Wandering Eyes

The team review Day One of the Championships where the Kiwi’s were again to the fore. Plus, we review the domestic action and look forward to Awapuni returning. Weigh In, April 6 View the full article

Talented galloper Duncan Creek (NZ) (Super Easy) showed his prowess over ground at Wanganui on Saturday, giving Patrick Campbell the confidence to press on to the Listed Valley D’Vine Restaurant Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) in a weeks’ time. A previous winner over 1200m and 1400m, Duncan Creek looked right at home last start in his first attempt over the middle-distance trip, finishing third behind Orlov and Tshiebwe. Stepping back to Rating 75 company, he was allocated the 61kg topweight, with two kilograms of relief courtesy of Jim Chung’s claim. Contesting the Palamountains Nutrition (2050m), the quirky gelding was up to his usual tricks in the gates, kicking out and was fortunate to still get away on even terms with the remainder of the field. Ears pricked, he went straight to the lead and settled in a comfortable rhythm ahead of Lincoln Star. The challengers began to swarm at the top of the straight, but Duncan Creek had plenty left to offer, holding off Lincoln Star at the post to score by three quarters of a length. Campbell was rapt with the performance, despite the pre-race antics which he has come to expect from his charge. “It was only his second start beyond a mile and he went very well at his first attempt, also at Wanganui, but he over-raced a bit in the early running,” Campbell said. “Yesterday, there didn’t appear to be a lot of speed in the race other than himself, so we elected to let him bowl along. “It was pleasing the way that he ran the distance out and the way he settled in front, so hopefully that turns his outlook around because he’s been a bit wayward all the way through. “He’s done that at virtually every race start, there’s always some sort of procedure in the gates. I think it was on cup day at Trentham, he actually reared in the gates which he’d never done before and missed the start by about six lengths. “Other than that, he just kicks out, it’s his game and it’s a very bad habit that he’s got. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to rectify that.” After pulling up well, the son of Super Easy is likely to make the journey from Hastings to Trentham next Saturday, with the $120,000 feature in his sights. “It’s probably a bridge too far, but he’s come through the race overnight very well and he’s out in the paddock, so he’ll freshen up nicely,” Campbell said. “All going well, we’ll certainly look towards the Hawke’s Bay Cup next week. “The race would be much better suited to this horse run at Otaki over 2100, instead of Wellington over 2200, but we’re playing musical chairs with where meetings are held at the moment. “The fact that he’s stepped up over ground and handled it so well, he’s earned the right to be in it, so we’ll give it our best shot.” The Wanganui success boosted Duncan Creek’s earnings above $216,000, with four wins and 12 minor placings from 42 starts. Bred and raced by Alex Smith, Duncan Creek is out of a King’s Chapel mare Classic Blonde. View the full article

Champion harness racing trainer Mark Purdon turned his talents to the galloping code on Saturday at Ellerslie, winning his first thoroughbred race with Buster Shaw (NZ) (War Decree). With over 2600 victories to his name preparing standardbreds, Purdon took on a new challenge in mid-2023, stepping into the thoroughbred industry in the South Island, before moving to his new base at Matamata. Among his first runners was Buster Shaw, a four-year-old by War Decree who narrowly missed scoring during New Zealand Cup Week in 2023, and had been lightly-raced since then with Saturday’s TAB 1600 just his eighth start. Well-related galloper Wind Rush was the odds-on favourite for the maiden contest at $1.60, while Buster Shaw flew under the radar, starting a $17 hope in the hands of Jasmine Fawcett. Wind Rush led from the outset and set a solid tempo, while Buster Shaw found a comfortable position off the rail in fourth. The favourite clung on to the lead for majority of the straight but a swarm of horses were hunting him down, with Buster Shaw coming out on top in a blanket finish where the first five home were separated by half a length. Fresh off a successful evening at the Night Of Champions in Cambridge on Friday, Purdon was thrilled to get on the board in his new venture. “He had a little bit of time between races, but he’s certainly tightened up from then to now and he’s got the job done,” he said. “I don’t get too excited because I’m still learning, but I’ve had a lot of help from some of the trainers there (at Matamata). I must make mention of Andrew Scott and Lance (O’Sullivan), they’ve been really good to me. “It’s been a help in preparing him.” Purdon races Buster Shaw alongside co-breeder Kerry Shaw, one of two gallopers he has in work. “I’ve just got two, if I was younger I would (have more horses) but I’ve left my run a bit late,” he said. “I’m enjoying my hobby. “He was given to me by Kerry Shaw who is a good friend, he encouraged me and there were times where I wasn’t sure whether I should be thanking him or cursing him, but he was really the turning point that got me involved. “We’ve had a fun journey so far.” Training in partnership with his son Nathan, Purdon had prepared and driven two winners at Cambridge’s feature meeting in Andretti and Without You, while Chase A Dream finished a gallant second behind superstar pacer Leap To Fame in the $1 million The Race By Betcha. Purdon reflected positively on the evening, despite his top-class trotter Oscar Bonavena galloping away his chances in the $600,000 TAB Trot. “I’ve run a great race and been beaten by the best horse in Australasia (Leap To Fame), he probably could be the best horse in the world,” he said. “For a young horse (Chase A Dream) coming out of two and three-year-old racing to take on the older horses like that, I was very proud of him. “We won a couple on the night, Oscar was the one that let us down and he could’ve been here today the way he went. It was a great night and great for the industry.” View the full article

What Donald Races Where Donald Racecourse – Racecourse Rd, Donald VIC 3480 When Monday, April 7, 2025 First Race 2pm AEDT Visit Dabble A new week of racing gets underway in Victoria with a quickfire seven-part program from Donald Racecourse. A perfect autumn day is forecast for race day, and with no rain forecast leading into the meeting, the Good 4 track rating should hold true for the entire card. The rail sticks to its true position, with the first event set to jump at 2pm AEDT. Best Bet at Donald: El James El James ended his initial campaign with three straight wins and despite needing to lug 63kg first-up off a four-month spell, he is going to take a power of beating. The four-year-old gelding settles close to the speed in his races and from barrier three will be given every opportunity throughout to land leaders back over 1350m. As long as the son of Wrote can handle the big weight, El James should have a bit too much class for his BM64 rivals in the second leg of the quaddie. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 El James (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: John Allen (63kg) Next Best at Donald: Tochka Tochka proved too speedy for her rivals over 1112m at Kilmore on March 14 and looks poised to go on with the job in the Donald finale. The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained filly retains the services of Linda Meech and from barrier 12, the pair will roll forward once again and likely not have to work too hard to hold a prominent position throughout. If Tochka does not have to burn too many carrots early, the Russian Revolution filly should prove too hard to gun down. Next Best Race 7 – #13 Tochka (12) 3yo Filly | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Linda Meech (58kg) Best Value at Donald: Damas Damas has run into one better at both of his two starts this campaign but gets his chance to go one better in the opener on Monday. The three-year-old gelding has led or settled outside the lead in those runs, so barrier 17 looks seemingly offset considering his clean barrier manners. Billy Egan shouldn’t have to work too hard early to land in a prominent role, and as long as he isn’t caught wide throughout, Damas has race fitness on his side and at $8 with horse racing bookmakers, looks a great price. Best Value Race 1 – #3 Damas (17) 3yo Gelding | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Billy Egan (58kg) Monday quaddie tips for Donald Donald quadrella selections Monday, April 7, 2025 2-4-5-7-8 1 3-5-6-9-13 6-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The connections of Rodriguez are hoping they have a case of "like father, like son" on their hands after their colt, a son of 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Authentic, won the April 5 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

Om N Joy became the first black-type stakes winner for third-crop sire Om in capturing the April 5 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

Overcoming a troubled trip, Journalism ran down Baeza in the final strides to solidify Kentucky Derby (G1) favoritism with his victory in the $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park April 5.View the full article

Explore an exciting range of racing promotions available from top Australian bookmakers this Friday, April 6. Whether you’re chasing bonus-back specials or looking to stretch your value with smart offers, today’s promos can take your punting to the next level. Dive into the best racing promotions on offer to enhance your Friday betting experience. The top Australian racing promotions for April 6, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Geraldton Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Paid in bonus cash. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Sha Tin – Sunday Uplift All Races Uplifted odds on all runners. Available 1:00pm AEST Sunday. Fixed Odds Only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win A Bet On Your Own Horse Or Greyhound And Get An Extra 15% Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost! – Mornington Get 25% BOOSTED WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bet only. Max bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Eligible Customers Only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo First 4 Faves at Mornington! Any 3+ of Tel Aviv (R1), Southern Money (R2), Noble Steed (R3) or Steadfast (R4) to win at Mornington. Max Bet $25 Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Race Returns Bonus Back | Any Race Check BoomBox for full details. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does HorseBetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? At HorseBetting.com.au, we research and track the most rewarding daily deals from Australia’s top online bookmakers, bringing you the latest bonus-back and money-back promotions for April 6, 2025. With a dynamic bookmaker landscape, there’s always a deal to uncover—when one bookie pauses a promo, another steps in. That’s why we update our offers every day. Let HorseBetting.com.au be your daily destination for the best racing bookmaker promotions. Take advantage of competitive odds and specials that reward existing customers—just log into your betting account to unlock them. And if you’re looking for expert advice to pair with your promo bets, check out our latest free racing tips, updated daily. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior finishes a gallant second behind Soul Rush in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) with jockey James McDonald at Meydan Racecourse. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club Romantic Warrior’s quest for Hong Kong racing history was denied in extraordinary circumstances at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday night (5 April) when Danny Shum’s champion was thwarted by the barest possible margin by Japan’s Soul Rush in an epic staging of the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m). In front until virtually the last stride, Romantic Warrior was claimed by Soul Rush and jockey Cristian Demuro, who could scarcely believe Yasutoshi Ikee’s charge had timed his lunge to perfection to claim the most important win of his career. “It’s as good a performance as he’s ever produced, he beat the best horse in the world today,” Demuro said after he drove Soul Rush out of a chasing pack to cut down Romantic Warrior by a nose in 1m 45.84s with Maljoom third. “It is a special win because we are now part of the Romantic Warrior story. He doesn’t lose many races but today he found a good horse.” Jockey James McDonald and Danny Shum had to endure an agonising wait before the judges declared Soul Rush the winner as speculation whirled of a possible dead heat. Unfortunately for Shum, McDonald and owner Peter Lau, Soul Rush’s triumph was confirmed soon after. A regular competitor at Sha Tin where he has tasted defeat in the Group 1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) to Golden Sixty and Voyage Bubble, Soul Rush avenged his loss to Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) last year. Bidding for an unprecedented 11th Group 1 victory by a Hong Kong horse, Romantic Warrior earned HK$7.78 million for second place, taking his career earnings to a world record-extending HK$214.70 million. But McDonald was crushed after Romantic Warrior’s bid to add to his bulging haul of Group 1s – the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2022, 2023 & 2024), FWD QEII Cup (2022, 2023 & 2024) and 2024 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and three more in Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates – had come up desperately short. “He’s had a long campaign. He ran his heart out,” a downcast McDonald said. Resuming for the first time since an equally heart-breaking second in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in February, Romantic Warrior showcased his incredible quality and toughness in defeat against six individual Group 1 winners. Jumping cleanly from barrier nine he sat in third place, controlling the race under McDonald who set the seven-year-old alight entering the straight and led by more than a length at the 200m, only to be overhauled by one of Japan’s most mercurial talents. Romantic Warrior’s crushing second followed Howdeepisyourlove’s mishap in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) after he suffered a leg injury approaching the 450m when mounting his challenge. McDonald immediately eased down Howdeepisyourlove and dismounted as George Boughey-trained mare Believing sped away under William Buick to win her first Group 1 race. Dubai stewards confirmed Howdeepisyourlove was humanely euthanised after being assessed at the Dubai Equine Hospital. Frankie Lor-trained Sword Point finished last of 14 runners in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile (1600m, dirt), beaten 46.42 lengths under McDonald, as Frankie Dettori drove Chief Stipe O’Neill’s Raging Torrent to a comfortable victory – the Italian’s 23rd – a Dubai World Cup meeting record for a jockey. After jumping away fairly, Sword Point gradually lost contact with the leading pack and steadily drifted out of contention as McDonald glanced down at the gelding’s legs. Saeed bin Suroor continued his remarkable record at Dubai World Cup the meeting with veteran Dubai Future’s victory in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) under Silvestre de Sousa. The Dubawi nine-year-old’s win provided Bin Suroor with a record-extending 39th triumph at the meeting before Dark Saffron won the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m, dirt) for Ahmad bin Hamash and Connor Beasley. Japan clinched the Group 2 UAE Derby (1900m, dirt) with Admire Daytona under Christophe Lemaire for Yukihiro Kato and, in another incredible display of power and quality, added the Group 1 LONGINES Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) with Shogo Yasuda’s Danon Decile and Keita Tosaki. Hit Show provided an upset in the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2000m) for Brad Cox and Florent Geroux, overhauling Mixto and Forever Young. Horse racing news View the full article

In possibly the most anticipated Derby prep of this year, Journalism (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo) proved he was the real deal Saturday in the GI Santa Anita Derby and will go to Louisville at the GI Kentucky Derby favorite. It was a field of just five in Arcadia, but it was a field bursting with quality, as the group stayed extremely compacted throughout. When last year's champion and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) sloughed off the ambitiously placed, but promising maiden Westwood (Authentic) for the lead, Baeza (McKinzie)-the half to Derby winner Mage and to Belmont winner Dornoch-joined him in the front as Journalism overcame trouble from the back to swing wide and wear his rivals down. Journalism flew down the middle of the track, catching Baeza and going right by him to win by about a length as Citizen Bull faded. It was approximately 10 lengths back to Westwood in third. Citizen Bull and the highly regarded GII San Vicente Stakes winner Barnes (Into Mischief) finished off the board. Final time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:49 2/5. The Santa Anita Derby rewards points on a scale of 100-50-25-15-10 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Sales History: $825,000 '23 'Yrl FTSAUG. O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Tbrd Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith & Michael B. Tabor; B-Don Alberto Corporation; T-Michael McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. Take notes, folks! An impressive battle down the stretch with Journalism (Curlin) ultimately surging past Baeza to win the GI Santa Anita Derby at @santaanitapark. Full steam ahead to the @KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/ICPChQW9AV — TDN (@theTDN) April 6, 2025 The post Journalism Remains Head of the Class in Santa Anita Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-KEE, 110K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 4:12 p.m. The second-highest priced yearling sold at Keeneland September in 2023, LADY SCUDERIA (Uncle Mo) went the way of John Stewart's Resolute Racing for $2,500,000. A daughter of Starship Warpspeed, the filly is a half-sister to GI Kentucky Derby winner (amongst other Grade I's) Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) who last sold to Whisper Hill Farm for $5,000,000 at FTKNOV in 2022. The mare has also produced GSP Mojovation (Quality Road) and strikes a perfect six-for-six record of runners to winners. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: $2.5m Uncle Mo Half To Shedaresthedevil Features On Keeneland Opening Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Japan's recent dominance in the UAE Derby (G2) continued April 5 at Meydan Racecourse as Admire Daytona scraped home over Heart of Honor in a thrilling photo finish, earning a berth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Ballerina d'Oro justified trainer Chad Brown's belief that she wanted more distance, needing every inch of the 1 1/8 miles of the $200,000 Gazelle Stakes (G3) to secure the victory April 5 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

The final Kentucky Derby Future Wager closed April 5 a few hours prior to the final major prep races with Journalism as the 5-1 favorite. Champion Citizen Bull, who will face Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), was second choice at 8-1.View the full article

Trainer Bob Baffert is returning to Churchill Downs this spring with more than a Kentucky Derby (G1) chance. He has a further opportunity there in the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (G1) with California's top 3-year-old filly, Tenma.View the full article

Jockey Kendrick Carmouche captured his 4,000th career victory April 5 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

As fog settled over Aqueduct Racetrack, Crazy Mason unleashed a furious rally from the clouds to nail his first graded victory in the $300,000 Carter Stakes (G2) April 5.View the full article

Cruising out of the gate and establishing himself as the speed in the 100th running of the GII Wood Memorial Stakes at the Big A, 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic–Cayala, by Cherokee Run) made every pole a winning one and in the process took home 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. With Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith at the controls, the colt–who went off as a 7-2 shot here–blazed out of the blocks and led into the first turn. The 3-year-old continued to carve out the fractions up the backstrecth and around the far turn. Unable to catch him, the field watched as the Bob Baffert trainee sealed the deal. The final running time was 1:48.15, as Grande (Curlin) was the runner-up. Coming into the Wood, Rodriguez had 21.25 points in his Derby account. Saturday, Aqueduct WOOD MEMORIAL S. PRESENTED BY RESORTS WORLD CASINO-GII, $750,000, Aqueduct, 4-5, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:48.15, ft. 1–RODRIGUEZ, 123, c, 3, by Authentic 1st Dam: Cayala, by Cherokee Run 2nd Dam: Chasethegold, by Touch Gold 3rd Dam: Chasethewildwind, by Forty Niner 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($485,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Kingswood Farm & David Egan (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Mike E. Smith. $400,000. Lifetime Record: 5-2-2-1, $522,800. *1/2 to Roderick (Into Mischief), SP, $187,530, Provocateur (Into Mischief), MSW & GISP, $249,005 and One Liner (Into Mischief), GSW, $475,250. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Grande, 123, c, 3, Curlin–Journey Home, by War Front. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Repole Stable; B-KatieRich Farms (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $140,000. 3–Passion Rules, 123, c, 3, Friesan Fire–Goodnight Angel, by Touch Gold. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '23 EASOCT). O-Calumet Farm; B-Charles McGinnes (MD); T-Brad H. Cox. $75,000. Margins: 3HF, 1 3/4, 1HF. Odds: 3.65, 4.00, 9.60. Also Ran: Captain Cook, McAfee, Sand Devil, Tiger Twenty Four, Statesman, Omaha Omaha, My Mitole. Scratched: Bear Claw Necklace, Hill Road. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Rodriguez ships to New York and goes gate-to-wire in the Wood Memorial, picking up 100 Kentucky Derby points! Bob Baffert trains and Mike Smith was in the irons. pic.twitter.com/D1k2GG3zxR — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 5, 2025 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Rodriguez Runs Them Off Their Feet In 100th Running Of Wood Memorial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four weeks in advance of the GI Kentucky Derby, bettors made Journalism (Curlin) the mild 5-1 favorite with champion 2-year-old colt Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) the 8-1 second choice in the sixth and final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), Churchill Downs said via a press release on Saturday afternoon. The three-day pool closed at 4 p.m. ET in advance of the three Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Series races at Aqueduct, Santa Anita and Keeneland. Total handle for the three-day Apr. 3-5 KDFW pool was $483,121 ($353,160 in the Win Pool and $129,961 in Exactas), a 28.5% gain vs. last year's $376,038 ($268,996 in the Win Pool and $107,042 in Exactas). A total of $2,330,748 was bet on Derby and Oaks future wagers this year, a 13.6% increase from last year's $2,052,391. Click here for the complete list of final odds and payouts. The post Journalism Leads At Conclusion Of Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owners and trainers affected by the cancellation of racing at Aqueduct on Sunday, Mar. 30, will be compensated from the purse account, according to a Saturday release from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. On the Mar. 30 eight-race card there were 61 horses entered and nine were announced as scratched before the cancellation. The races on the card that day were put back up as extras. The managing owner of each horse that would have raced will receive $2,500, while the trainer of each horse will receive $1,000. NYRA's finance department is working to implement the payments as soon as possible. “Due to the extraordinary circumstances that caused the cancellation, we strongly advocated for some type of reimbursement to offset the lost racing opportunities, and the expenses incurred,” NYTHA President Tina Bond said. “We will also work with NYRA, the Gaming Commission and Genting to ensure better communication and to help prevent any additional incidents in the 15 months that we will continue to share the space at Aqueduct.” Senior Vice President of Racing and Operations for NYRA, Andrew Offerman said, “Over the last week, NYRA has engaged in a productive dialogue with NYTHA to arrive at a reimbursement level designed to alleviate the impact of last Sunday's incredibly unusual cancellation. While the disruption to racing was certainly outside of NYRA's control, we recognize the value of every racing opportunity and are pleased to support horsemen and women with these payments from the purse account.” The post NY Owners And Trainers To Receive Reimbursement For Mar. 30 Cancellation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After all the hype and highlights at Friday’s Night of Champions at Cambridge, harness racing returns today with a Sunday double header. The Cheviot Cup and a Group 3 for the two-year-old fillies highlights action at Addington while later in the day there’s a six race meeting at Manawatu, starting at 3.16pm. Big open field for Cheviot Cup By Mike Love With a history dating back to 1946, this year’s Cheviot Business Cheviot Cup Handicap Pace (4.02pm) has attracted a big field and plenty of chances. The two most heavily-supported runners are Xlendi ($3.90) and Renegade ($4.80). But the winning hopes don’t end there with Radha, Betterthancash, Double Time, Tanzania and Built For Glory and others also in the mix. “Sunday does look a great race for him, especially over the long trip because he is such a great stayer,” Renegade’s trainer Brendon Hill told Raceform. He’ll start off 30 metres. “What we’re doing with him now is preparing for the future too, because he’s got to be able to face up to the tape and step away well from the stands, so there’s a long-term benefit too.” Past Cup champions have included the likes of Tiger Tara (2015) and Starship (1988). To place a bet on the Cheviot Cup click here In the $40,000 Group 3 Cobbity Equine Farm Leonard Memorial Mobile Pace (2.48pm) for the two-year-old fillies the Mark and Nathan Purdon pair look to hold the aces. The $1.85 favourite is Secret Wish (Blair Orange) who was a dominant winner at her previous start beating race rival Bettor Belle. “(She) has trained on nicely since her last start win, should make her presence felt from the draw,” said a comment on the All Stars racing website. Secret Wish has shown good gate speed in her two starts to date and it would not be a surprise to see Orange use this to her advantage. Alecto ($10.00FF) is Purdon’s other chance in the event with driver Jonny Cox. The Bettor’s Delight filly has had one start where she was a strong placegetter at Addington on March 21. “(She) run a great second against the colts last start, has stepped up in her training since that race and should be right in this.” Other chances in the event include the southern visitor Havtimewillfly ($4.40FF) for trainer Brett Gray, while Bettor Belle for Cran and Chrissie Dalgety must also be respected. The first of 11 races at Addington goes at 12.23pm. Dixieland Delight David Butcher’s best of the day at Manawatu By Brigette Solomon Trainer and driver David Butcher heads to Manawatu today for the first time this season with several promising each way chances including one he trains in Brookside Girl. The five-year-old mare starts today in the S & A Telfer Stables Mobile Pace over 2000 metres and is resuming after a lengthy spell having last raced in August last year. “I am pretty happy with her, but she’s only had the one workout in a small heat at Cambridge leading up to this and it’s her first look at Manawatu,” says Butcher, “given the long break she’s had she’ll need the run, but she’s still a place chance today.” Brookside Girl is a winner of two races, both at Alexandra Park, and a further six placings from just 16 starts. She starts today’s event from barrier three and appears well placed to begin her new campaign. In the Wendy Devenport Stables Mobile Pace, Butcher is positive about the two horses trained by his son Benjamin, I Can Too (4) and Hearts And Aces (5). Butcher drives I Can Too, with Benjamin taking the reins on I Can Too. “There’s not a lot between the two of them and I think they’ve probably been racing in slightly better company with the majority of their starts having been at Auckland,” says Butcher, “they’re both each way chances if things go their way.” Prompting some family rivalry, Butcher’s other son Zachary also trains Enzo (1) who starts in the same race. The gelding finished third and fourth respectively at last week’s Manawatu meeting and is driven this week by Sailesh Abernethy. The horse Butcher considers his best chance of the day is the Scott Dickson trained Dixieland Delight who contests the Alan and Trina Shutkowski Stables Mobile Pace over 2000 metres. The Art Major mare has been in excellent form posting two wins and two seconds at Manawatu since joining the Dickson stable. Her most recent win was on Tuesday when she settled back in the field from her barrier eight draw, before rounding the field to lead over the final 1200 metres and score a comfortable win by a 1.75 length margin. “I know they’ve been pretty happy with her this week and her form is very good heading into todaym” says Butcher, “she is up in grade today so it’s a stronger field and it’s always just that bit harder to win as they progress through the grades.” “I think she’d be my best of the day, but the rest are all good place chances too.” Butcher also drives Trippy Tyron – R1, Victor Bravo – R3, and Beta Prepare – R6. Racing gets underway today at 3.16pm. View the full article

Crisis was averted at the Ten Mile Creek Training Center in Benton, Ark., April 5 thanks to the fast-moving and dedicated racing community. As flood waters began to fill the barn area, they managed to evacuate all 68 resident Thoroughbreds to safety.View the full article

Horsemen impacted by the March 30 cancellation of racing at Aqueduct Racetrack will be receiving compensation through the New York Racing Association purse account of $2,500 or $1,000 per horse for the lost racing opportunity. View the full article

Jockey Kendrick Carmouche notched his 4,000th career victory on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack, guiding Whisper Hill Farm's Crimson Light (City of Light) to a half-length victory in the eighth race. Carmouche, a 41-year-old native of Vinton, Louisiana, engineered a pace-pressing trip for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Crimson Light dropped back to third at the stretch call, but Carmouche persevered aboard the colt to overtake the leaders and deliver the signature score. A smiling Carmouche celebrated the win with the Big A faithful, who flocked to the apron to cheer on the veteran rider. “It's a joy,” said Carmouche. “It's like when you see the park for the first time as a kid and you just want to go run and try every machine. That's what it feels like to me when my fans enjoy the sport.” The popular rider added three other wins on the day. A comeback. A milestone. A moment we wont forget! CRIMSON LIGHT makes his return, winning his first race back since last year's unforgettable rally and delivering @KendrickCarmou1 his 4,000th career win in the process! pic.twitter.com/zjukt5zWd7 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 5, 2025 The post Popular Jockey Carmouche Reaches 4,000 Career Wins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Queen Maxima (Bucchero) validated odds of 1-5 in Saturday's GIII Monrovia Stakes down the hill at Santa Anita, winning for the fourth time in succession and for the fifth time in her eight career starts. Making her graded stakes debut following a facile success in the restricted Wishing Well Stakes over the flat six-furlong course on Feb. 22, the $40,000 OBS June graduate was last to load and first out of the gates and, having shown versatility in terms of running style, was allowed to make the running beneath leading jockey Juan Hernandez. Always going comfortably on the engine through a manageable opening quarter in :22.58, the chestnut filly was under a tight hold while making the dirt crossing with under a quarter-mile to race. Given her cue when linking back up with the turf, she quickened up impressively, as is her custom, and pulled readily clear. The comebacking Queen of the Mud (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) ran on gamely for second. “I can't say that she has surprised me,” said trainer Jeff Mullins, saddling the 1800th winner of his career. “She has kind of lived up to our expectations and I'm not sure that we have seen the most of her yet.” A smashing debut winner at Del Mar last August, Queen Maxima was tagged on the wire of a Nov. 24 allowance at the seaside oval, but put allowance victories back-to-back before stamping her authority on the Wishing Well last time. Pedigree Notes: Queen Maxima is the second graded stakes winner for her sire, who is standing his second season in New York and his first at the fledgling Ironhorse Stallions. Hailing from the deeper female family of the quality Florida-bred handicap horse Halo's Image, Queen Maxima has an unraced 3-year-old half-brother named Florida Chrome (Gunnevera). Saturday, Santa Anita MONROVIA S. PRESENTED BY DON JULIO-GIII, $100,500, Santa Anita, 4-5, 4yo/up, f/m, 6 1/2fT, 1:12.93, fm. 1–QUEEN MAXIMA, 122, f, 4, by Bucchero 1st Dam: Corfu Lady, by Corfu 2nd Dam: St Ballado's Lady, by Pleasantly Perfect 3rd Dam: St Ballado's Image, by Saint Ballado 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($40,000 2yo '23 OBSOPN). O-Dutch Girl Holdings LLC & Irving Ventures LLC; B-Saul Rosas (FL); T-Jeff Mullins; J-Juan J Hernandez. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 8-5-2-0, $270,900. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Queen of the Mud (Ire), 122, m, 5, Kodiac (GB)–Jawlaat (Ire), by Shamardal. 1ST GRADED BLACK-TYPE. (45,000gns Wlg '20 TATFOA; 180,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT). O-Go Go Greys Stable, The Elkstone Group LLC (Stuart Grant), Peter Deutsch & Michael E Kisber; B-McCracken Farms (IRE); T-H Graham Motion. $20,000. 3–Venganza, 120, m, 5, Curlin–Avenge, by War Front. 1ST BLACK-TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK-TYPE. O-Perry R & Ramona S Bass; B-Bass Stables LLC (KY); T-Richard E Mandella. $12,000. Margins: 4 1/4, NK, HD. Odds: 0.20, 4.80, 11.10. Also Ran: Ang N Ash, Omaha Girl, Safa. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #6 QUEEN MAXIMA ($2.40) dominates in the $100,000 Monrovia Stakes (G3) at @SantaAnitaPark. The four-year-old @Buccherostud filly makes it four in a row and obtains her first graded win. @JJHernandezS19 was in the irons for trainer @Jmullinsracing. pic.twitter.com/kGBvW3QBaN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 5, 2025 The post Bucchero Filly Queen Maxima Reigns Supreme In the Monrovia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article