” said Baffert. “That's the way it is in this business. You're only as good as your last race. He ran a big race in the Breeders' Cup. I might have been a little too easy on him for the Los Al. I wasn't sure if I was going to run in there and then at the last minute decided I was going to run him there. He just didn't bring his 'A' game that day. Just got a little bit worked up in the paddock. He was too fresh. He didn't bring it and that's what happens.” Gaming will have to contend with a pair of tough customers in GSP Sandman (Tapit) and Patch Adams (Into Mischief). The former–a $1.2-million OBS March buy–tuned for this spot by clearing an optional claimer at Oaklawn Dec. 13, while the latter earned a 'TDN Rising Star' at second asking when he won by an eye-catching 10 1/2 lengths at Churchill Downs in late November. As for the Martha Washington, look for 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) to take care of business for Shortleaf Stable and trainer John Ortiz. The graded weekend also includes the salty GIII Houston Ladies Classic Stakes for older females at Sam Houston Race Park and at Santa Anita we have the GII San Pasqual Stakes going for older males. In the spirit of Mr. Ruskin, here's to different kinds of good graded racing on Saturday. The post Graded Forecast Calls For Loaded Pegasus, Southwest Winds ‘Point’ To Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Will try and get some pictures of interest during the day. Made a request to walk the track but this is the closest I got. Very warm and sunny from early morning. The track should start the night a Good 4 subject to how "soft" the mechanical tyning of the track has made it. I'm told people will start queuing at 1pm to get in the gates first when they open at 3pm. The only time you will see ATR members running to find a table in their area in the stand at Ellerslie. Same applies to Owners who have horses starting. They are further handicapped by having to queue twice the second time at the raceday office. Many are hoping their horses will run faster than they do!

A week and a half before Saturday's Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream Park's glitziest event of the year, former The Stronach Group (TSG) executive Keith Brackpool stood before an assembled group of industry stakeholders and warned them the event might not go ahead in 2029, even if a bill to decouple Thoroughbred horse racing from casino licenses passes the state legislature. “We have said, this passes, this bill passes, that we will commit to racing here at Gulfstream at least through 2028,” Brackpool told the crowd, according to a recording of the meeting obtained by the TDN. The legislation was needed to help attract investors for redevelopment opportunities at the property, he said, like a new casino and hotel. If the bill doesn't pass, however, “then there's no guarantee of when we will continue to race,” Brackpool said. It was an ultimatum that has reverberated around the sport, raising once again serious questions about the company's long-term strategy for its real-estate holdings. “I was caught off guard about it, but at the same time not shocked,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, who has long maintained a string in Florida. “What everyone's looking for is some clarity and some assurances about having a reliable future for South Florida racing.” Perhaps more pointedly, this inflection point in Gulfstream Park's future highlights broader practical and philosophical questions about the future of racing in Florida and California. As industry coffers in these states flatline or shrink and real estate holdings only become more valuable, what is the commercial tipping point at facilities like Gulfstream Park? Do racetrack owners have any ethical obligations towards the sport as they seek to offload their real estate portfolios? And what role should private racetrack ownership play if the sport is to thrive well into the future? “My process was, racetracks should really be owned by the stakeholders,” said Frank Stronach, who purchased Gulfstream Park in 1999, in an interview with the TDN earlier in the week. No Decoupling? What Then? The law as it stands right now requires Gulfstream Park to run live racing to operate its casino, a guaranteed slice of which goes for purses. TSG is required to run at least 40 days of racing. They currently run around 200 days. HB 105, filed on Jan. 6, would decouple the requirement for racing from the casino license. As written, the bill goes into effect July 1 if successful in the next session. If the bill passes, TSG has promised to continue paying for an undetermined amount of time the current annual slice of casino revenues (around $6.2 million) into purses. The additional monies that TSG offered (for workers' comp and aftercare support) would increase the amount to $7.5 million annually. The workers' comp situation is an especially prickly one for Florida's trainers. According to two sources who discussed the situation on background, the insurance carrier for dozens of trainers at Gulfstream Park last year refused to continue coverage if that included exercise riders. Last September, Gulfstream Park picked up coverage of the track's exercise riders under a general liability policy, according to these two sources. Over a week ago, the TDN asked for an interview with either Belinda Stronach or Brackpool about the company's short and long-term business plans. In lieu of such an interview, TDN sent TSG a set of detailed questions. The company declined the interviews and did not respond to any of the questions. Aidan Butler | Benoit Instead, a spokesperson directed the TDN towards an interview that 1/ST Racing's CEO Aidan Butler conducted with Nick Luck. In it, Butler argued the fallout from last week's meeting has been twisted by the media, and that the company “has never said we want to stop racing.” The ultimatum that Brackpool issued last week, however, mirrors what he outlined in a letter dated Jan. 2 to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA), obtained by the TDN. “If this Bill passes and is signed into law, we commit to continuing racing at Gulfstream Park through at least 2028,” Brackpool writes in the letter. “However, if the Bill does not pass, we cannot make any assurances about the future of racing at Gulfstream Park.” According to Butler, the 2028 date was asserted to reassure the state's breeders of the company's intentions. The issuance of that date, however, will have only disincentivized breeding in the state, said Lonny Powell, CEO and vice president of the FTBOA, which has long opposed decoupling. What was also missing from both Brackpool and Butler's public statements are the kind of detailed specifics about the company's short and long-term objectives that many industry stakeholders are desperate for as they attempt to plot futures for their stables, broodmare bands, stallions, families and staff. Perhaps the most important unanswered question is this one: If the decoupling legislation doesn't pass, what then? Though Butler promised on the podcast the track wouldn't close “immediately,” Brackpool repeatedly emphasized at the horsemen's meeting the company's unilateral ability to discontinue racing. “If this bill does not work, then we're not giving any obligation as to when we have to continue to run,” said Brackpool in the meeting. “Where we are at this stage is there is no obligation that we have to continue to race.” At the same time, when asked about the company's financial footing in the state, Brackpool said in the meeting that “Florida is pretty break-even in this stage.” Which begs the question: If the company is sincere about continuing racing at Gulfstream Park, what does it see as a viable business model? Casino Revenues According to the Paulick Report, Gulfstream Park casino's net revenues in the last fiscal year were $59.7 million from 523 slot machines. This is less than half the slot revenues generated by rival casinos (though with far fewer machines). In the meeting, Brackpool admitted that the current casino “makes no sense” operationally. “It's on two floors. Casinos are never on two floors,” he said. Furthermore, “you can't find it,” he added. Some 20 years ago, TSG tore down the old Gulfstream Park and rebuilt it anew, including the current casino. At the same time, Brackpool downplayed the potential purse revenues generated by any new casino, especially if iGaming becomes a reality in the state. “The deal that exists between this organization and horsemen has a 2% of gross daily revenue, over $65 million,” said Brackpool, about the casino's slot revenues. Even if there was a “giant casino constructed here” making $100 million, he added, “that would add $2 million maximum to the purses. And we've already offered almost that amount.” In background conversations with current and former TSG executives, they point out how the vertically integrated company's gambling assets-like ADW company Xpressbet and tote company AmTote-are profitable ventures. Currently, ADW revenues are publicly unknown in Florida, with question marks hanging over how much flows back into the industry, said Powell. In addition, Powell said, “the breeders get no slice of the ADW revenues.” Then there's Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) platform Elite Turf Club, another of the jewels in the company's gambling crown. Last year, the TDN obtained data showing wagering behavior among several of Elite Turf Club's biggest players. In 2023, just eight CAW teams wagered over $2 billion on U.S. racing through Elite Turf Club alone, according to the data. CAW platforms typically retain between 0.5% and 1.25% as a commission from the amount their players wager. According to the data, therefore, Elite Turf Club's possible slice from just those eight CAW teams that wagered on U.S. racing alone that year could be as much as $25 million. While gambling appears to be a big revenue driver for the company, current and former TSG executives in their background conversations point out that deferred maintenance at the company's remaining tracks would require huge investments to get them up to par. What is the financial tipping point, therefore, when an investment become a black hole? Frank Stronach Frank Stronach accepts Special Award of Merit at 2018 Eclipse Awards at Gulfstream Park | Horsephotos After Belinda Stronach succeeded her father at the helm of TSG's racing operations, Frank and his wife, Elfriede, sued their daughter alleging mismanagement of assets and trust funds. They also sued their grandchildren, Nicole and Frank Walker, and TSG executive Alon Ossip. The suit was settled in 2020. Frank, who in recent years has had several sexual assault allegations made against him, told the TDN he originally purchased the racetracks not as a long-game real-estate move but rather to eventually transition control of the facilities to the industry. When asked if his daughter was now looking to cash in on the company's valuable real estate holdings, Frank said he needed to speak with her for clarity on the situation. “I hope not,” he said. “I hope it's bad advice. I hope we can do the right thing.” Frank emphasized how much he invested in the sport over the years, propelled by his love of the game. Does his daughter also love horse racing? Frank hesitated. “I'm not sure,” he said. “It's getting better,” Frank said, about his relationship with his daughter. “She was influenced by some people that were not that great,” he added. When asked if Brackpool was one of those people, Frank claimed he doesn't know him “well enough” to answer. The two have a long legal and professional history together, however. And as the Florida industry tries to forge a new path forward, several stakeholders have asked exactly who they're dealing with. Brackpool's Return Brackpool may be small in stature, but he wields an outsized political footprint in California. The British immigrant, who was chair of the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) between 2010 and 2013, can boast former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former speaker of the California state assembly Fabian Nunez as either friends or business associates. Brackpool also boasts a checkered legal and professional history. In 1983, Brackpool pleaded guilty to criminal charges in London, including dealing in securities without a license. His involvement with the Cadiz water scheme has also garnered negative scrutiny and criticism over the years. The scheme is to take water from beneath land in the Mojave Desert owned by Cadiz Inc.-a company co-founded by Brackpool-and pump it to Southern California. The project has been decades in the pipeline, reportedly kept alive over the years in part with the help of sizeable political donations. Respected LA Times business journalist Michael Hiltzik, one of the scheme's harshest critics, has described it as “California's most farcical water project.” After leaving the CHRB, Brackpool joined TSG in a leadership role, but left the company in 2018, suing its founder, Frank, for $40 million claiming breach of agreement to provide him with an equity stake and profit sharing. In 2020, Brackpool and TSG announced they had resolved the lawsuit amicably, the terms of which weren't publicly disclosed. Neither Brackpool nor TSG directly responded to questions about why he was chosen to lead the negotiations surrounding the future of Gulfstream Park. Nor did they respond to questions about any potential compensation package he might receive in the event of a redevelopment deal from the sale of any of the company's real estate holdings. As the industry seeks solutions, however, what are some of the other key obstacles it faces? The Issues To justify the company's redevelopment plans for the property, Brackpool has highlighted tough finances without supplemental purse revenue relief. The Seminole Tribe has annexed sports wagering. Any future of iGambling is also unlikely to benefit horse racing in any tangible way. Breeding-wise, Florida's share of the national foal crop has dropped to less than 6%, down from over 12% in 2002. At the same time, Florida plays a tremendously important role in the industry with major farms, training centers and sales companies based in the state. It still stands third in the nation for most mares bred in a year. If a new model is to be found in Florida to help shore up the breeding industry, what about alternate racing venues? Beyond Tampa Bay Downs, Hialeah Park has been mooted as a possible option. TSG-owned training center Palm Meadows is another. Both would require massive capital investments to get them primetime ready. In discussing these possibilities with stakeholders, a common refrain was this: How many times can the industry get burned by the same corporate entities? Golden Gate fields frequently came up. After the initial announcement of the track's closure by the LA Times, it took nearly two weeks for Butler and former TSG executive Craig Fravel to outline the company's business strategy for concerned industry stakeholders. This included a near $32 million investment package into its Southern California properties. So far, the majority of these promises haven't been met. One (a swimming pool) apparently never will be built, and others (like long-needed barn improvements) have been delayed indefinitely. “Corporate-owned racetracks specifically negotiate and bully local horsemen's groups. They bully them for stall space. They bully them for workman's comp. They bully them for race dates. And the local horsemen's groups are always extremely weak,” said Craig Bernick, president and COO of Florida's Glen Hill Farm. If Florida horse racing is to survive well into the future, therefore, bold decision-making needs to be taken now by the industry to assume control of its own product, Bernick said. “The sport is going to need to make significant major investments in facilities and in racetracks that the industry can figure out how to control,” said Bernick. At the meeting, Brackpool suggested a working group be formed to discuss the path forward (though others interviewed suggested this should have been done years ago). Belmont Stakes-winning trainer Jena Antonucci, who has maintained a string in Florida for at least 10 years, said it's incumbent for major industry players to come to the table in a way that all stakeholders know the facts, their options and individual groups' motivations. “I think the horses deserve a transparency so that the industry can work towards smart solutions,” she said. The post Gulfstream Park’s Future: “It’s Become A National Issue” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the one-day Arqana February Mixed Sale, featuring listed winner Perle Rouge (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) (lot 27), was released on Friday. A total of 314 Flat and National Hunt lots are catalogued, including horses-in-training, 2- and 3-year-old stores, Flat 2-year-olds, yearlings, fillies and mares, the sale will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Of the 100 fillies in-/out-of-training, Perle Rouge is one of the highlights. She is rated 103 after her win in the Listed Grand Prix de Marseille. The breeding stock portion encompasses 124 lots in foal to the likes of Intello (Ger), Kendargent (Fr), Goken (Fr), City Light (Fr), Persian King (Ire), Space Blues (Ire) and Erevann (Fr), Little Big Bear (Ire), Sealiway (Fr), Torquator Tasso (Ger), Vadeni (Fr) and Victor Ludorum (GB). There are 43 yearlings, including a half-sister by Extreme Choice (Aus) to G1 Queensland Oaks runner-up Our Gold Hope (Aus) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) as lot 115. In 2024, 239 lots sold for an aggregate of €2,831,500 and a clearance rate of 77%. The average was €11,847 and the median was €5,500. The post Arqana February Catalogue Features Listed Winner Perle Rouge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five days after the Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI) subsidiary that operates the advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform TwinSpires sued the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) in federal court, claiming that the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA) pre-empts a state law that ADW providers be linked to a licensed racetrack, the executive director of the MGCB sued TwinSpires, alleging that the ADW's “blatant defiance” of a suspension order “constitutes an imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare.” The dueling lawsuits stem from the fact that Michigan's law requiring ADWs to partner with a racetrack in the state can't be fulfilled by any ADW right now. That's because there hasn't been any Thoroughbred racing in Michigan since 2018, and Standardbred races last ran in February 2024. TwinSpires (and other ADWs) had previously partnered with the now-demolished and to-be-developed Northville Downs, whose license-holders are planning to, but have not yet received, approval for the required 30 days of Standardbred racing at a different location so that all parties can be eligible for ADW and simulcasting in 2025. On Dec. 23, 2024, the MGCB notified all licensed ADWs to cease offering wagering for Michigan residents effective Jan. 1, 2025. The shutdown was to be temporary until the harness track licensing issue got resolved. According to the MGCB, while Xpressbet, NYRA Bets, and TVG Network voluntarily complied with the order, TwinSpires did not. After a week of continuing to operate against the order, the MGCB suspended the TwinSpires license Jan. 7. According to the Jan. 17 suit filed by MGCB executive director Henry Williams, Churchill's ADW continues to flout the shutdown order and suspension. “A summary suspension is not optional to the aggrieved party but rather is an immediate suspension pending a prompt hearing,” the Michigan lawsuit stated. According to Geoff Zochodne, who reported on the conflict in a Jan. 23 story for the betting news site Covers, that administrative hearing went forward on Wednesday, but the presiding judge did not immediately issue a decision. “Churchill's continuing violations of operating while its Michigan license is under an Order of Summary Suspension, in total disregard for the laws of the State of Michigan, is a violation of the Racing Act and, by extension, the Penal Code,” stated the Michigan lawsuit, which was initially filed in the State Circuit Court for Wayne County. Four days later, on Jan. 21, the Michigan lawsuit got “removed” to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan at the behest of Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company, which preferred to contest the issue in a federal rather than state court. The Michigan lawsuit alleged that Twin Spires' continued operation without state permission “may encourage other third-party licensees, and those persons not licensed, to violate the Racing Act by conducting internet wagering on horse racing.” TwinSpires saw the situation entirely differently in its Jan. 12 lawsuit against the MGCB. Requiring an ADW to have a partnership with a track, “is no different than if Michigan required any online retailer to partner with an in-state brick-and-mortar store before it could accept orders from individuals in Michigan,” the TwinSpires lawsuit stated. The TwinSpires suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan further stated that, “The IHA contains no provision requiring the consent of the state in which an individual placing the wager happens to reside,” the complaint stated. “This makes sense given the historic understanding that wagering is regulated in the location it is accepted, not where the individual placing the bet resides,” the TwinSpires lawsuit stated. Now that the case has been removed to a federal court, Churchill is attempting to further get the MGCB director's lawsuit transferred to the same Western District federal court where its own lawsuit was filed because the two cases concern “the same parties and overlapping legal issues.” Churchill is also asking the court to expedite its lawsuit and to issue a preliminary injunction in its ADW's favor. The MGCB, by contrast, has filed opposing paperwork that asks for the federal judge to instead return the MGCB director's lawsuit to the state system, perhaps as a way for the agency to seek a “home court” advantage. The post Michigan Sues TwinSpires, Claiming ‘Blatant Defiance’ of Shutdown Order Could ‘Encourage’ Other ADWs to Violate Law appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior warmed up for the Saudi Cup (G1) with an emphatic victory on Fashion Friday in Dubai with Walk of Stars and Laurel River also putting in bids for a spot in the $20 million race.View the full article

When apprentice jockey Tyler Bacon rode his first career race Oct. 27, 2023, at Columbus in Nebraska, the purse was $6,500. On Jan. 25 at Oaklawn Park, Bacon will ride in his first career graded stakes race, the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3).View the full article

FLIGHT OF FANCY (Into Mischief), the half-sister to Horse of the Year Flightline (Tapit), broke her maiden second time out at Tampa Bay Downs Friday, holding off first-time starter Holding Company (Curlin). A Summer Wind Equine homebred, the 3-year-old filly was second on debut going six furlongs at Tampa Dec. 7. Kept just off the pacesetter in a joint second with Holding Company through a half in :48.48, the pair split pacesetter Cottage Garden (Frosted) at the quarter pole with Flight of Fancy keeping the momentum up widest of the three to secure a narrow win for trainer William Mott. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0. O/B-Summer Wind Equine; T-William Mott. Flightline's half-sister #5 FLIGHT OF FANCY ($5.80) soars to victory in the 8th race at @TampaBayDownsFL. The three-year-old filly by @SpendthriftFarm's Into Mischief broke her maiden for trainer Bill Mott and owner/breeder @MoreSummerWind. @jockeydcenteno was in the irons. pic.twitter.com/50zipNN7ga — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 24, 2025 The post Flight Of Fancy, Half To Flightline, Breaks Her Maiden At Tampa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin When you watch Lakelsa bolt to Group 2 glory at Addington on Friday night you could easily wonder how it took her so long to make to the big time. But see her closer up in real life and it becomes a bit more apparent. The Regan Todd-trained mare started her five-year-old season with an easy all-the-way win in the $60,000 Garrards Premier Mares Championhip at Addington. She boomed straight to the front for Robbie Close and when she wasn’t attacked her closing 800m in 55.1 seconds was always going to make her too slick to catch. Behind her were Ruby Roe, All You Need Is Me and Treacherous Baby, all star three-year-olds last season whereas Lakelsa didn’t even race at three, rare these days for one so talented. “She was just too big,” says Todd. “She was a slow maturer and a couple of times she got away in the cart on us and she took a bit of getting right. “That is why she never raced as a young horse but she is making up for is now. “She is getting better with every start these days and we now have the Group 1 [Breeders Stakes] in a couple of weeks time for her. “Some of those ones she beat tonight will improve for that but she has turned into a lovely mare.” Horses who need time also need patient owners and Lakelsa has them in breeders/owners Bruce and Al Sinclair. “I reckom my grandfather trained their first horse and they are good Southland men who can be patient with their horses.” That patience may get repaid at the highest level of mares racing in two weeks if last night’s win is anything to judge by. One horse who did plenty of racing at two and three, both very successfully, started his four-year-old season with a win when We Walk By Faith just held on in a strong Race 9. Having his first start since winning the NZ Derby in December he strode to the lead and looked set for an wasy win before stablemate Wish Me Luck almost passing-laned him. Both horses, like many of the age group starts who resumed at Addington on Friday, should improve for the outing and trainer Hayden Cullen has plenty of options with the pair. . View the full article

Romantic Warrior steams to Group 1 Jebel Hatta victory. Photo: HKJC Romantic Warrior has sealed his place as a Hong Kong racing immortal with a stunning triumph in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse, smashing the track record with an extraordinary performance for Danny Shum and James McDonald. Equalling Golden Sixty’s record of 10 Group 1 wins, Romantic Warrior steamrolled decorated opposition by 4.5 lengths, clocking 1:45.10 in defeating Poker Face and Holloway Boy to post his 18th win from 23 starts and conquering his fourth different racing jurisdiction after Group 1 successes in Hong Kong, Japan and Australia. Romantic Warrior boosted his world record prizemoney earnings to almost HK$180 million with the win. The Hong Kong International Sale graduate’s reputation as international racing’s ultimate globetrotter was cemented with a devastating surge from the 400m when he trailed leader Measured Time by 10 lengths. 2025 Group 1 Jebel Hatta Replay – Romantic Warrior https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Meydan-2025-Group-1-Jebel-Hatta-24012025-Romantic-Warrior-Danny-Shum-James-McDonald.mp4 McDonald, who partnered the Acclamation gelding to wins in the 2023 Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley and the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo Racecourse as well as eight other elite victories, was unflustered as Measured Time forged away. “As soon as I turned for home, I could see the leader in the race so far in front but he (Romantic Warrior) was picking up so beautifully and he did the rest,” McDonald said. “I was just delighted with him. He jumps fast, he travels well and I never felt in doubt at all. “He adapts to anything. You could put him on a saucepan and he would run well – any pace, any distance would suit him fine.” McDonald said he was more concerned before leaving the parade ring when Romantic Warrior was unusually animated. “I was a little bit worried before the race with gap between runs, he was more fresh in the parade ring and then he managed get his cool going to the start, so that was pleasant to see,” McDonald said. Romantic Warrior will next contest the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in Riyadh on February 22 before returning to Meydan for either the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2000m, dirt) or Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) on April 5. Asked about switching to dirt for the Saudi Cup, McDonald said: “Your guess is as good as mine because I really don’t know. It’s foreign territory for him – a different surface – but one thing I do know is that he will try his best and he will give a great sight. Whether he can win, I’m not too sure but I wouldn’t swap him for anything.” Shum was elated with Romantic Warrior’s performance. “He’s a really good horse, he’s talented and he’s easy look after. I was not worried (during the race) because I trust James. He’s a world-class jockey so he knew the pace so I was 100 per cent not worried,” Shum said. “He’s one of the best in the world, there’s no doubt. He’s got a good turn of foot, he listens to what the jockey wants him to do and he can kick. Horse racing news View the full article

Amid growing unease over the future of racing in South Florida, the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association said it would reassess its agreement with Gulfstream Park and conduct a comprehensive analysis of all alternatives for continued racing.View the full article

There are 12 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, January 25. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Ellerslie (NZ), Sandown, Randwick, Sunshine Coast, Ascot & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 25, 2025 Ellerslie (NZ) Racing Tips Sandown Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Sunshine Coast Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 25, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Grade 1 winner Senor Buscador, who aims to continue the legacy of his sire, 2004 Horse of the Year Mineshaft, will stand at Lane's End for $7,500 LFSN.View the full article

In light of recent winter weather-related cancellations of live racing days, Parx Racing will be offering live racing on Jan. 30 with a 12:05 EST first post.View the full article

With the recent winter weather-related cancellations, Parx Racing, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA), will offer live racing on Thursday, Jan. 30 in an effort to reschedule days which have been lost due to adverse conditions, the groups announced jointly Friday afternoon. The long-term goal is to add race days in the coming weeks to assist horsemen who have been impacted by the card cancellations. Days will be added in the future using 10-day weather outlooks to determine the best dates, but in the interim, Parx will continue to add an extra race, field size permitting, to certain days–bringing the number of races from 10 to 11. Entries for Jan. 30 will be taken Monday, Jan. 27. “I understand the frustrations from all of the horsemen here at Parx due to the weather induced cancellations of race days,” said PTHA executive director Jeff Matty. “While we cannot control mother nature–and the safety of our equine athletes and jockeys is paramount–we are taking steps to address the issue of lost days. I'm proud we could quickly add this day for the benefit of all.” “Thank you to Parx, the State Racing Commission, and all others involved in making the logistics possible for such a quick addition to our schedule.” The post Parx Adds January 30 to Live Racing Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York racing Association (NYRA) will host a job fair Thursday, Feb. 13 for individuals interested in employment opportunities during the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, the organization announced Friday afternoon. Running just one day from 2-7:00 p.m. at the 1863 Club at the racecourse, prospective workers will be able to meet with a variety of groups representing several staffing positions, including mutuel clerks, cashiers, merchandise clerks, customer service, and restaurant staff. Applicants should enter through the Wright Street entrance (gate eight), and must be at least 15 years of age and have New York State Certified Working papers to apply. Prospective security guards, cashiers, and betting clerks must be at least 18 and all applicants must present a photo ID and Social Security card or I-9 alternative. Guards must have a high school diploma or GED. More information may be found here. The post NYRA to Host Job Fair for Belmont Stakes Racing Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-GP, 94K, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 11:30 a.m. Gulfstream Park will kick off it's Pegasus World Cup card with a pair of classy maiden special weight races headlined by DISRUPTOR (Gun Runner), a $1,150,000 KEESEP yearling out of the Todd Pletcher barn for the partnership group of Repole Stable, Spendthrift Farm, Big Easy Racing, Titletown Racing, Winners Win, Golconda Stable, Ali Goodrich and Mark Parkinson. The chestnut, out of a full-sister to MGSW Bridgetown (Speightstown), put in a drill at Palm Beach Downs Jan. 18, going four furlongs from the gate in :47 (1/27) to top the work tab. TJCIS PPS 1st-GP, 94K, Msw, 3yo, 1mT, 11:00 a.m. Opening the card on the turf, Up for an Oscar (Oscar Performance) debuts for Speedway Stables and trainer Chad Brown after bringing $725,000 at OBS April last year. The colt is out of a half to the dams of GISW Coffee Clique (Medaglia d'Oro), MGSW Admission Office (Point of Entry) and MGSW Endlessly (Oscar Performance). He lines up outside of Kunan (Omaha Beach), a three-quarter brother to MGSW Blitzkreig (War Front) both out of GSW Bauble Queen. TJCIS PPS 4th-SA, 60K, Msw, 3yo, 6 1/2f, 4:35 p.m. On the opposite coast, Varney (Vekoma) will debut sprinting for Bob Baffert in his first start since bringing $775,000 at KEESEP in 2023. He is a son of SW and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf third Summer of Fun (Include). To the outside is another KEESEP grad in Modus Bestia (Maclean's Music) who races for Nguyen or Tran after bringing $500,000. TJCIS PPS 3rd-SA, 60K, Msw, 4-5yo, 6 1/2f, 4:04 p.m. Making his belated debut as a 4-year-old, Dr. Park (Uncle Mo) is the half-brother to champion 2-year-old male Forte (Violence) and out of Queen Caroline who sold to John Stewart for $3,000,000 at FTKNOV in 2023. C R K Stable races this $850,000 KEESEP grad from the John Shirreffs barn. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Maidens ‘Disrupt’ Stakes Action Early In Gulfstream’s Pegasus Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Superstar Hong Kong galloper breaks the track record on the way to his 10th Group One success.View the full article

The G1 Saudi Cup hero from a year ago, Senor Buscador, will aim to continue the legacy of his sire Horse of the Year Mineshaft at Lane's End as he stands for $7,500 LFSN, the farm said via a press release on Friday. Bred in Kentucky by Joe R. Peacock, Sr. and Joey Peacock, Jr., Senor Buscador retires from racing with $12,944,427 in earnings and was trained by Todd Fincher. The 7-year-old had shipped last week to Gulfstream Park where he was set to make another start in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational. Joey Peacock tweeted that after a drill Jan. 19 at Gulfstream his team was not completely satisfied with the way the horse was working. The owner then made the decision to scratch Senor Buscador and make arrangements for him to head to Kentucky to begin his stallion career. Earlier this month, Peacock told TDN that he and Fincher were open to the Saudi Cup champ returning to Riyadh to take on the world's richest race once again. Breaking his maiden at 2 on debut by 2 1/2 lengths, Senor Buscador jumped straight into stakes company winning with what would become his signature style–running from off the pace–the Springboard Mile by 5 3/4 lengths at Remington Park. That effort garnered him a 93 Beyer as a juvenile, the second highest Beyer of any 2-year-old colt at a mile in 2020. Senor Buscador at Gulfstream Park last year | Lauren King His stakes success continued with a win in the GIII Ack Ack Stakes at Churchill Downs. In his first start of 2023, he returned to the winner's circle in the Curribot Handicap, defeating the field by 4 lengths. The homebred also captured the GII San Diego Handicap at Del Mar earning a 101 Beyer. Senor Buscador placed in the GI Awesome Again Stakes and closed out the year with a runner-up finish in the GII Cigar Mile at Aqueduct. Senor Buscador got off to a fast start in 2024 with a close second in the Pegasus World Cup, before traveling to Saudi Arabia where he made a splash winning the $20 million Saudi Cup. Defeating a deep field, he set a new stakes record–1:49.50. The Peacock homebred's next start was in the UAE where he finished third in the G1 Dubai World Cup, contributing to him being the leading North American earner in 2024. He retires with four triple-digit Beyers to his credit–105, 103, 101, abd 101. “We are honored that Senor Buscador will take up residence alongside his sire, Mineshaft, at the Farish family's Lanes End Farm now that he is retired from racing,” said owner and co-breeder Joe Peacock, Jr. “We will support him heavily with mares that we have been purchasing in anticipation of his career at stud. We look forward to breeding and racing the next generation of horses from this important Mineshaft/A.P. Indy sire line.” Out of multiple stakes winner Rose's Desert, Senor Buscador is half to GSW Runaway Ghost (Ghostzapper). Rose's Desert also produced stakes winners Our Iris Rose (Ghostzapper) and Sheriff Brown (Curlin). His sire, Mineshaft, has produced eight Grade I winners including Dialed In, himself a sire of three Grade I winners and 29 black-type winners. Mineshaft closed out 2024 as a top five sire. Senor Buscador will be available for inspection starting Monday, Jan. 27. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact Jill McCully or Chris Knehr. The post Saudi Cup Hero Senor Buscador To Stand At Lane’s End For $7500 LFSN appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article