Wandering Eyes

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Dates: 01/15/2026 Licensee: Charles Frock, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 16, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Gabapentin—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Bond's Belle, who finished second at Laurel Park on 11/16/25. Pending ADMC Violations 1/21/2026, Johanna Urieta, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Ready for Action, who finished tenth at Mahoning Valley on 12/8/25. 1/21/2026, Mike Maker, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Tramadol–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from A Lilac Rolla, who finished fourth at Churchill Downs on 11/8/25. 1/20/2026, Andrew Harris, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Glycopyrrolate–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Constant Conflict on 12/15/25. 1/20/2026, Amador Sanchez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from More Than Glory, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 12/13/25. 1/20/2026, Guadalupe Guerrero, trainer: Pending out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Testosterone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Rock Me gently on 8/22/25; and pending medication violation for the presence of Testosterone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Silver City Kitty, who finished second at Parx Racing on 9/15/25. 1/16/2026, Hernan Parra, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Nadir Han, who finished eighth at Gulfstream Park on 12/13/25. 1/16/2026, James Dimmett, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Caffeine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Woods Hole, who finished sixth at Belterra Park on 10/1/25. Violations of Crop Rule Santa Anita Park Juan Hernandez–violation date January 20; $500 fine, two-day suspension Diego Herrera –violation date January 20; $500 fine, one-day suspension The post National Weekly Rulings: January 16-21 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5. CINISTER CIX, TP, 1/16-6th, 6 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure-83 (2nd) (c, 4, by Curlin–Auntjenn, by Uncle Mo) O-Bartolome Mafla Herrera. B-Breffni Farm. T-Shane Sands. J-Walter Rodriguez. Privately purchased from the breeder after a half-dozen mostly uninspiring starts, the Curlin filly ran a career-best Beyer and appears to be just coming around. The pedigree is solid: dam Auntjenn was twice stakes-placed, five times ran Beyers between 81 and 83 for Brad Cox, and out of four foals to race has also produced GSW Petulante ($254k) and SW The Donegal Clan ($276k). 4. TAP ME A SONG, TP, 1/16-6th, 6 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure-84 (g, 4, by Tapiture–Gwithian, by Street Sense) O-Cowboys and Razorbacks Racing Stables. B-Clark Brewster (Ky). T-Carlos Santamaria. J-Gabriel Saez. It took 10 starts to break his maiden, but a rail run and switch to Tapeta unlocked sharp improvement and a new top in the Beyer department. Unraced dam Gwithian is a half-sister to former Coolmore runner Solomini (Curlin), a Grade I winner at two who went on to run in Justify's 2018 Kentucky Derby and is now standing stud in New York. 3. RUNNING WITH CHAOS, SA, 1/18-6th, 6 1/2 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure-84 (g, 4, by Khozan–House Money, by Wildcat Heir) O-Eduardo Bernal, Larry Buckendorf and Jeffrey Lambert. B-Woodford Thoroughbreds (Ky). T-Bob Hess Jr. J-Edwin Maldonado. In a four-horse field against a couple of favorites who had run 92 Beyers, he dueled them into submission with a half in :44.04 then emerged the clear survivor. Nothing jumps off the pedigree page (thus his $50k OBS 2023 yearling price), but in three starts he now has a Beyer progression of 77-81-84. 2. TROUBLE CALLING, FG, 1/17-6th, 6 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure-86 (2nd) (c, 3, by Dialed In–Into Trouble, by Into Mischief) O/B-Donamire Farm (Ky). T-Greg Foley. J-Luis Saez. In the week's fastest maiden race, he more than held his own against Knock It Off (below), battling for the lead from the outset and giving way only grudgingly to finish eight lengths clear of third. The Donamire genes are there: dam Into Trouble took the Arlington-Washington Lassie and has produced Grade I winner Troubleshooting (Not This Time, $1.7 million thanks to Kentucky Downs) and SW Big Trouble (Kantharos) – both turf sprinters, so the green may be a future option. 1. KNOCK IT OFF, FG, 1/17-6th, 6 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure-89 (c, 3, by Vekoma-Bodie's Flight, by Bodemeister) O-Kirk & Judy Robison. B-Deann & Greg Baer (Ind). T-Steve Asmussen. J-Paco Lopez. Bought as a weaning for $18k then pinhooked as a yearling for $150k, the Indiana-bred made a splashy debut at Fair Grounds – leading throughout in 1:09.47 for a Beyer eight points faster than the Lecomte Stakes later on the card. He's a colt to watch, at least in the 3-year-old sprint division. The Robisons are best known as the owners of sprint sensation Jackie's Warrior, while the Baers are perennial leading breeders in Indiana. The post Five Fastest Maidens: January 12-19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Iscreamuscream (Twirling Candy) (hip 385), winner of the GI Del Mar Oaks, has been supplemented to Fasig-Tipton's Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale on Monday, Feb. 9. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, she is offered as a broodmare prospect. A five-year-old daughter of Twirling Candy, Iscreamuscream won her first four career starts at two and three for the ownership partnership of Little Red Feather Racing, Agave Racing Stable, John Hundley Jr., Marsha Naify, and John and Stacey Snyder. Her most important victory came in the GI Del Mar Oaks, where she went wire-to-wire to defeat a field that included graded stakes winners Medora, Zona Verde, Buchu, and Whiskey Decision. Her three-year-old campaign also included a victory in the GII Del Mar's San Clemente Handicap. She is a winner from 6 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, including a debut win at two in 1:08.90 going six furlongs on turf at Santa Anita. “She was one of the most talented fillies I've ever had in my barn,” said her trainer Phil D'Amato. “Broke her maiden first time out impressively at two, won her first four starts, just a complete freak of a racehorse. A big, strong filly with good size and scope, a great mind, and she has every right to develop into a true blue-hen type broodmare.” Iscreamuscream is out of Silver Screamer, a graded stakes winning daughter of Cozzene. Iscreamuscream is a half-sister to three other winners, including stakes producer Tap Tap Taparoo. “Iscreamuscream has everything a breeder could want in a broodmare prospect,” said Mark Taylor, President and C.E.O of Taylor Made. “She's by a perennial leading sire in Twirling Candy and a perfect fit for most of the elite stallions around the world. She's going to be fun to sell!” Iscreamuscream will be offered along with a pre-approved nomination to Not This Time, the young super-sire standing at Taylor Made. From six crops to race, Not This Time has already sired 11 Grade I winners, 33 graded stakes winners, three champions, and the earners of more than $70 million. In 2025, he sired 17 yearlings that sold for seven-figures or more. Streak of Luck, the dam of presumptive two-year-old champion male Ted Noffey, sold for $6,200,000 in foal to Not This Time at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale to become the highest price Thoroughbred sold in North America last year. “Iscreamuscream fits Not This Time like a glove,” Taylor continued. She matches up like many of the dams of his best runners, and she brings Candy Ride in on the pedigree side. We are holding a place in his book for the new owner.” The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale will take place on Monday, February 9, in Lexington, Kentucky. The catalogue may be viewed here. The post GISW Iscreamuscream, With Not This Time Nomination, Supplemented To Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are two types of people in life: those who are bowed by adversity and those who stare it in the face and dare it to try to bring them down. For more than a year Joe Foley has been involved in an ongoing court battle with Steve Parkin. Prior to that the pair had a long and successful run on the track with Parkin's Clipper Logistics operation, which Foley managed. Recent highlights include the homebred Classic winner Fallen Angel, who is now in the ownership of Wathnan Racing. Whatever the rights or wrongs of the current situation, the loss of a once-close friendship must hurt deeply, even if neither side would wish to admit it. Amid all this, it appears that Foley and Parkin hit on a stallion with real potential. Sands Of Mali, the Group 1-winning sprinter, was bought from the Cool Silk Partnership for €225,000 and joined Foley's Ballyhane Stud in 2021. From an initial fee of €6,500, he has been turning heads to the degree that when it was decided that the stallion must be sold he became the subject of a fierce bidding war among some of the most renowned commercial studs in the business. In November, he was auctioned privately for many millions, with Yeomanstown Stud the successful bidder. Parkin also sold Shaquille, whose first foals were well received last year, to Harrison Li's Ace Stud, which is the new name of Dullingham Park. What are the odds of finding a successful stallion? One in 10, if you're lucky? Now it appears that Foley has been both lucky and unlucky. Is he bitter? It doesn't appear so, as he is currently in 'head down, drive on' mode to launch the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Magnum Force (Mehmas) a year after recruiting Sakheer (Zoffany) to stand in partnership with owner KHK Racing. He says first of his old friend Sands Of Mali, “He's a very exciting stallion, possibly a brilliant stallion. And I wish them all the absolute best of luck for him. I was delighted to buy him in the first place, and I remember when I was considering buying him, I knew that Gay O'Callaghan was also considering buying him, so if anybody was to end up with him, they deserved to have him.” Foley continues, “They paid plenty of money for him but I'm convinced he will repay their investment in him. I know [trainer] Richard Fahey rated him extremely highly, in the same breath as Wootton Bassett. I loved his physique, I loved the pedigree, I loved the [grandsire] Miswaki, the whole Mr. Prospector thing. I thought he'd be a lovely outcross for mares, but also a lovely horse to inbreed to other Mr. Prospector mares, like Dark Angel mares and Machiavellian-line mares. And I thought he was a very interesting project, especially given he was such a good racehorse at the height of his powers. That's why I was keen to buy him. “I was experimenting with some mares with him, multiplying Mr. Prospector, and that seemed to really work out. Time For Sandals, for example, was a Rathbride Stud-bred filly, and she's inbred 3×3 to Miswaki. “As I said, it was a pleasure to have him in Ballyhane, and I've no doubt that he's going to be a very important sire for Ireland for years to come.” When it comes to finding new stallions, for smaller independent studs the competition can be fierce, with greater risks being taken to buy into racehorses earlier in their careers, gambling on an eye-catching two-year-old building on that promise at three. “When I started there was quite a lot of stallion prospects available to be bought 20, 30, 40 years ago,” says Foley. “But nowadays, the big operations are concentrating on buying yearlings to make stallions, so they're getting in at ground level to have stallions in their portfolios. “So the number of stallion prospects that are openly for sale has diminished over the years. On the flip side of that, there are not as many stallion farms as there were 20 or 30 years ago. So there's less demand for horses and sometimes I feel sorry for people who have colts who are just not quite good enough to make the commercial stallion business.” Magnum Force at Ballyhane | Emma Berry Magnum Force may as well have the word 'commercial' spray-painted across his quarters. For a start, he's by Mehmas and, though there is a growing number of his sons at stud, commercial breeders who can no longer afford to use Mehmas will be rolling the dice and hoping that one of the next in line will prove a hit. Magnum Force's page pretty much screams speed, with notable sprinters such as Acclamation, Royal Applause, Fastnet Rock, Danehill, and Bahamian Bounty all among the male influences in his first three generations, and his first two dams having both been winning sprinters. Eyes firmly on the horizon, Foley says, “We've moved into a new phase of Ballyhane, which is terrific. I started with Sakheer last year, who stood alongside Sands of Mali, and maybe suffered for that, considering both of them were at the same fee. But notwithstanding that, he attracted a very solid book of mares. He covered 130 and has great fertility. “Luckily then I was able to buy Magnum Force in conjunction with his breeder, Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, and I'm delighted to welcome him to Ballyhane. “I'd seen him at the racetrack but when I went to Ger Lyons's in September to see him I was so struck by the horse that I really thought I had to have him. “He's what I look for in a horse: first of all, a beautiful looking horse, which is so important for the Irish stallion market. Irish breeders are very shrewd judges. Importantly, he had a lot of ability, and then pedigree-wise, he's by a sire that looks to be exceptionally talented, he's out of a Fastnet Rock mare, which I like, from a good Jeff Smith family. On top of that, he's a lovely-tempered horse, so he looks to be going down very well so far.” Certainly there were plenty of rave reviews from those who saw Magnum Force on the recent Irish Stallion Trail, where he had to fight for attention with Jane Foley's pair of miniature daschund puppies. Hetty Spencer was so smitten with the latter that she forgot to book a nomination but left Ballyhane heading for the pups' breeder and bought two for herself that afternoon. Doubtless, though, there were others who put their names down on the list to send a mare to Magnum Force. Foley has been buoyed by the continued goodwill which has come his way during some less-than-happy times. But it's a two-way street. “One of the biggest kicks I get is when one of my clients either has a big payday in a sale ring, which is very important for people to stay afloat and remain in the business. That's number one, but obviously when they breed a very good horse, that's fantastic,” he says. “I try to stand stallions at a fee that gives people a chance of making a profit. I know that's a weird thing to say, but I think it's important not to squeeze the lemon dry in stallion fees. You have to leave some room for margin, or profit, for the mare owners, because it's such a difficult business. “So it's not all a monetary thing, it's a way of life as well, and it's tremendous to see breeders, who, in a lot of cases, are my friends, be successful by taking the trouble, and trusting me, to send one of their mares at 7 o'clock in the morning to a stallion in Ballyhane. I appreciate every single one of the mares that arrives in the gate at Ballyhane, and I appreciate that they've trusted my judgement with the stallion, and I get a big kick out of it one day when that decision by them is justified.” The distracting Ballyhane puppies | Emma Berry And it's not just the Ballyhane clients who benefit from Foley's seemingly boundless energy. Currently chairman of the Irish EBF, he has also served as chairman and president of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026 and has its immensely popular annual awards night this Saturday. Along with current ITBA chairman Cathal Beale, whom he credits as being a “very bright guy”, Foley was instrumental in launching the Irish Incentive Scheme which rewards the winners of certain ITM-backed races with a €10,000 voucher on top of prize-money to spend at the Irish sales. He was also instrumental in the launch of the Irish Champions Festival. “It's just great to see that a lot of people are trying to make the industry better,” he says. “I've had a privileged life of travelling around the place. I used to share a house in Newmarket with David Redvers, who is a great friend. With the Qatar team of Sheikh Fahad and Peter [Molony] and Hannah [Wall], I saw the birth of British Champions Day up close. It struck me on the first British Champions Day that we could do something similar in Ireland, and that became the genesis of the idea of Irish Champions Weekend. It's the same with the Irish Stallion Trail – a lot of people have credited me for coming up with that idea. I didn't, I just nicked the idea from the Route des Etalons. I saw the wonderful PR that the French stallions were getting out of that, and I thought, given the quality of the stallions in Ireland, that we could mimic that, so I suggested it to Charles O'Neill of ITM, who ran with the idea.” Foley continues, “I enjoy the Irish EBF role because the stallion farmers voluntarily put a lot of money into a fund to help prize-money in Ireland. Prize-money is vital, and I still don't think that message is quite out there, but it's great to see that HRI [Horse Racing Ireland] have put a significant amount into prize-money for the 2026 season, even given the fact that their horse and greyhound fund from government has stayed static. But they've managed to budget, with the help of others, to get a significant rise in prize-money, which is very necessary, and that needs to continue growing. “Be it the Irish EBF Median Auction Series, the Red Mills Auction Hurdle Series, that we co-sponsor with them, the Smullen Series that we sponsor, we see that they have a positive impact on Irish racing and horses in training in Ireland, and it's good to be able to influence some of that. And once again, with the Irish EBF, we'll be co-sponsoring the Ballyhane Stakes on August 3.” He adds, “We've got a lot of pillars built up now, a lot of high-class racetracks in Ireland – the Curragh, Leopardstown, Naas, Punchestown and many other tracks, but we just need to make sure prize-money keeps at the level it needs to be.” Clearly, he wears a lot of hats, but Foley insists that the branding be that of Ballyhane Stud. He says, “Ballyhane is my first gig, and the rest I do on very much a part-time basis, but I enjoy meeting other similarly-minded people.” That said, he compiled the 100 questions for last weekend's Mark O'Hanlon Memorial Quiz and is on the organising committee for the awards this coming weekend. Sure, sleep is over-rated anyway. “The ITBA is now 100 years old. The first ever meeting was in the Shelbourne Hotel on January 13 in 1926,” he says, proudly spouting this fact after somehow having found time to read the minutes of the inaugural meeting. And he is relishing the thought of this Saturday's action. “It's one of the huge nights of the year because you get all the top politicians, including our Minister for Agriculture, who's coming again this year. We've had the Taoiseach there in the past, and they come because they know the racing and bloodstock industry is a big industry within Ireland. Ireland's a small country, and it's still an agricultural economy, even though it's matured and grown up rapidly in the last 30 or 40 years. But the agriculture sector is very important to Ireland in terms of GDP and the bloodstock industry is a huge employer – it's a green industry. “So it is great for the politicians to see the awards won by normal people who live in normal villages and towns around the country, and to see the influence that they have around the world with the Irish flag wrapped around them.” Perhaps no-one has this flag more tightly wrapped than Foley himself, but Irish racing can count itself fortunate to have such a passionate advocate. The post ‘I Appreciate Every Mare That Arrives’: New Phase for Ballyhane as Magnum Force is Launched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nominations are open for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2026 Triple Crown with an early $600 payment that is due Jan. 26.View the full article

7th-FG, $54K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 4:45 p.m. ET. Bred by Three Chimneys, PURE JOY (Gun Runner) was purchased for $1.5-million by Mandy Pope at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale. After the breeder stayed in for a piece, the filly was sent to Steve Asmussen. Pure Joy's dam is MGISW Pure Clan (Pure Prize) who died in 2023. She counts among her offspring SW Princesa Carolina (Tapit), herself the dam of 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Muhimma (Munnings). The first-time starter's extended female family includes MGSW Greater Good (Intidab) and GISW Sky Diva (Sky Mesa). TJCIS PPS 6th-FG, $55k, OC125K/N2L, 3yo, 1mT, 4:15 p.m. ET. Off a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', performance on debut going nine furlongs over Keeneland's turf in late October, Remember Mamba (Kitten's Joy) appears ready to take his next step up the class ladder. The Keeneland September grad, owned by Lakers superfan Lee Searing of C R K Stable and trained by Cherie DeVaux, is out of Gizmo (Uncle Mo)–the dam of four foals, two to race and Remember Mamba is her lone winner so far. TJCIS PPS The post Thursday Insights: Pricey Gun Runner Filly Set For Two-Turn Crescent City Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will once again serve as the official aftercare partner of the Pegasus World Cup, which will be held Saturday at Gulfstream Park. TAA will have a named race on both Friday and Saturday and winners of both races will receive a TAA blanket and gift bag. A representative from TAA will be present to host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction, which was donated by 1/ST RACING and includes dining for four at the Ten Palms Restaurant, access to the winner's circle for Friday's TAA named race, and a guided backside tour of Gulfstream Park. TAA will present Best Turned Out awards, sponsored by Centennial Farm, for all 13 races Saturday. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. The post TAA Returns as Aftercare Partner of Pegasus World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 14 participants for the 2026 International Jockeys' Challenge in Riyadh during the Saudi Cup meeting, were revealed on Wednesday. Featuring 14 jockeys, seven men and seven women, the four-race contest sees the return of last year's champion, local rider Mohammed Aldaham. Mickael Barzalona, the regular rider of the Longines World's Highest Rated Racehorse Calandagan (Gleneagles) is signed on, as is 2025 Irish Champion Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Panama's Luis Morales is based in Saudi Arabia alongside Aldaham. Other male jockeys set to mark their mark on the contest include: Frenchman Flavien Prat who rides in America, Japan's Keita Tosaki, and star-on-the-rise Billy Loughnane from Britain. Previous participants Hollie Doyle, a Classic-winning rider, and Saffie Osborne are signed on from Britain, while French champion Marie Velon, America's Forest Boyce, Australia's Angela Jones, and debutantes Nina Baltromei from Germany and Frida Valle-Skar of Sweden who rides primarily in France, are aiming to make their mark. HRH Prince Bandar bin Khaled AlFaisal, chairman of Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said, “The Saudi Cup International Jockeys' Challenge has always been a favourite part of Saudi Cup weekend for me. “It is the only challenge in the world that includes equal numbers of men and women competing as individuals and it has been gratifying to see so many winners from different parts of the world since its inception in 2020. “The JCSA is proud to promote this event with its equal opportunities for men and women, and we are glad to echo this key message shared by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 – which is a guiding light for all sport in Saudi Arabia. “Last year we celebrated the first victory by a Saudi jockey and Mohammed Aldaham is back this year to defend his title, may he have the best of luck. Jockeys are tremendous and inspiring athletes and I look forward to personally welcoming them all to King Abdulaziz Racecourse and The Saudi Cup. The best of luck to all participants.” The post Barzalona Among International Jockeys’ Challenge Roster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A breeding right in Darley's Street Boss stallion Anamoe will be offered in the Inglis Digital February (Early) Online Sale. The nine-time Group 1 winner and first-season sire is hitting on all cylinders with his first yearlings. A total of 31 sold for a gross of A$14.5 million and averaged A$469,000, with a 100% clearance rate. His top lot was an A$1.1-million son of listed winner Secret Trail (Denman), who sold to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and David Redvers Bloodstock in partnership. The bay stood for A$110,000 in 2025. “The way the market accepted Anamoe's progeny on the Gold Coast was unbelievable,” said Darley's Alastair Pulford. “Those figures speak volumes to the regard in which he's held by everyone, as he should be. He really could be the next big thing.” The sale will be held from January 30 through February 4 on the Inglis Digital website. The post Anamoe Breeding Right Available On Inglis Digital appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nominations for the 2026 Triple Crown, with an early payment of $600, are due Monday at midnight at www.thetriplecrown.com. After Monday, horses can still be nominated during the late nomination phase with a $6,000 payment between Jan. 27 and Apr. 6. The final opportunity for eligibility is through a supplemental nomination fee due at entry time for each Triple Crown race: Kentucky Derby ($200,000), Preakness ($150,000), and Belmont Stakes ($50,000). The post Early Triple Crown Nominations Due Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jose Ortiz posted his first graded stakes win of 2026 aboard Golden Tempo in the Lecomte Stakes (G3). Earlier on the card, he also won the Marie G. Krantz Memorial with Medoro. He was voted Jockey of the Week Jan. 12-18.View the full article

Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 20:25, AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE-G1, AED3,680,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1900m Field: Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.), Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), Artorious (Arrogate), Remorse (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Kabirkhan (Calilfornia Chrome), Killer Collect (Collected), Masmak (Vino Rosso). TDN Analysis: Walk Of Stars held Imperial Emperor to second in last year's edition for trainer Bhupat Seemar who saddles six here. Those two both step forward again, while Seemar stablemate Kabirkhan exploded to a 4 3/4-length victory here in 2024, and is another gunning to reclaim his title. Imperial Emperor warmed up for Friday's challenge with an easy victory in the G2 Al Maktoum Mile on Festive Friday. Heart Of Honor is best known for the Meydan races he didn't win, but the multiple group-placed gelding rattled home a winner in the Listed The Entisar over Artorius in December and the four-year-old could be coming into his own. Tumbarumba, a Grade III hero in the U.S. is making his second start at Meydan. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 21:00, JEBEL HATTA-G1, AED1,850,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1800mT Field: Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Silawi (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Midak (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Vafortino (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: It is difficult to see beyond Opera Ballo and Nations Pride in the Jebel Hatta, as that duo ran one-two for Godolphin in the G2 Al Rashidiya in December and it was over eight lengths back to third-place finisher First Conquest (Teofilo) in third. Holloway Boy, third in this to Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in 2025, won a listed race at Kempton in December, but was only fifth to Quddwah (Kingman) in the G2 Zabeel Mile the day after New Year's Day. The GI Canadian International Stakes was Silawi's in October, and, although he ran unplaced in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, the six-year-old gelding could cause the upset on Friday. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 19:50, BLUE POINT SPRINT-G2, AED850,000, 3yo/up, 1000mT Field: West Acre (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Democracy Dilemma (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Spartan Arrow (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Tawalla (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Logo Hunter (Ire) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Echo Point (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Swift Asset (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), The Man (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Hilitany (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}). TDN Analysis: West Acre romped in the 2025 edition of this race, with Ponntos second and Cover Up third. However, he hasn't found the winner's circle since. Friday is his 2026 UAE bow. Cover Up triumphed in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash prepping for this contest. Spartan Arrow bested West Acre going 1000 metres at Dundalk in October. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 18:40, AL FAHIDI FORT-G2, AED850,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1400mT Field: Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Marbaan (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Lethal Levi (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Shootout (Ire) (Areion {Ger}), Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Apollo One (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Yaroogh (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Elnajmm (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Khanjar (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Andreas Vesalius (Ire) (Caravaggio), Hougquetot (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Mountbatten (Ire) (Dabirsim {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Mysterious Night, a winner of the GI Summer Stakes back in 2022, captured the 2024 edition of this contest and was second last year to the re-opposing Marbaan. Khanjar split that duo in the Listed Business Bay Challenge on Festive Friday last month. Group 1 winner Audience came home third in the G2 Zabeel Mile earlier this month and the shorter trip could do the trick for the seven-year-old. Successful in the G3 Sprint Trophy over this distance at Cologne in September, Shootout brings German form to the table on Friday. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 22:10, AL KHAIL TROPHY-G3, AED700,000, 2810mT Field: Meydaan (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Epic Poet (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Goya Senora (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), West Wind Blows (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Real Ream (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Kihavah (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: Meydaan prevailed in good style trying this course and distance on January 2 with the re-opposing third Nightwalker set to test him once again. A multiple group winner in France and placed at Group 1 level in Europe and Australia, West Wind Blows turns his sights to Meydan. Second in a Kempton listed race after almost two years away from the races in November, he proved he still held his old spark when taking the Listed Prix Arcangues at Deauville by 1 1/2 lengths on December 23. 2025 G2 Dubai Gold Cup third Epic Poet returns to Meydan, with his most recent effort a second-place run in rallying fashion in the G3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes in August. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 18:05, FIREBREAK STAKES-G3, AED700,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1600m Field: Fort Payne (Fr) (Rio De La Plata), Commissioner King (Commissioner), Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn), Meshtri (Medaglia d'Oro), Crown Board (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hypnus (Into Mischief), Made In Dubai (More Than Ready). TDN Analysis: Second to Al Maktoum Challenge entry Imperial Emperor (Dubawi) in the G2 Al Maktoum Mile in December, Commissioner King is hoping to find the competition more to his liking in this class drop. Listed hero Mendelssohn Bay, third that day, returns as well. Hypnus makes his Meydan debut after running second in a 1000-metre trial over this surface earlier this month. Also making his first start in the desert is Crown Board, who exits a Chelmsford handicap with a win over this trip in December. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 21:35, UAE 2000 GUINEAS-G3, AED700,000, 3yo, 1600m Field: Legalaized (Arg) (Dabster), Namaguederaz (Uru) (Algorithms), Don Pelicano (Uru) (Midshipman), Six Speed (Not This Time), Devon Island (Practical Joke), Union Security (Maximum Security), Brotherly Love (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Lino Padrino (Uncle Lino), Raajehh (Complexity), Rammaas (Speightstown), Duke Of Immatin (Gun Runner), Yasup (Yaupon), Awesome Fleet (US Navy Flag), Senator Of State (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Al Khawaneej (Honest Mischief), Yamdeek (Yaupon). TDN Analysis: Two-for-three after claiming conditions races over 1200m and 1400m over the winter, Six Speed looks tough for his 15 rivals on Friday. Trying 1600 metres for the first time, he clashes with Brotherly Love, a half-brother to Heart Of Honor (Honor A. P.). Devon Island holds the same record as Six Speed and defeated Brotherly Love in November and December over the 2000 Guineas distance. Raajehh scampered home an easy winner of a 1200-metre conditions race here in December. Senator Of State already sports a tally over this trip at Dundalk, but will be making his Meydan debut. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 19:15, AL SHINDAGHA SPRINT-G3, AED700,000, 3yo/up, 1200m Field: Dark Saffron (Flameaway), El Nasseeb (GB) (Profitable {Ire}), Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke), Drew's Gold (Violence), Morning (Munnings), Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: El Nasseeb is riding a three-race UAE winning streak, with his latest success a victory over Mufasa and Colour Up in the G3 Dubawi Stakes over track and trip on January 2. Drew's Gold defeated Echo Point in a 1200-metre handicap here in mid-December. A winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen last April, Dark Saffron is searching for redemption. The four-year-old gelding won a conditions affair here in November, but has been soundly beaten by El Nasseeb in his last two appearances. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Seemar Sends Six For Al Maktoum Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Andrea Atzeni put on a clinic at Sha Tin’s dirt meeting on Wednesday night, smashing in a brilliant treble headlined by the fantastic all-the-way success of New Forest in the feature Class Two Tin Chak Handicap (1,650m). It was the second time the Sardinian jockey has ridden a treble in the city, building on his maiden three-timer last April, and a pair of his winners saw him go from pillar to post in dominant fashion. He will struggle to ride many easier winners than New Forest, who had gained...View the full article

The Retired Racehorse Project's Aftercare Industry Month will return in February. The virtual conference is presented by Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation and will take place throughout the month. Four webinar sessions will feature panelists representing the various branches of the aftercare industry, and will delve into a range of topics that pertain to everyone that works with Thoroughbreds transitioning to careers beyond racing. Virtual attendees may now register for either the entire conference, or individual sessions a la carte. A conference pass for all four sessions is $10 and an individual session pass is $5. All sessions will be recorded and available to attendees within 48 hours of each session. For more information on the panelists, click here. The post RRP Aftercare Conference Returns in February appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bargain buy Midnight Dart (NZ) (Derryn) will be out to get the party started for his throng of next generation owners when the Lisa Latta-trained juvenile contests the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The colt by Derryn was bought by Latta’s son Josh Herd for $20,000 from the Grangewilliam Stud draft at Karaka last year and was one of the first horses qualified for the Ellerslie feature when winning on debut at Trentham. Midnight Dart subsequently finished fourth to Karaka Millions favourite Kinnaird and enters the lucrative sales race as a $35 chance at his third start. Latta has already made her mark on the Karaka Millions stage, winning New Zealand’s richest two-year-old race with Fort Lincoln in 2011 and finishing second with Showmeyamoneyhoney in 2016, but a win with Midnight Dart would ensure son Josh doesn’t have to buy a drink for quite some time. Manawatu horseman Josh Herd Photo: Race Images PN “I went to university down in Otago, and there are quite a few mates of mine from Uni that are in him,” Herd said. “Some of them are from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Invercargill, not to mention mates abroad in America and another friend at college in Amsterdam. “There’s something like 75 owners in the horse and 45 to 50 of them would be under 30.” Herd returned from travelling abroad and completing the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship to take a senior hands-on role at Latta’s Awapuni stable and his longer-term ambition is to be a trainer in his own right. “It was great being able to travel the world and see different facets of the thoroughbred industry through breeding, racing and even working for a sales company like Goffs in Ireland,” Herd said. “I was able to learn things that I usually wouldn’t have been exposed to. “It’s great to be home and I have settled in well. It is always enjoyable when the team is going well. “Mum and I have a terrific relationship, so we both know what we have to do, and it just gets done. There aren’t too many arguments or any of that carry on.” In addition to being hands-on with the horses, Herd is also heavily involved in race planning and jockey bookings. “Mum allows me to put in my ten cents worth, which is good and we have a great bunch of staff as well,” Herd said “I definitely want to end up training, but I don’t think it’s any time in the near future and I’m keen to get some more international exposure.” Midnight Dart is by Grangewilliam Stud’s headline stallion Derryn, with his mother Ambitious Beauty a full-sister to the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Ambitious Owner. “He was a strong precocious yearling and his full sister Shoes had run in the Karaka Millions 2YO and that was the goal when I was going to the sale, to try and purchase a horse to run in the race,” Herd said. “You never really know until you go to the races with two-year-olds as it’s always a bit of a lottery when they’re having their first start. “But we were pleased with what he had shown us and it definitely wasn’t a surprise to see him win on debut. “It’s a thrill just to have a runner in the race and I’m sure it will be a good night, win lose or draw.” Herd is keen to see more young people get involved in racehorse ownership and believes small shares in syndicates make it far more attainable. “I feel like racehorse ownership is something that older people get involved in once they have a bit more money, but through syndication, it has certainly become a lot easier for people of all ages to get involved,” he said. “We have a lot of good syndicators in New Zealand but I’d love to see a pathway for the next generation. “I’ll be looking to purchase another horse at the Karaka Sales next week with the aim to get back to the Millions again next year and hopefully, we get a good crew of young people involved again. The more the merrier.” View the full article

The stage is set for a trans-Tasman showdown in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, with Wednesday morning’s barrier draw strengthening the claims of some of the biggest players. A full field of 14 plus two emergencies has been assembled for the 19th edition of the Karaka Millions 2YO, including three Australian-trained raiders. As has so often been the case throughout the last decade, the local contingent is headed by Te Akau Racing. The tangerine powerhouse has won eight of the last nine runnings of this juvenile showpiece, with all of those winners purchased by David Ellis. Te Akau’s three-strong team for the 2026 edition of the race is headed by Kinnaird (Home Affairs). The classy colt held favouritism in the TAB’s Karaka Millions 2YO market leading into Wednesday’s draw, and he tightened further from $4.60 into $4.20 after landing gate two. Kinnaird boasts a perfect two-from-two record including the Group Two Eclipse Stakes (1200m) over the Karaka Millions course and distance on New Year’s Day. “He just keeps improving,” co-trainer Sam Bergerson said. “He only just won on debut down there at Otaki in November, but the trip away grew him and toughened him up. “His work has been really good leading into this weekend. He just has a fantastic attitude and is coping beautifully with everything we throw at him.” Te Akau’s other two runners, Out Of The Blue (NZ) (Tivaci) and Zaharias (NZ) (Super Seth), were less fortunate with the draw and will jump from gates 16 and 14 respectively. The biggest threats could come from across the Tasman. Torture (NZ), a stakes-winning daughter of Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State, will jump from gate five for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes. She is second favourite at $4.60. Queensland’s Liam Birchley already has two Karaka Millions victories to his name with Sister Havana (NZ) (General Nediym) in 2010 and Hardline (NZ) in 2015. He is back again with two runners in 2026, including highly impressive last-start winner Dream Roca (NZ) (El Roca), who is rated a $5.50 chance after securing the coveted ace draw of gate one. Birchley’s other runner Vanzadee (NZ) (Vanbrugh) will jump from gate 12. Liam Birchly chats to Michael Guerin at the TAB Karaka Millions barrier draw. “They’re two really nice, precocious fillies and have handled everything really well,” Birchley said. “You need the right type of horse to even get into the race – you need an early-running, sound two-year-old. And then you need a bit of luck leading into it and a bit more luck on the day. That’s basically the formula. “Dream Roca’s drawn one, she’s in good form and should get all favours from that gate. She’d have to be one of the leading chances. The other filly is level pegging with her in terms of ability, but the barriers are important from that 1200-metre start at Ellerslie. I’m well aware of that.” Unbeaten, Listed-winning filly De Armas (NZ) (Ardrossan) has drawn awkwardly in gate 10 but remains a well supported third favourite for the race at $5. The $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO will be run as the fourth race on a spectacular six-race card at Ellerslie on Saturday that carries total prize-money in excess of $4m. The scheduled start time for the Karaka Millions 2YO is 6.13pm. View the full article

Multiple Group One winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) will be a notable absentee from the Warwick Farm barrier trials after suffering a minor setback. Trainer Joe Pride reported the horse was being treated for a graze to his leg after seemingly becoming cast in his box, ruling him out of his scheduled 900m heat on Thursday. It was to have been his first appearance of the year and while not ideal, Pride said it should have minimal effect on Ceolwulf’s build-up as he prepared to return in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 14. “He must have gotten cast. He just has a graze, but I’ll scratch him from the trial tomorrow,” Pride said. “He’ll be fine. As long as I can get it right pretty quickly, we’ll get to our first-up run.” Ceolwulf closed out a consistent spring with back-to-back wins in the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick and the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington. He is being prepared for the major middle-distance weight-for-age races this autumn and Pride admits he’s disappointed the horse won’t get a rematch with Via Sistina following news of her retirement on Sunday. “It’s sad he doesn’t get a chance to compete against her again because he should have beaten her first-up last time (in the Winx Stakes) when Chad (Schofield), by his own admission, put in a bad ride,” Pride said. “There looks like a bit of a changing of the guard in the weight-for-age races, so I’m hoping there is a little lull there and a moment for him to really shine.” Cambridge Stud will offer a half-brother to Ceolwulf by boom young stallion Sword Of State as Lot 513 of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales which commence on Sunday. View the full article

No-one amongst rival connections was prepared to say it out loud, but it was quite obvious their challenge became even more daunting when unbeaten filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) drew perfectly at three for Saturday’s Listed TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The Stephen Marsh-trained filly has become the increasingly hot favourite for Saturday’s $1.5 million race while sweeping all before her, culminating in another easy win in the Gr. 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November to bring her odds into $1.50. She also jumped from gate three in that race and when she returned from a let-up for a fourth straight win in the Gr. 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day, the scene was set for her biggest assignment. Bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson, who motivated Marsh to purchase the Written Tycoon filly on the Gavelhouse online platform for $80,000, gained further kudos when he drew three at Wednesday morning’s barrier draw in the Karaka sales complex auditorium. “I said to Dylan that I wanted somewhere between one and five, and he pulled out three,” Marsh said. “A filly like her, she jumps and puts herself there, so yes, we’re happy. “Everything has gone to plan, I was very happy with how she worked at Ellerslie yesterday, and now we just have to tick her over until Saturday.” Well Written, on whom early bets with the TAB included $500 at $5, did not budge from her $1.50 pre-draw odds, nor did $5 second favourite La Dorada when she came up with gate five. They remained the only runners in single digits, with third favourite Affirmative Action easing from $10 to $13 after drawing gate 10. That failed to deter trainer Pam Gerard, who holds the highest numerical factor with Romanoff ($27), who narrowly downed Affirmative Action in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas, and lightly raced MAAT winner Now Not Never ($71) also in the Karaka Millions 3YO field. “That draw doesn’t worry me with Affirmative Action as he’s a far better horse coming off the pace,” Gerard said. “I’ve been watching him and Romanoff making all the right progress lately and they’ll go to Ellerslie on very good shape. “Now Not Never has had just the two starts and he won the second of them. He’s well and I’m happy to give him his chance. “She’s very special,” Gerard said in reference to Well Written, “but we’ll give it a good go. The draw also played out well for leading candidates in the Listed TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), with $4 pre-draw favourite Kinnaird staying firm after being allocated gate two and Victorian filly Torture likewise on $5 from gate five. In an even market, De Armas, who attracted a wide range of significant bets on the early market, remained steady at $5 despite drawing 10, while Dream Roca, one of two runners along with Vanzadee ($18) for dual Karaka Millions 2YO winner Liam Birchley, is well in the market at $5.50. View the full article

The latest salvo in the fight over the legality of a suite of Racing on Demand slot machine-style parimutuel games that were removed from Santa Anita by state Department of Justice law enforcement officers Saturday afternoon was fired Tuesday by the track, which filed a writ of mandate against the DOJ in the Los Angeles Superior Court. As first reported by the LA Times, the court filing by the Los Angeles Turf Club repeats several arguments Santa Anita officials have made in recent days, including how the three-by-three wager approved by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) in 2024 gives the track the legal cover to operate these machines, which use races that have already been run. The suit—also obtained by the TDN—makes the argument that both the state attorney general's office and the CHRB had a long window to render a decision about the legality of the machines either way but had failed to do so. “Neither the Attorney General's office, nor the CHRB, ever disputed [the track's] written legal analysis or stated that the [track] did not have the legal right to offer the 3X3 wager on concluded races,” the suit states, according to the Times. Interestingly, the filing makes the argument that in 2006, the California Office of Legislative Counsel issued a ruling on so-called Instant Racing (which is a form of pari-mutuel wagering on the outcome of concluded races via specialized tote terminals), rendering a finding similar in effect to what Santa Anita is arguing over their Racing on Demand terminals. “The Office of Legislative Counsel concluded that 'because there is no requirement in the California Constitution that races be live or simultaneous to be considered horse races under subdivision (b) of Section 19 of Article IV, it is our view that the historic races used by the Instant Racing machines would be considered horse races that may be regulated by the Legislature,'” the filing states. There had been 26 such machines in total operating in the Santa Anita grandstand pavilion since Thursday. They offered $1 bets and required gamblers to select the first three finishers of three random six-horse previously-run races. They were removed during a very public operation which saw state DOJ personnel wheel the machines out the back of the Santa Anita grandstand on gurneys during racing Saturday. That evening, Los Angeles Turf Club senior vice-president Scott Daruty issued a statement saying that state attorney general Rob Bonta received their legal analysis nearly a year ago. “His office had ample time to raise concerns. They did not. We proceeded on solid legal ground, and since the state is choosing to challenge that now, we're fully prepared to defend ourselves. We're confident the law is clear,” Daruty wrote Saturday. The suit also seeks the return of the machines, along with the money that was in them. In a “notice of intention to destroy machines and devices” issued to Santa Anita, the DOJ warned that the confiscated machines would be destroyed after 30 days unless there's some intervening court action. The 30-day window began the day the notice was posted, which is dated January 17. If the machines are ultimately destroyed, any money seized in connection with them will be turned over to the treasury of the city or county where they were seized, according to the notice. Santa Anita is in the City of Arcadia. The post Santa Anita Files Suit Against California Department of Justice appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ka Ying Rising has been rated the equal second-highest galloper in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings for 2025, with the champion sprinter becoming Hong Kong’s highest-rated racehorse in history on a mark of 128. Unbeaten from eight starts last year, the David Hayes-trained superstar was second only to French star Calandagan, who was rated 130 after an outstanding year highlighted by Group One victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2,400m), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth...View the full article

Canadian Sovereign Award-winning 3-year-old male Dresden Row (Lord Nelson) (hip 1), sold for $575,000, topped the 2026 Fasig-Tipton January Digital Sale which closed Tuesday evening. The sale, which opened Thursday, Jan. 15 and included horses of racing age, racing/broodmare prospects, racing/stallion prospects, short yearlings, and a stallion season, totaled gross sales of $4,514,500 for 160 horses sold. Dresden Row, Canada's leading 3-year-old colt in 2024, sold for $575,000 to MWG LLC from the consignment of Jeffrey Bloom, agent. In his most recent start, the 5-year-old captured the GIII Autumn Stakes at Woodbine Nov. 8. He has finished in the money in all of his 15 starts to date, which include three graded stakes victories, and has earned $448,803 to date. “The digital sales market that Fasig-Tipton has designed perfectly for our industry is second to none,” said Jeffrey Bloom, consignor of the sale topper. “It's pretty special to have the sales topper for my first time out of the gate as a consignor with a big assist to the crew at Fasig for their professionalism and skill at guiding me through every step in the process. Boyd Browning and his entire team are such a pleasure to work with. Dresden Row took us on a wonderful ride; I would like to thank his new connections and best of luck!” Other top hips included: Alisal (hip 22), a 3-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo, sold for $260,000 to Rafter C Ranch. Alisal was a two-time winner as a juvenile and finished second in her stakes debut in her most recent start. She is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Secret Message. Alisal was consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Warrendale Sales, agent. Sugar Rocket (hip 18), a 4-year-old daughter of Twirling Candy, sold for $250,000 to MKW Racing & Breeding. A full sister to Grade I winner and millionaire Pinehurst, Sugar Rocket was consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by ELiTE, agent. Jacksmybrother (hip 9), in foal to Vekoma, sold for $220,000 to BF Sams, agent. A Mo Town half-sister to multiple Grade I-winning millionaire Jack Christopher, Jacksmybrother was consigned by Legacy Bloodstock, agent. “We started the year off with a bang,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton Digital Sales Director. “Gross is up 45% from last January and demand for racehorses continues to exceed expectations. We had more than 1,000 registered bidders and offerings sold from Alberta, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. That kind of reach is truly impressive and a real credit to both our customers and our team.” Overall, 160 horses sold for $4,514,500. Twenty-two offerings sold for $50,000 or more. Full results are available online. The post Canadian Champion Dresden Row Tops Fasig-Tipton January Digital Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising has been recognised as the world’s best sprinter, becoming the highest-rated Hong Kong horse in history (128) as he ranked joint-second in the 2025 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR), while Romantic Warrior, ranked joint-seventh, has been listed among the world’s top 10 horses for a second year in a row. David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising capped an extraordinary 2025, which saw him go the whole calendar year unbeaten on his way to victory in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Australia before defending his HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) crown at Sha Tin, two of five Group 1 victories during the rating period – from January, 2025 until the end of December, 2025. Partnered by Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton for all but one of his eight 2025 victories, he was awarded a higher end-of-year rating than a host of Hong Kong racing legends, including Able Friend (127), Beauty Generation (127) and Golden Sixty (126). Racing for the Ka Ying Syndicate, the New Zealand-bred speedster shared second place in the 2025 LONGINES WBRR rankings with Japanese duo Forever Young and Masquerade Ball, Britain’s Ombudsman and the United States of America’s Sovereignty, trailing only France’s Calandagan (130) at the top of the ratings. Trained out of Francis-Henri Graffard’s Chantilly base, five-year-old gelding Calandagan enjoyed a phenomenal 2025 with Group 1 victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2400m), King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m), Champion Stakes (1993m) and the Japan Cup (2400m), seeing the Irish-bred gelding rise from joint-fifth in the 2024 standings. Romantic Warrior, the world’s highest-earning racehorse in history with record prize money of HK$240.11 million, won three times during an injury-hampered year, extending his HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m)-winning record with a fourth victory, as well as landing the G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan, UAE. His mark of 127, level with France’s Daryz and USA’s Sierra Leone, was the highest the eight-year-old has ever been assigned by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) panel. The rating makes Romantic Warrior the equal second highest-rated Hong Kong-trained horse in history, after Ka Ying Rising. Career-high year-end ratings for Ka Ying Rising, Romantic Warrior and Hong Kong Triple Crown champion Voyage Bubble (121) are emblematic of a banner year for Hong Kong racing. Those three are among 10 Hong Kong-trained horses to achieve an international rating of 115 or higher on this year’s list, a performance that underscores the quality and depth of Hong Kong’s racing industry, which has only 1,350 thoroughbreds yet consistently produces elite performers recognised on the global stage. Lucky Sweynesse (117), Beauty Joy, Red Lion and Helios Express (116), Galaxy Patch, Howdeepisyourlove and Straight Arron (115) round out the 10 Hong Kong-trained gallopers to achieve marks of 115 or higher in 2025. Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said: “Hong Kong horses have once again performed at an extraordinary level on the international stage and the 2025 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings reflect the strength, depth and quality of our elite horses. To have two Hong Kong-trained horses among the world’s top 10 is a remarkable achievement, particularly when it is considered that Hong Kong has approximately only 1,350 horses, representing well under one per cent of the world’s active thoroughbred population. “Ka Ying Rising’s elevation to a career-high rating of 128 is a historic milestone for Hong Kong racing and establishes him as the highest-rated Hong Kong-trained horse in the history of the LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings. His performances this season have been outstanding, and his recognition as the world’s best sprinter underlines the global strength of Hong Kong’s sprint programme. “Romantic Warrior continues to be a tremendous standard-bearer for Hong Kong racing. His career-high mark of 127 further enhances his status as one of the world’s premier middle-distance horses, and his consistency at the highest level across multiple seasons is a testament to the dedication of his owner Peter Lau, trainer Danny Shum and all those involved in his care.” World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races Eleven of Hong Kong’s premier races have been included in the 2025 LONGINES World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races, up from eight in 2024, and six of Hong Kong’s elite races were rated among the top ten in their respective distance categories. All four Group 1 contests at December’s showpiece LONGINES Hong Kong International Races are ranked inside the World’s Top 100 Group 1 races for 2025. The 2025 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup, won by Romantic Warrior, returned a figure of 120.5 to rank 20th globally. Hong Kong secured three races in the top 40 with the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (26th, 120.0) and the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (35th, 119.0). The 2025 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint was rated the world’s seventh-best turf sprint contest. Each accredited Group 1 race is ranked based on the average rating of the first four finishers from that year’s race, as determined by a panel of international handicappers. The ratings reflect the extraordinary quality of Hong Kong’s top races, which attract international competitors and consistently deliver world-class contests. Hong Kong’s tally of 11 Group 1 races in the top 100 places it among the world’s leading racing jurisdictions alongside Australia, Great Britain, Japan, the USA and France. In addition to their overall Top 100 rankings, a number of Hong Kong’s flagship races were also rated among the very best in their respective divisions for older horses on turf, further underlining Hong Kong’s standing across all major distance categories. In the sprint division, the Chairman’s Sprint Prize was rated the second-highest turf sprint in the world, behind only Australia’s The Everest, while the Centenary Sprint Cup ranked third globally among turf sprint races for older horses. The LONGINES Hong Kong Mile was rated seventh in the turf mile category, confirming its status as one of the world’s premier mile contests. Over the intermediate distances, the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup ranked eight in the turf intermediate category for older horses, while the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase was rated the seventh-highest turf long-distance race in the world for older horses. These rankings reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions across all major divisions, from sprinting through to staying events. Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Andrew Harding, said: “The 2025 LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings and World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races again highlight the outstanding quality of Hong Kong racing and its ability to compete with the very best in the world. The inclusion of 11 Hong Kong races in the Top 100 Group 1 ranking is a powerful endorsement of the international standard of our elite programme and the competitiveness of our major race meetings. “Hong Kong’s premier races continue to attract world-class horses and deliver exceptional contests. These races showcase the depth of our racing and the strength of our domestic performers against elite international opposition. “International competition remains a core priority for the Club and, alongside our world-class domestic racing, we are proud of what Hong Kong continues to deliver for racing fans both locally and globally.” View the full article

This week's list features a pair of Minnesota-breds and one 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' who is now on a two-race win streak. 4 (tie). THUNDERS ROCKNROLL, WRD, 1/12-5th, 6 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure-87 (m, 6, by Maclean's Music–Thunder and Honey, by Thunder Gulch) O/B-Bob Lindgren (Minn). T-Patrick Swan. J-David Cabrera. The Minnesota-bred dominated the Wilma Mankiller Stakes by 8 1/2 lengths at Will Rogers Downs for her fifth added-money win. This female line has been kind to prominent Minnesota owner Lindgren, who raced the six-times-stakes-placed dam and well as the dam's half-sister Honey's Sox Appeal, a member of Canterbury Park's Hall of Fame. 4 (tie). SENZA PAROLE, GP, 1/15-7th, 1 mile Beyer Speed Figure-87 (f, 4, by Gun Runner–Senza Te, by Street Cry) O-Don Alberto Stable. B-Don Alberto Corporation (Ky). T-Chad Brown. J-Irad Ortiz Jr. Circumstances have kept her from fulfilling the potential she showed in her impressive 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy Saratoga debut as a 2-year-old. After that sparkling 94 Beyer, a chipped knee sidelined her for a year, then she lost her two comeback starts. But she now has won two straight, and this seven-length romp was especially encouraging. Don Alberto paid $700,000 in 2013 at Keeneland November to acquire her Grade III-winning granddam Sacristy, and the book isn't closed yet on Senza Parole's career. 3. LUCKY SPEECH, FG, 1/17-9th, 1 1/16th (turf) Beyer Speed Figure-88 (3rd) (m, 5, by Audible–Luckyallmylife, by Lookin At Lucky O-Millennium Stable. B-Delia Nash & Jun Park (Ky). T-Steve Asmussen. J-James Graham. A rail trip helped her finish a well-beaten third in the Marie Krantz Stakes at 72-1 odds, but the race was fast enough that she still earned a career-best Beyer. Out of a Turfway Park stakes winner, owner Ro Parra took her for $105,000 in 2022 at Keeneland September. 2. CUPID'S CRUSH, FG, 1/17-9th, 1 1/16th (turf) Beyer Speed Figure-96 (2nd) (m, 6, by Cupid–Dazzlingsweetheart, by Dazzling Falls) O-Xtreme Racing Stables. B-Mary & Eric Von Seggern and Barry & Joni Butzow (Minn). T-Hugh Robertson. J-Martin Pedroza Jr. The second Minnesota-bred on this week's list, she's now been second in the Marie Krantz Stakes in back-to-back runnings. She controlled the pace at 27-1 odds, kicked home in :23.27 and would've won by 4 1/4 lengths had Medoro not been in the field. Owners Mike and Vicki McGowan paid just $40,000 for her at a 2021 Minnesota yearling sale even though her dam was a Canterbury Park stakes winner. Cupid's Crush has won five stakes at Canterbury. 1. MEDORO, FG, 1/17-9th, 1 1/16th (turf) Beyer Speed Figure-97 (m, 5, by Honor Code–Achira, by English Channel) O-C R K Stable. B-Parks Investment Group (Ky). T-Peter Eurton. J-Jose Ortiz. Off the board for the first time in her career thanks to a disastrous trip in the GI Matriarch Stakes, she made amends with a fast number at Fair Grounds in the ungraded Marie Krantz Memorial. Her owner-breeder Lee Searing spent $140,000 in 2019 to buy into one of the late Jerry Moss's best female families with the acquisition of dam Achira, out of a full sister to Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo. The post Five Fleet Fillies: January 12-18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) worked five furlongs in 1:00 (1/62) Saturday morning for dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, who is pointing the millionaire Grade I winner for the $1.25 million GI Apple Blossom Handicap for older fillies and mares April 11 at Oaklawn. “The track's pretty deep right now,” assistant trainer Caden Arthur, who oversees Casse's Oaklawn division, said Sunday afternoon. “I mean, not a lot of water, trying not to let it freeze. She moved over it phenomenally. Went a minute flat and did it cruising. Glad she caught some company in front. Gave her something to chase a little bit. 'Quick' worked good. She's just not on Nitrogen's level. Not a lot of fillies in the country are, so it was a little hard to stay with her. She did good. She worked her own work. I was happy. Nitrogen is Nitrogen. She got the name for a reason. She breathes different air.” A homebred for D. J. Stables, Nitrogen is among three finalists for an Eclipse Award as North America's champion 3-year-old filly of 2025 after winning six of nine starts, most recently finished second in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar in November. Nitrogen recorded workouts Dec. 31 and Jan. 7 at Casse's Florida training center before shipping to Oaklawn. She arrived Jan. 11. Casse said Nitrogen could make her 4-year-old debut in the $400,000 GII Azeri Stakes March 7 at Oaklawn. “Very happy she's here,” Arthur said. “She looks great today, the day after her work, and we're excited for her 4-year-old campaign.” Also working towards his 2026 debut for Casse was millionaire Grade I winner Sandman (Tapit). Unraced since late August, Sandman covered five furlongs in 1:02 (3/11) under two-time Oaklawn riding champion Cristian Torres. Sandman traveled his first three furlongs in :37 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.20. Arthur said Sandman could make his 4-year-old debut in a Feb. 6 allowance race which, if all goes well, would serve as a bridge to the $500,000 GIII Razorback Handicap for older horses at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 28. “He had a good breeze,” Arthur said. “The track's real deep. We'll have one more breeze next week, hopefully, around Wednesday, depending on the weather. That allowance race is kind of what we're shooting for as a prep for the Razorback.” Sandman ran four times last season at Oaklawn, winning an allowance race in his final start at 2 and the $1.5 million GI Arkansas Derby. The post Nitrogen, Sandman Work Towards ’26 Debuts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Arkansas Derby winner Angel of Empire (Classic Empire–Armony's Angel, by To Honor And Serve) sired his first reported foal Saturday, Jan. 17, when a filly bred by Brooks Taylor was born at Taylor Made, the farm announced Tuesday. She is out of Love Ava Love, a daughter of the stakes-winning Storm Cat mare Hidden Cat–her second dam is multiple Canadian champion and Horse of the Year Alywow–and she is a half-sister to stakes winners Global Power and Pegasusbystorm. Angel of Empire, racing for Albaugh Family Stables and trained by Brad Cox, competed exclusively in stakes at three, winning the 2023 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park by 4 1/4 lengths. He entered the Arkansas Derby following a decisive win in that year's GII Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in his graded stakes debut, defeating subsequent GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil's. Sent off as the race favorite in the 149th Kentucky Derby, Angel of Empire finished a fast-closing third, earning a career-best 104 Beyer Speed Figure. Angel of Empire retired with a record of 9-4-1-2 and banked more than $1.4 million. His dam, Armony Angel, sold for $1.8 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed Sale in 2023. Angel of Empire stands at Taylor Made Stallions for $5,000 S&N. First foal for Angel of Empire! G1 Arkansas Derby winner ANGEL OF EMPIRE was represented by his first foal, a filly out of Love Ava Love (Mr. Greeley) born Saturday at @TaylorMadeSales! Look at the leg!@TaylorMadeMark @Albaughstables @cyfanatic pic.twitter.com/0Vl9eIMNoA — Taylor Made Stallions (@TMStallions) January 19, 2026 The post Angel Of Empire’s First Foal A Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article