Wandering Eyes

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

After living a life celebrated for its extraordinary accomplishments and stunning longevity, James E. "Ted" Bassett III died at his Lexington home Jan. 23. He was 103.View the full article

Career Milestones for Leading Jockeys & Trainers in North AmericaView the full article

The richest horse in the world just padded his earnings with a hefty check from the AED1,850,000 G1 Jebel Hatta over 1800 metres at Meydan on Friday. Hong Kong Horse of the Year ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) (Acclamation {Ire}–Folk Melody {Ire}, by Street Cry {Ire}) delivered a strong final quarter in :22.80 to win going away, overwhelmed frontrunner–and last year's winner–Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) at the 100-metre mark to win as much the best. That Godolphin runner went amiss 50 metres from home, tossing rider William Buick to the turf. Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) ran second with Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) third. The time was 1:45.10, the fourth course record on the day. O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney (Ire); T-Danny Shum; J-James McDonald. Romantic Warrior wins at RacingDubai 23 runs 18 wins Jebel Hatta Hong Kong Cup Queen Elizabeth II Cup Jockey Club Cup Cox Plate Yasuda Kinen HK Gold Cup HK Classic Mile HK Derby Over £18 million in prize money pic.twitter.com/IJqgJYHPgT — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 24, 2025 The post Romantic Warrior Lives Up To Billing In Jebel Hatta; Measured Time Breaks Down Before Wire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Previously better known for his inability to finish off his races, WALK OF STARS (GB) (g, 6, Dubawi {Ire}–Sound Reflection, by Street Cry {Ire}) seems to have put those bad habits behind as he well and truly stamped his authority on Friday's G1 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan, leading home a 1-2 finish for the Bhupat Seemar yard. Runner-up in last year's G2 Godolphin Mile after looking home free, Walk of Stars was second on seasonal reappearance last time in the Listed Dubai Creek Mile, but was sent straight into the lead last time and made every yard in romping in by better than 11 lengths in the Listed The Entisar over course and distance Dec. 20. Called “a front-runner, but not a runaway” by jockey Tadhg O'Shea, Walk of Stars was ridden forward again and sat in a pace-pressing second to the inside of Saayedd (Malibu Moon) until about midway. Back in front approaching the final 800 metres, the strapping bay was firmly in control turning them in and was always holding stable companion Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the run to the wire. Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) was a bit tardy from the stalls in this first spin around the dirt and settled just behind mid-division, absorbing plenty of kickback. Strung up in traffic entering the second turn, Facteur Cheval peeled out in the straight and finished up nicely enough to be third. Walk of Stars is the 190th worldwide winner for Dubawi at the group/graded level and his 60th top-level scorer. Sales history: AED1,200,000 HRA '23 ERAAPR. Lifetime Record: 15-4-4-3. O-Athbah Racing; B-Godolphin; T-Bhupat Seemar. #Dubawi sires his 60th individual G1 winner and the first two home in the Al Maktoum Challenge @RacingDubai! Walk Of Stars storms to his second straight Black Type win https://t.co/hYc6HHTJTT — Darley in Europe (@DarleyEurope) January 24, 2025 The post Walk Of Stars Becomes A 60th Elite-Level Winner for Dubawi in Al Maktoum Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

James E. “Ted” Bassett III, who led Keeneland through historic expansion during his 38-year tenure serving as President, Chairman and Trustee, died Thursday at his home in Lexington. He was 103. So he was not immortal, after all. But those of us privileged to have known James E. Bassett III will know how rare it is not only for human life to stretch to so wide a span but yet to conclude with the emphasis so unequivocally on quality, rather than mere quantity. It began [and ended] in Lexington, aptly for one of the great modern Kentuckians. But while “Ted” Bassett was cherished by our own community as, first and foremost, the presiding spirit of Keeneland, there was no parochial limitation on a personality forged between his own, inborn resources and the furnace of his times. Among many other attributes that might be compressed into the first part of that equation, we could highlight his dynamism, charm and absolute integrity. Throw into the mix an unusual receptivity to both duty and opportunity, and you find a remarkable man summoned to his full potential by the historic energies that made “the American century”. Bassett was always in the front line of his epoch. Literally so, of course, as the Marine who nearly gave his life at what turned out to be barely a quarter of its eventual scope. But he was also in the vanguard of an evolving culture: first as a young salesman, relishing New York City in the postwar boom; then with the Kentucky State Police, at a time when civic strife was bringing the entire country to a momentous crossroads; and finally, in helping our own industry adapt to the expansion of American leisure. His own story, in other words, overlaps with that of the modern nation. And perhaps it will only be to the extent that the same might be said of his character–how far, that is, that we might see Bassett not only as a model citizen, but also as a typical one–that the nation can aspire to a similar longevity in terms of leadership and respect. It is standard, even in obituaries, to refer to the subject only by his surname. But it does go against the grain not to persist with “Mr.” Bassett. Certainly, it was the only address that would ever occur to you, running into him at the Keeneland track kitchen; and its use suggested the very reverse of undue formality. To the end, he remained as upstanding, in his bearing, as he had always been in the values he exuded. And to see such resolute dignity, in so venerable a figure, always gave heart to those of us who bleakly anticipate ageing only as a decline in all the satisfactions of life. If we felt humbled by his example, inclined to stand straighter and enunciate more clearly than usual, then that was not so much to manifest mere deference as affection and gratitude. Yet even he was Master Bassett once. He was born on Oct. 26, 1921, to parents whose respective grandfathers gave the pedigree local distinction: one had been president of the Fayette National Bank, the other a Civil War general who had retired to Lexington to breed horses 50 years previously. When the Fayette closed, during the Depression, Bassett's father found work as superintendent of Greentree Farm and indeed became a vice-president of Keeneland, but young Ted was sent away to school in Connecticut and the closest he ever came to Thoroughbreds in those years was riding a mower at Greentree, at 25 cents an hour, during his school vacations. He was in his final year at Kent School when his only sibling, Brooker, was killed in an automobile accident. It was a savage bereavement, and his parents' marriage did not survive it long. Hard to know for sure, but very possibly Mr. Bassett discovered in this loss some of his trademark determination to live his life to the full. James E. Bassett in Japan, 1944 | courtesy of Keeneland Not that he appeared to set his life at any great premium on the night in April 1942 when, carousing with fellow Yale students at Mory's in New Haven, someone was suddenly inspired to exclaim that they should all join the Marine Corps. With no more ado, they piled into a classmate's Ford convertible and drove straight to New York City to enlist. Fortunately, he was permitted first to complete his degree in History; and he also made the varsity basketball team in his senior year. Entering boot camp on Parris Island, South Carolina, Bassett was exposed to what he remembered as a regime of “uncompromising perdition”. At the same time, however, he felt his confidence and capacities expand and he was fast-tracked to second lieutenant. In January 1945, he shipped to Guadalcanal and was allocated to the Fourth Marines. He was 23, “green as a gourd”, and the coming weeks would either make a man of him–or a corpse. It proved a close-run thing. On Apr. 15, Bassett was leading his platoon at the head of a patrol probing the stealthy and redoubtable Japanese defense of Mount Yaetake on Okinawa. Many times, through the ensuring decades, he would think back to the moment when he was shot through a hand. Had he been saved by the interference of the wind, or maybe by some fortuitous sudden movement? He had been picked out, as an officer, but somehow the sniper had missed head and chest and so failed to add Bassett to 500 losses sustained on that accursed island by the Fourth Marines. As it was, Bassett was wounded again minutes later: a mortar fragment in his knee. But he viewed himself as terribly fortunate. Both were minor wounds that left superficial scarring and did not interfere with the long life he would now embrace with a Purple Heart and Presidential Unit Citation. Bassett recovered in time to join the initial landings on the Japanese mainland, after the armistice, by now promoted to first lieutenant. A striking photograph of this rugged, handsome young soldier, lighting up a cigarette with his helmet chinstrap loose, deservedly made the front page of Stars And Stripes (and the back cover of his autobiography). There's no doubt that the culture of service Bassett absorbed as a Marines officer transformed the rest of his life. In his memoirs, he condensed the Corps ethic as a matter of pride, confidence, enterprise and fraternity: “In my case, at least, the Marine Corps took a nobody and tried its absolute best to make a somebody out of him.” In 1990 Bassett was presented with the Semper Fedelis Award, made to “a former Marine who has exemplified high principles and dedicated service to Country and Corps.” And in 2007 he further received the Department of the Navy Superior Public Service Award. Ever after, Bassett viewed leadership and service as interchangeable concepts. The way to guarantee the loyalty of your men, out there in the front line, was to take care of their interests first. “They were fed first,” he explained, late in life. “They dug their holes first. Before you dug a hole, your men dug in, and you fed them. Because their welfare is absolutely essential to your survival. You take care of the men, they take care of you.” Restored to civilian life, and profiting from his father's Greentree connection, Bassett got his start with a Whitney family business, the Great Northern Paper Company, whose forestry holdings comprised one-ninth of the state of Maine. Bassett traveled up and down the East Coast and into the South selling newsprint, but his base was in New York and his real priority was a courtship. He married Lucy Gay in 1950. How he enjoyed those first years of peace–and all 65 years of his marriage! Together they saw Edith Piaf at the Versailles on East 50th St; they took in each new Rodgers and Hammerstein musical on Broadway; and, though confined to an extremely small apartment on Park Avenue, it was not so small that they felt a butler would be impractical. Nonetheless the newlyweds yearned for their home state and, at 32, Bassett quit the Great Northern. His father was not impressed when Bassett announced that he would be raising livestock and hand-harvesting 20 acres of tobacco. “You've got a Yale education,” he said. “And you're going to trade that in to become a dirt farmer?” But that proved to be a brief experiment, and in 1956 Bassett was persuaded to sample a career in law enforcement, starting as director of driver licensing. His first week in that innocuous post coincided with the school integration crisis of Sturgis, which required the attentions of the National Guard and M-47 tanks. Bassett was perfectly aware that he had been raised to white privilege, and said later that watching that drama unfold changed his outlook. His whole upbringing and education, after all, had taught him that “whatever you got involved in, it wasn't acceptable to be merely a passive participant–you should strive to make a difference.” Bassett was soon promoted and by 1964 was appointed director of the Kentucky State Police. Morale, pay and manpower were all low, and public relations deplorable. Bassett set to work to improve both the self-esteem of his troopers and the trust of the public. When he made a presentation to his men, and invited their questions or comments, there would be silence. But he knew why: the station sergeants and officers were all sitting there, too. He would point: “You. And you. And you.” And he would take them into another room, tell them to be candid. And they poured out their hearts. He told them that they would get more respect: better pay, conditions, training. But they would have to start that process, by earning self-respect. No more slovenliness, no more slouching. “When you walk in, every eye is going to turn on you,” he said. “Now, look the part. Act the part.” Bassett coined the concept of “the thin gray line”–a reference to the color of the troopers' uniform, and the cruisers they drove–that divided the state from lawlessness. He organized billboard posters of smiling troopers above the slogan, “It's My Job To Help You”. There was a lakeside kids' camp and eventually, overcoming much scepticism elsewhere, a law enforcement degree was introduced at what is now the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University. Much of Bassett's impact was not about specific measures, but about ethos. If he saw a State Police vehicle parked on the roadside, he would pull over and walk up with a hand outstretched, introducing himself and congratulating his men on the job they were doing. One trooper told Bassett decades later that he “felt nine feet tall that day”–and, sure enough, had meanwhile been appointed director himself. Bassett had made a vital difference but an impending shift in gubernatorial power was the cue for a new challenge in 1968. He was offered a huge contract by Kentucky Fried Chicken but, happily for our industry, accepted less than one-third of the salary to become assistant to Keeneland president Louis Lee Haggin II. Here was another institution ripe for modernisation, and more professional management. Bassett was under no illusions. As an outsider to the sport, his advent was received by entrenched staff with “subdued resentment”. The sales and racing divisions were still discrete entities, with their own loyalties and fiefdoms. With the state police, Bassett had become accustomed to the clicking of heels; here, at first, even the sternest look would induce little more than a yawn. But restructuring prompted some helpful migration and a transformative period of recruitment. Bassett and The Queen before the 1984 inaugural race in her name | Keeneland The new, integrated Keeneland regime supervised a series of changes that together comprised a revolution: a new sales pavilion in 1969; a new grandstand in 1976; a turf course in 1984, with a royal visit to mark the inauguration of the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. In the sales ring, meanwhile, there were unprecedented fireworks as competition for yearlings between Coolmore and the Maktoums revolutionized the commercial possibilities of the Bluegrass: in 1981, a Northern Dancer colt set a new world record at $3.5 million; two years later Sheikh Mohammed paid nearly three times as much for another one, at $10.2 million. This was the famous occasion when the seven-digit bid display board reverted to zero, a first $10 million bid having taken the market to a place beyond anyone's wildest imaginings. But those heady excitements were only the apex of a pyramid of services that were held together from the base up. Bassett always put himself in the shoes of the customers. On racedays, he would personally inspect every restroom. On sale days, he would walk through every barn, chatting with consignors and purchasers, checking that everyone had everything they needed. A lightbulb blown, a leaking tap, an error in the catalogue? “Okay, leave that with me–someone will be down right away.” In 1986 Bassett stepped aside to become chairman of the board and was succeeded by Bill Greely, whom he had first hired as assistant back in 1971. If now taking a relative backseat, Bassett remained a seasoned counsellor as Keeneland continued to strive for the right balance between tradition and progress: simulcasting, Sunday racing, as late as 1997 a first track announcer, a magnificent new library. In the meantime, however, others were able to tap into his experience and wisdom. In 1988, Bassett was approached by Will Farish about the possibility of taking the helm at the Breeders' Cup Ltd. As when he arrived at Keeneland, there were people to win over; there were many vested interests, entrenched against change. But he was able to identify with them. As an avowed Establishment figure, after all, this was a new kind of challenge for Bassett, too. At the time, remember, Keeneland still abjured corporate sponsorship. Here was a very different, fledgling enterprise that depended absolutely on a commercial agenda. Once again, then, Bassett's diplomatic skills proved invaluable. Someday, he urged, we will all benefit from short-term sacrifices to make this thing work together. Sure enough, the series had bedded down into the unrivalled climax of the international calendar by the time he stepped down in 1996. Others to enlist Bassett's help during these years included Equibase and the World Series Racing Championship. It was in this latter cause that Bassett presented a trophy at Ascot every July. In 1983, he somehow managed to drop the silverware in transferring it from the hands of the Queen to the Aga Khan. It landed on his big toe and, as the bruising failed to clear up, he mentioned it to his doctor. A dangerous melanoma was diagnosed, the toe promptly amputated, and Bassett liked to credit a moment of excruciating embarrassment for averting far graver misfortune. He was proud to have become familiar with the British monarch, to the extent of taking lunch at Windsor Castle before joining the royal procession to Royal Ascot. And his status, as a dignitary of the Turf, was underlined in 1986 when he was asked at short notice to present the Melbourne Cup, Australian Premier Bob Hawke having refused to wear the requisite top hat and cutaway. But that was Ted Bassett–equally at home with royalty, or a state trooper, or the maintenance crew at Keeneland. An alphabet soup of decorations and awards did not alter him one jot. He always owned to being of conservative stock and upbringing–but if he never needed to be interviewed for a job, nor did he ever want a contract. A word given in his favour would never be betrayed; and his own word was his bond. “I have never been a maverick or a rebel,” he confessed in his memoirs. “I am an establishment person…reflected in the way I talk, in my manner, in my dress, in just about every way I comport myself. But at the same time, I have never been fearful of buying into an environment of change.” He found the perfect complement in his “jewel”, Lucy. She, too, represented the old school: her father was a founding vice-president of the Keeneland Association, a director for 48 years. Her natural elegance extended to a spell, in her youth, as a dancing instructor; and she was a successful breeder, too, from no more than a dozen mares–coming up, most notably, with GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Adoration. What an apt name, to condense their partnership. And it's a word that will also serve, collectively, for how a whole community felt about the man who has been taken from them at last. “I was not a miracle worker,” he said once, looking back at the nettles he had grasped in turn with the police, at Keeneland, at the Breeders' Cup. “It wasn't trying to jam some philosophy down anybody's throat. It was about what they believed they could do to make the organisation work better: the people who were actually doing the work, whose support we needed, whether it was a horse breeder or a trooper on the road. You could not do that by sending out memos and PRs. You had to reach out to them; make it feel like they had a voice. Really, I had no plan for any of these things I did. I wasn't smart enough to have a plan. But what I did have was the Marine Corps thing: 'How do you connect with you men?'” Ted Bassett's Racing Hall Of Fame Indusction, 2019 | Horsephotos Bassett always remembered peering over the crowd in New York to glimpse MacArthur in a passing motorcade. That afternoon he came back from the office to see the General make his famous speech, on the 12-inch black-and-white television back at the apartment. “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,” MacArthur declared, before memorably describing himself simply as “an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty.” If “Mr. Bassett” is going to fade away, it will not be before the youngest of his countless friends and admirers have themselves emulated his vitality at a great age. For so long as they, too, retain a strong memory and a sense of honor, then his example will endure for a new generation. There simply isn't space here to record all the formal recognition Bassett received from those he served: his nation, his state, his community. But he needed no honorifics, medals or certificates to feel the devotion of all who knew him. He just needed to take breakfast as usual at the Keeneland track kitchen, and see how people lit up when he spoke with them: friends, strangers, staff. And that's why we can borrow the best epitaph of all from Bassett himself. Every year Bassett's pastor would invite him to read some words of his own composition. This what he would recite: “One gets happiness from peace of mind. One gets peace from what one gives to others. This is where happiness resides: by being a giving person, a generous person, a kind person.” Can't you just hear those rich, measured, husky tones? He would continue: “It is important to have honor, for it is honor that helps you stand by people when they are in trouble or need; it is honor that will help make you a loyal person; it is honor that makes you help people when you are really too busy, when you are really too tired and too distracted, and when no one else will even know or credit you with helping. “Happiness comes not from your head, not from your intelligence, not from your ambitions; it comes from your heart. To emphasize service above self; by embracing the spirit of caring for others, and following the true instincts of your heart will be the pathway to genuine happiness.” If that be so, we can comfort ourselves in our loss by reflecting that Mr. Ted Bassett did not just lead a remarkably long and rich life, but a remarkably happy one. The post Keeneland Icon Ted Bassett Dies At 103 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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British racecourses have come together to increase funding for the aftercare of former racehorses through Retraining of Racehorses The new funding model, effective from 1 January 2025, will see each racecourse contribute £270 per fixture, up from £100 per fixture-an increase of 170%. This marks a historic commitment from British racecourses to the wellbeing of horses after their racing careers. The funding boost will directly contribute to RoR's efforts as the lead organisation in aftercare for the British racing industry. With the support of these increased contributions, RoR is poised to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, ensuring the continued success and welfare of former racehorses as they transition to new careers. David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said, “The increased contributions from British racecourses to RoR is a monumental step forward for the aftercare of former racehorses. This increase reflects the racing industry's growing recognition of the responsibility it holds to its horses, not just during their careers, but for the rest of their lives. “RoR is actively engaging with other major stakeholders to explore how they can also increase their contributions to aftercare. Discussions are ongoing with key partners to secure additional support. It is only through full industry-wide support that the goals outlined in RoR's strategy can be fully realised, benefitting all former racehorses. “While the decision to increase contributions was the result of individual decisions by each racecourse, RoR is grateful to the Racecourse Association (RCA) for its facilitation in helping secure this important boost to the welfare of retired racehorses.” The post British Racecourses Come Together To Increase Contributions To ROR appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ocala Breeders' Sales Company has added 26 supplemental entries to its 2025 Winter Mixed Sale which begins at 11 a.m. ET Jan. 28, according to a press release from the company on Friday. The entries are catalogued as Hips 317-342 and feature short yearlings by Colonel Liam, Galilean, Instagrand, Mystic Guide, Roadster, and Solomini as well as mares in foal to Complexity, Early Voting, and Volatile. Eleven broodmare prospects have been supplemented to the sale, including a 4-year-old half-sister to champion and OBS graduate Kodiak Kowboy and multiple stakes winner Wilbo. The supplemental entries are available online. OBS will again offer internet bidding and buyers may go to the OBS website and register to gain bidding approval, then access the OBS Bidding Screen with their credentials. For complete information on registration and internet bidding click here. Bidding is also now live for the OBSOnline January Horses of Racing Age and Two-Year-Old Sale. Several of the horses will be available for inspection on the OBS sale grounds during the live sale. Bidding will close Jan. 30. Click here to view the sale. The post OBS Adds 26 Horses To January Winter Mixed Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Weatherbys has pledged to continue its sponsorship of the £250,000 Super Sprint at Newbury for another five years. First run under spnsorship of Weatherbys back in 1993, this year's edition will mark the 32nd consecutive running of the race in its current guise. Jordan Coates, Head of Sales at Newbury Racecourse commented, “We are delighted to be continuing our longstanding relationship with Weatherbys as sponsors of the Super Sprint for a further five years. “The Weatherbys Super Sprint is one of our summer highlights here at Newbury and always promises a great day for racegoers with fast and thrilling racing action and a post racing concert. We extend our thanks to Weatherbys for their continued support of Newbury Racecourse.” Nick Craven, Executive Director of Weatherbys added, “Weatherbys sponsor over 100 races each year at every racecourse in Britain but our longest continual sponsorship has been of the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury, and we're delighted to see this continue for at least another five years. “It's a race that was designed to support the smaller owner and less-expensive horse and it has done just that with so many fantastic stories over the more than 30 years of our sponsorship. We're looking forward to being involved in some more great stories over the coming five years.” The post Weatherbys Extends Sponsorship Of Super Sprint At Newbury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Never tried in stakes company prior to Friday's 1000-metre AED850,000 G2 Blue Point Sprint presented by Longines, WEST ACRE (IRE) (Mehmas {Ire}–Lady Aria {GB}, by Kodiac {GB}) skipped home a good-looking winner. The Michael Blencowe-owned 3-year-old gelding steamed past the pacesetting Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}) to win by three lengths. Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) split the duo for second. The final time was :55.38, a new course record. A winner of a Newcastle novice last March, he was second at Kempton coming off a break in October and was back on top in another novice at Southwell later that month. In his Meydan debut, he ran second to Symbol Of Honour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) in a conditions affair over 1200-metres, his turf bow. Sales history: €95,000 Ylg '23 GOFAUG. Lifetime Record: 5-3-2-0. O-Michael Blencowe. B-Tally-Ho Stud. T-George Scott. *1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. “And away he goes!” takes flight in the Group Two @Longines Blue Point Sprint @GScottracing and @CallumSheppy are #DubaiCarnival | #FashionFriday pic.twitter.com/doBF38Jlfh — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) January 24, 2025 The post Minimum Trip Perfect Plot For Mehmas’s West Acre In Record-Setting G2 Blue Point Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article