Wandering Eyes

The promising young chaser Peaky Boy (Ire) (Kayf Tara {GB}) (lot 44) will continue his racing career with Jonjo and AJ O'Neill after he achieved the top price at Tuesday's Goffs January Sale. Offered by Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows, the seven-year-old was led out of the ring not sold at £195,000, before being purchased privately by O'Neill Racing for an undisclosed, six-figure sum. The horses-in-training session featured a nine-strong draft from Coolmeen Farms, with their five-year-old Johnny's Jury (Ire) (lot 22) proving the most expensive of the day's other lots. A son of Jukebox Jury (Ire) and a half-brother to the multiple Grade 1 hero Appreciate It (Ire) (Jeremy), Johnny's Jury was bought by Tom Malone and Jamie Snowden for £75,000, having finished third on his first start over hurdles at Ffos Las earlier this month. The sale also offered a selection of National Hunt breeding stock and weanlings. The mares were topped by Baroda Stud's Listed winner Misty Whisky (GB) (Stowaway {GB}) (lot 163), who was offered in foal to Golden Horn (GB) and was purchased by Ashfield House for £60,000. The weanling session was headlined by Cobhall Court Stud's Kapgarde (Fr) colt who went through the ring as lot 129, with J.P. McGrath Bloodstock striking the winning bid at £30,000. Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said, “The January Sale opens the European sale circuit each year and it has been incredibly satisfying to start the year with some good prices across all categories today. “The highlights of the horses-in-training section were the dispersals from Oliver Harris and Coolmeen Farm and it was therefore pleasing to see Johnny's Jury realise £75,000. Whilst it was disappointing that Peaky Boy did not sell in the ring, we were delighted to get him sold privately for an undisclosed six-figure, sale topping sum, to O'Neill Racing.” He added, “The trade for the NH Mares and Foals followed trade at similar sales towards the end of last year. Whilst we were hopeful of sustained demand for this category, there is no denying that trade was selective and it was tough for some breeders. Whilst we can all celebrate the high prices, we recognise the challenging nature of the NH market away from the headlines and how tough it can be if you don't have exactly what the market wants.” The post Peaky Boy Tops Goffs January Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In conjunction with this Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup, 1/ST Racing is partnering with an international horse racing media rights firm to launch a free-to-play contest that will offer a VIP trip for two to the 2025 GI California Crown at Santa Anita Park in September, including flights, accommodations and raceday hospitality. The contest, called Crown Jewels Racing (website here) is linked to a larger series of international races distributed by HBA Media in England, and the Pegasus contest is the first in a larger series of “league” Crown Jewels games that features a grand prize of a VIP trip for two to the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2026. “HBA is a company in the UK that is basically a global distribution for horse racing,” Peter Rotondo, the senior vice president of racing and wagering for 1/ST, told TDN. “They have deals with all the major race meets around the world, and they distribute their content.” Although NBC and Peacock will exclusively broadcast and stream the Jan. 25 Pegasus here in the United States, HBA will be carrying the event on other platforms around the globe. Rotondo said that's an advantageous global opportunity, because it allows 1/ST (and other participating U.S. racing entities that host later races in the series) to arrange for major Thoroughbred events to get broad publicity and coverage outside of America. “Really, their entire focus is horse racing media rights, which, in this day and age, it's great that someone is that invested in it,” Rotondo said. “What makes it unique is the idea that they actually have all of these race meets as partners–the Pegasus World Cup, Cheltenham, the [GI] Belmont, the [GI] Preakness, the [GI Kentucky] Derby, the Breeders' Cup. In horse racing, it's usually so difficult for everyone to work together, and [it's noteworthy] that this company has come on over the years and acquired the rights to all of these major races and now works as one entity that networks have to talk to to get all of these races on the air,” Rotondo said. “That is such a smart advantage, because on the world stage, usually you have to talk to so many different entities [to get international broadcast or streaming deals done]. But now HBA is the entity that brought all of these race meets together, not only on television, but with a fun, free-to-play game that they've launched, and it all kicks off with the Pegasus,” Rotondo said. “HBA is bringing over [ITV Racing and Channel 10 presenter] Francesca Cumani to host the Pegasus show,” Rotondo said. “They basically use the NBC broadcast as the 'host' broadcast, but she does features in and around Miami and Gulfstream to bring the lifestyle and the [flavor of the] event to a global audience. So you can't see this broadcast in the U.S., but [viewers in other countries] will be able to see it all over the world.” Although the broadcast won't be shown in America, U.S. residents can, however, play the Crown Jewels game, Rotondo confirmed. In recent years, HBA has represented the rights races from the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa and Hong Kong. The post Pegasus World Cup Kicks Off International Contest with Prizes to Global Racing Events appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nominations have opened for the 2025 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin and supported by the Irish Stable Staff Association, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and the Racing Post. The awards recognise and reward the exceptional skills, experience and dedication of the hardworking women and men in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Anyone can nominate a friend or colleague for an award. Nominations are open until 5pm on Tuesday, February 25 and must be completed online at www.itiea.org. This industry-wide celebration of racing and breeding's workforce sees €62,000 in prize-money available across 10 award categories for the winners and their workplace colleagues. In addition to a Newcomer Award, there are seven Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. All winners are then eligible for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. The Racecourse Award winner, chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, will also be revealed on the awards night. The 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony will take place at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare on Tuesday, June 3. HRI chief executive Suzanne Eade said, “The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is one of my favourite events every year and one that Horse Racing Ireland is very happy to support. The skill, dedication and love for horses that the awards showcase makes me very proud to work in our industry. “I would encourage everyone to nominate their colleagues and friends so we can continue to shine a light on the exceptional people delivering for our industry and sport, and the outstanding contribution they make to Ireland's global reputation for producing, training and caring for thoroughbreds.” The post Nominations Open for Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Graded stakes winner Simplification (Not This Time–Simply Confection, by Candy Ride {Arg}) was represented by his first foal when Calidad (Quality Road) produced a colt Jan. 17. The foal is owned by First Finds Farm and Brittany Updike. “Simplification is a good-looking, classy stallion. His first foal is exactly what we expected–strong, healthy, good bone, and great conformation,” said Pleasant Acres Stallions' director of stallion services Christine Jones. “What a brilliant way to start his career as a stallion. We expect big things for his future.” Simplification won the 2022 GII Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes and was third in that year's GI Curlin Florida Derby. He stands at Pleasant Acres for $6,500. The post First Foal for Graded Winner Simplification appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple stakes winner Lost Ark (Violence–Marion Ravenwood, by A.P. Indy) will begin his stud career next month at Sherry McLean's Northern Dawn Stables in Ontario. The 5-year-old stallion will stand for C$4,000, live foal. Lost Ark won the 2022 Sapling Stakes and 2023 Jockey Club Derby Invitational Stakes while racing for Harrell Ventures and trainer Todd Pletcher. He was also third in the 2023 GIII Saranac Stakes. On the board in six of 11 starts, Lost Ark won four times and earned $542,100. Out of stakes-winner Marion Ravenwood, Lost Ark is a half-brother to champion Nest (Curlin), as well as to Grade I winner Idol (Curlin). The post Lost Ark to Ontario’s Northern Dawn Stables appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the season's signature GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes leading the way with an all-time high purse of $1.25 million, the stakes schedule for Keeneland's Spring Meet will be worth a record $9.4 million. The Blue Grass is one of 16 races on the 19-race stakes schedule to have purse increases for 2025. With an increase of $150,000, the GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes is now worth $750,000, and an increase of $200,000 will make the GIII Transylvania Stakes a $600,000 race. Contributing to the purses for the total of 19 stakes to be run during the 15-day Spring Meet is $2.25 million available from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF), pending approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. “Keeneland's Spring Meet is the destination of many of Thoroughbred racing's biggest names,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “The racing world converges here because they know this is where the best jockeys, trainers and horses will be and they want to compete at the highest level. We are excited to continue to grow our racing program and eager to welcome horsemen and fans from around the world for Keeneland this spring.” The 101st Toyota Blue Grass will be held Apr. 5 and the 88th Central Bank Ashland–the year's first Grade I event for fillies–will be run on the track's opening day, Apr. 4. Both races are worth 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively, with the winners of each stakes earning 100 qualifying points to the respective Classic. The early nomination deadline for the two races is Feb. 15. Late nominations are due Mar. 19. Joining the Ashland on the season's first day are two other stakes for 3-year-olds: the Transylvania and the Lafayette Stakes, which was upgraded to a listed race for 2025. The Blue Grasss highlights five stakes on the Saturday card, which also includes the $650,000 GI Resolute Racing Madison Stakes; the $500,000 GII Appalachian Stakes, the $400,000 GII Valvoline Global Shakertown Stakes; and the $350,000 GIII Commonwealth Stakes. Keeneland raised the purse of the Appalachian by $100,000 and added $50,000 each to the value of the Madison, the Shakertown and the Commonwealth. Stakes action for 3-year-olds will continue Sunday of opening weekend with the $400,000 GII MiddleGround Capital Beaumont Stakes and the $300,000 Listed Palisades Stakes. The Palisades purse has increased $50,000. Keeneland's Spring Meet will be held from Apr. 4 through 25. The post Keeneland Spring Meet Stakes to Offer Record $9.4 Million in Purses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to the threat of a nearby wildfire, the horses stabled at the San Luis Rey training center are currently being evacuated and sent to Del Mar racetrack. According to Santa Anita general manager, Nate Newby, the training center is in an “Evacuation Warning Level 2- Set” area. “With medium/high winds in the forecast today we started evacuating early this morning,” wrote in a text Tuesday morning. According to Cal Fire, the nearby Lilac Fire has burned through 80 acres and is 10% contained. “Fire is now at 10% containment so they are making progress, but we aren't taking any chances,” Newby wrote. He added that he believes the fire is currently roughly three to four miles away from the training center, which is owned by The Stronach Group. According to Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) CEO and president Bill Nader, 40 of the roughly 275 horses stabled at San Luis Rey have already arrived at Del Mar. Two different van companies are currently evacuating the horses. This story will be updated. The post Horses Being Evacuated From San Luis Rey Training Center Due to Wildfires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Irish European Breeders' Fund (Irish EBF) has today been announced as the flagship sponsor of the new National Hunt Academy Hurdle Race Series, which will commence in October 2025 with the aim of encouraging National Hunt horses to enter training earlier. The races will be open to three-year-old horses who have not had any previous run on the Flat or under National Hunt Rules, other than in Academy Hurdle races. Winners of such races will still be qualified to run in bumpers and maiden hurdles in Ireland, guaranteeing these young horses access to a programme that does not require them to be rushed. Other elements of the series to note is that each National Hunt Academy Hurdle run will be considered by the IHRB Handicapper in assessing a horse for a handicap rating; a number of these races will carry IRE Incentive-style vouchers for eligible winning and placed horses; and non-winners will remain eligible to be registered for a Hunter Certificate to run in point-to-points. Joe Foley, Irish EBF chairman, said, “The Irish EBF Academy Hurdle Race Series is a progressive initiative for National Hunt racing and the Irish EBF are delighted to become overall sponsor. “The series will offer an earlier shop window for stallion and mare owners and become a positive catalyst for National Hunt breeding and racing in Ireland. We look forward to the first races in October to see what talent will emerge from the three-year-old ranks.” The post Irish EBF to Sponsor New Academy Hurdle Race Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frigid temperatures and snowy conditions continued to cause cancellations this week, with both Parx and Mahoning Valley abandoning live racing Tuesday. It was the second day in a row both tracks were forced to cancel races as they joined Oaklawn Park in abandoning Monday cards. Turfway Park has moved its Wednesday racing card to Sunday with a 12:30 p.m. ET first post due to extreme cold temperatures. The program will not be redrawn and will run in its entirety on Sunday. Racing at the Kentucky track is scheduled to resume Thursday with a first post of 5:55 p.m. In Louisiana, Delta Downs has canceled its Wednesday card and Fair Grounds postponed its Thursday card until next Monday. The post Winter Weather Continues to KO Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Britbet Racing LLP, a partnership of 55 British racecourses, has today announced an extended commitment from its racecourse partners for the continued delivery of their oncourse pool betting service. A key element to this commitment from racecourses comes from Britbet renewing a long-term partnership with the UK Tote Group that will deliver liquidity from the majority of its racecourse partners, including all Jockey Club racecourses and the large independent tracks, to the pools hosted by the Tote on racing taking place at these racecourses. The renewed partnership will continue to provide a united approach to growing pool betting in the UK, with racecourses controlling the delivery of an oncourse service and the Tote providing the recognised brand and the off-course services, combining to create a single pool hosted by the Tote. The agreement between Britbet and the Tote will go live in November 2025 and will be in place until at least the end of October 2030, subject to a range of performance measures being met. The new partnership does not include Arena Racing Company (ARC) racecourses. Discussions about pool betting between ARC, Britbet and the UK Tote Group are said to be ongoing. Nigel Roddis, managing director of Britbet, said, “We are delighted to receive the continued backing of our racecourse partners and to use that to continue the relationship with the UK Tote Group. “The delivery of a daily pool betting service ranges from 500+ staff on each day of the Cheltenham Festival, through to meetings where everyone knows each other on a weekday winter evening. To be viable it requires a collective approach, sharing resources and spreading costs as widely as possible. “Britbet is tangible evidence of the benefits that the customer can receive from racecourses acting together. We look forward to continuing to work with the Tote team to deliver further benefits for racegoers as well as providing the core liquidity to help drive the continued expansion of the pools off course.” The post Leading British Racecourses Reach New Long-Term Agreement with UK Tote appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Velazquez and Mike Smith were elected co-chairmen of The Jockeys' Guild when the organization hosted its annual assembly virtually Jan. 14. Javier Castellano, Julien Leparoux and James Flores were elected co-vice chairmen, Tyler Gaffalione as secretary and Julien Leparoux as treasurer. In addition, Joe Bravo, Drayden Van Dyke, James Graham and Rodney Prescott will serve on the Board of Directors. Senate members for the guild in 2025-2026 are: Eastern region: Joe Bravo, Kendrick Carmouche, Javier Castellano, Frankie Dettori, Reylu Gutierrez, Flavien Prat, Sheldon Russell, Drayden Van Dyke and John Velazquez Central region: Keith Asmussen, Alex Birzer, Stuart Elliott, Julio Felix, Tyler Gaffalione, James Graham, Julien Leparoux, Jareth Loveberry and Rodney Prescott. Western region: William Antongeorgi, Jesus Ayala (QH), Jose Figueroa, James Flores (QH) Antonio Fresu, Kyle Frey, Juan J. Hernandez, Ricky Ramirez (QH) and Mike Smith. Also during the virtual meeting, Onrise CEO Kim Quigley discussed the joint effort between the Jockeys' Guild and HISA, in conjunction with the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, to offer jockeys access to free mental health services with the on-line platform Onrise. The program is available to riders who are either covered persons with HISA or Guild members riding in non-HISA states, qualified retired jockeys and the permanently disabled. Dan Waits, Executive Director of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, gave an update on the programs offered by the Chaplaincy at racetracks around the country. Legislative updates were presented by the Guild's lobbyists in California, New York and Kentucky and Gerald Hall, founder and chairman of SportsMEDIA Technology, and Kyle McDoniel of Equibase led a discussion about SMT and how it could be used in horseracing. Also during the meeting, a review of the jockey's retirement plan was presented and legal updates were discussed by Mindy Coleman, Jockeys' Guild in-house legal counsel. The post Officers Elected During Virtual Jockeys’ Guild Assembly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LONDON, UK — City Of Troy (Justify) and Laurel River (Into Mischief), owned by two of racing's superpowers, Coolmore and Juddmonte, have been jointly crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse for 2024. At a ceremony to mark the Longines Racing Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London on Tuesday it was revealed that they had each gained a rating of 128, marking the first time since 2019 that two horses had shared the top spot in the world rankings. The top-rated performance for City Of Troy came in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York, which was the top-rated race of last year, with runner-up Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) being awarded a mark of 125. City Of Troy also won last year's Betfred Derby and G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes. Calandagan was however only the second-top-rated horse in France as his Francis Graffard stable-mate Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) was ranked fourth on 126 for his victory in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. With Aidan O'Brien, Christy Grassick and Ryan Moore in London to accept the award for the world's leading turf horse, it was Moore who was handed the microphone first and, while he admitted with a wry grin that he wished he could pass it over to the trainer, he said of City Of Troy, “When he won the Juddmonte it was probably the best performance I've ever been involved with on a racehorse.” Moore added, “There was no end to him. One he got comfortable and once he got building he was relentless.” O'Brien joined the praise of his former stable star. “He'd have had no problem being a Royal Ascot two-year-old … we were just very lucky to have him. “He always had a great stride and he was 16.1 [hh],” he said, before pausing for comic effect to add, “and getting bigger.” The top-rated filly or mare in the world was Via Sistina (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), a Group 1 winner on two continents who enjoyed a stellar 2024 in the colours of Yulong Investments. Now trained by Chris Waller, she posted her career-high rating of 127 at the age of six with an eight-length win in the G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate. It was Laurel River's record eight-and-a-half length victory in the G1 Dubai World Cup which earned him co-Horse of the Year status and made him the world's best horse on dirt. Now seven, the Juddmonte homebred is trained by Bhupat Seemar and he has been nominated for the G1 Saudi Cup. Douglas Erskine Crum, CEO of Juddmonte Farms, said, “He was one of the last homebred horses that Prince Khalid decided the mating for, so he is particularly important for us.” Seemar added that Laurel River, who has not raced since the Dubai World Cup, is set to run at Meydan on Friday “as a springboard for the Saudi Cup”. In Riyadh the seven-year-old could face Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who was rated co-fifth in the world rankings on 125 along with G1 Japan Cup winner Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Hong Kong champion Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), GI Travers Stakes winner Fierceness (City Of Light) and the aforementioned Calandagan. Completing the top ten was Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), whose mark of 124 was achieved when winning the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by Qipco). Just outside that level there was a five-way tie for 11th place between Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}, Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) and Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who were all given a rating of 123. The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) was the top-rated filly in Europe on 122, which was the same mark awarded to Kyrpios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was the top-rated stayer in the world. On a rating of 121, Cogburn (Not This Time), I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) and Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) were the co-champion sprinters of 2024, while Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) was the leading sprinter in Europe on 118. Among last year's Classic generation, the 2,000 Guineas and Irish 2,000 Guineas winners Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) were each rated 122, while Prix du Jockey Club winner Look De Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was given a mark of 120. Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and Oaks heroine Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) were both on 115. In 2024, 273 horses trained in 15 different countries were awarded a rating of 115 or higher. World's Top Races in 2024 The ratings for the world's top 100 Group/Grade 1 races of 2024 were also published on Tuesday in tandem with the Longines World Racing Awards. As mentioned above, the Juddmonte International at York came out on top for the second time, with a 2024 rating of 124.25 earned through the average rating of the first four finishers, City of Troy, Calandagan, Ghostwriter and Bluestocking. Saratoga's Travers Stakes, won by Fierceness, was next on 123.75, followed by Randwick's Queen Elizabeth Stakes (123.00) and Ascot's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (122.75). The Japan Cup in association with Longines, Longines Breeders' Cup Classic and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe were tied on 122.50, while Ireland's top-rated race, the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, achieved a rating of 122.25. In the five respective distance categories, the top-rated races were: James Squire T. J. Smith Stakes (121.25, Sprint); Winx Stakes (121.50, Mile); Juddmonte International Stakes (124.25, Intermediate); King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (122.75, Long); and the Gold Cup (118.50, Extended). On 117.50, the Qatar Prix Vermeille (117.50) was the world's highest-rated race for fillies and mares, while the top three-year-old race was the Travers Stakes. A total of 106 races made the list this year owing to a nine-way tie in the rankings for the 98th spot. Of the 11 countries represented, Australia was responsible for 30 of those races, followed by Great Britain (20), Japan (13), France (11), United States (11), Hong Kong SAR, China (8), Germany (4), Ireland (4), United Arab Emirates (3), Saudi Arabia (1), and South Africa (1). The Longines World's Best Jockey Award is decided from the list of top races, with riders notching 12 points for a win, six points for second, and four points for third. Australian-based New Zealander James McDonald won the title 2024, having previously been top jockey in 2022. Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori have each won the title on four occasions. The post City Of Troy and Laurel River Share Longines World’s Best Racehorse Title appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Danny Shum’s superstar is ranked inside the top 10 as Ka Ying Rising shares best sprinter award.View the full article

Sam Agars SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Purton jumps back aboard in-form horse from improved draw Jay Rooney SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Massive run last start and looks well placed with Purton back on Jack Dawling HAPPY FAT CAT - R8 (10) Can build on promising effort last start and dictate proceedings tonight Phillip Woo SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Is in a purple patch of form and looks a major chance from gate two Shannon (Vincent Wong) ROCKET SPADE - R7 (3) Back to his favourite trip and looks hard to beat in this contest Racing Post Online SIGHT HAPPY - R5 (5) Kept on well enough for third last start and can score with Purton aboard Tom Wood BEAUTY ALLIANCE - R4 (1) Put up a good performance from a wide draw last start and can strike hereView the full article

Dual Group 1 winner and leading 2,000 Guineas hope Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has been crowned the European Champion Two-Year-Old of 2024 with a rating of 120. The Middle Park and Dewhurst Stakes winner joins fellow Charlie Appleby-trained colts Pinatubo (Ire) and Native Trail (GB) on the Champion Two-Year-Old roll of honour. “I would imagine he'll go straight into a Guineas,” Appleby said at the European Two-Year-Old Classification Press Conference on Tuesday. “I don't really want to test him over the mile beforehand. Firstly, timing-wise and secondly, I'd rather keep our powder dry and the dream alive going into the Guineas.” He added, “On the evidence of what we saw at the back-end of last season, the way this horse relaxes and his mannerisms, he gives himself the best chance to see out a mile. There'll always be question marks on the back of some of his pedigree, but if you actually dig into it there's enough substance there to say a mile should be within his compass. “I'm very pleased with how he's done physically. He was a strong individual at two, short-coupled, but he's lengthened. As a physical, you'd have a job to knock him. He looks great in his coat and has done all the maturing you'd want to see from two to three at this stage. With a clear run into the Guineas, you'd have a job to knock him in the paddock, that's for sure.” Lake Victoria | Horsephotos Aidan O'Brien's triple Group 1/Grade I winner Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) ended the campaign rated just 1lb inferior to Shadow Of Light. Victory in the Moyglare, Cheveley Park and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf saw Lake Victoria create history by becoming the first filly to win three races at the highest level at two and she rightfully ended the campaign as the Champion Two-Year-Old Filly. O'Brien said, “We won't be in a rush with her this year-we will take our time with her. Obviously what she did was very unusual. You couldn't really believe that a two-year-old filly could do that–to win three Group 1s over three different distances. She's quick and she got the mile well in America. You'd imagine she's going to be a miler-type and might get a mile-and-a-quarter. But who knows? She's by Frankel and out of Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), who was very quick. Very unusual what she did. We haven't seen that before.” He added, “She's big, she's powerful and obviously has a great mind–a great constitution. She was obviously going through her races very easily and doing her work very easily. She travels very well in her races and, when she quickens, she puts her race to bed. A lot of class. That's what she has and it makes her very different.” O'Brien also trained the joint-third horses [rated 118] in the Classification, Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), with the latter winning both his starts before suffering a bruised foot ahead of the Dewhurst-a race he was favourite for-which brought a premature end to his season. The leading juvenile filly in Britain was Godolphin's Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who achieved a rating of 117 following an unbeaten two-year-old campaign that ended with a five-and-a-half-length success in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile. On Expanded and The Lion In Winter, O'Brien commented, “We thought the world of Expanded in the spring but ran out of time so he didn't start until late. We always thought he was very good. What we did to him wasn't very fair, to bring him back a week after winning a maiden to go straight into a Dewhurst. He's an unusual horse in that he has speed and we always thought he'd get a mile-plus. We always thought he'd get a Derby trip–he's out of a Galileo mare and has a very easy and relaxed way of going. He's a very exciting horse.” He added, “The Lion In Winter could go to the Guineas but obviously he looks a Derby-type horse. If he doesn't go to the Guineas he'll start in a [Derby] trial. He's not over-big, is a nice-sized type of horse. He looked mature as a two-year-old. Obviously he has a great mind and what he did is very unusual. When he won his maiden, he quickened up very well and when he went to York, I suppose the way he dominated the race and the pace that he showed and the way he quickened and found plenty, it made him look very exciting to everyone.” A total of 42 horses achieved a rating of 110 or more last year. Notably, Wootton Bassett was responsible for 13 two-year-olds who achieved ratings off 100 or higher in Ireland last year. The senior Irish Flat handicapper Gary O'Gorman commented, “That is unusually high. In terms of that Wootton Bassett and Galileo nick, there were two two-year-olds last year in Expanded and another horse I am really keen on, Green Impact (Ire), who won a Group 2 on Irish Champions Weekend. The two mares in question were trained by Aidan O'Brien-both were probably as bad as he has trained and they couldn't win maidens and were rated around the 60s. But both mares are responsible for horses rated 118 and 112 respectively.” The post Dual Group 1 Winner Shadow Of Light Crowned European Champion Two-Year-Old appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The autumn campaign of three-year-old Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon) is soon to get underway, with the classic-bound colt set for an important trial in Sydney on Thursday. The son of Written Tycoon is being put on a Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) path, with the colt’s co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr claiming he will present as a much tougher rival this autumn at his second racing campaign. “He did a wonderful job in his first and only preparation to get right the way through to the Group One (Caulfield Guineas),” Kent Jnr said on Tuesday. “He was the least experienced horse in that field and I left that day thinking that he would have the most improvement of any horse from that race. “He then headed north to spell up at Coolmore’s Mt White Farm and he did really well. He’s had an exclusive prep at our Rosehill stable and his campaign will be based around the Randwick Guineas.” Public Attention first came to notice last September with his narrow second placing in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude, before a fighting fifth placing in the A$3 million classic won by Private Life. Kent Jnr said it is intended for Public Attention to get to the Randwick Guineas after two lead-in runs. “He’ll trial on Thursday at Warwick Farm and is due to kick off first-up in the Eskimo Prince (Stakes over 1200 metres on February 8),” he said. “He’ll step into the Hobartville (Stakes, 1400m on February 22) second-up and then the Randwick Guineas (March 8) third-up at the mile.” Kent Jnr said Public Attention could also be sporting a different look this autumn. “We are probably going to tinker with some headgear this prep,” he said. “We have worked him in blinkers a couple of times this prep and it seems to have really switched the colt on. “He’s got a lot of natural talent, but he seems to give a bit extra when he gets the blinkers on, so it’s likely you’ll see them on at some stage this prep.” View the full article

One of New Zealand’s most successful thoroughbred nurseries, The Oaks Stud, has officially been presented for sale by Donovan + Co in a landmark opportunity for the equine and investment communities. The prestigious estate and renowned stallion and breeding operation, spanning an expansive 500 acres, is primed to attract leading industry stakeholders, breeders, land developers and investors from across the globe. Nestled just 2km from Leamington, Cambridge—an area famed for its premier stud farms—The Oaks epitomises the heritage of New Zealand’s equine industry. With exceptionally built infrastructure complemented by comprehensive amenities, the estate’s natural beauty is all encompassing, highlighted by the famous Oak tree-lined gated, bitumen driveway. These elements underscore the property’s enduring commitment to quality and excellence in equine operations. Beyond its iconic stature, The Oaks Stud offers substantial potential for further development. The extensive 203.82 hectares, divided into six titles, provides a unique opportunity for subdivision, neighbouring Cambridge township. The Waikato region’s high demand for exclusive rural lifestyle properties positions The Oaks as an attractive prospect for those looking to capitalise on both equine and residential markets. For decades, The Oaks has produced outstanding champions, with notable Group One winners such as the celebrated Seachange—a seven-time Group One victor—alongside other elite-level performers including Recite, Artistic, Risqué, Devise, Keepa Cruisin, and Catalyst. Horses bred and sold by The Oaks have continued to achieve globally, including celebrated Group One winners Shuka, Sakhee’s Soldier, and Zagalia. “It’s an absolute privilege to offer the iconic ‘The Oaks Stud’ on behalf of long-term owner and fellow Queenslander, Dick Karreman,” Donovan + Co Principal Clint Donovan said. “Dick has enjoyed immense satisfaction and delight at the success of one of the world’s great stud farms under his ownership, and now it’s time to pass the baton on.” “This is an incredibly unique scenario with options to purchase on a walk in walk out basis including stallions, mares and racing stock, or any combination” “The Oaks’ immediate proximity to the fastest growing regional community in New Zealand, the incredibly beautiful Cambridge township, highlights an undeniable truth that this is a land banking play for the future,” Donovan added. View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, January 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Mornington, Randwick-Kensington and Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 22, 2025 Mornington Racing Tips Randwick-Kensington Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 22, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Bryce Newman was in familiar territory when he picked up a double at Wanganui on Monday, but a new challenge is now on the horizon for the Bulls trainer as he prepares Abbakiss for Saturday’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). An exciting week for Newman commenced as he’d hoped, with Uncle Arch and Blue Jeanie breaking maiden status in their respective contests. Uncle Arch (NZ) (Tivaci) was equal favourite for the Terry Brothers MDN (1600m), a contest that was swiftly turned on its head when pacemaker Deciphering Me dislodged jockey Marc Lerner at 1200m. That left the son of Tivaci in front under Kavish Chowdhoory, who had him travelling well into the straight and he kicked away to score by a length. “There was obviously an incident in the race, but he did well to carry on while he was left on his own for a while there,” Newman said. “He’s a progressive type of horse, we see him as a stayer probably into next season. It was good to see him get one out of the way and I think there’s a bit left in store for him this preparation.” His stablemate Blue Jeanie (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was rated a $21 chance in the Smart Naturals 2040, but she second-rated her rivals after getting the perfect run in transit in the hands of Chowdhoory. Settling in midfield, the Satono Aladdin mare saved plenty of ground on the inside turning for home and powered away, the final margin nearly four lengths. “That was super pleasing,” he said. “She hasn’t had many starts and the first couple weren’t overly inspiring, but we’ve had this family for a long time and she’s about the fourth generation, so we know they take a bit of time. “Although it was very nice to see her do it, I think the second place a couple of weeks ago put the writing on the wall that she was finding her form and doing what the family does. “Both of these horses are homebred, which is always quite nice as well.” Abbakiss (inside) will contest Saturday’s TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) While Newman has had a multitude of success with his homebred gallopers, it will be a filly he purchased at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale in Abbakiss (Microphone) who will take on the million-dollar feature at Ellerslie later this week. The daughter of Microphone was purchased by Newman’s Raumai Bloodstock for $60,000 out of Carlaw Park’s draft, and in her four raceday starts as a juvenile, she has recorded a win and three placings. After her maiden success at Tauherenikau last November, Newman had started to consider a tilt at the Karaka Millions, a hope that became reality when Abbakiss went down by a short head in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, won by To Cap It All. “It’s always in the back of your mind, it’s pretty exciting to get to a race like that, but we’ve said all the way through that it wasn’t the be all and end all, she’s a lovely filly that we think will train on,” he said. “After the run at Wellington, where she got caught three-wide no cover and had the tenacity to go down by such a short margin, it gave us the confidence that we should have a go in Auckland. “It’s what you always hope to do, we race a lot of homebreds and only buy one or two a year, but as soon as Michelle and I saw this filly at the sales, we fell in love with her straight away. Our son Jack is big into pedigrees and he gave her the big tick in saying she’ll go pretty early, so it was nice that she fitted into our budget and we could afford a filly of her quality. “She’s moved up north this week, she’s happily settled in Cambridge at Chad Ormsby’s place. We’re just happy to be at Karaka and to have a horse good enough to represent us in a race like that.” A former top-level eventer in New Zealand and overseas, Newman knows a thing or two about high-pressure sport, but he said the two environments were difficult to compare. “It’s totally different,” he said. “I found a little bit at the start (of training) that handing a horse over to someone else was the most difficult thing, because I always felt I rode well under pressure when I rode myself, even though these guys are professionals and do it day in, day out. “In a former life, I would’ve loved to be a jockey myself, and I still ride a lot of horses at home every day. “I find that you put a bit of pressure on yourself through expectation and I think I’d be less nervous if I was riding myself, but we’re just going to go up and enjoy it, what will be will be. The syndicate are really looking forward to Saturday night.” View the full article

Champion sprinter Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) continued his comeback from an injury with a 1000m turf trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as he heads towards the HK$5.35 million Gr.2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 30 March. The multiple Group One winner has been off the scene since last April when he had surgery on his left front fetlock after he was injured when winning the 2024 edition of the Gr.2 Sprint Cup. Ridden by Matthew Poon in the barrier trial, the four-time Group 1 winner finished second of eight runners, a length and a half behind California Touch, who clocked 58.62s. Fresh from Ka Ying Rising’s stunning triumph in the Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on Sunday, David Hayes hopes Sight Happy can propel Zac Purton closer towards Hong Kong history at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Purton, 42, needs only two more wins to overtake Douglas Whyte’s tally of 1,813 Hong Kong victories and takes seven rides at Happy Valley tomorrow night – John Size-trained Spirit Of Peace and Beauty Alliance, Firefoot for Chris So, Aestheticism for Pierre Ng, David Eustace’s Riding Together, View Of The World for Dennis Yip and Sight Happy for Hayes. Hayes, who has provided 10 of Purton’s 72 winners this season, including five with record-breaking sprint star Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), is optimistic Sight Happy can snare his second victory this campaign when he contests the Class 4 Kowloon Park Handicap (1200m) from barrier two. “Zac can hopefully settle midfield and, with a bit of luck, he can put his run up,” Hayes said. “He’s had some bad barriers but the last couple of runs, he’s been able to show what he’s capable of. He’s a healthy little horse and very sound, so hopefully he’ll keep putting the runs up.” Purton believes another solid book of rides has the potential to deliver the record tomorrow night. “We’ll see how we go, Happy Valley is always a little bit tricky. You need to get the right run and a few things go your way, but I’ve only got two (wins) to go now, so nearly there,” the seven-time Hong Kong champion said. “View Of The World (NZ) (Derryn) won nicely last time, but he drew the right gate (one), had a soft run behind the leaders and skipped home against an average field, so he had all the favours but I like the way he did it and he gets around the Valley nicely, so I’m hoping he can go on with it.” With a Sha Tin double last Sunday leaving Purton with 1,812 wins, the Australian is spearing towards an eighth Hong Kong championship with 72 wins for the season – 39 clear of Hugh Bowman (33) – after 39 of 88 scheduled meetings. View the full article

Bryce Newman was in familiar territory when he picked up a double at Wanganui on Monday, but a new challenge is now on the horizon for the Bulls trainer as he prepares Abbakiss for Saturday’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). An exciting week for Newman commenced as he’d hoped, with Uncle Arch and Blue Jeanie breaking maiden status in their respective contests. Uncle Arch (NZ) (Tivaci) was equal favourite for the Terry Brothers MDN (1600m), a contest that was swiftly turned on its head when pacemaker Deciphering Me dislodged jockey Marc Lerner at 1200m. That left the son of Tivaci in front under Kavish Chowdhoory, who had him travelling well into the straight and he kicked away to score by a length. “There was obviously an incident in the race, but he did well to carry on while he was left on his own for a while there,” Newman said. “He’s a progressive type of horse, we see him as a stayer probably into next season. It was good to see him get one out of the way and I think there’s a bit left in store for him this preparation.” His stablemate Blue Jeanie (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was rated a $21 chance in the Smart Naturals 2040, but she second-rated her rivals after getting the perfect run in transit in the hands of Chowdhoory. Settling in midfield, the Satono Aladdin mare saved plenty of ground on the inside turning for home and powered away, the final margin nearly four lengths. “That was super pleasing,” he said. “She hasn’t had many starts and the first couple weren’t overly inspiring, but we’ve had this family for a long time and she’s about the fourth generation, so we know they take a bit of time. “Although it was very nice to see her do it, I think the second place a couple of weeks ago put the writing on the wall that she was finding her form and doing what the family does. “Both of these horses are homebred, which is always quite nice as well.” Abbakiss (inside) will contest Saturday’s TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) While Newman has had a multitude of success with his homebred gallopers, it will be a filly he purchased at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale in Abbakiss (Microphone) who will take on the million-dollar feature at Ellerslie later this week. The daughter of Microphone was purchased by Newman’s Raumai Bloodstock for $60,000 out of Carlaw Park’s draft, and in her four raceday starts as a juvenile, she has recorded a win and three placings. After her maiden success at Tauherenikau last November, Newman had started to consider a tilt at the Karaka Millions, a hope that became reality when Abbakiss went down by a short head in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) earlier this month, won by To Cap It All. “It’s always in the back of your mind, it’s pretty exciting to get to a race like that, but we’ve said all the way through that it wasn’t the be all and end all, she’s a lovely filly that we think will train on,” he said. “After the run at Wellington, where she got caught three-wide no cover and had the tenacity to go down by such a short margin, it gave us the confidence that we should have a go in Auckland. “It’s what you always hope to do, we race a lot of homebreds and only buy one or two a year, but as soon as Michelle and I saw this filly at the sales, we fell in love with her straight away. Our son Jack is big into pedigrees and he gave her the big tick in saying she’ll go pretty early, so it was nice that she fitted into our budget and we could afford a filly of her quality. “She’s moved up north this week, she’s happily settled in Cambridge at Chad Ormsby’s place. We’re just happy to be at Karaka and to have a horse good enough to represent us in a race like that.” A former top-level eventer in New Zealand and overseas, Newman knows a thing or two about high-pressure sport, but he said the two environments were difficult to compare. “It’s totally different,” he said. “I found a little bit at the start (of training) that handing a horse over to someone else was the most difficult thing, because I always felt I rode well under pressure when I rode myself, even though these guys are professionals and do it day in, day out. “In a former life, I would’ve loved to be a jockey myself, and I still ride a lot of horses at home every day. “I find that you put a bit of pressure on yourself through expectation and I think I’d be less nervous if I was riding myself, but we’re just going to go up and enjoy it, what will be will be. The syndicate are really looking forward to Saturday night.” View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Happy Valley Racecourse is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-part program set to take place under lights. The rail moves to the C course for the meeting, and with pristine conditions forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface throughout the night. All the action is set to get underway at 6:40pm HKT. Best Bet at Happy Valley: View Of The World View Of The World made a mess of his rivals at this course and distance on December 26 and goes in search of back-to-back wins in this Class 3 contest to end the evening. The son of Derryn put his Class 4 rivals away with relative ease in his latest outing, with the four-year-old producing a stunning turn-of-speed to secure the 2.3-length victory eased down by Zac Purton in the concluding stages. Purton will look to lob into the one-one from stall five, and provided he doesn’t get caught wide, View Of The World should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 9 – #4 View Of The World (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Dennis Yip | J: Zac Purton (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Spirit Of Peace Spirit Of Peace had no luck last start at Happy Valley on January 8, with the gelding by Harry Angel held up behind a wall of horses at a crucial stage. The four-year-old maiden still had the audacity to close within two lengths of Happy Soul despite the torrid run, suggesting it’s worth forgiving the John Size-trained gelding heading into this third-up assignment. Zac Purton will attempt to sit one-off the rail this time to get his crack at them late, and with even luck this time around, Spirit Of Peace should be finishing off best. Next Best Race 3 – #10 Spirit Of Peace (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Happy Valley: Beauty Alliance Beauty Alliance heads to Happy Valley for the first time after suffering a 2.8-length defeat at the hands of Legend St Paul’s at Sha Tin on New Year’s Day. The son of Starcraft didn’t have much luck on that occasion, forced back from barrier 14 and sitting on the three-wide line with cover throughout the journey. He was a dominant winner two starts back with Zac Purton in the saddle, and provided he can replicate that maiden-breaking performance, Beauty Alliance will prove hard to hold out at a good price with Picklebet. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Beauty Alliance (6) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections January 22, 2025 4-5-8-9-11 3-8-10 2-3-4-5-12 4 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Race 2:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble Twilight racing returns to the Kensington circuit at Randwick on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire six-part program set for decision. The rail moves out +5m the entire circuit for the meeting, and although the track is rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, punters can expect an upgrade into the Good range courtesy of drying conditions on Monday and Tuesday. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 2:55pm local time. Best Bet at Kensington: King Of Dragons The Gary Portelli-trained King Of Dragons has been unfortunate to retain his maiden status, finding the frame in three of his four starts this preparation. The son of Harry Angel only found one better in his most recent outing in the Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1100m) on the Gold Coast on January 11, getting nosed out on the wire by Heavenly Impact after attempting to make every post a winner. Expect identical tactics with Braith Nock taking 3kg off his back after the claim, and provided he can pinch a break stepping up to the 1250m, King Of Dragons will take plenty of catching. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 King Of Dragons (6) 3yo Colt | T: Gary Portelli | J: Braith Nock (a3kg) (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Kensington: Sly Boots Sly Boots has been crying out for a step-up in trip after closing off strongly behind Autumnmation at Randwick on January 4. The Toronado gelding appeared one-paced turning for home, eventually regaining his momentum in the final furlong to finish a half-length away in third. Regan Bayliss has all the options at his disposal from stall six, and although Sly Boots will be tested with the 61kg on his back, this guy deserves his chance at the current price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Sly Boots (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss (61kgkg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Kensington: Imposing Pier It was hard not to be impressed with the first-up performance of Imposing Pier at Kembla Grange on January 4, with the son of Pierata breaking his maiden stylishly after leading all the way to score by 1.8 lengths. He appears well-placed in this BM64 contest, with the three-year-old likely to dictate terms from the front with Tyler Schiller in the saddle. This must be considered his toughest task to date, but with plenty of upside compared to some key rivals, punters can expect Imposing Pier to get the job done. Best Value Race 6 – #9 Imposing Pier (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Tyler Schiller (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Kensington Kensington quadrella selections January 22, 2025 1-3-6-8 1-3 3-4-5-8 2-8-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Wednesday, January 22, 2025 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Melbourne Racing Club will host a twilight meeting at Mornington that will feature eight races on the program. With dry weather forecast in the lead-up, the track is expected to remain in the Good range after being posted as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 3:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Mornington: Written Bligh Written Bligh will be seeking to put a run of second-place finishes behind her when she returns to Mornington on Wednesday, following her tough run in defeat behind Harry’s Yacht over 1200m on January 8. The Grahame Begg-trained mare was hampered in the first 100m and last 100m of the race, but she still battled on gamely to only finish one length off the winner. Now third-up for the campaign, Thomas Prebble can settle behind the speed from barrier one, and if Written Bligh gets the breaks before the home turn, she can go one better. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 Written Bligh (1) 4yo Mare | T: Grahame Begg | J: Tom Prebble (a3) (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Skipjack Skipjack returned with a dominant victory when well backed with horse racing bookmakers at Cranbourne, as the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained gelding recorded a two-length win. The son of Rubick jumped slowly but quickly recovered to find a nice position behind the speed before railing smartly underneath the leader. With the aid of Emily Pozman’s 3kg claim, expect Skipjack to settle in a forward position, and if he can produce a similar performance, Skipjack will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Skipjack (10) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Emily Pozman (a3) (60kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Mornington: Ziryab Ciaron Maher sent Ziryab to the Caulfield Heath track for his Australian debut on December 26 over 1500m. The ex-European didn’t let his connections down, running away from a small field to record a dominant first-up victory. Although he settled behind a hot speed, this son of Kingman continued to find and claim a 1.8-length win, indicating a rise in trip to 1600m should be no worry. If Mark Zahra can settle Ziryab in a similar position from barrier three, there is no reason why he can’t win again. Best Value Race 8 – #2 Ziryab (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Mark Zahra (60.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Wednesday, January 22, 2025 1-2-3-6 1-3-6-8 3-7-10 2-4-6-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Chairman’s Stakes Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025 Location: Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1000m The Chairman’s Stakes is a Group 3 race for two-year-olds conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club at Caulfield. First run in 1990 and won by Wrap Around, the Chairman’s Stakes has become a key lead-up to the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). Initially a Listed race, the Chairman’s Stakes was upgraded to Group 3 status in 2014. Traditionally held over 1000m, it has varied between 1000m and 1200m due to changes in scheduling. The Chairman’s Stakes offers a prize pool of $200,000 as of 2025 and is run under set weights and penalties conditions. Redoute’s Choice famously won both the Chairman’s Stakes and Blue Diamond in 1999, while Extreme Choice later followed suit. Crystal Lily went on to claim the Golden Slipper after winning this race. In 2003, Vengeance Of Rain (then named Subscribe) won before becoming a Hong Kong champion. Loving Gaby, the 2019 winner, later secured Group 1 glory in the Manikato Stakes. Other notable past winners include Tennessee Mist (1992), Road To Success (2000), Yell (2002), Headway (2009), and Enthaar (2021). 2025 Chairman’s Stakes betting odds 2025 Chairman’s Stakes odds are currently unavailable. HorseBetting will update the Chairman’s Stakes odds once released. How to bet on the Chairman’s Stakes All Australian online bookmakers featuring horse racing will have Caulfield races available to bet on. Like most Group 3 races, Chairman’s Stakes betting opens when nominations come through, typically on the Monday prior to the Chairman’s Stakes. Australians can bet on the Chairman’s Stakes at the following betting sites: Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 7 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 8 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 9 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Chairman’s Stakes News Coleman thrashes his rivals in Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Matt Laurie and Ben Melham have combined with Coleman to take out the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield on … Read More Caulfield races betting preview & best odds | February 3, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) headlines a stacked 10-race card at Caulfield on Saturday. Check out HorseBetting’s free … Read More Zulfiqar punches his ticket to the Blue Diamond Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Zulfiqar and Ben Melham have combined for a front-running masterclass in the Chairman’s Stakes to ensure a spot in the … Read More Sandown racing preview & quaddie tips | February 4, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago What Sandown Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, February 4, 2023 First Race … Read More Sebonack dominates the Chairman’s Stakes Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Having absolutely smashed his rivals in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes, the Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained Sebonack is now … Read More Caulfield racing tips & top value bets | Saturday, February 5 Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago HorseBetting’s Victorian form analyst brings you his best bets and quaddie numbers for the nine-race card at Caulfield on Saturday, … Read More 2025 Chairman’s Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Chairman’s Stakes final field is released. Previous Chairman’s Stakes Fields 2024 Chairman’s Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Coleman Matt Laurie Ben Melham 2 59kg 2 Eneeza Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Damian Lane 6 57kg 3 Scampi Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 5 57kg 4 Counteroffensive Peter & Paul Snowden Blake Shinn 7 57kg 5 Evaporate Ben, Will & JD Hayes Michael Dee 1 57kg 6 Express Yo’self Amy & Ash Yargi Jye McNeil 3 55kg 7 Tippytay Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Craig Williams 4 55kg 2024 Chairman’s Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Caulfield-2024-Group-3-Chairmans-Stakes-03022024-Coleman-Matt-Laurie-Ben-Melham.mp4 1st – Coleman (+110) 2nd – Eneeza (-250) 3rd – Counteroffensive (NTD) Recent runnings of the Chairman’s Stakes: 2024: Coleman justifies favouritism Coleman powered home over the top of his rivals to take out the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. Counteroffensive ($9.50) set a solid tempo out in front and after he pinched a couple of lengths on the race favourite and eventual winner, it looked as though he would take some running down with 300m to go. However, once Ben Melham gave the son of Pierata a crack with the whip and allowed him to go through his gears, he picked up the leader and powered away in the final 150m. The second favourite Eneeza ($2.40) from the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman yard settled near the rear and made good ground in the home straight to run into second place but was no match for the super impressive winner. 2023: Zulfiqar proves too hard to run down Zulfiqar and Ben Melham combined for a front-running masterclass in the Chairman’s Stakes. Ben Melham was able to shoot straight to the lead on the inside running rail for James Cummings and team Godolphin, in very similar fashion to his win in the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes from the spring. He led throughout on that occasion to score at Flemington and that’s exactly what eventuated in the Chairman’s Stakes over the 1000m. He was joined up on speed by first-starter Perilous Fighter and Craig Williams, ensuring a decent tempo for back markers to come into play. When Melham asked for an effort from his two-year-old, Zulfiqar obliged after being headed with 200m to go and proceeded to kick clear of his rivals to score by just over a length. 2022: Sebonack cruises to victory Jye McNeil made it three wins from the first four races at Caulfield when guiding Sebonack to a comfortable win in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m). The Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes-trained two-year-old colt was on debut in the Group 3 feature, but that didn’t stop punters rallying behind him, as he firmed from $6 into $5.50. The son of Capitalist was a $260,000 yearling purchase at the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sales, and he quickly recouped some of that, taking home the $120,000 winner’s cheque. After jumping well from barrier two, McNeil had to guide the debutant through the field and set out after the favourite Renosu in the straight, but he ultimately did it with ease, winning by 1.25 lengths on the line. 2021: Enthaar lives up to the hype Boom two-year-old filly Enthaar tightened her grip on favouritism on the forthcoming major two-year-old races when she glided around to win the Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. Enthaar was seemingly under a double grip for the entire race by jockey Mark Zahra yet still won by 2.25 lengths and recorded a time 57.28 seconds for the 1000 metres which was 1.31 seconds outside the course record on a Good 4 track. Previous winners of the Chairman’s Stakes Chairman’s Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Coleman Ben Melham Matt Laurie 2023 Zulfiqar Ben Melham James Cummings 2022 Sebonack Jye McNeil Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2021 Enthaar Mark Zahra Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 2020 Mildred Jordan Childs Grahame Begg 2019 Loving Gaby Damian Lane Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 2018 Ennis Hill Stephen Baster David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2017 Formality Craig Williams David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2016 Extreme Choice Damien Oliver Mick Price 2015 Thurlow Craig Williams Robert Smerdon 2014 Nayeli Vlad Duric Gai Waterhouse 2013 Metastasio Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2012 Mama’s Choice Dwayne Dunn David Hayes 2011 Atomic Ben Melham Lee Freedman 2010 Crystal Lily Brett Prebble Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra 2009 Headway Luke Nolen Peter G Moody 2008 Whisper Bay James Winks David Hayes 2007 Gibraltar Campion Corey Brown Lee Freedman 2006 Ulfah Craig Williams David Hayes 2005 Under the Floor Damien Oliver Lee Freedman 2004 Tirade Glen Boss Mathew Ellerton 2003 Vengeance of Rain Danny Nikolic Bradley Marzato 2002 Yell Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2001 Spitz Peter Mertens Lee Freedman 2000 Road to Success Danny Nikolic John Salanitri Chairman’s Stakes winners pre-2000 Chairman’s Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Redoute’s Choice 1998 Coup De Grace 1997 Bonegilla Tom 1996 Balcanny 1995 Tennessee Magic 1994 Fluoro 1993 Lady In Reality 1992 Tennessee Mist 1991 Pampas Fire 1990 Wrap Around Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article