Wandering Eyes

From an Eclipse Award to two Sovereign Awards, from a Queen's Plate win among her dozens of stakes victories to the title of highest-earning female rider in the sport's history and more than 1,900 career visits to the winner's circle, Emma-Jayne Wilson has fought her share of battles on the racetrack. One of the most challenging battles of her life, however, is surely the one she is now fighting behind closed doors as she recovers from neck and pelvic fractures sustained in an Oct. 25 accident at Woodbine. The words “neck and pelvic fractures” don't do justice to the severity of her injuries, which left Wilson completely bedridden for more than two months and continue to pave a long road of recovery ahead of her. “There were a few days I was in ICU with major trauma and bleeding they were monitoring very, very closely,” said Wilson this week via phone from her home in the Toronto area. “It was a bit touch and go in that tight time, but that massive surgery that they did was successful.” Wilson is refreshingly candid about the difficulty in being faced with a long and arduous recovery, a challenge for any person, but magnified exponentially for an athlete used to being extremely active. “I'm doing as well as can be expected,” she said. “It's odd, it's bittersweet. I had some good news obviously this week [with the neck collar coming off], but the reality of the situation really sucks as well. I'll be honest, I don't have a good attitude all the time. You don't really showcase the negative days because it's not really worth it, but I'm going to be honest. There's some ups and downs, good days and bad. I woke up [Thursday] and it wasn't a good day. I was just grumpy and unhappy with the situation and I wanted to throw things and hit things. “But,” she emphasizes, “I've been given an excellent prognosis with full recovery, so that's what I focus on. I'm used to training and exercising and whatnot, so that's what I put the focus into. It's not bench pressing like I'm used to, but it's that much more important to do these exercises and get these small gains. I give everything to that, every ounce that I can, to using the walker and getting my legs going properly again. There's a lot of little things and those are the positives, so that's what I hold on to, that full recovery prognosis that I have. That gets you through those [rough] days.” Wilson in July, when she broke the record as the highest-earning female jockey in history | Michael Burns Wilson said the fractures she sustained were not simple. Her neck fracture was at the C2 level, or the second cervical level. It was the same fracture actor and horseman Christopher Reeve sustained, which left him paralyzed from the neck down for the remainder of his life. Wilson said her C2 fracture was very close to being surgical, but it was the pelvic injuries that have been the biggest challenge. In the trauma bay immediately after the accident, doctors screwed pins through both of Wilson's femurs just above her knees “and attached these hoops around them so they could string a cable to pull my lower body down away from my upper body so my pelvis didn't collapse inwards.” It was a special form of traction meant to buy time as the surgical team needed to protect the area while they waited for the swelling and bleeding to subside enough to operate. Her pelvic injuries were complex and Wilson now sports an array of internal plates and screws. “The surgery that they did spared me any neurological damage,” said Wilson. “One of the significant pieces is the severity of the fractures. It all depends on the severity. I did sustain massive fractures to my pelvis and my sacrum. I hit the rail at full speed, but I was lucky enough that the fractures didn't get to my joints, so my hips and the front of my pelvis were spared. I was very lucky.” Wilson spent about two months in the hospital, but wasn't able to walk away. “I was released from the hospital before Christmas, but I've been bedridden, so I'm literally living in my living room. We had to get a hospital bed and all the accessories to go along with the number of wheeled devices to help me go through the day. The early days were very, very difficult. “I've been completely non-weight-bearing, where I was not to put my weight on the ground at all, so I would have to transfer from the bed to a wheelchair, for example, using a slide board so I wouldn't put my feet down. It's slowly progressed where I could build from there and the orthopedic surgeon has now opened it up to some weight-bearing to move towards full weight-bearing. There's that level of reactivation and reengaging the muscles that were traumatized to bring them back to what they know and what they're used to. You have to do it properly and that's where I'm at now.” Jockeys are famously tough as nails and so accustomed to working through injuries that they often tend to heal and return faster than expected. Wilson said this particular healing is not a process that can be expedited. “There's no point in rushing because it may be a shortcut now, but you're not going to gain in the long term. I've had enough injuries through my career that the reality of that is there and the gains have been like that. There's no other option really. You do it and you do it right.” Given her fitness and athleticism, the doctors have given Wilson a prognosis of full recovery in time. However, with such severe injuries, will her body truly be the same? Will she be able to return at 100% capacity? “I'm going to be a little bit different, I think, but not excessively so,” said Wilson. “The intent is to get back to riding as soon as I am able to give the same riding that everyone was used to. That is the goal, but with the severity of the injuries and the way rehabilitation goes, I'm not going to rush it.” Wilson in the win that secured her historic earnings record | Michael Burns Woodbine, where Wilson is based, opens for the season Apr. 26, a little more than three months away and six months after the spill. She hopes to be ready to ride, but is also realistic that it may be too soon. “The goal would be opening day, but I have to take every day as it comes with the right level of grit and determination and then go from there, taking it day by day.” Race riding is a dangerous job. Jockeys risk not just their livelihoods, but also their health and even their lives multiple times a day. Wilson was asked if she thinks the risks will be more acute, or more prominent in her thoughts, when she does return. She didn't hesitate as she cited an ongoing deep respect for the hazards that go along with riding. She said nothing has changed in that regard. “The way I've always looked at it–and I've sustained multiple injuries [in my career], this one being one of the most severe–is if it really changes your outlook on how you ride races, it's because you didn't respect the dangers to begin with. For me, it's no different. The risk hasn't changed; it's always been the same. “The next time I throw a leg over a horse, I know what I'm going out there to do and what the risks involved are and I knew that the first time I threw my leg over a horse in a race as well. That level of respect and acknowledgment of what the potential dangers are is a big part of that. I don't think that everyone manages it the same as me, so I think it's important for the mental health aspect as jocks where that discussion that has come up in the last year or so. But for me, I think that outlook, that perception has given me so much strength as a whole from the beginning of my career.” As Wilson spends long days continuing to recover, she said positive messages on social media have helped keep her spirits up. “I just want to say how grateful I am with the support I've been getting from the fans. Social media gives people access and the support of the fans has made me feel so blessed. It helps on those down days when you get a chance to have a look through. It means so much to see those little tidbits and helps me look at the bigger picture.” The post With ‘Grit and Determination,’ Emma-Jayne Wilson Still Faces Long Recovery appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Paco Lopez, suspended since Dec. 4 for a postrace riding crop infraction Dec. 3 at Parx Racing in which he struck an erratically racing mount in the face or neck area, will be reinstated on a conditional basis effective Jan. 23.View the full article

6th-FG, $58K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 4:15 p.m. ET. Taking on two turns for her debut is Godolphin homebred LOVE SONG (Ghostzapper). The filly is trained Mike Stidham who also conditioned her older full-brother Mystic Guide and watched as the current sire took the 2021 G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan. Their dam Music Note (A.P. Indy) was an accomplished race filly in her own right as she won five out of nine top level chances during her career for Godolphin. In the breeding shed, Music Note also produced GIII Penn Mile Stakes hero Gershwin (Distorted Humor), who was sent to Argentina in 2022, and last year she foaled a filly by Not This Time. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday’s Racing Insights: Full-Sister To Mystic Guide Unveiled For Godolphin In The Big Easy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Paco Lopez, suspended since Dec. 4 for a postrace riding crop infraction Dec. 3 at Parx Racing in which he struck an erratic-racing mount in the face or neck area, will be reinstated on a conditional basis effective Jan. 23.View the full article

Wodeton (Aus) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) punched his ticket for the G1 Golden Slipper with a 3 3/4-length win at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller (video). The A$1.6-million yearling commanded plenty of hype and was already second in the betting for the Slipper, but the manner of his performance sees him vying for the top spot. Overcoming a slow start in the 1100-metre affair, the bay unleashed a powerful bid at the 300-metre mark under James McDonald, ultimately zipping home. He distanced the field in a couple of jumps. The Magic Man (Aus) (Showtime {Aus}) finished second. Waller's assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth was on course for the win and said, “If the track was in the heavy range, we might have waited a week, but James [McDonald] won't be here [then],” Duckworth said. “We wanted to have James on, and we are fortunate to be racing on a soft deck today. “He was the most highly talked about colt when we were up at the Magic Millions [last week], and he had only trialled and yet everyone was asking about him. To generate that much hype off of a trial when you are well held and didn't even win…but obviously people knew what they were looking at and he's pretty exciting. “Chris will plot a path to the Golden Slipper 2025. There is the [G3] Canonbury Stakes coming up in a fortnight, but we will see how he comes through this race.” “He's the real deal,” added McDonald. “He has the most pure action and unbelievable demeanour about him and it's going to take him a long way. You wait until you see him on good ground!” Bred by Fairway Thoroughbreds, the son of Listed Morphettville Guineas heroine Fiera Vista (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) was offered by Segenhoe Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale last January, and caught the eye of Coolmore Australia's Tom Magnier, who made the winning bid of A$1.6 million. Wodeton is a half-brother to the winner Queen Starlight (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}), as well as a yearling colt by I Am Invincible (Aus) who also sold to Magnier for A$1.15 million at this year's Gold Coast Sale. This is the extended family of group winner Empress Rock (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year Silent Witness (Aus) (El Moxie), and the latter's half-sister and multiple group winner Sister Madly (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), who was twice placed at the highest level. The colt is owned in partnership by Coolmore, Wynaus, Westerberg, Mr J Poulin, Sir P J Vela, Chris Waller Racing, Lynque, Peachester Lodge, Mr R McClure, Meridian Bloodstock, Lockhart Waller Racing, Glentree Racing, Mr K MacLennan, Fairway Thoroughbreds, and Marcstown Pty. Ltd. The post Another Slipper Prospect For Wootton Bassett And Coolmore appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

Back-to-back Eclipse Champion Male Sprinter Elite Power (Curlin) has his first foal on the ground with a colt who was born Jan. 16 at Norevale Farm, according to a release from Juddmonte USA on Saturday morning. With similar markings as his sire, the chestnut is out of New York-bred Havin' a Party (Emcee) whose first foal to race, Woodhull (Constitution), is a winner after she was acquired by Spendthrift Farm for $575,000 during Keeneland September in 2022. The brand new colt counts as his second dam GSW & GISP Chimichurri (Elusive Quality), who sold for $2.1 million as a broodmare at the 2005 Keeneland November Sale. His extended female family includes Canadian champion Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d'Oro), GISW Hard Not To Love (Hard Spun) and GISW Secret Spice (Discreet Cat). “The farm reported to be extremely pleased with the foal,” said General Manager of Juddmonte USA Garrett O'Rourke. “The foal's dam is indicative of the exceptional caliber of mare we have been able to attract to Elite Power's book.” Elite Power was a $900,000 yearling purchase by the farm. He won the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint twice, which subsequently led each time to Eclipse honors. The three-time Grade I winner earned $3,775,711 throughout the course of his racing career and stands for a fee of $50,000 LF. The post Juddmonte Multiple Champion Elite Power’s First Foal Born At Norevale Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) will reinstate jockey Paco Lopez on a conditional basis effective Jan. 23, following his indefinite suspension Dec. 4, 2024 for striking a horse with a riding crop the previous day at Parx Racing in a manner which violated authority rules, a HISA spokesperson said Saturday morning. The statement said Lopez has met all conditions required for reinstatement, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the standards of conduct and integrity expected of participants in horse racing. During his suspension, Lopez participated in required therapy sessions, which he has pledged to continue, and made sizable donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund and Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement. “Paco Lopez has demonstrated his commitment to conducting himself in a manner required of professional jockeys,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “He has expressed remorse and a desire to return to riding with a renewed understanding of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of working with horses.” The spokesperson also emphasized that HISA remains steadfast in promoting the safety and integrity of horse racing, holding all participants accountable, while fostering a culture of respect and care for the sport and its participants. Paco Lopez | Coady Photography Lopez's attorney Drew Mollica said when reached by phone that the situation has provided his client with an important opportunity for growth. “We are deeply grateful for Paco [Lopez] to have had the ability to confront this issue,” Mollica said. “The collaboration with HISA was the chance to better not only himself, but to accentuate the importance a serious issue like a jockey's mental health, which thanks to HISA and the Jockey's Guild has come to the forefront. During his time away, Paco allowed himself to reflect about who he is not only as a jockey, but as a person. He looks forward to getting back in the saddle and doing what he loves. He wants to thank all who supported him during this difficult period.” The incident in question occurred in the fifth race at Parx on Tuesday, Dec. 3 when Lopez was videoed repeatedly striking his mount, National Law (Constitution), in the face with his crop. The 2-year-old was trained by Jorge Duarte, who came under scrutiny when he initially defended the jockey's actions on X that same day. Duarte issued an apology two days later. Lopez took full responsibility for his actions and began serving an indefinite suspension. Paco Lopez. Completely unacceptable. Shouldn't be around horses, period. pic.twitter.com/ldS4C73iC2 — The Staggie Man (@thestaggieman) December 3, 2024 The post Paco Lopez Demonstrates Commitment, Conditionally Reinstated By HISA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 BSA Cape Yearling Sale, featuring 109 lots, will take place from 12:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 23. Set to be held at the SARDA Centre in Constantia, the sale will offer a Malmoos (SAf) filly out of dual Grade 1 winner Europa Point (Aus) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}); a What A Winter (SAf) colt (lot 41 from the family of Grade 1 winners Little Miss Magic (SAf) (Jet Master {SAf}), Lucky Lad (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight SAf) and Bavarian Beauty (SAf) (Querari {Ger}); and a Danon Platina (Jpn) half-brother to Cats Pajamas (SAf) (Rafeef {Aus}) (lot 85) among others. This year's sale marks a new partnership between BSA, SARDA and the Constantia Valley Riding Club, which is based at the SARDA Centre in Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights approximately six kilometres from the old sale site. To view the catalogue and for more information, please visit the BSA website. The post Cape Yearling Sale Catalogue Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars FLYING LUCK - R3 (1) Improving galloper looks a class above this undercard field Jay Rooney BUNDLE AWARD - R9 (4) Import looks set to strike after an eye-catching third last start Jack Dawling STUNNING PEACH - R10 (2) Exciting horse looks ready to fire despite wide gate here Phillip Woo WITH A SMILE - R2 (11) Has had an ideal preparation and can win first up Shannon (Vincent Wong) CHATER GOLD - R3 (11) Back to Sha Tin and can salute with Craig Williams in the saddle Racing Post Online FLYING LUCK - R3 (1) Unlucky at his last start and is definitely worth following here Tom Wood STUNNING PEACH - R10 (2) Terribly unlucky last two starts and let's hope the juices flow from the peachView the full article

Australian jockey jumps back aboard the galloper he piloted into second in last year’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).View the full article

Talented five-year-old Osipenko (NZ) (Pierro) showed he’s still got it with a well-deserved victory in the Listed January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday. While racing well, the Chris Waller-trained Osipenko hadn’t won since taking out the 2023 Gr.3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m). One of four winners for James McDonald, who was back riding at a Sydney Saturday meeting for the first time since Everest day in October, Osipenko sat third in the run and was presented rounding the home bend, going on to score by 1-1/4 lengths over Converge (Frankel) with the winner’s stablemate Saltcoats (NZ) (Ardrossan) another three lengths in arrears after being forced to change course in the straight. Osipenko was the third leg of a treble for Waller after earlier wins with Wodeton (Wotton Bassett) and Tajanis (Australia) but the champion trainer wasn’t on track to celebrate, leaving stable representative Charlie Duckworth to articulate McDonald’s genius. “It seems effortless for him at times,’’ Duckworth said of McDonald. “He’s incredibly balanced in the saddle and also he has that balance in his home life which is important. “James can come to work every day with a clear mind and do what he has to do.’’ Duckworth admitted the gelding had lost his way since showing considerable promise as a younger horse. “He was competing at Group One level as a three-year-old and we thought he could win a Caulfield Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m),” Duckworth said. “But it’s taken a while to get him back to form and we have tried different things with him since having the horse gelded. “We tried a couple of times to ride him up on the speed, get really aggressive with him and try to coax the best out of him but that didn’t work. “Eventually, Chris decided to go back to basics, just leave him alone, took the head gear off and let him be a horse again and he’s enjoying his racing.” Duckworth said there had been encouraging signs in recent starts that Osipenko was regaining his desire for racing including a narrow last start loss in the Summer Cup. “Osipenko has been getting better every time this preparation,” Duckworth said. “He’s been knuckling down and trying hard which we needed him to do because the talent has always been there.” Bred by the late Kevin Hickman, Osipenko is by Pierro and was purchased out of Valachi Downs’ 2021 Book 1 draft at Karaka by Guy Mulcaster on behalf of Chris Waller Racing and the Kaha Syndicate for $160,000. His dam Raskova, a stakes-performed daughter of Henrythenavigator, is from the family of champion sires Shamardal and Street Cry. View the full article

Improving three-year-old Garnacho (NZ) (Ace High) scored a last-stride victory in the Howden Australian Guineas Day, 1 March (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday for trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne. Ridden by Damian Lane, the gelded son of Ace High sat just off a solid early speed and despite still doing a few things wrong, wore down runner-up Zorro’s Flight (Toronado). Garnacho has now won two of his four starts and looks like a three-year-old that will relish getting over further ground. David Browne admitted he was concerned watching early in the run and delighted by the gritty victory. “I thought he did enough early. He pulled hard and didn’t settle quite as quickly as you’d like for the first 400m,” Browne said. “I thought we were probably beaten and he’d run a good race but not settling would take its toll, but he was super tough to win. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability but he wants to do a lot wrong. He has come a huge way over the last three or four months. He has really tidied up in his attitude. “We’ll just keep it low-key for the moment and see how he comes through the run before we make too many plans, but I think he’s the sort of horse that we might be able to stretch him out by a couple of hundred metres this preparation and we will just see where we end up.” Winning rider Damian Lane said he wasn’t sure if he had defeated Zorro’s Flight on the line, but there was more to come from Garnacho as his racing manners improved. “He’s taken a little bit to come to hand and for the penny to drop and he still did a little bit wrong through the early part of the race today, so that’s a sign that there is some improvement still to come,” Lane said. “He is a work in progress, but he’s obviously got some talent. “He just has a tendency to want to overdo it a little bit and he wants to get on one rein. Today early out of the barriers he got bumped by both sides and it just fired him up and got him on the wrong foot from the start, so if he can get back to relaxing like he did at his previous runs out at this sort of distance, he’s going to have a really good turn of foot.” By Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High out of the three-win One Cool Cat mare Aplomb (NZ), Garnacho is a half-brother to three other winners including handy mare Monfelicity (NZ) (Vadamos). Bred by Terry Woodman, who remains in the ownership of Garnacho, Aplomb is back in foal to dual Group One winner Ace High, who is represented by 23 yearlings at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales. View the full article

Emerging filly Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) has extended her picket-fence form-line when leading throughout to score a decisive victory in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday and flagging her credentials for a lucrative target in New Zealand. Ridden by Tyler Schiller, the daughter of El Roca made it four wins in succession, having stepped from a Mudgee Class 1 winner to a three-time city victor for in-form trainer Bjorn Baker and OTI Racing. “She has done a marvellous job. Four in a row. We liked her, we actually bought her at the Ready To Run Sale in New Zealand a year and a bit ago, so she has taken work and she is just starting to put it together now,” Baker said. “I thought she probably defied the pattern today, she was very good. Her work on Tuesday was outstanding, so off that alone, I had to give her a big chance but I was just a bit worried where we did end up. “Tyler took the race by the scruff of the neck and rode her like the best horse. “She has got a sprint and she definitely showed that at the top of the straight today. She was able to run into the wind and then kick off it. “It is very exciting and the fact she is New Zealand bred, there is actually a slot race over there, the NZB Kiwi (1500m) a new slot race worth $3.5 million. “Even in New Zealand dollars it is pretty good money. It could be interesting. It might be an option. Either way, she is definitely heading towards black-type.” Winning rider Tyler Schiller said the filly had surprised him with her progression from the country and believes she will be suited up to 1800m. “I think she is going to be better up in trip,” he said. “She is still over-racing a bit but I was very happy with the way when she got there, she relaxed, probably from the 800m to the 400m when I needed her to. “I think when she goes further she is going to be better but she has definitely stayed on strong today. “I feel like she keeps getting better every time.” Perfumist breezed up in 10.7 seconds at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale and the daughter of El Roca was purchased for $190,000 by the combination of Bjorn Baker Racing, bloodstock agents Phill Cataldo and Jim Clarke, along with OTI Racing. Out of the Swiss Ace mare Tapputi (NZ), Perfumist’s name stems from her dam, with Tapputi, a female perfumer, the first chemist in history. Westbury Stud will offer a half-brother by Redwood to Perfumist as Lot 876 in the Book 2 session of the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, which commence on January 26. View the full article

Handy four-year-old Wolfy (NZ) (Tivaci) appreciated a change of approach by trainer Nick Ryan as he relished getting back to the Flemington straight six to land the VRC Summer Fun Sprint (1200m) under Ethan Brown. The son of Tivaci is a brother to NZB Kiwi contender Sought After (NZ) (Tivaci) and raced furthest from the outside rail where the majority of his rivals plotted a path. “He has been a frustrating horse,” stable representative Damian Kefford said. “We have always had a high opinion of him. He ran in a Caulfield Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) at three and he has come back and we have probably placed him at some unsuitable tracks. “Nick decided to freshen him up, blinkers on up the straight where he has had a run here first up and ran really well and it has worked well again today. “The idea was to get him to jump with the blinkers on. He stepped half awkward but he got him into a nice rhythm and Ethan’s idea was just to build into the race and he was able to do that beautifully up the inside. “When he was creeping into it I really thought he was going to be strong late having had those runs at 1400m previously.” Ryan purchased Wolfy for A$280,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where he was offered on behalf of breeder Waikato Stud by Sledmere Stud. He is now a four-time winner from 17 starts, with a further two placings. By Tivaci, who is represented by 13 yearlings at the forthcoming Karaka Yearling Sales, Wolfy is out of the two-win Savabeel mare Popular (NZ), whose three-named foals have all won. View the full article

A long wait for Wolfgang’s (NZ) (Puccini) day in the big-race spotlight came to a spectacular end at Trentham on Saturday when he overpowered his opposition in the Gr.3 NZCIS Wellington Cup (3200m). The time-honoured $400,000 feature was the 13th appearance at Group or Listed level for Wolfgang, who had shown bright promise at that level ever since his two-year-old days. He finished fifth in that season’s Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), second in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m), third in the Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), sixth in the Gr.3 Waikato Stud Matamata Slipper (1200m) and 10th in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). After a seventh in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) in the early stages of his three-year-old season in September 2021, Wolfgang’s connections opted to play the long game. The Puccini gelding spent more than three years away from black-type company before returning there on both sides of the Tasman during his coming-of-age campaign as a six-year-old this season. Wolfgang kicked off the spring with back-to-back wins in open handicaps at Hastings and Matamata in September and October. He then ventured across the Tasman and showed he belonged on the big stage with a gallant sixth in the Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield and a fourth in the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m). He returned home and continued to perform at a high level, running second in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) and Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m). Wolfgang produced sub-par performances when unplaced in the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) and this month’s Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie, but he carried on towards Trentham for Saturday’s career-defining win. Patiently ridden by Joe Doyle, Wolfgang settled fourth-last as fellow Matamata raider Arby (NZ) (Proisir) led the field around a circuit of the Trentham track at barely more than a canter. Arby began to up the ante turning out of the back straight, with Wolfgang still languishing more than a dozen lengths behind him and facing an increasingly daunting task. But Doyle brought Wolfgang to the outside at the home turn and turned him loose down the roomy Trentham straight. Wolfgang quickly came with giant strides out wide on the track, powering to the lead with 200m remaining and pulling away to win by a length and a half. Crouch (NZ) (Tarzino) and Nest Egg (NZ) (Reliable Man) collected the minor placings just ahead of the fourth-placed Trav (NZ) (Almanzor), who himself produced an eye-catching finish from last. Wolfgang was bred by Mapperley Stud, who offered him in Book 1 of Karaka 2020 and failed to meet his $50,000 reserve. Mapperley principal Simms Davison retained him to race alongside Kim and Peter McKay, who won the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) with Wolfgang’s sire Puccini. From 42 starts, Wolfgang has now had seven wins and 10 placings, earning $550,917 in stakes. Peter McKay trains Wolfgang in partnership with his son, former jockey Shaun. “This is unreal, I had a little tear there,” Shaun McKay said. “I was never able to ride a 3200m winner in my career, but it’s special to be lucky enough to train one today with Dad. “Mum and Dad had the stallion too and had some great success with him, so that just makes it even better. “He just showed today that he’s a really tough horse. We tried to get a Group win with him as a two-year-old and kept going close with placings. We had to be patient, and now he just keeps getting better and better as a six-year-old. I think he’ll be even better in six months’ time. “Hopefully we can get him back to Aussie next season and pick up a good win there. You never know how a horse is going to go over the 3200m until you try, but the way he really flew home over that distance today gives us a bit of confidence. It would be amazing to get him to the Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m).” Wolfgang became the second Wellington Cup winner for Doyle, who won the race with Leaderboard (Street Cry) in 2023. “It’s fantastic,” Doyle said. “I’m lucky enough to have won the race twice now, and Mum and Dad are here today all the way from Ireland. So it’s a brilliant thrill to win a race like this in front of them. “The McKays are absolute masterminds. His run at Ellerslie last time, you’d think it was average, but they really believed he was in great form coming into today. When I pushed the button in the straight, he just ran past them. “It’s fantastic for the McKays. They’re only a small stable but they do fantastic work and deserve results like this.” View the full article

Rugged stayer Titicaca (NZ) (Tarzino) made light of a hefty 59.5kg on his back to capture a deserved victory in the second running of the Race With Te Akau Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. The statuesque son of Westbury Stud resident stallion Tarzino only cleared maidens when successful over 2200m at Waverley back in September, with trainer Adrian Bull prepared to play a patient game with him as he began to mature into his sizeable frame. Taken to Riccarton during the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November, Titicaca won two of his three starts before Bull gave him time in the paddock, returning to run sixth over 1600m at Otaki earlier this month as the lead-up to Saturday’s $350,000 contest. Rider Kelly Myers had been aboard the five-year-old for his Riccarton successes and she reunited with him on Saturday to produce an absolute cracking performance in victory. Allowed to settle near the rear after jumping from an outside barrier, Titicaca relaxed nicely before starting a wide run nearing the 700m. Myers got busy as the speed went on rounding the home bend, however her charge was still six lengths from the lead as Sinhaman (NZ) (Tivaci) made his bid for victory by streaking clear at the 200m. Titicaca began to wind up strongly and under the urgings of Myers he produced several huge bounds to thrust his head in front of a brave Sinhaman with Moonlight Magic (NZ) (Almanzor) also closing off well to take third. Myers sported a smile a mile wide as she returned to the Trentham birdcage and was ecstatic with the result, particularly after she had lost the use of her whip for most of the home straight. “I didn’t get to use my stick, so I had to give him some extra voice encouragement,” Myers said. “The horse has come a really long way from winning a maiden 2200m maiden at Waverley not too long ago to now winning this race today. “Adrian is an amazing horseman and when you put these colours on you know you are in with a big chance. “I was roaring at him and I heard Matt (Cartwright – jockey of Sinhaman) curse when we hit the line so I thought hopefully he was right and we’d won. “He is such a big horse and is just going to get better and better so it is very exciting.” Bred by Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvey, Titicaca is owned by a group that includes Bull and his son Harry. He is out of the Encosta De Lago mare Lacustrine, who is a daughter of multiple stakes winner (It’s) Platonic (Trustful) while his extended family also includes Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Niwot (Galileo). View the full article

Progressive stayer Mayor Of Norwood (NZ) (Ghibellines) rewarded his many followers when he added to an outstanding record on his home track by capturing the WAE Waikouaiti Cup (2200m) at Wingatui. The six-year-old gelding scored his fourth win from 10 starts at the venue after enjoying an economical passage against the rail throughout as the field chased after tearaway pacemaker Humbucker (NZ) (Iffraaj), who was out by 10 lengths in the mid-stages of the contest. Rider Corey Campbell managed to extract the Brian and Shane Anderton-prepared son of Ghibellines from a tight spot as Humbucker faded badly at the 600m, but was still in a pocket between Mahoe (NZ) (Alamosa) and Sacred Dream (NZ) (Sacred Falls) as the trio surged away from the pack early in the run home. Campbell was patient as he waited for the gap to come, and when it presented itself, he quickly pushed Mayor Of Norwood through and to the front, where he drew clear to win comfortably by a length from a brave Mahoe who held out Sacred Dream to claim the runner-up prize. Shane Anderton was pleased to see his charge back to winning form as the stable look to aim him at another home track feature later in the summer. “It turned into a genuine staying test as they went really hard up in front,” Anderton said. “He got off the back of them at the right time and hit the line well. “There was a lot going for him today as he likes the bigger tracks and genuine staying races, so he was very good. “It would be nice if we could stretch him out to the Dunedin Gold Cup distance of 2400m as we are looking at a race like that before he gets too much weight on his back.” The Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) is set to be staged at Wingatui on 1 March. Raced by the estate of his breeder, the late Patrick Smith, Mayor Of Norwood is out of the useful race mare Gallant Babe (NZ) (Gallant Guru) and is the younger brother of the stakes placed Capo Dell Impero (NZ) (Ghibellines), who took out the 2024 edition of the Waikouaiti Cup. He has now won five of his 26 starts and over $159,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Master trainer bids to add to his imposing record in Sunday’s Group Ones with Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Beauty Eternal and Red Lion.View the full article

James McDonald and Wodeton storm home in the Chandon Handicap in race 1 at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, January 18. Photo: Bradley Photos The Chris Waller-trained Wodeton ($1.60) has stamped himself as the 2025 Golden Slipper (1200m) favourite with horse racing bookmakers after a dominant victory in the Chandon Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon. The son of Wootton Bassett was expected to win handsomely prior to the jump on Saturday, with all the money pre-race coming the way of the unraced two-year-old colt. He justified the support in stylish fashion, with James McDonald unleashing Wodeton down the centre of the course, careering away with the $160,000 prize in a blistering debut. Rosehill 2025 Chandon Handicap Replay – Wodeton https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rosehill-2025-Chandon-Handicap-Race-1-18012025-Wodeton-Chris-Waller-James-McDonald.mp4 Stable representative Charlie Duckworth was on course at Rosehill to break down the ultra-impressive win. “He’s been incredibly dominant today,” said Duckworth. “His demeanor before the race, even with the delay, was amazing. He’s like an old hand at the job. Obviously getting caught three-wide is never ideal on debut, but he just idled up and put them away with great ease. “If it was in the Heavy range (the track) I think we probably wouldn’t have seen him today and we had him penciled in to run next week when obviously James (McDonald) won’t be here. “That had a bit of an indication that we wanted to have James on and when it came up in the Soft range and we missed some of those showers last night, I think we’re very fortunate to be racing on a Soft deck. “He’s an incredibly exciting horse. “He’s probably the most highly talked about colt when we were up at Magic Millions, It was just a trial and every was asking about him, so it’s amazing to generate that much hype off a trial you didn’t even win, but obviously every knew what they were looking at and he’s pretty exciting.” James McDonald was glowing about the performance in the aftermath as well. “I’ve sat on him a couple times now and he’s the real deal,” said McDonald. “He’s just got the most pure action. Unbelievable demeanor about him, and it’s going to take him a long way. “You just seen how he handled that. He wasn’t quick away and he just managed to slot in, control and then use his turn-of-foot, you wait to see him on good ground. “I find with these colts the first ones the hardest one. “Obviously the expectations huge and you just want it to all go well and him learn with the experience because maturities there and what he’s done at home has been pretty cool. “He’s an exciting colt.” Wodeton is now the current favourite at $5.00 with Neds for the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22. Horse racing news View the full article

What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Sunday, January 19, 2025 First Race 1:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing in Victoria heads to Mornington on Sunday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting awaits punters. Clear skies are forecast for the day, and despite the rail being out 8m, the track at Mornington has been playing fairly in recent times, so no bias is expected. The track is a Good 4, with action set to get underway at 1:35pm AEDT. Best Bet at Mornington: Chicago King Chicago King has been knocking down the door to break his maiden and may not get a better chance than what he does on Sunday. The Street Boss gelding made a mess of the start at Cranbourne, and despite finishing second beaten under a length, the three-year-old gelding was always going to find it tough to win. If Jamie Mott can get him out of the gates cleanly, Chicago King should have no issue finding a nice spot midfield throughout. Armed with a nice turn of foot, the 1500m looks ideal for Chicago King third-up. Best Bet Race 4 – #5 Chicago King (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Jamie Mott (58.5kg) +170 with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Saint Winifred Saint Winifred has been building towards a maiden victory this campaign, finishing third at her last two starts over 1600m at Cranbourne and then Yarra Valley over 1950m last time out. The 2050m looks ideal for the Burgundy mare and if Jackie Beriman can have settled in the one-one from barrier seven, then Saint Winifred should prove to be the superior stayer in the opener. Next Best Race 1 – #13 Saint Winifred (7) 5yo Mare | T: Michael Trott | J: Jackie Beriman (57.5kg) +400 with BlondeBet Best Value at Mornington: Outcaster Outcaster has been terrific in recent times, winning three times from her last five runs and, at an each-way price with Picklebet, can feature in the finish in the last. From barrier two, Jake Noonan will likely have the Pariah mare locked away on the rail throughout the 2050m journey, but if the gaps come at the right time, Outcaster has the runs on the board to suggest she can give this a rattle with the right run in transit. Best Value Race 8 – #6 Outcaster (2) 5yo Mare | T: Rachael Cunningham | J: Jake Noonan (58.5kg) +1100 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Sunday, January 19, 2025 1-2-4-6-10 3-5-6-10 1-4-9-12 1-2-6-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Osipenko breaks his 643-day drought by securing the Listed January Cup with jockey James McDonald at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, January 18. Photo: Bradley Photos Osipenko returned to the winner’s circle in the Listed January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday, breaking a 643-day drought in emphatic style. Guided by a masterful ride from James McDonald, the Chris Waller-trained gelding showed his class, storming home to secure a 3/4-length victory over Converge, with Saltcoats finishing third. McDonald, who claimed his fourth win from five rides on the day, positioned Osipenko perfectly in the early stages. Settling just behind the speed, the five-year-old enjoyed an uninterrupted run before peeling off the rail at the top of the straight. Despite a lengthy spell from the winner’s list, Osipenko responded powerfully, surging past rivals to claim a well-deserved victory at $3 odds with the top horse racing bookmakers. Rosehill 2025 January Cup Replay – Osipenko https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rosehill-2025-Listed-January-Cup-18012025-Osipenko-Chris-Waller-James-McDonald.mp4 “It’s been a long time coming, but we always knew the ability was there,” Waller stable representative Charlie Duckworth said post-race. “He’s competed at the top level and gelding him has really helped him focus. His last couple of runs showed he was building towards this.” McDonald, celebrating his 50th win of the season, was full of praise for the horse. “There’s always been talent with him,” he said. “He’s been racing against top-class horses, and today it all came together. He relaxed beautifully, travelled well, and gave me a great feel turning for home.” “He should’ve won the Caulfield Guineas, and when you’re talking in that kind of era, you come to 2,000 metres heading into an autumn carnival; you’d think he’d get his hoof on the till, so to speak.” “He was well placed today and got a lovely run, good barrier, and he did the rest and wouldn’t be surprised if he now gets a couple together.” The gelding’s last victory came in June 2022, and this performance suggests he could be set for a strong autumn campaign. Final placings saw Converge run on strongly for second, while Saltcoats, also from the Waller yard, battled on bravely for third. Horse racing news View the full article

What Cowra Races Where Cowra Jockey Club – Grenfell Rd, Cowra NSW 2793 When Sunday, January 19, 2025 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Cowra Jockey Club is the destination for country racing on Sunday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up for Cowra Japan Cup (1200m) Day. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall predicted to hit the course proper, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action for 2025 Cowra Japan Cup Day is set to get underway at 1:20pm local time. Cowra Japan Cup Tip: Outback Angel Outback Angel is flying this preparation, securing two wins and another minor placing in her four starts. The daughter of Super One was tested in metro company for the first time in her most recent outing, closing to within a length of Manuscript at Canterbury on New Year’s Day. She was a dominant winner prior to that effort, and provided she can hold her form in the Cowra Japan Cup, Outback Angel must be considered the one to beat. Cowra Japan Cup Race 7 – #4 Outback Angel (6) 4yo Mare | T: Allan McRae | J: TBC (55kg) +300 with Neds Best Bet at Cowra: Ghielmi The Mitchell Beer-trained Ghielmi looks prepared to strike on debut, surging through the wire in a recent barrier trial victory at Nowra on September 23. The Toronado gelding went on to score by four lengths on that occasion, and although his most recent trial on a Heavy surface at Kembla Grange left a lot to be desired, it’s worth forgiving on such testing conditions. Getting back on top of the ground should be ideal, and with Nick Heywood set to gain an economical run from stall six, Ghielmi should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 2 – #5 Ghielmi (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Mitchell Beer | J: Nick Heywood (57.5kg) +140 with BlondeBet Next Best at Cowra: Victory Roll Victory Roll got a pass mark returning in the Moruya Cup on January 6 and was always going to find the 1425m short of his best trip. The son of Belardo looked to be gone in the final 400m before picking himself off the canvas, doing his best work late to get within six lengths of Charlemagne who was already off-and-gone with the prize. He may be better with sting out of the ground considering he’s yet to figure on a Good surface; however, with a class edge on his rivals, expect Victory Roll to be right in this when the whips are cracking. Next Best Race 3 – #3 Victory Roll (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Pat Murphy | J: Shaun Guymer (59.5kg) +200 with Picklebet Sunday quaddie tips for Cowra Cowra quadrella selections January 19, 2025 1-2-6-8-9 2-3-4-7 4-6-10 1-4-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Promising three-year-old Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) added another important black-type victory to her burgeoning record when she dashed clear to take out Saturday’s Gr.3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. The lightly raced daughter of Derryn was sent out a raging hot favourite ($1.40) after taking out the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at the venue prior to Christmas and never really gave her supporters any cause for concern despite having to bullock her way into a narrow gap halfway down the home straight. Rider Craig Grylls had allowed the filly to settle back in the field and didn’t appear to be perturbed by runners swooping around his outer approaching the home turn as he began to bring her into contention. Grylls spied an opening three off the fence at the 250m and Leica Lucy burst through with a turn of foot that carried her two lengths clear before holding out the fast-finishing Connello (NZ) (Time Test) comfortably at the winning post. While trainer Robbie Patterson was quietly confident she would perform to expectations before she headed to the start, rider Craig Grylls had a few last-minute doubts behind the barriers as the field loaded up. “I got a good run but before the race she was really worked up,” Grylls said. “The other day she was a bit of a lamb, so I was a little bit worried, but as soon as she came out (of the starting gates) she dropped the bit and relaxed nicely. “I got her buzzed up turning in and although I didn’t have a lot of options, good horses get you out of trouble. When the gap opened up, she did the rest. “She has a ton of improvement in her as Robbie said there is still a lot of water to go under the bridge, so she will tighten up and is very exciting.” Patterson was lavish in his praise for the performance, although he admitted to having some trepidation watching his charge search for a clear path in the straight. “It was tough watching her get held up, but when she got clear she went bang, which is the sign of a good horse,” he said. “I was concerned as she was above herself and I hadn’t done a lot with her as I know how long the season is, but I’ve had some good horses and this one could be the best I’ve had. “If you go too hard too early it all falls apart, and I want to win the Oaks again as I think I have the right horse for it. “I won the race with Legs when I was in partnership with Kevin Gray, and I think this one might even be a little better than her.” The $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) is the feature event at the Trentham meeting on 22 March. The Desert Gold Stakes was the seventh event in the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly Of The Year series which is currently led by Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) (21 points) with Leica Lucy now moving into third place on 12 points with four events left including the New Zealand Oaks as the series finale. Leica Lucy is bred and raced by Taranaki racing identities Peter and Heather Crofskey who are no strangers to winning big races having also bred and raced 2013 Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Habibi (NZ) (Ekraar). Leica Lucy has now won three of her four starts and just under $195,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

In-form mare Marble Arch narrowly prevailed in Saturday’s TAB We’re On (1600m) at Flemington, with the daughter of Per Incanto recording her third victory of the preparation. The five-year-old was well-ridden by apprentice Jaylah Kennedy, who showed good initive to push forward and sit outside the leader after it became apparent the small field was devoid of tempo. With a weight advantage, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained mare narrowly defeated Wings Of Song and Munhamek in a time of 1:39.89. “Jaylah tried to take a sit early but then she made the right decision and rolled forward. It ended up being a slowly run race and a sprint home,” Ben Hayes said. “Luckily, with the light weight, she was tough and she has been like that the last couple of runs, she has been really tough every time. And Jaylah has got a great record on her now. Full credit to the horse and Jaylah.” Runner-up in the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m) two starts back, Hayes was non-committal on another black-type assignment this campaign. “We will see how she pulls up, she has been up a long time,” he said. “She has done a great job this preparation already. She is black-type placed and there are lots of nice options coming up. We will probably look to keep her either at 1400m or a mile again.” Kennedy’s two-kilo claim was an assist and the apprentice rider had full confidence in Marble Arch’s turn of foot. “She was really well placed with the lightweight and she’s most definitely up to stakes-class this mare,” Kennedy said. “Drawing (barrier) six of six, I wasn’t too happy about it but if there was going to be good speed I would have been happy to take a sit. “She was a little bit awkward away but she was really good into stride. I took my time to get outside the leader and I knew I was on the right horse. “She is probably better being ridden a bit further back and chasing something down but today she was just too good.” A daughter of Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding sire Per Incanto, Marble Arch was purchased privately by the Lindsay Park team after finishing third at Wanganui in her only start in New Zealand for trainer Wayne Marshment. Bred by Goodwood Stud, Marble Arch is out of the four-win Sakhee’s Secret mare Jonquil and stems from the family of Group One winners Atishu and Daffodil. The now five-year-old mare was initially sold as a weanling for just $3,100 via gavelhouse.com. Saturday’s victory was Marble Arch’s eighth career win from 20 starts, with a further four placings, as she advanced her career earnings to A$570,546. Per Incanto is represented by 29 yearlings at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales which commence on January 26. View the full article