Wandering Eyes

OTI Racing is officially going trans-Tasman, with the Australian syndicator becoming a licensed New Zealand syndicator this week. “We are now a licensed syndicator in New Zealand, which means we can offer horses to the public (in New Zealand),” OTI Racing principal Terry Henderson said. “They will get the same offering as the Australians do, which could be New Zealand or Australian horses, trained by New Zealand or Australian trainers. We will certainly be racing more horses in New Zealand.” OTI Racing has been a large investor in New Zealand thoroughbred racing for many years and their silks have also been prevalent on this side of the Tasman, headlined by Vin De Dance’s (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) victory in the 2018 edition of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “We have had such a long relationship with New Zealand horses and trainers that it was a natural progression,” Henderson said. “So many of our Group One winners have been New Zealand-bred horses. I think in the last three years over 60 percent of the horses that we have raced have been New Zealand-sourced. “We have always relished the idea, as we have in Europe, that they do their early work in their home country and then come to Australia when they are ready. We have done that with quite a lot of horses over the years.” Henderson said the upward trajectory of prizemoney in New Zealand over the last few years and the relatively low cost in training fees compared to Australia has been a major factor in OTI Racing becoming a licensed syndicator in New Zealand. “These days we have more horses racing in New Zealand because the way the industry has changed in the last three years, it is an appealing location to race,” he said. “The cost of training horses in New Zealand is considerably lower than it is in Australia. For our owners, that is quite appealing. “The whole economic framework of New Zealand racing has changed substantially, and from an owners perspective, it is attractive. “I looked at a maiden race last week, which was worth $40,000, and we have still got plenty of races here that maidens are worth $30,000.” Henderson said OTI are finalising their New Zealand contact details this week and he is looking forward to welcoming New Zealanders to his syndicates and offering further opportunities to New Zealand trainers. “We will have a New Zealand phone number, which is coming through this week, and we will gradually build the profile,” he said. “There will be more New Zealand trainers in our ranks and possibly more New Zealand horses as well. We are quite looking forward to it.” View the full article

Willydoit didn’t run last weekend with a minor issue, will he start this weekend? Part owner Shaun Clotworthy talks to Steve Hewlett on Racing HQ. Shaun Clotworthy 07.10.2025 – Racing HQ with Steve Hewlett – Apple Podcasts View the full article

A new southern partnership is set to kick-off at Phar Lap Raceway on Thursday when Lady Maxima (NZ) (Circus Maximus) makes her debut in the Pink Ribbon & Heartland Chips 1200. She will carry the familiar orange and white colours of Barneswood Farm, which will appear for the first time alongside Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson’s name in the racebook. Bred by Barneswood Farm’s Sarah and Chris Green and Ger Beemsterboer, Lady Maxima is by Windsor Park Stud stallion Circus Maximus and out of their Lonhro mare Vaudesir, a half-sister to Group One winner Dreamaway. She has impressed Robinson with her two trials to date, including winning her last trial over 1000m at Ashburton last month, and he is hoping she performs well first-up for his new clients. “Her trial was really good and she has had a nice bit of time to get over that trial,” he said. “She is a nice filly and I have got a lot of time for her. “It’s my first horse for them (Barneswood Farm), so it is a privilege having one for them. I hope she runs well for them.” Lady Maxima holds a nomination for next month’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, and Robinson hasn’t ruled out a tilt at the race sponsored by her owners. “We will just get Thursday over and done with and we will make a plan after that,” he said. Robinson will also head to Timaru with Skiddlydoo (Trapeze Artist), who will jump from barrier two in the Ascot Sportshouse & Eatery Social Club 1600, while stablemate Avoriaz (NZ) (Almanzor) will likely bypass the Jon Snow and Echoes Of Heaven @ Clearview Park 2200 in favour of the heading to Ashburton on Saturday. “Skiddlydoo is a horse on the way up and is a staying type of horse,” Robinson said. “He is working really well and whatever he does he will improve on, he is a horse that is looking for a bit further. He is a nice horse and we like him. “Avoriaz is in at Ashburton also, so at this point in time we are probably going to run her at Ashburton because she is a mare that likes a good track. She has got a wide draw at Timaru so possibly may not run.” Robinson is also set to take another five runners to Ashburton on Saturday, including last-start winner Alottago (Tagaloa) who will contest the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m). The son of Tagaloa hasn’t put a foot wrong so far in his career, placing in his three starts as a juvenile, including the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) and Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m), and has won both of his starts this season, including the Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton last month. “He has done really well since his win the other day, we are really happy with him,” Robinson said. “He has done nothing wrong and is going the right way. He should run well.” Alottago’s main aim of the spring is the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month, for which he is currently at $16 on the TAB’s Futures Market. Robinson will also be represented on Saturday by Bella Luce, Elusive Impact , Pequot and Tembo. “Bella Luce didn’t have a lot of luck in her last start, she missed the kick and got back on a slowly run race upfront,” he said. “Just the way the race was run, it didn’t suit her. “She has had a bit of a freshen-up and Ashburton should suit her. She will jump and put herself up on speed and we expect her to run well. “Elusive Impact is working really well, it is a good field and I think he is up to it. “Pequot is a lovely horse and went terrific first-up and has improved since then. We expect him to be a good chance. “Tembo is working really well too. She went well fresh-up and has come on from that run.” View the full article

A pair of promising youngsters are set to make their debut for Cambridge trainer Chad Ormsby at Avondale on Wednesday, but track conditions may scupper plans for one of them. Two-year-old gelding State Of Valour (NZ) (Sword Of State) impressed when winning his 730m trial at Te Rapa last month and is set to make his first raceday appearance in the Tulloch Café 2YO (1000m). Ormsby has been pleased with the way the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced juvenile has progressed and he is looking forward to kicking off his career at the midweek meeting. “He had a nice trial and he has trained on well,” Ormsby said. “He really loves his work, so that helps with these young two-year-olds. “It’s not ideal conditions but we will probably get the ball rolling regardless tomorrow.” The Auckland track was rated a Heavy10 on Tuesday morning, and while the wet track won’t halt State Of Valour’s plans, they may do for stablemate Merini (Written Tycoon). The three-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon won her 1100m trial at Avondale last month on the same footing, but Ormsby is loath to give the JML Bloodstock-raced filly a gut buster first-up. “She is a slow-maturing filly and showed us in her last trial what we have been waiting for,” he said. “I am not certain of running her tomorrow. We have been waiting for her for a little while, so we can wait a little bit longer if we need to. She didn’t mind the wet going in her last trial, but we are hopefully going to have a nice, long season ahead for her so we will just weigh up our options tomorrow morning.” The stable will also be represented in the race by Kygo Star (Wootton Bassett), who finished runner-up on debut over 1300m at Taupo last month. “He has trained on well since his first-up run and he should cop the weather a little bit,” Ormsby said. “It’s (track conditions) probably not ideal, but he is a horse that has trained on soft ground and trained well. I am expecting him to run well.” Looking ahead to Friday, Ormsby will take three runners to Taupo, including Outovstock (NZ) (Tavistock), who will contest the Placemakers Taupo (1300m). The Group Three winner won his trial over 1100m at Ellerslie last month before finishing runner-up in his trial over the same distance at Te Rapa, and Ormsby is looking for a solid hit-out first-up as he sets his sights on cups targets in the coming months with the five-year-old. “He has had a couple of trials under his belt to get him ready and he always puts in a good run,” Ormsby said. “It is well short of his best, but we expect him to do something in a race like this down in the weights a little bit. “He has got Cups targets later in the year, but we have got to get the ball rolling, and he will probably go around regardless of the track.” The stable will also be represented by Pieces of Eight (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) in the Chris Jolly Outdoors (1000m), while track conditions will dictate whether O’Sweet Darling (Zousain) makes her debut in The Belle Family (1100m). “O’Sweet Darling has been ready to go and missed out a couple of times now. She may miss out again as she has drawn the outside,” Ormsby said. “Track conditions will be a big part down at Taupo, but we will have to sit on the fence and see what happens there. “Pieces Of Eight has come on well from her first-up run where she ran well but just lacked a little bit of race craft and fitness, but she is better for it and is going into Taupo with a bit of confidence.” View the full article

David Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) to improve significantly ahead of Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) on 18 October after the world’s highest-rated sprinter finished third under Zac Purton in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Tuesday morning. Pitted against potential The Everest rivals Overpass, Joliestar and Angel Capital as well as Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) contenders Fangirl and Mr Brightside and The Golden Eagle (1500m) entrant Linebacker, Ka Ying Rising was kept under restraint by Purton throughout as the pair coursed wide. The four-time Group One winner jumped smartly from barrier seven and cruised up Randwick’s straight on the outside of Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth), who beat Overpass by half a head with Ka Ying Rising third, a head further away, in 58.39s. Mr Brightside was a distant fourth, almost five lengths from the winner. Hayes believes Ka Ya Rising will benefit from the trial, which featured the winners collectively of 71 races in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, including 24 at Group One level, and combined prizemoney haul of more than HK$300 million. “It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He blew a few cobwebs out and he’ll really come on a lot for that and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday (13 October) and he’ll be right the big one,” Hayes said. “He’s about 20 pounds above his racing weight (about 1,150lb) and I’ll expect it (his weight) to come down a bit in the next week.” Purton echoed Hayes’ thoughts: “Pass mark, needs to improve. He hasn’t had a run for about a month and he hasn’t done too much serious work in that amount of time, so it was the first time he’s done anything competitive in a while. “The track was a little bit soft for him. He’s not totally at home on that ground. But I thought he trialled well enough. I think he’ll come on a bit from that. Obviously, it’s going to be a competitive race. The horses in Australia are peaking at the right time, so hopefully we can draw a good gate, get a dry track and I’m sure he’ll improve a bit off that. “He had a big blow after the trial and he’ll have another 200 metres to run in The Everest, he’s got 10 days to do a bit more work and improve – hopefully he can.” The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising has not started since triumphing in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on 7 September. Hayes arranged for Ka Ying Rising to have a “full dress rehearsal” at Royal Randwick with the five-year-old spending time in the raceday tie-up stalls and the Theatre of the Horse, where he completed several laps and appeared slightly agitated. “Hopefully he’ll improve from the experience,” Hayes said of Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year. “He’s had a look at Randwick now. He hasn’t been away Sha Tin for a long time – that’s his only track – so to have a look around here was very, very good for him.” The field for the Everest, which is the richest turf race in the world with a purse of approximately HK$103 million, will be confirmed on Monday, 13 October. Ka Ying Rising ridden by @zpurton finishes 3rd in the 1000m trial at Royal Randwick edged out by Linebacker and Overpass. @WorldPool @HKJC_Racing pic.twitter.com/4WXb64VeWY — Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) October 6, 2025 View the full article

Jockey Zac Purton gave Ka Ying Rising a “pass mark” and trainer David Hayes walked away confident the world’s best sprinter will improve significantly after this third-placed finish in a 1,000m trial in Sydney on Tuesday morning. In a star-studded trial featuring a host of Ka Ying Rising’s expected opponents in October 18’s The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick, he led out wide early before striding out down the middle of the track and finishing a close third under minimal urging from Purton. “It was...View the full article

Ka Ying Rising will need to improve before The Everest after finishing third in a barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday morning. Picture: HKJC. David Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising to improve significantly ahead of Group 1 The Everest (1200m) on 18 October after the world’s highest-rated sprinter finished third under Zac Purton in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Tuesday morning. Pitted against potential The Everest rivals Overpass, Joliestar and Angel Capital as well as Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) contenders Fangirl and Mr Brightside and The Golden Eagle (1500m) entrant Linebacker, Ka Ying Rising was kept under restraint by Purton throughout as the pair coursed wide. The four-time Group 1 winner jumped smartly from barrier seven and cruised up Randwick’s straight on the outside of Linebacker (Zac Lloyd), who beat Overpass (Josh Parr) by half a head with Ka Ying Rising third, a head further away, in 58.39s. Mr Brightside was a distant fourth, almost five lengths from the winner. Hayes believes Ka Ya Rising will benefit from the trial, which featured the winners collectively of 71 races in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, including 24 at Group 1 level, and combined prizemoney haul of more than HK$300 million. “It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He blew a few cobwebs out and he’ll really come on a lot for that and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday and he’ll be right for the big one,” Hayes said. “He’s about 20 pounds above his racing weight (about 1,150lb) and I’ll expect it (his weight) to come down a bit in the next week.” Purton echoed Hayes’ thoughts and said Ka Ying Rising needs to improve before next Saturday’s The Everest, a race which he has been installed a $1.70 favourite for with Aussie betting sites. “Pass mark, needs to improve. He hasn’t had a run for about a month and he hasn’t done too much serious work in that amount of time, so it was the first time he’s done anything competitive in a while. “The track was a little bit soft for him. He’s not totally at home on that ground. But I thought he trialled well enough. I think he’ll come on a bit from that. Obviously, it’s going to be a competitive race. The horses in Australia are peaking at the right time, so hopefully we can draw a good gate, get a dry track and I’m sure he’ll improve a bit off that. “He had a big blow after the trial and he’ll have another 200 metres to run in The Everest, he’s got 10 days to do a bit more work and improve – hopefully he can.” The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising has not started since triumphing in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on September 7. Hayes arranged for Ka Ying Rising to have a “full dress rehearsal” at Royal Randwick with the five-year-old spending time in the raceday tie-up stalls and the Theatre of the Horse, where he completed several laps and appeared slightly agitated. “Hopefully he’ll improve from the experience,” Hayes said of Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year. “He’s had a look at Randwick now. He hasn’t been away from Sha Tin for a long time – that’s his only track – so to have a look around here was very, very good for him.” The field for the Everest, which is the richest turf race in the world with a purse of approximately HK$103 million, will be confirmed on Monday, October 13. View the full article

Dual stakes winner Read About It run in a trial on Monday and a return to racing looms. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Robbie Patterson had high Classic hopes for Read About It last season before his rising young star’s progress was halted by illness. The New Plymouth trainer believed the son of Wrote was a genuine Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect until the two-time stakes winner was laid low with breathing issues. “He was one of the most promising young horses I’ve had for sure, and then he started to make a bit of noise,” Patterson said. “He got some growths in his upper airways, and we treated him for a long time, but they wouldn’t go away. “We ended up getting them cut out and it’s taken a year to get to where we are now. These things seem to pick on the better ones.” Read About It stepped out in an open 1000m heat at the Awapuni trials on Monday and finished an encouraging fourth under rider Kelly Myers. “He trialled up really nicely, it was a quiet trial because he hasn’t done a lot and Kelly was happy with him,” Patterson said. “He makes a noise in his breathing, but it’s not affecting him at the moment, so we’re leaving him alone. “He’ll have another trial and then we’ll find a race for him and see where he ends up. “If he has to have another operation, we’ll do that, but if it doesn’t affect him then we’ll put up with the noise he makes and push on.” Read About It was a debut second as a two-year-old before going one better in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and claimed the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) in his only subsequent appearance. “Obviously, he hasn’t been knocked around and he’s a very natural horse. He’s only a four-year-old, so he could hopefully race competitively for a few years yet, there’s still plenty of time,” Patterson said. Meanwhile, his Taranaki stable will have a quiet weekend with Freebelle and Ma Te Wa entered for Saturday’s Otaki meeting. “They’re both nominated for the same race, but only one will run,” Patterson said. “It will depend on the track, if it’s heavy then Freebelle will probably go and if it’s not too bad then Ma Te Wa will go.” Freebelle won for the third time from six appearances when the Belardo mare successfully resumed at Waverley. Time Test four-year-old Ma Te Wa posted his third victory from five starts when he accounted for Benefactor, fourth in last weekend’s Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), at Trentham last month. “He’s a lovely horse with a high cruising speed and he’ll go through to stakes grade, maybe not this campaign but by the end of this season,” Patterson said. “We won’t knock him around as a four-year-old.” View the full article

It’s part two of Michael’s chat with Craig Williams. This week they go deep on the Aussie jockey’s career, his preparation, the Melbourne Cup, Hong Kong, the NZ industry, and his bests. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.6 Craig Wiliams Part.2 View the full article

Robbie Patterson had high Classic hopes for Read About It (NZ) (Wrote) last season before his rising young star’s progress was halted by illness. The New Plymouth trainer believed the son of Wrote was a genuine Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect until the two-time stakes winner was laid low with breathing issues. “He was one of the most promising young horses I’ve had for sure, and then he started to make a bit of noise,” Patterson said. “He got some growths in his upper airways, and we treated him for a long time, but they wouldn’t go away. “We ended up getting them cut out and it’s taken a year to get to where we are now. These things seem to pick on the better ones.” Read About It stepped out in an open 1000m heat at the Awapuni trials on Monday and finished an encouraging fourth under rider Kelly Myers. “He trialled up really nicely, it was a quiet trial because he hasn’t done a lot and Kelly was happy with him,” Patterson said. “He makes a noise in his breathing, but it’s not affecting him at the moment, so we’re leaving him alone. “He’ll have another trial and then we’ll find a race for him and see where he ends up. “If he has to have another operation, we’ll do that, but if it doesn’t affect him then we’ll put up with the noise he makes and push on.” Read About It was a debut second as a two-year-old before going one better in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and claimed the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) in his only subsequent appearance. “Obviously, he hasn’t been knocked around and he’s a very natural horse. He’s only a four-year-old, so he could hopefully race competitively for a few years yet, there’s still plenty of time,” Patterson said. Meanwhile, his Taranaki stable will have a quiet weekend with Freebelle (NZ) (Belardo) and Ma Te Wa (NZ) (Time Test) entered for Saturday’s Otaki meeting. “They’re both nominated for the same race, but only one will run,” Patterson said. “It will depend on the track, if it’s heavy then Freebelle will probably go and if it’s not too bad then Ma Te Wa will go.” Freebelle won for the third time from six appearances when the Belardo mare successfully resumed at Waverley. Time Test four-year-old Ma Te Wa posted his third victory from five starts when he accounted for Benefactor, fourth in last weekend’s Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), at Trentham last month. “He’s a lovely horse with a high cruising speed and he’ll go through to stakes grade, maybe not this campaign but by the end of this season,” Patterson said. “We won’t knock him around as a four-year-old.” View the full article

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Mighty Commander will be among the key chances in the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Picture: HKJC. Two of the early pace-setters in the 2025/26 trainers’ championship will send strong contingents to Happy Valley on Wednesday night, looking to open up a gap at the top of the standings. Caspar Fownes prepares six runners, hoping to improve on his seven wins so far this season at his favourite hunting ground. Mark Newnham has made an explosive start to his third campaign in Hong Kong racing, and he saddles seven runners. Three of Fownes’ six have already visited the winner’s arch this season, but none have escaped the attention of the handicapper for their efforts and find themselves in elevated company on Wednesday night. Mighty Commander (119lb), who will be ridden again by Ellis Wong in the first section of the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap (1200m), is one of Fownes’ leading chances after winning smartly over 1200m last time out despite mostly campaigning over 1650m. While Australian betting sites are yet to release odds for the Happy Valley meeting, these should drop on Tuesday at the latest. “He seems to be in good form – winning the 1200 (metres) first up in Class 4. Now he goes up to a higher grade,” Fownes said. “It’s always tougher in Class 3, but he’s proven to us that he can be close in Class 3, so there’s no reason why he can’t be competitive again at this distance.” Fownes, who has a remarkable 38% strike rate at the city course this term, also backs up Super Sicario (117lb), who was impressive in a wire-to-wire win at the Valley last month. Karis Teetan takes the ride on the four-year-old son of Tivaci in the first section of the Class 4 Man Cheung Handicap (1650m). “He’s a little bit gobby – he still doesn’t respect the bit too much,” Fownes said. “He’s another horse that got the job done in Class 5 and goes up to Class 4 with the light weight. “As long as he’s well-behaved and gives Karis a good ride, I’m sure he’ll be competitive.” Newnham’s hand is highlighted by Spicy Gold (132lb) in the second section of the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap (1200m), who returns to his preferred distance after disappointing in his first run this season over 1000m three weeks ago. “(1000m) was just a bit sharp for him, but he’s been very consistent at 1200m at Happy Valley, and he probably needed the race to bring his fitness up,” Newnham said. “He’s had a good preparation since that race.” Four-year-old Lunar Dash (131lb) was well-supported in his two outings last season despite failing to land for his backers. But he maintains the confidence of champion jockey Zac Purton in the second section of the Class 4 Li Yuen Handicap (1200m), and Newnham thinks the PPG will be in the mix. “He’s drawn well in (gate) five. He’s got early pace. We’ve been riding him just off the speed in his trials and he’s been finishing well. So if he can settle in the first four, I think he’ll be in the finish,” Newnham said. Monday’s (6 October) barrier trials at Sha Tin were highlighted by the reappearance of John Size’s exciting Four-Year-Old Classic Series prospect Sky Jewellery. Despite a leisurely gallop under Hugh Bowman, Size said the gelding is progressing nicely. “Nothing to see this morning – just giving him a jump out and letting him know he’s back at work,” Size said. “I think everything’s in order, but we’ve still got a long way to go. We’ll bring him along slowly and see what happens.” Wednesday’s nine-race card at Happy Valley gets underway at 6.35pm with the Class 5 Pedder Handicap (1800m). View the full article

On the Oct. 6 episode of BloodHorse Monday: Spendthrift's Ned Toffey and trainer Brendan Walsh highlight their opening weekend success at Keeneland. D. J. Stable's Jonathan Green talks their strategic reduction at the Keeneland November Sale.View the full article

While racing continues to see a decline in race days, races, and starts, the all-important third quarter economic indicators saw growth in purses and handle for those remaining race days.View the full article

By Michael Guerin The two biggest young guns of New Zealand pacing face potentially brutal barrier draws at Friday night’s mammoth Addington meeting. And the causes of both Marketplace and Jumal could be made even more difficult by their key rivals drawing the ace in each race. The 13-race card is stacked with outstanding fields with a common theme of the best horses getting the hardest jobs. That was not unexpected in the Commodore Hotel Main Pace in which Akuta and Republican Party share the 25m backmark or in the Braxton Farriers Worthy Queen Trot, in which Oscar Bonavena, Muscle Mountain, One Over All and the returning Bet N Win face daunting 20m handicaps over 2000m. But while those disadvantages were pre-ordained it was luck of the draw, or should that be no luck, for Marketplace who faces barrier eight of nine in the $100,000 Dawkins Group Flying Stakes and the unbeaten Jumal who will start from the second line in the NZBS Harness Million Two-Year-Old Pace for the boys. They are undoubtedly both good enough to overcome their draws but they are made even more difficult by the fact in the Flying Stakes last start winner Rubira has drawn barrier 1 and has the gate speed to use it. And in the Harness Million the hugely talented Zeus Lightning has barrier 1 so looks set to bet a long way in front of Jumal when the big field settles into some sort of order. That didn’t stop the TAB bookies opening Jumal at $1.85 but Marketplace drawing outside all of his main rivals saw his price pushed to $2.20, huge odds for him. The luckless draws for the better young pacers continued in the NZBS Harness Million Two-Year-Old Fillies in which Shezsofast will start from widest of the eight runners. Earlier in the night there are just four starters in the $75,000 NZBS Harness Million Trot, with Aussie baby Kyvalley Ray set to start a hot favourite. To see Friday night’s Addington fields click here View the full article

Yoshizawa Holding Co. Ltd's American Stage (Into Mischief), who returned from a six-month layoff to just miss in a 1200-meter allowance at Kyoto Racecourse on Oct. 5, is being pointed for an appearance in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Saturday, Nov. 1, according to a report from the Netkeiba website in Japan. A $500,000 Keeneland September yearling, the Spendthift Farm-bred 3-year-old colt posted a record of 3-2-1 from six juvenile appearances, including a three-race winning streak that culminated with a 3 1/2-length victory in his lone try on the grass at Chukyo last December. Somewhat audaciously sent to Dubai over the winter, the bay was a creditable second to top sprinter Tuz (Oxbow) in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal on the Super Saturday program at Meydan Mar. 1 and was a late invitee to the Apr. 5 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, finishing sixth to Dark Saffron (Flameaway). Making his first start since as the 9-10 favorite over the weekend, the Yoshito Yahagi trainee was ridden positively from the nine hole by Ryusei Sakai and set a pressured pace in advance of the 4-year-old filly Tagano Mist (Jpn) (Majestic Warrior) through strong fractions of :23.1 and :46.3. American Stage managed to put a length and a bit on Tagano Mist into the final furlong, but he was nabbed in the final couple of strides by his female rival and dropped a neck decision. The final time was a crisp 1:09.4 (video). “If there's nothing wrong after the race, we'll head [to the U.S.],” Yahagi told Netkeiba. Yahagi is a two-time winner at the Breeders' Cup, having upset the 2021 GI Distaff with Marche Lorraine (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) before saddling Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) at a much shorter price in the GI Filly & Mare Turf. Both wins came at Del Mar. Sakai is the regular rider of Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who will be one of the top three or four picks to improve on his third-place effort in last year's GI Classic behind his close relative, 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). Forever Young is campaigned by owner Susumu Fujita. 2025.10.05 10R藤森S@京都競馬場 アメリカンステージ 坂井瑠星騎手(着/1番人気)#2025ryusei pic.twitter.com/VZoECfQ5ZP — やま (@umayama3) October 6, 2025 The post Japan-Based Into Mischief Colt Penciled In For Breeders’ Cup Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) held the 59th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities (ICHA) at Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France on Monday. During this year's Conference, there was a particular focus on racing betting, both in the legal and illegal markets, along with marketing and customer experience. Throughout the course of the day, 165 delegates from around 40 countries heard from leaders from around the globe on these pressing topics. “The International Conference has for many years provided a platform for all of us, the stewards of racing in our respective jurisdictions, to come together and discuss the key issues impacting our sport today and to chart the course for its future,” said IFHA chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges during his welcome address. “Racing's long-term success is dependent on our ability to not only address the threats that we face today, but moreover to embrace the opportunities they present us.” Broadcaster Rishi Persad served as the moderator for the Conference, which featured two main sessions. The first session of the Conference, titled Racing Wagering & Marketing – What Today's Customers Want and What the Future Holds, explored the dynamic landscape of horse racing wagering and marketing while also examining how technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours are reshaping the industry. Tony Allevato, chief revenue officer and president, NYRA Bets; Felicity Barnard, chief executive officer (CEO), Ascot Racecourse; Drew Fleming, president and CEO, Breeders' Cup Ltd; Pablo Kavulakian, president, American Racing Channel; and Atsushi Kikuta, director of International Affairs, Japan Racing Association (JRA) all took part. “I can assure you have that I have absolute faith and optimism in the growth of this sport, and I think there is a huge potential internationally,” said Barnard said. “I think we are doing lots of things right, but I think we could do a lot of things better, together.” Allevato echoed those thoughts, saying, “Sometimes, we don't give ourselves enough credit. If we all can: take a step back, look at what we are doing, trust ourselves, and know that we are creative. We can get horse racing to get to the next level. I truly believe that.” Growth of the Illegal Betting Market and Tackling Challenges in Betting Regulation served as the second session. Panelists discussed the immense growth of illegal betting on racing (and other sports) and also examined the impacts of tighter government controls on gambling. Speakers included Tom Chignell, consultant on Integrity Projects, the Hong Kong Jockey Club; Brant Dunshea, acting CEO, British Horseracing Authority; Luca Esposito, executive director, World Lottery Association; Martin Purbrick, chair of the IFHA Council on Anti-illegal Betting and Related Crime; and Vincent Ven, head of Anti-Match-Fixing, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). Ven discussed how different sports share the same challenges and the importance of educating participants about potential integrity threats as well as working with all different stakeholders. Ben Cleminson, the CEO of Square in the Air, also presented on growth and innovation in sports and horse racing, while Salem Binmahfooz, chairman advisor and technical committee member of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, provided an overview of the 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC). The ARC is scheduled to take place in Riyadh in February 2026. A replay of the live video stream and presentations will be available in the coming days. The post Betting Markets and the Customer Experience Highlighted During 59th IFHA Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Joseph Joyce Sometimes in life, things happen that make you stop and wonder why – little moments that seem like mistakes at first but turn out to be fate's way of leading you somewhere special. It was 2003, my first time at the Tattersalls sales. I made what seemed like a simple mistake – I walked into the wrong stable. I didn't think much of it then and went on my way to meet my friend, Martin Cullinan, who I was supposed to join in looking at another horse. We saw the one we'd planned to view but didn't take to him. Then Martin said, “A friend of mine wants me to look at a filly – would you come along?” “Sure,” I said. “I've nothing much else to do.” As we walked toward the stable, something strange happened – the place looked familiar. I laughed and said to Martin, “I've just been here before, by mistake!” Maybe it wasn't a mistake after all. Martin smiled and said, “Maybe you should buy her.” And that's exactly what we did. Next, we needed a trainer. As fate would have it, Frances Crowley passed by. I didn't know who she was at the time, but Martin said, “She comes from good stock – she'll do fine.” He was right. Frances went on to train the filly, Saoire, who made racing history as the winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas, making Frances Crowley the first female trainer in Ireland to win a Classic. What began as a small mistake – stepping into the wrong stable – turned into a moment of destiny. Sometimes, the paths we think are wrong turn out to lead us exactly where we're meant to be. A Word of Thanks and Farewell I would like to thank everyone who was a part of Saoire's story – from the breeders and owners to the stable staff, jockeys, and all those who cared for her along the way. A special thanks to Martin Cullinan for his friendship and guidance, and to Frances Crowley for her skill, dedication, and history-making achievement. Saoire passed away peacefully today at Cahermorris, where she had been happily retired from racing. She brought joy, pride, and history to all who knew her. It was truly a journey to remember – one that began with a simple mistake and became a story that will never be forgotten. The post Owner Joseph Joyce Pays Tribute After Death of Saoire at 23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Anticipation is building towards Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale and bloodstock agents Deuce Greathouse and Jamie McCalmont along with Yulong's Paul Curran, assistant trainer Kate Harrington and trainer Eve Johnson-Houghton, weigh in on the big questions ahead of Tuesday's sale. So, how have the yearling sales treated you so far? Deuce Greathouse: It's been very hard work. Horses have become very expensive but, at the end of the day, I think we found a lot of value. Kate Harrington: We got a lot of business done at Goffs last week in particular and we're delighted with what we have bought. I also purchased one myself at Tattersalls Ireland with the view towards trading it on so I am happy with that as well. We'd like to keep the momentum going into Book 1 and are really looking forward to this week. Paul Curran: The yearling sales have been a bit of a mixed bag so far for us. We have bought two Dark Angels – one at Tattersalls Ireland, which is somewhere we hadn't bought at before, and the other came from the Somerville Sale. I really think that Tattersalls Ireland did a great job this year and that is something that has to be noted. It goes without saying that we are trying to buy quality and not quantity so hopefully we can be active this week. Eve Johnson-Houghton: We've got a good few bought but the market has been extremely strong – for example, the average and the median was up by 49% and 59% respectively at Tattersalls Ireland. But hopefully we've got on well. I will let you know this time next year how well we did! Jamie McCalmont: The bloodstock market has followed all other markets this year and it has been very strong from the top to the bottom. It's very hard to buy the horses that I like to buy because they are making more money than I have to pay for them. Where has the value been? DG: Like always, I think the value play has been targeting the horses who may have been misplaced. So, the horses who don't stick out as much as if they were in a different sale. KH: Overall, the yearling sales have been extremely strong but I'd like to think we found a bit of value during Book 1 of the Orby Sale. I thought it was tough for what was on offer during Book 2 of the Orby but I thought the odd one slipped through during Book 1 at Goffs. PC: The only sale where I saw a bit of value was at Donny. Okay, we didn't buy there because we are looking for a different type of horse but I thought there was a good spread of quality there and there appeared to be some value on offer. EJ-H: I always sniff out value! I think the value has been in turning up. You have to be there for every horse that you have on a list to watch them go through. You can't be disappointed if you keep getting beaten because there will be a day where one falls your way. I know the value of money. I run my own business and everything has to stack up. A lot of my clients do not have a lot of money so I need to operate at a level where they still enjoy it, win, lose or draw. When it gets to a point where it becomes too expensive, people don't enjoy it and that's how you put them off racing. JMcC: I don't think there has been any value. When you look at the clearance rates in the low 90 per cents at all sales, not many horses are slipping through the net. I don't see any holes in the market right now. Is there anything you'd have done differently in hindsight? DG: Listen, we've been doing this for 20 years now and it's been trial and error all of that time. You try to fine tune it as you go and I think all of us in this game over-abuse ourselves for what we did wrong nine months ago when it doesn't work out. A lot of the time, you can put it down to bad luck. Okay, you can get a little sharper on the horses you vet or even the list of vendors who always command a premium. Really, you try to compile a list of horses where, if you buy them, you can think you were sharp. KH: I know everyone else probably says this but I am very happy with the business we did during Book 1 of the Orby Sale. Buying in Euro makes a lot of sense but, as I said, there were a few cracks and hopefully found a few nice ones. PC: We're pretty happy. You know, we have dabbled pretty much everywhere and even bought at the breeze-ups earlier in the year. We don't buy at every sale and are quite select in what we have done. But no regrets so far anyway. EJ-H: Oh, there are loads of horses we left behind. I would have had an extra bid on a couple but you can't have any regrets in this game. You've got to just keep kicking and keep on looking forward. JMcC: No. I'd have liked to have had more money, though! Would you agree or disagree that, whether it's an agent, a trainer or even a breeze-up handler, it has become harder to compete at the yearling sales? DG: There's a lot more people buying horses now. There used to be situations where you had camps who were grouped together and, if they weren't on a horse, you could find value. It's not like that anymore. Every time you look up, there is someone different signing for a horse for a lot of money. Whether you think it's a good thing or a bad thing, the superpower trainers are changing the dynamic of racing. KH: Definitely, because the nicer horses are becoming more and more obvious. The 80 grand horse is now costing 100 grand and it has been a gradual trend. It can be tough but you need to stay true to your valuations and keep patient until the opportunities present themselves. The cost of everything is on the rise but, when you have an owner who wants to spend 50 grand, it's very hard to turn around and ask them to spend 100 grand. You need to stay realistic. PC: Definitely. The top level is getting stronger and stronger and, from Yulong's perspective, the competition for those high-end horses is very strong. Kia [Joorabchian] was extremely strong here last year for example and that wiped a few horses off our list straight away! We are strong in our own right but it definitely can be difficult when you are competing with the likes of Amo Racing and Godolphin. EJ-H: It's very hard to compete. This year, the market has been surprisingly strong. The horses we were buying for 10 grand last year, we've had to spend 20 grand on them this year. There has been an exponential jump. JMcC: Very much so. The Americans made a big difference to the European market last year. They bought 60 or 70 horses all between that 200 and 300 grand mark. There used to be a case where it would be horses making 500 grand and then there would be a big drop-off. Now, the drop-off is not as severe. There are literally no gaps anymore. I've never known the market to be this strong in my lifetime. What young stallion has caught your attention – in the ring or on the track? DG: The Minzaals look very sharp. They look nice. KH: I have been blown away by what Starman has done on the track this year. Of the first-season sires for next year, the State Of Rests are very classy. They are good-looking, easy-moving horses and we actually bought a nice filly by him at Goffs last week on behalf of Alpha Racing. PC: What Starman has done this year is phenomenal. To be a Group 1 producer in his first crop is an amazing achievement. He looks as though he can compete at the highest level and, as we saw at some of the yearling sales this year, it didn't matter what the pedigree of some yearlings was like. All that mattered was the stallion and they sold extremely well across the board. They are like hot buns – everyone is trying to get their hands on them! I must say, I am a big fan of Palace Pier as well. EJ-H: The State Of Rests have been lovely. I haven't bought one yet but I have tried to buy a few. They have been good value and very athletic. The Bayside Boys have been very athletic as well. JMcC: Blackbeard and State Of Rest. I like their stock a lot. In a nutshell, what are you hoping to achieve this week? DG: Find horses who can win races – and ones we can make money on. If we can do both, we'll be happy. KH: Buy the next champion. PC: We wouldn't be here if we didn't think we could buy a nice athletic horse who could prove to be something special next year. That's the dream. EJ-H: To buy a champion. JMcC: If I can buy three or four nice horses, I will be very happy. The post Book 1 Q&A: ‘I’ve Never Known The Market To Be This Strong In My Lifetime’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will serve as a sponsor of the Freestyle discipline at this year's Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium. The 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park Oct. 8-11. The event is designed to showcase the talent and versatility of off-track Thoroughbreds, while supporting their transition to successful second careers. The Freestyle discipline will take place Oct. 9 in the Covered Arena beginning at 8 a.m. This discipline is a free-form competition designed to demonstrate the skills of the trainer's choice. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also host a booth at the vendor fair during the Thoroughbred Makeover, where riders and attendees can learn more about accredited aftercare and its vital role in ensuring the long-term care of retired racehorses. The post TAA to Sponsor Freestyle Discipline at Thoroughbred Makeover Symposium appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The victory of Daryz (Sea The Stars) in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp has been rated as the best performance in Europe this season by the experts at Timeform. In inflicting a first defeat this season on Minnie Hauk (Frankel), with the pair well clear of the remainder, Daryz achieved a Timeform rating of 131 (from 122p), passing the benchmark of 130 for top-class form. Timeform's European rankings had previously been headed by Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) and Field Of Gold (Kingman) on 130. Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) remains Timeform's highest-rated horse in the world on 135. Minnie Hauk, who finished five and a half lengths ahead of third-placed Sosie (Sea The Stars), improved her Timeform rating to 127 (from 124p) and is rated higher than the last two female winners of the race. For comparison, last year's winner, Bluestocking, achieved a rating of 123, while Alpinista was rated 126 in 2022. It's also notable that Daryz has been rated as the best Arc winner since Waldgeist earned a figure of 132 when denying Enable a hat-trick in 2019. Timeform handicapper Rory King said, “This was a wide-open Arc on paper but, although it was lacking a standout performer, it's hard to argue with the strength in depth of the field given 12 of the 17 runners had been successful in a Group 1, and three of them had won Classics this year. “Daryz was actually one of the handful who hadn't won at the highest level, but, in pulling clear with Minnie Hauk at the end of a well-run race, he showed much-improved form. Indeed, the form is worth rating as the best running of the race since Waldgeist prevented Enable's treble in 2019. “It's no surprise at all from his pedigree that Daryz was suited by this first taste of a mile and a half, and perhaps he could dominate the European middle-distance division if kept in training at four, although his year-older stablemate Calandagan (129) – who couldn't run in the Arc having been gelded – will have something to say about that.” The post Daryz Surpasses Field Of Gold and Ombudsman to Top Timeform’s European Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. will host its annual general membership meeting and educational seminar Sunday at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs. This year's seminar, titled “Keeping or Selling? Mapping Your Breeding Goals,” will focus on how breeders and owners can forecast and manage their breeding strategies, while balancing market demands and long-term objectives for breeding and racing. Sponsored by the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund, the seminar will feature Becky Thomas, owner of Sequel New York and Sequel at Winding Oaks in Ocala; Linda Rice, a leading New York trainer for more than a decade; and Peter Penny, one of the foremost yearling inspectors for the Fasig-Tipton sales company. The panel will be moderated by Tom Gallo, NYTB board member and former president, as well as managing partner of Dream Maker Racing Stable and owner of Blue Stone Farm in Cambridge, New York. “The focus of our educational seminar this year is to provide breeders and owners with valuable insight into making key decisions–from mating choices to maximizing a foal's value at auction,” said NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson. “We are fortunate to have such an accomplished panel willing to share their knowledge, and we encourage everyone to attend.” The event, which includes a complimentary dinner and cocktail hour, will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by Friday at nytbreeders.org/events. To promote the open format of the seminar, NYTB is soliciting questions in advance. Questions may be emailed to info@nytbreeders.org. Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga pavilion will also host an open-house celebration to honor longtime New York breeder Chester Broman's 90th birthday next Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. The celebration will include beverages, hors d'oeuvres, birthday cake, a live band, and video replays of many memorable Broman-bred runners. “Chester has been a pillar of New York breeding and racing, but more than that, he's been a mentor, role model, and friend to so many,” said Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, President of NYTB. “His passion for horses and his commitment to doing things the right way have set a standard that inspires breeders and owners across the state.” The post Thomas, Penny, Rice to Headline NYTB Seminar Sunday; Celebration to Honor Chester Broman Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Kenny McPeek doesn't know what happened to Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in Sunday's GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland, where she was a non-threatening fourth in one of the worst races of her career. He's checked her from head to toe and has not found anything wrong with her. Other than ruling out a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, McPeek isn't sure what is next for the 2024 Horse of the Year, but admitted that retirement is a possibility. “You have to consider retiring her,” he said. “She has done more than anyone ever could have expected from a $40,000 yearling. She's been amazing for two full years. I've used the analogy many times. Training horses is like trying to catch a big wave and you want to stay on top of it and surf as long as you can, but they all eventually come to shore. If there is a silver lining to the cloud, it's that if she's going to be retired and be a broodmare, this will give her plenty of time to rest and be bred in the spring.” In the Spinster, Thorpedo Anna was in a stalking position for most of the race and looked like a possible winner. But she ran out of gas in the stretch and lost by 8 1/2 lengths. “We don't have any obvious excuses,” McPeek said. “She scoped clean and she was sound coming out of the race. We are probably going to send her over to Dr. [Larry] Bramlage and let him do a full exam of her. There was a notion that she had a brief case of the thumps after the race, which would have had to do with dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. Any really good horses that you handle, and I've had several, they don't go forever. She's been amazing up to this point. Sunday just wasn't her day. Is she tailing off? That's something that we have to consider. Someone asked if she was in heat. She wasn't. We did bloodwork this morning to figure out if there was some sort of dehydration factor.” Thorpedo Anna was the latest example of McPeek spending only a modest amount of money on a yearling only to have them turn into a star. “I think we set the bar so high with her,” he said. “I thought Take Charge Lady's bar was high. Then I thought Swiss Skydiver's bar was high. What I'm most proud of is that we bought them all as yearlings.” McPeek said that if Thorpedo Anna is retired, he would like to parade her at Keeneland before that meet is over. “There are a lot of people who really care about her. She has a huge fan base,” he said. He also said fans would be welcome to come to his Magdalena Farm to visit the star filly after she arrives there. Thorpedo Anna has won 12 of 16 starts, including 10 stakes races, and has earned $5,440,913. She has won seven Grade Is, including last year's GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. Her best ever performance may have come in the GI Travers Stakes, where she faced males and finished second, just a head behind Fierceness (City of Light). The post McPeek Says Thorpedo Anna May Be Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first two from last month's G1 National Stakes at the Curragh, Zavateri (Without Parole) and Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), feature among 14 confirmations for Saturday's G1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes, along with Distant Storm, one of three potential runners for Charlie Appleby as he seeks a fourth win in the race since 2019. Last seen winning the G3 Tattersalls Stakes over Saturday's course and distance, Distant Storm heads the betting for the Dewhurst at a general 2/1, although his trainer will be keeping an eye on the weather in the coming days, with conditions set to dictate whether the son of Night Of Thunder takes his chance at Newmarket. “It will all depend on Mother Nature,” said Appleby. “He's in good order and has come out of his last race well. We'll keep an eye on it until closer to the race. A race like he had the other week could leave a mark if you're asking a serious question but, to be fair, William [Buick, jockey] didn't really have to pick him up. He's come out of it well and I'm very happy.” Zavateri possesses leading form claims, having gained his fourth success from as many starts when making the breakthrough at the top level at the Curragh, ultimately getting the verdict by a head to become just a second Group 1 winner for Eve Johnson Houghton. Runner-up Gstaad, who had previously filled the same position in the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville, is one of six possible runners for Aidan O'Brien, with the others including the G1 Middle Park Stakes runner-up Brussels (Wootton Bassett), G2 Beresford Stakes hero Hawk Mountain (Wootton Bassett) and National Stakes third Italy (Wootton Bassett). They could be joined on the Ballydoyle team by Dorset (Wootton Bassett) and Frescobaldi (No Nay Never), the winners of the Goffs Million and Convivial Maiden, respectively. G2 Superlative Stakes scorer Saba Desert (Dubawi) and Pacific Avenue (Dubawi) complete the trio of entries from Appleby's Moulton Paddocks, while other notable contenders include two runners from what is proving a red-hot edition of the G2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, namely runner-up Oxagon (Frankel) and Gewan (Night Of Thunder), who could manage only fourth on Town Moor, having previously beaten Italy and Distant Storm in the G3 Acomb Stakes at York. Champagne winner Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett) advertised the strength of that form when following up in Sunday's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, while Cape Orator (Mohaather), who finished third at Doncaster, was also in winning action at ParisLongchamp when winning a valuable sales race on Saturday's card. Karl Burke's unbeaten Alparslan (Dandy Man) and Roger Varian trainee Wechaad (Oasis Dream), the wide-margin winner of a nursery at Doncaster's St Leger Festival, make up the list of 14 entries. The post Distant Storm, Zavateri and Gstaad Among 14 in Contention for Dewhurst Cracker appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wagering on U.S. races declined 5.93% in September, according to year-to-year comparison figures released Monday by Equibase. For the month of September, $737,296,717 was wagered on U.S. races–including worldwide commingled wagering on races in the country–down from $783,788,708 for the same month in 2024. With 36 fewer race days and 210 fewer races in September this year, average wagering per race day increased 3.63% to $2,082,759. Similarly, while total available purses for the month decreased 6.98% to $128,545,895, average available purses per race day increased 2.48% to $363,124. In year-to-date comparisons, wagering dipped 2.11%, with $8,866,367,013 wagered through September in 2024 compared to $8,679,660,193 through the first nine months of 2025. With 142 fewer race days–and 1,044 fewer races–through September this year, wagering per race day is up 2.79% to $3,059,450 from $2,976,290 in 2024. Available year-to-date purses fell 2.42%, from $999,708,464 at this point a year ago to $975,527,036 this year, while average purses increased 2.47% to $343,859. The post U.S. Wagering Declines in September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article