Wandering Eyes

Voted on by the fans, the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award will be presented on New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, July 17, the New York Horsemen's Association said in a Thursday release. Casting a ballot–one per person–is open to the public now through Thursday, June 26. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the presentation of the award will be made in the Saratoga winner's circle after the first race. The nominees are: Broadway Producer–New Vocations Cut of Music–Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Flag Is Flying–Second Chance Thoroughbreds Mel's Baby Sister–ReRun, Inc. Click here to vote for your favorite nominee. The post Voting Open For Retired New York Racehorse Of The Year Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin star Sovereignty (Into Mischief) has moved up the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR) to sit in a joint fourth at 125, after the latest round of rankings were released on Thursday. Now the highest rated 3-year-old in the world, the colt achieved the distinction when he wrapped up the GI Belmont Stakes at Saratoga last weekend, which capped an impressive Triple Crown run to go along with his GI Kentucky Derby score. Sovereignty shares the mark with Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), who was last seen taking home the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in early April. Japan's Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) remains the leader at 127. Journalism (Curlin)–the runner-up in the Derby and the Belmont–was the winner of the GI Preakness Stakes. After completing the last leg of the Triple Crown his ranking increased from 119 to 120. Another American runner to move up the list is Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), who comes in at 120 after he took the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap on the Belmont Saturday card. For the complete rankings, please visit the IFHA website. The post Sovereignty Among Top Five In The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A quartet of wildcards, including Love Affair (Study Of Man) (lot 520), have been added to the Arqana Summer Sale set for Deauville from June 30-July 3. The 4-year-old filly is in foal to Good Guess, and she is a half-sister to group winners Lazy Griff (Protectionist) who was second in the G1 Betfred Derby on Saturday, and Lambo (Protectionist). The other three wildcards are as follows: listed winner Maturlo (Starspangledbanner) (lot 397); the 89-rated winner Motion (Lope De Vega) (lot 398); and the stakes-placed Alanya (Le Havre) (lot 519), who is in foal to Persian King. For the catalogue, please visit the Arqana website. The post Half-Sister To Derby Second Lazy Griff Joins Arqana Summer Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G1 Betfred Derby at Epsom accrued turnover on World Pool bet types of HK$54,403,320 up on 2024's figure of HK$51,760,276 (+5%). The 18-runner Classic was won by Lambourn (Australia). Over 28 jurisdictions were able to bet into the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)'s World Pool on Saturday across the eight races at Epsom, while an additional four races from South Africa were also internationally commingled. Turnover for the full eight-race meeting at Epsom also increased to HK$267.1m from HK$264.5m. For the first time, the Listed Hopeful Stakes and an additional race at Newmarket will be on the World Pool schedule on Aug. 22, the same day as Nunthorpe Stakes Day at York, which is a full World Pool card. Sam Nati, head of commingling at the HKJC, said, “Given the unsettled weather and a significant non-runner on the day in the shape of Ruling Court, we're delighted to see World Pool turnover figures up on last year and would like to thank Epsom Racecourse and The Jockey Club for all their hard work. Punters were treated to good field sizes throughout the day, and in particular for the Derby, which is always great to see.” Jim Allen, general manager at Epsom Downs Racecourse, said, “It's fantastic to see the World Pool turnover figures up on last year, with the biggest Derby field since 2017. Lambourn was a great winner, and having such a large field was fantastic for the race and turnover. More broadly, The Jockey Club looks forward to partnering with World Pool for additional races in 2025 and beyond.” The post HKJC “Delighted” With Betfred Derby World Pool Turnover Increase appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following his victory in the Belmont Stakes (G1), Sovereignty (125) has joined the Top 5 in the fourth edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2025 and is currently the highest rated 3-year-old in the world.View the full article

Royal Ascot entry and recent Recar winner Miss Yechance sold for 250,000gns at the Tattersalls Online June Pop Up Sale to Royal Chance Bloodstock, understood to be the guise in which bloodstock agent Allesandro Marconi was signing for on behalf of unnamed clients. An impressive winner over five furlongs on debut at Redcar two weeks ago for trainer Jack Morland and owners David Lovatt and Colin Bacon, the daughter of Cotai Glory was offered by EMW Equine with entries in the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes and the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. Miss Yechance was a £32,000 yearling purchase for EMW Equine before going unsold at £48,000 at the Goffs Breeze-Up Sale earlier in the spring despite posting one of the fastest times in the breeze. With Royal Ascot aspirations ignited following her debut win at Redcar, connections elected to offer the filly on the Tattersalls Online platform. Whitaker commented, “I'm ecstatic. I am lucky to have two very good owners in David Lovatt and Colin Bacon who have believed in not only me but in my team and most importantly in the filly. Unfortunately, things did not fall into place at the breeze ups but we've always had faith in her and she repaid us by winning as she did on debut. It's a big relief but I believe she will progress into a very nice filly and she will only get better. I wish her new connections the very best of luck.” She added, “Tattersalls have been fantastic with promoting the sale. It's been a really easy journey. Usually you are packing all the gear up and travelling to the sales but it has been very straightforward from the get-go. A big thank you to the Tattersalls Online team.” The post Miss Yechance Sells for 250,000 Gns In Tattersalls Online June Pop Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. The beautifully bred maiden of one career start Americathegreat (f, 2, Curlin–America, by A.P. Indy) is being aimed at the Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs June 29, per Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse. “She's shown me some things that I haven't seen very many times,” Casse said. “Allen Jerkens always told me, 'You don't judge a horse until they run five times.' But I think she's an extremely serious horse.” Casse continued, “I wanted to get a start into her, then give her a little break and get her ready for the Debutante. If she runs her race back, she should be very tough. And now we're getting to go three quarters of a mile, which should be right in her wheelhouse.” Off at odds of 9-2 in her five-furlong unveiling beneath the Twin Spires May 15, Americathegreat was off to a slow start and quickly outfooted, trailing the field of eight through an opening quarter in :22.32. Still at the rear with a ton to do approaching the quarter pole, she was tipped out by Jose Ortiz at the top of the stretch and came rocketing home down the center in a field-best :11.99 to finish three lengths adrift 'TDN Rising Star' Color Comin' In (Rock Your World). The final time was :58.14. “We broke her at our place in Ocala, and right from the beginning, she was amazing,” Casse said. “I start 'em early, I never worry about winning first time out. I knew she was ready to run. I wasn't expecting her to win, even though if she breaks a little better, she probably does.” What Americathegreat did after the wire caught the eye as well. “The part I really loved was her gallop out, and that's the way she trains,” Casse said. “You would have to know the surrounding area of Louisville, but I read somewhere, and I thought that this was cute, that she galloped out to the Watterson Expressway.” Americathegreat, a full-sister to MGSW & GISP 'TDN Rising Star' First Captain, brought $1.2 million as a yearling from Gary Barber and D. J. Stable following a private sale at Keeneland September. The daughter of GSW & MGISP America was bred in Kentucky by B. Flay Thoroughbreds. The out-of-this-world Curlin x A.P. Indy cross has produced champions Malathaat, Nest and Stellar Wind as well as fellow top-level winners Clairiere, Global Campaign, Idol and Paris Lights. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay gained access to this family when acquiring Americathegreat's second dam Lacadena (Fasliyev) privately after she was led out unsold on a bid of $1.4 million at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. This is also the female family of bluehen mare Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister), dam of GI Belmont Stakes winners Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and Jazil (Seeking the Gold). “I saw her at the yearling sale, graded her and gave her an 'A,' and I hardly give any 'A's,'” Casse said. “I knew she was gonna be expensive. I got a call from (D. J. Stable's) Jon Green afterwards, and he said that she was bought back for $1.2 million. I said, 'She's worth it,' and they wanted to buy half. So, I made a phone call to Gary Barber and said, 'I have a crazy idea,' and he said, 'You got my attention.'” Casse continued, “If you know Gary, that's Gary, and he'll always start the conversation that same way. So, this time I had the crazy idea. I told him more about the filly and he actually called Bobby Flay himself. And within about 20 minutes, we owned her.” Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 23% graded stakes winners and 47% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). COLOR COMIN' IN ($17.42) becomes the first winner for @spendthriftfarm's Rock your World! The filly made a professional debut in the 2nd at @ChurchillDowns. @luissaezpty had the ride for trainer @NormCasse. pic.twitter.com/cDv6mOJeEI — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 15, 2025 The post Second Chances: Casse Pointing Well-Bred Maiden Americathegreat to Debutante appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Naomi Mellor has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at the Thoroughbred Breeders Association. A qualified veterinary surgeon, Mellor brings over 17 years of equine veterinary experience across the UK, Australia, and the South Pacific, including Thoroughbred stud work. As well as working in racing, stud and general practice as a vet, she previously served as a Veterinary Officer at the British Horseracing Authority, where she played a role in regulatory compliance and animal welfare at major racing events, including Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival. Mellor succeeds Claire Sheppard, who will step down after the TBA AGM on 1 September 2025 following a comprehensive handover process. Mellor said, “I am thrilled to be taking up the role of CEO of the TBA and look forward to working with both the team at Stanstead House and others across the industry to secure a sustainable future for the British Thoroughbred. “The breeding sector is fundamental to the success of the sport, in which the TBA plays a central role. We will continue to actively support our current members, ensure productive working relationships within the industry and look to grow a new pipeline of breeders in the future.” Philip Newton, Chairman of the TBA commented, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Naomi as our new Chief Executive. It is rare to find someone with such a diverse and accomplished background—combining extensive veterinary expertise with global experience, stakeholder engagement, and a proven track record in advocacy. “Naomi's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the industry, and we are confident she will be a powerful voice for our members, British breeders and the future of British Thoroughbred breeding. “I would also like to once again thank Claire Sheppard for her exceptional contribution to the TBA over the past eight years.” The post Naomi Mellor Appointed As CEO Of Thoroughbred Breeders Association appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin Flying Start graduate Annie O'Rourke has joined Magic Millions in the role of Marketing/Bloodstock Sales Consultant. Prior to completing the Godolphin Flying Start O'Rourke also undertook the Irish National Stud Breeding Course in Ireland and received a certificate in Thoroughbred Management and High Achievement Award. She also has an Honours degree in Psychology from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. O'Rourke also gained global experience with Stroud Coleman Bloodstock, Malcolm Bastard Bloodstock, Ecurie Pantall (France), Clement Racing Stable (US) and Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. “We are thrilled to welcome Annie O'Rourke as a permanent member of our team,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “Annie made a great impression on us during an internship on the Gold Coast as part of her Godolphin Flying Start adventure and we look forward to adding another dimension to our wonderful team. “A key focus of Annie's role will involve growing participation and investment from Europe and the Middle East regions at our sales, as well as being an integral part of the bloodstock sales team here domestically.” O'Rourke said, “I am thrilled to be joining Magic Millions as a Marketing/Bloodstock Sales Consultant, based on the Gold Coast. Renowned for its excellence, innovation, and dynamic team culture, Magic Millions presents an exceptional opportunity. “I look forward to embracing new challenges, working closely with vendors and purchasers, and contributing meaningfully to the company's continued success.” The post O’Rourke Joins Magic Millions As Marketing And Bloodstock Sales Consultant appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Quentin Wallace, founder of international horse transport company IRT and a pioneer within the equine travel business, has died at the age of 77. Wallace built IRT into the global presence that it is now with offices in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK and Germany. A tribute posted by IRT on Thursday read, “A pioneer and a visionary, and a true gentleman, Wallace was more than the creator of one of the world's most trusted names in equine transport. He was a man who built bridges across continents, always with horses at heart and excellence as his guide. “Quentin's story began in the UK, but it was his first trip to Australia in 1966 that would set the course for a lifetime of innovation and adventure. After a brief stint as a jackaroo in western Victoria, he returned home with a clear vision and a pioneering spirit. Recognising a growing demand for horses in Australia, he began shipping them by sea, forging the first links in what would become a truly global enterprise. “Like many great stories, Quentin's path wasn't without challenge. In 1972, equine disease halted sea transport, seemingly closing a door. However Quentin saw opportunity. With determination and foresight, he turned to the skies, becoming involved in the airborne transport of horses between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, in doing so, pioneering the Shuttle Stallion business. This was not just a new chapter – it was the beginning of a revolution in the industry.” It added, “To those who knew Quentin personally, he was a mentor and a friend. His passion for logistics, horses and the people who care for them was evident in every decision he made. “Wallace lived a life with purpose, pursed a vision with courage, and was a man whose work changed an industry forever. He leaves behind not just a global company, but a global equine community, one that will carry his vision forward with pride.” The post Death Of IRT Founder Quentin Wallace At 77 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last month's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches demotee Shes Perfect (Sioux Nation) heads a field of one dozen contenders for Sunday's G1 Prix de Diane Longines after Thursday morning's final declarations were announced for the €1-million Chantilly Classic. Basher Watts Racing's Charlie Fellowes trainee, who has drawn stall seven, will be reopposed by Princess Zahra Aga Khan's TDN Rising Star and Pouliches third Mandanaba (Ghaiyyath), who will emerge from stall 10. Mandanaba will be accompanied by Francis Graffard stablemates Cankoura (Persian King) and G2 Prix Saint-Alary victrix Gezora (Almanzor), who have been allocated stalls 11 and one. Aidan O'Brien is set to saddle a team of two, with Pouliches also-rans Bedtime Story (Frankel) and Merrily (No Nay Never) drawn apart in stalls 12 and three. Andre Fabre already has four editions in the books and will be represented by Juddmonte's Pouliches fifth Better Together (Oasis Dream), who will bid to become the veteran maestro's first winner since Golden Lilac in 2011 from stall nine. She will be partnered by Colin Keane. Christopher Head celebrated a maiden victory in the contest with Yeguada Centurion's Blue Rose Cen in 2023 and relies on Rosa Salvaje (Maximum Security) this time around. She has drawn stall five. The line-up is completed by D'Ores Et Deja (Zarak), American Gal (Kameko), Zia Agnese (Romanised) and Sand Gazelle (Frankel). Ballydoyle duo January (Kingman) and TDN Rising Star Ecstatic (Lord Kanaloa) were the only overnight entries not declared. The post Shes Perfect and Mandanaba Head One Dozen Declarations for Sunday’s Prix de Diane appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Narrow championship leader Britney Wong Po-ni and Zac Purton will resume their fight for the unofficial dirt premiership at Sha Tin on Saturday. Wong, 26, has been the woman to beat on Sha Tin’s all-weather this season, posting eight winners from 58 rides on the surface. That accounts for 44 per cent of her winners for the entire campaign and she has rides in both of Saturday’s dirt races as she looks to extend her narrow one-win lead with six dirt races remaining this season. On paper, things...View the full article

In line with the current economic climate, Novara Park owner Luigi Muollo has made adjustments to the service fees for the stud’s four-strong stallion roster. The fee for Staphanos has been reduced from $15,000 to $9,000 plus GST, while Sweynesse has been trimmed from $10,000 to $7,000. King Of Comedy and Press Statement remain at unchanged fees of $7,000 and $6,000 respectively. “We are mindful of the challenges facing trainers, syndicators and breeders,” Muollo said. “The costs of production, wages, everything has increased. All of our stallions this season will have fees payable on live foaling to help breeders. We want to ensure everyone has a good chance, no matter which part of the market they operate in. “Novara Park is always looking at offering upside and value for money to breeders. Our stallion line-up offers breeders the best bloodlines in the world, while our fees give our clients affordability.” Deep Impact stallion Staphanos got off to a dream start with Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos) among his first crop of two-year-olds, and he has continued to build momentum with three crops now of racing age. He is establishing a name for himself where it matters most – the Australian market. This has been led by multiple Listed winner and multiple Group performer Basilinna (NZ) (Staphanos), who placed in the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m), Gr.2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) and Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) as a three-year-old last season. She was a last-start winner of the A$300,000 Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m) to gain direct entry into the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Movin Out (NZ) (Staphanos) finished third in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) last November, then was sold to Yulong and relocated across the Tasman to join the stable of Chris Waller. She impressively won the Mornington Guineas (1600m) in April, then finished fifth in the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), third in the Gr.2 The Roses (2000m) and fourth in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m). Her full-sister The Entertainer (NZ) (Staphanos) is a three-race winner and placed in last year’s Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). Medatsu (NZ) (Staphanos) was stakes-placed in New Zealand and has subsequently banked more than A$300,000 with four metropolitan wins in Australia, while Sassy Lass (NZ) (Staphanos) rose rapidly through New Zealand’s staying ranks with four wins from five starts between June and October last year, followed by a close second in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m). “Among current stallions at stud with Group One performers in both Australia and New Zealand, Staphanos ranks third, behind only Savabeel and Super Seth, in the percentage of Group One winners and performers to runners,” Muollo said. “Staphanos has a number of smart horses that are proven at the highest level. He brings soundness to his progeny, and they will only improve as they mature. He was a multiple Group One performer at world-class level as a four-year-old, five-year-old and six-year old, so the best is ahead for his progeny.” Sweynesse was the leading New Zealand sire in Hong Kong in 2023, headed by the multiple Group One-winning deeds of Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse). The world’s highest-rated sprinter in 2023, Lucky Sweynesse has won 16 races, including the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) and Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m). At the opposite end of the distance spectrum, Trust In You (NZ) ( Sweynesse) is the winner of the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie and finished fourth in the Group One Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) at Randwick. “Sweynesse certainly continues to enhance his record with a number of satisfying results,” Muollo said. “The progressive and consistent stakes-performed Orlov brought up win number 10, while a number of his progeny have been racking up wins in Sydney, like Sweysive and Satness. Sweynesse’s popularity in Hong Kong and Australia has been very pleasing.” King Of Comedy’s eldest progeny are now two-year-olds, and he has been represented by a number of jumpout and trial winners. He is by one of the hottest names in European bloodstock circles in Kingman, the second-fastest stallion in history to sire 50 individual stakes winners. Kingman has now reached 95 winners at black-type level. Results in Australia show that King Of Comedy is a good fit for this part of the world, with Kingman’s Group One winners Zardozi and King Colorado showing his incredible strike rate is working in both hemispheres. King of Comedy was at one point rated among the best three-year-olds in Europe after his performance in the stallion-making Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes (1600m). Behind King of Comedy that day was Too Darn Hot, who has made an excellent start at stud in both Europe and Australia. “King Of Comedy has the looks, pedigree and racetrack performance to be a hit at stud,” Muollo said. “We have a number of two-year-olds about to hit the track and they look very strong and balanced.” Dual Group One-winning stallion Press Statement, by Hinchinbrook, continues to build an impressive record. He has already sired 216 individual winners for more than $28 million in earnings, including seven stakes winners and 10 stakes performers. “Press Statement is a proven stallion with an incredible 74 percent winners to runners ratio from his first two crops.” View the full article

For David Hayes, the equation is simple if he is to keep his faint hopes of a late charge at the trainers’ championship alive. “I need to be training more winners than John [Size] at the next few meetings to have a sneak of a chance,” said Hayes, who trails Size by eight wins with only nine meetings left this season. “It’s highly unlikely but I haven’t given up, for all that I’m a realist. If he equals me or worse on Saturday, I’ll hoist the white flag.” A two-time champion Hong Kong trainer,...View the full article

The powerful jumping stable of Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal will be out in full force at Te Rapa on Saturday, with the return of champion galloper The Cossack headlining their attack in the feature events. Now an 11-year-old, The Cossack has won a phenomenal 15 jumping races, including a pair of Great Northern Hurdles (4200m), a Grand National Hurdle (4200m) and last year’s Wellington Steeplechase (5500m). After his success at Trentham, the son of Mastercraftsman was ruled out of the Grand National Steeplechase (5500m) and the remainder of last season through injury, but after appearing on the flat on two occasions this term, he is chasing a three-peat in the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m). “This was a suitable race to start with him, he would have had weight to carry at Trentham last week as well,” Nelson said. “His last run on the flat was very good. “All four of them have done very similar work, they galloped last Thursday, again on Wednesday morning, and they’ll have one more little gallop before the weekend.” As he is so accustomed to doing, The Cossack will carry a clear topweight of 73kg in the race, which will give his trainers a clearer view on what’s to come this season. “Who knows, he’s a year older, but he’s earned the weight and he’s got to carry it,” Nelson said. “It’s very much a wait and see this year, but we’ll know more after Saturday.” A potential danger to the star will be his own stablemate Nedwin, a Great Northern Hurdle winner in his own right, who made a winning debut over the bigger fences at Te Rapa last month. “He was really good, he couldn’t have gone much better than that,” Nelson said. “It’s a jumping race, anything can happen.” Earlier in the meeting, Nelson and McDougal will line-up two of the major players in the Fairview Homes Waikato Hurdle (3200m) in Taika and Dictation. A placegetter in last year’s Awapuni Hurdle (3100m), Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3100m), Wellington Hurdles (3200m), and Great Northern Hurdle, Taika struck first in the new season, defeating Dictation and a number of other race rivals at the Waikato venue last month. “He (Taika) was very good because he was probably still a bit burly, but he was able to do the job,” Nelson said. “Dictation was a bit on the bigger side going into that race as well and I’m hoping he’s improved with the run, the rider and co-trainer (McDougal) tells me he has. “I think they could be quite evenly matched going forward.” The stable will also have two representatives heading across to Wanganui on Saturday, including a more recent addition to their stable in Lord Bishop. Raced by Nelson alongside stable employee Grace Stewart, the son of Vadamos debuted last May and will be fresh-up for over a year. “We got her (Stewart) first, then we inherited the horse a bit later,” Nelson said. “We looked at the pedigree and thought it was alright, so we’d take the horse. “We’re hoping to see him finishing off, in his jump-outs he’s gone out a bit quick. We’ll see what he does on Saturday.” Homebred gelding Kwanza is among the key chances in the RB Recruitment MDN 2040, and Nelson is not doubting his staying ability. “I think the middle distance will suit him nicely,” he said. “One day, one of our riders fell off him on the track and he did seven rounds before we caught him, then we thought we’d caught him, and he turned around the other way and did another two or three. After all that, he came home like he hadn’t done any work.” View the full article

All the signs point toward another bold showing from Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood) when she takes aim at the Bullocks Whanganui Handicap (2040m) at Wanganui on Saturday. The daughter of Redwood closed late to finish fourth over a mile when second-up on the track three runs back and most recently ran second over 2040m in the River City. In between times, the promising mare was a winner at Trentham under Kate Hercock, who will be reunited with her at the weekend. “She’s working really well, so we’re quite happy with her,” Quinn said. Who Knows will again do battle with a couple of old foes in the Kevin Myers representative Quid (NZ) (Rios) and the Ashley Meadows-prepared McKhan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan). “Quid goes pretty well and McKhan beat us the other day, but our mare is racing well and just hoping the track doesn’t get too heavy,” Quinn said. “We’re just going to take her through the grades and not get too ahead of ourselves, but she’s quite a nice, progressive mare, so we’re quite excited about her future.” Quinn will also have Leprekhan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) in the RB Recruitment Maiden (2040m), with the three-kilogram claim of apprentice jockey Elle Sole to help the Mongolian Khan mare’s cause. “She’s quite a nice stayer and we’ve got a jumping future in mind, she jumps really well and her work has been good,” Quinn said. The stable will spread its forces on Saturday with Mr Fahrenheit (NZ) (Zed), Steve Austin (NZ) (Complacent) and Dorothy’s Daughter (NZ) (Roc de Cambes) to run in the Waikato/BOP Owners Association Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa. Mr Fahrenheit has consecutive fourths over the smaller jumps on the course and Te Aroha to his credit and will be ridden by Will Featherstone. Dorothy’s Daughter and Steve Austin will be making their hurdle debuts with Nick Downs to partner the former, while it will be the second New Zealand ride for Englishwoman Ellie Callwood aboard the latter. “Ellie and her partner Sam Lee have recently come over; she’s from the midlands and rides pretty well,” Quinn said. View the full article

Kurtis Pertab wasn’t short of options for War Queen (NZ) (Proisir) before he settled on a return trip to the Central Districts for his impressive debut winner. The Matamata trainer nominated the daughter of Proisir for Wanganui and Te Rapa on Saturday, and Matamata on Sunday, and has confirmed the former venue as his next port of call. War Queen will bid to keep her perfect record intact when she steps out in the Hirepool 3YO (1340m) following her comfortable victory at Hawera last month at the first time of asking. “She’s going to run at Wanganui where she’s drawn barrier four, I paid up at Matamata and more than anything it was to see how the draws lined up,” Pertab said. War Queen was handed barrier 14 on her home track so the decision was made to head south with Leah Hemi booked for the mount. “She has got handy gate speed and she’ll be able to get forward,” Pertab said. “It was definitely no surprise what she did on debut, it was expected, and I thought she was my best. “She had trialled up well and had been working well going into the race. She’s a filly that has her quirks, and still does, but she overcame that and won very well.” Pertab said War Queen required careful management as she wasn’t a robust type. “She’s a lightly framed filly, there’s not a lot to her and we have to be cautious and not over work her at home. “There’s definitely plenty of ability there and she’s showing good signs and signs that she’s going to go on with it.” War Queen is raced by breeder Rich Hill Stud and is a half-sister to six winners, including the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) placegetter Masetto (NZ) (Cape Blanco). They are out of Montjeu’s daughter Passchendaele (NZ), a quality mare who was successful on five occasions, with victory in the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m) her stand-out performance. “I’ve done breakers for Rich Hill in the past and they’ve been good clients to me, but she is the first horse I’ve ever taken to the races for them, so it was good to kick off with a win and hopefully get a few more,” Pertab said. “As long as the filly learns to relax in her races and not overdo it, I’d say that she can stretch out a bit more in trip. “I’m not sure how far because she has got a lot of speed, but I could see her getting out to a mile.” Pertab will be hoping War Queen can strike another winning blow for the stable following the victory at Trentham last weekend of Luminance (NZ) (Time Test). The Time Test two-year-old defeated the older horses over 1200m in testing conditions and has now been set for an age group feature. “She’ll go to the Ryder Stakes (Listed, 1200m), the Castletown (Listed, 1200m) will come up a bit too soon for her,” Pertab said. View the full article

Abu Dhabi (NZ) (Haradasun) will make his much-anticipated return to jumping when he contests the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle (3200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The nine-year-old gelding placed in the race two years ago before falling in his debut steeplechase at his next start and was off the racing scene before making his return on the flat last month. The son of Haradasun has a solid record over hurdles, winning two and placing in three of his seven starts, including victory in the 2022 edition of the Great Northern Hurdle (4200m). While he has been unplaced in his two flat races at Ellerslie on his return, trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy are looking forward to his jumping return and believe he will take a lot of benefit from his weekend run. “He has had a couple of years off, so it will be good to see him back into it,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “He had a broken bone in his hock, so we gave him a year off and we weren’t quite happy with it, so we gave him the next season off as well. “He has been back in work since November, so he has been chugging a long and has got a few miles under his belt. “As an older horse, he has needed the runs. He will strip fitter with a couple of hurdle runs and then he should be starting to get near his peak.” Abu Dhabi will carry 66.5kg on Saturday, with stable apprentice Hamish McNeill to ride. “He goes alright at Te Rapa, it is a good track for him, and it’s a good place to start off,” Clotworthy said. “Hamish McNeill, who works for me, rode him on Wednesday morning and thought he felt well, and he has come through his race well.”Abu Dhabi will carry 66.5kg on Saturday, with stable apprentice Hamish McNeill to ride. “He goes alright at Te Rapa, it is a good track for him, and it’s a good place to start off,” Clotworthy said. “Hamish McNeill, who works for me, rode him on Wednesday morning and thought he felt well, and he has come through his race well.” Clotworthy will also line up St Vincent (NZ) (Redwood) in the Andrew (Ledge) Leadbetter Memorial (1400m) and Jack Crabb (NZ) (Redwood) in the Bupa Foxbridge Retirement Village 1300. “St Vincent has had a couple of misses where he got caught off at Tauranga. He is fresh-up but did show some ability last preparation,” he said. “Jack Crabb had a freshen-up after being slightly disappointing at Ellerslie. We thought he was well-ridden and presented at the right time, but just didn’t quite finish the race off like we wanted to. We gave him a freshen-up and back to 1300m and a little bit wetter track may suit him as well.” A day later at Matamata, the stable will be represented by three runners, including Ghibbo (NZ) (Ghibellines) and Mr Acabello (NZ) (Belardo) in the Carrfields Livestock 1600, and Roc Up Ralph (NZ) ( Roc de Cambes) in the PGG Wrightson Matamata 1600. “Ghibbo was strong last time,” Clotworthy said. “I thought that was a good first-up run and he has taken some benefit from that run, so he should improve in the maiden mile. “Roc Up Ralph has had a couple of trials and is looking at a jumping debut coming up soon, and a wet track is up his alley.” View the full article

A difficult draw in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) has prompted Chris Waller to scratch dual acceptor Firestorm (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) in preference for the Gr.2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm, paving the way for first emergency and barn mate Coleman (Pierata) to take his place in the Group One. Waller had initially hoped to run the daughter of Satono Aladdin in the day’s main feature but said drawing barrier 16 made her task hard. “If she had a good draw she would definitely be running (in the Stradbroke),” Waller said. “She is good fresh and she has won a Group Two over 1300m and run second in the Coolmore Classic (Gr.1, 1500) beaten a nose. “My gut tells me, leave the Stradbroke, run her in the Dane Ripper and that will have her peaking for the Tatt’s Tiara (Gr.1, 1600m) in two weeks.” View the full article

Former jockey Herbie Rauhihi, who was revered by many young hoops in the Central Districts, has passed away, aged 86. One of those impressionable young riders was Noel Harris, who would go on to become one of New Zealand’s most decorated jockeys. Harris looked up to Rauhihi from the outset of his riding career and he said Rauhihi made a big impression on him in his formative years in the saddle. “He was a champion guy,” Harris said. “He rode for my Dad, Eric Ropiha, and all the good trainers around Woodville. “He was a great person to follow through a race, he taught me so much. He was my idol, and he was so patient. “Without even asking he would come over and put me in the right direction when I started riding. He was just a lovely jockey and just a gentleman.” Former jockey Herbie Rauhihi has passed away, aged 86. Photo: Ken Lush (Race Images) While Rauhihi was a great mentor to young riders, he had plenty of success in the saddle himself, even rubbing shoulders with royalty, having met Queen Elizabeth II in 1970 following his victory aboard Every Post in the Captain James Cook Handicap at Trentham. “He rode Every Post for a trainer called Gary Lee from down south, and he met the Queen,” Harris said. “Young Ida was a top horse he rode for Eric Temperton. He won races on her in New Zealand and Australia. “He even rode over fences, he was adaptable.” Rauhihi also rode in Australia’s most coveted race, the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), on several occasions, with his best result being a third in the 1969 edition aboard Fans. Harris said Rauhihi was a likeable character and can recall a plethora of humorous anecdotes about the talented horseman. “I remember him going to the races one day at Hawera and it was raining,” Harris said. “There weren’t declared riders there, so he turned around and went to a double feature Western at the movies instead.” Rauhihi had a great love for the horse and riding, a passion he would continue well past his retirement as a jockey. “Even when he gave up race riding, he was still riding track work in Foxton,” Harris said. “Most people when they give up riding, that was it, but not Herbie. “He was a legend to me.” A celebration of Rauhihi’s life will be held this Friday, June 13, at 11am at Poutu Marae, near Shannon, before he is taken on a final lap of Foxton Racecourse. View the full article

He may have been away in Australia, but that didn’t stop Robbie Patterson from stealing the show on his home track on Tuesday, combining with Triston Moodley to win four consecutive races on the apprentice-only card. The New Plymouth horseman engaged 11 runners in the rescheduled meeting and two of those stepped out in race four, where lightly-tried mare Freebelle skipped through the testing ground to break maiden status ahead of Crafty Colin and her stablemate O’Ceirins Belle. Patterson had been confident of a bold performance from the daughter of Belardo, who resumed into second behind Flutterbelle last month at Hawera. “She did what I thought she should do, she was always going to progress from her first start back and she’s a mare with a bit of ability,” he said. “She likes off ground, so she should be able to kick on with it through the winter.” In the following event, Last Souvenir delivered on both the market and his trainer’s expectations, with an overdue maiden success after sitting near the speed throughout. Moodley got the best out of the four-year-old in the closing stages, holding off his stablemate Jaegar, while Patterson’s third representative La Kwik finished tidily into fourth. “I was expecting this horse to win really, he has the grounding and he’s got the ability,” Patterson said. “He’s probably been a shade disappointing so far, but he galloped up well on wet ground before this race. “Hopefully he can go on with it now too.” After the two favourites delivered, capable wet-tracker Ballroom Blitz followed suit as one of the better-backed runners in an open Rating 65 contest, fittingly named Leica Lucy 2024/25 Season Winner Filly Of The Year (1400m) in honour of the stable’s Oaks-winning star. A daughter of Zed, Ballroom Blitz did all of the work in bridging the gap between the leaders and the remainder of the field turning for home, but she was still too good, grabbing the lead in the shadows of the post to deny I Don’t by a half-length. “She loves bad ground and had the good grounding coming into the race, she had three jump-outs and a trial so I knew she was pretty fit,” Patterson said. “1400m is short of her best but yesterday was probably more of a staying test. “She’ll step up to the mile next start and hopefully we can pick up a couple of wins through the winter.” Patterson and Moodley completed their quartet of wins in the seventh event, with Beausk putting on one of the most impressive performances of the meeting when powering away with the Hilal’s Sister – Marhoona Golden Slipper Winner 2YO and Up (1200m). “Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) has done a fair bit on him and he’s been a pretty tough horse, he rode him the other day with blinkers on and he was quite aggressive,” Patterson said. “We pulled the blinkers off which made him drop the bit a bit more and finish the race off. “He was quite impressive and Triston said he loved the ground, so there should be a nice special maiden for him around Opunake Cup time, where he should be pretty competitive.” Currently on holiday in Brisbane, Patterson watched the success unfold on TV and was rapt with the winning efforts, as well as Belles Fate, who went close to making it five in the last. “It was easier watching in Brisbane than it would’ve been there, looking at the weather,” he said. “It was really good. “Lemmy Douglas is my foreman and is in charge while I’m away, he’s doing a great job. I’ve got good staff around me, so I don’t have to worry too much. “I’ve won four in a day a few times so I was hoping we could get five in the last, but it wasn’t to be. In saying that, Belles Fate was super and she’ll improve a lot with that, so hopefully she can win her next start and get in the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m) with a nice light weight. “Margherita Veloce was a real improvers run, she’s big in condition, and Jaegar went super as well, he’s a horse that will win a race pretty smartly.” Patterson’s team will have a quieter weekend after the midweek meeting, but it could be just as lucrative, with two live chances in Ma Te Wa and Belles Beau heading to Wanganui on Saturday. Ma Te Wa second-rated his maiden rivals when resuming at the course a fortnight ago, and with a four-kilo apprentice claim in use, he’ll be a big threat in the Hirepool 3YO 1340. “He’s super by all accounts, he galloped really well this morning (Wednesday),” Patterson said. “With Sima (Mxothwa) on, he’ll be positive, and it’ll take a good one to beat him, especially around Wanganui where he’s already got the track through well. “I think he’s a horse going places.” Also engaged at Te Rapa, Belles Beau is likely to feature at the Central Districts meeting in the Loaders Wanganui OPN 1340, with a view of progressing towards the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) in mid-July. “His first-up run was super, I’m building him up to the Opunake Cup,” Patterson said. “I was struggling to get a jockey at Te Rapa so I put him in at Wanganui, which was probably lucky because he’s drawn 19 and three on the ballot there. “He’ll get back again and run on, but he’s a good horse that can run a good race.” View the full article

Six-year-old gelding Tai has been a work-in-progress for breeder-owner-trainer Joanne Moss, and she was rewarded with her patience with a maiden win at New Plymouth on Saturday. The half-brother to Moss’ Group Three winner Doctor Askar was just having his second raceday start, and first since making his debut at the Taranaki track two years ago. After dislodging local apprentice Elle Sole in the prelim, Tai took his place in barrier seven and pressed forward to settle just behind the speed. Sole asked him to improve from the 600m, and they had just Madam Pele before them as they entered the straight. The son of The Bold One lapped up the heavy conditions and was able to reel in the pacemaker and ran out a 1-1/4 length victor over race favourite Autumn Beauty. While injury was the instigator for Tai’s long layoff, it was a lack of time which led to his lengthy period on the sidelines, and Moss was glad to get him back to the races on Tuesday and get the win. “He did have an injury initially, he recovered well and then he came back into work last year,” Moss said. “We just got busy with calving and cows, and when we get busy, they get put out. “It was great to see him win yesterday, he had been working well.” Moss doesn’t have any firm plans with Tai, but said he will thrive over the winter months. “We will just cruise along and hopefully the rain stays around because he is a one-paced horse that grinds away,” she said. Tai’s victory continues a pleasing run of results for his dam Petipas Delight, with his Derryn half-brother Doctor Askar winning five consecutive races this year, including the Listed Flying Handicap (1400m) and Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m). The four-year-old is back in work after a break, but Moss has yet to lockdown any immediate plans with the talented gelding. “He is back in work and is very full of himself,” Moss said. “We are just cruising along with him and we’ll see how he comes up before making a plan. “He is rated 91 now, so he will have to step up a bit.” Petipas Delight also has a rising three-year-old filly by Shocking Moss is looking forward to progressing, and the 20-year-old mare is set for an early service to Grangewilliam Stud’s Derryn or The Bold One after missing to Mr Mozart last year. “She (Petipas Delight) is getting on now. We have got a Shocking filly out of her, so we will see how she goes,” Moss said. “She missed (last season), so that was a bit unfortunate, and we will probably have to go Derryn, but then there’s The Bold One as well.” Doctor Askar’s success may also lead to his Zed half-sister Giszelles Delight heading to the breeding barn for the first time this spring. “He has an older sister, so she might be pulled out of the paddock and go to something,” Moss said. View the full article

It was a sense of déjà vu for Triston Moodley as he took out the apprentice-only day at New Plymouth on Tuesday after riding four winners for local trainer Robbie Patterson. The northern hoop won the contest last year when piloting five winners, and he was delighted to repeat the feat this year. “You don’t always get days like that, and I was very happy to be able to win it again,” he said. “I love riding at Taranaki, it is a lovely course. It is a quirky course and I seem to do pretty well on it.” The meeting, which was postponed from last Thursday as a result of track conditions, wasn’t without its struggles, with Moodley and fellow Auckland apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll having to travel to Taranaki by road after their flights had been cancelled. “It was a bit of a hectic start to the morning with all of the flights being cancelled due to fog, so I jumped in my car with Ace and I drove down,” Moodley said. “We just missed the first race, but I am glad we made it down there and it panned out the way it did. “I thought I had a good book of rides, but I didn’t think I would ride four (winners). I am grateful to Mr Patterson and for all of the trainers for supporting me.” Moodley’s quartet of wins has brought his season tally to 45 victories, five more than last year. The 23-year-old has been rapt with the way the season has gone, highlighted by his first stakes win aboard the Erin Hocquard-trained Spencer in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa last October. “My goal for the season was to do better than last season, so I have hit that goal and I am very happy with that,” he said. “Throughout the season I have been getting support from all these big trainers like Mr Marsh, Mr Patterson and Mr Sharrock. I am grateful to every single one of them.” View the full article

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A letter sent by CDI's Bill Carstanjen to the Louisiana Racing Commission and state political leaders, noting CDI's intention to surrender its racing license at Fair Grounds, appears unlikely to result in immediate regulatory or legislative relief.View the full article