Wandering Eyes

With leading Sydney jockey Tyler Schiller in the saddle, the Peter Robl-trained Hadouken took out the $200,000 Darwin Cup at Fannie Bay in August 2024. (Photo: Darwin Turf Club) Having won last year’s Darwin Cup, Gold Coast raider Hadouken starts his inaugural Alice Springs campaign on Saturday. Peter Robl’s six-year-old gelding debuts at Pioneer Park in the $40,000 Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) at weight-for-age before the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 6. The son of Real Impact starred in the Top End last year with two wins before he and leading Sydney jockey Tyler Schiller claimed the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5. Darwin Cup 2024 replay – Hadouken https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Darwin-2024-Darwin-Cup-05082024-Hadouken-Peter-Robl-Tyler-Schiller.mp4 Leading Darwin jockey Jarrod Todd, who partnered Hadouken to a win at Fannie Bay in 2024, will ride the horse during his Alice Springs sojourn. Hadouken’s rating sky-rocketed following his first Darwin visit; however, in four Queensland starts since, his best result has been a last-start sixth at Doomben over 2200m in BM90 grade on February 22. “After Darwin, I sat down and tried to work out a program that would best suit Hadouken,” Robl said. “He was up against Benchmark 85 and 90 company on Saturday in Brisbane — he’s not good enough to be winning those races. “I thought we’d have to consider an alternative and Alice Springs just fitted into the right spot. “I think he’s actually gone better after his Darwin trip compared to how he was performing before going north because he was getting beaten in Benchmark 60 races. “The fact that he was only getting beaten by three to four lengths, it was telling me that he’s probably going as a good as ever.” Hadouken headed to Darwin last year due to the constant wet tracks in south-east Queensland and northern NSW, and he thrived in the drier conditions in the Top End. “He’s always been a horse that has been effective on firm surfaces,” Robl added. “He adapted to Gold Coast’s poly-track so well and excelled on the dirt track when he went to Darwin.” Robl laments that Pioneer Park has no swimming pool, as that plays a key role in Hadouken’s preparation, but has adapted to the facilities at his disposal. “They have a nice trail along the Todd River behind the racecourse, which has enabled me to get him off the track,” he said. “He is in very good order, I expect a nice run from him on Saturday. “He certainly has the class to be winning the race, but we’re mindful that we’re backing up eight days later in the Alice Springs Cup.” Hadouken has drawn gate one in the Chief Minister’s Cup, which accommodates 12 starters, and Robl has the utmost faith in Todd. “The barrier certainly helps, he’s obviously going to land in the first four or five,” he said. “It will be up to Jarrod to decide when to get going and what he does with him.” Horse racing news View the full article

First Settler. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s promising colt First Settler is set to resume on Saturday in the Listed HKJC Sprint Classic (1100m) at Flemington. The talented three-year-old, who boasts a record of four starts for two wins and a second—two of those runs down the Flemington straight—returns to racing for the first time since finishing midfield in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) last spring. His spring campaign included a sharp win in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m). Trainer Mick Price admitted the colt was due to return earlier in the campaign but was sidelined by a minor setback. “He hurt a hind leg in the paddock and that held him up a little bit, but I think we’ll be able to catch the right races,” Price said. Owned by Yulong, First Settler has tuned up for his return with two sharp 800-metre jump-out wins at Cranbourne, impressing the stable with his progress. “He trialled last week and trialled very good, in fact both his trials have been very good,” Price said. “He was probably on the way down in the Coolmore, but he’s a lovely colt, he’s got a good brain on him and he’s no trouble. “I think on what he’s been showing us, he’ll show up on Saturday for sure, so he’ll run down the straight, which he likes the straight, and then he’ll go to Arrowfield. “He’s got good Group ability and hopefully he’s got Group 1 ability at some point.” First Settler will jump from barrier one with regular jockey Michael Dee back in the saddle. Horse racing news View the full article

It was No Fuss (NZ) (Jon Snow) by name and nature at Sandown on Wednesday, as Tony and Calvin McEvoy’s exciting import broke the Hillside 1500 metre record with a devastating victory. Now undefeated in three starts since arriving from New Zealand as a maiden, No Fuss was a stunning winner from last after flopping out of the gates fresh, but jumped much better second-up and sat third in isolation before challenging in the straight. Divine Thoughts ($3.10) offered resistance from the front, while Liberami ($3.60) chased hard from too far back, but John Allen never looked troubled in the saddle. No Fuss was asked for an effort at the 300m mark and was ultra-impressive from there, moving to the lead stylishly and scoring in 1:28:64, 0.15 seconds clear of the previous record. It was Allen’s second raceday sit on the son of Jon Snow, and he was impressed with No Fuss’ versatility, with the gelding sitting last early in both prior Australian runs. “He’s quite a classy horse, as he’s shown so far at the races,” Allen said. “He began ok, and when a couple inside me didn’t press forward, that spot was always going to be there behind the leaders, and we were able to get there without doing too much work. “They rolled along at a good tempo, but he was always in his comfort zone at that speed, and he travelled up to them and put him away.” Allen feels the OTI-owned galloper still has a lot to offer around his current distance range, but doubts there will be any issues if he does rise to staying trips. “He’s not a slow horse, he has a bit of class,” he said. “(But) he has the right demeanour, he kind of relaxes nicely. Carries his head a little bit awkward but he does have a nice staying action. He feels like a stayer.” With Allen suspended at the time, Harry Coffey filled in aboard No Fuss first-up, but the Irish hoop will do his best to ensure he stays in the saddle from here on in. “I think I was rubbed out the last time – hopefully I can behave with the stewards and stay on him for the foreseeable future,” he said with a laugh. View the full article

Peter Didham and his owners can take a good deal of satisfaction from their dual representation in Saturday’s feature event at Trentham, regardless of the outcome. The Awapuni trainer and connections have the unbeaten War Princess (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and the promising Shameless Star (NZ) (Shamexpress) to do battle in the Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). The stablemates were purchased as early prospects and for both to be competing at the elite level this weekend is a sound reflection on the selection process. “I’ve got a great bunch of owners, and we got together and identified that Entain had put some decent stake money up,” Didham said. “We went and bought a couple of horses that we hoped would make two and three-year-olds and now we’ve got two runners in the Sires’ Produce so we’re really excited.” The fillies are raced by Ian Middleton’s Exempt Bloodstock and Chelsea Connections Ltd, also Auckland-based, with Palmerston North couple Brendon and Debbie Hart. A daughter of U S Navy Flag, War Princess was secured for $77,500 out of Haunui Farm’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstocks National Yearling Sale while Shameless Star was offered by Woburn Farm and bought for $55,000. War Princess goes into the Sires’ Produce with the form on the board following two comfortable front-running victories. “I’m really happy with her and she galloped 1000m here (on Tuesday) on the new grass track and I thought she was excellent,” Didham said. “It’s a huge jump from winning at Tauherenikau and Wanganui to taking on a big 1400m at Wellington. “It’s only her third run and there’s a question whether she’s seasoned enough, but she deserves a go. War Princess is a half-sister to juvenile winner and Karaka Millions placegetter Appellant. “She’s a funny horse, she’s not brilliant on the track but she won a jump-out, a trial and a race and then a trial and another race,” Didham said. “She has just kept finding each time, so we haven’t really tested her too much to know what we’ve got. She is an easy-going filly and good to train, she’s lovely.” Shamexpress youngster Shameless Star, from the family of Gr.1 Otaki Maori WFA Stakes (1400m) winner Star Satire, has finished fourth in both of her outings. “She’s my favourite horse in the stable, but she’s probably a year away and I think you will see her running around in some nice three-year-old fillies’ races,” Didham said. “She is just a bit lighter and the experience will do her good. “I don’t think she will be far away, but I think her time will come next season.” Didham will also be represented in the Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) by the enigmatic Savabeel mare Manifique (NZ) (Savabeel). “She is a frustrating horse and seems to go a ripper of a race and then a very average one and then another ripper,” Didham said. “I’ve just been battling this year to get on top of why she’s not performing like she can, she’s not far off it and her work has been great. “The vet has been over her two or three times and we can’t find anything, she’s had everything x-rayed and her teeth done, so hopefully we will have the real Manifique on Saturday.” View the full article

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will present nearly a third of the field in Saturday’s Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), vying for a seventh title in the last eight years with their all-conquering juveniles. Te Akau’s glamour girl Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) commenced their string of dominance in the $550,000 feature back in 2017, with the likes of Avantage and On The Bubbles taking the crown in the following years. Each of that trio also were victorious in the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), a feat completed this year by Sires’ Produce favourite La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth). The Super Seth filly backed up her Millions performance swiftly when taking out the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and as a leading hope in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) earlier this month, she was ruled out on race morning with a spiked temperature. On the back foot, Walker and Bergerson have taken an alternative route with La Dorada but are confident she is ready to take on the elite-level feature at Trentham. “We’re playing a bit of catch up now, she’s had two exhibition gallops at Tauranga and again at Matamata last Sunday to keep her up to the mark,” Bergerson said. “She’s had a bit of time between runs and up to 1400m is the query, but she’s very bright and well at home now. Thankfully, she bounced through that spiked temperature after a couple of days and we think we’ve got her on track.” La Dorada is the current market leader at $2.50, with her less-experienced stablemate Hostility the next of the tangerine hopes at $10. A royally-bred son of I Am Invincible, Hostility was the record-breaking $1.65 million purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale and he narrowly missed securing a winning debut, going down to race-rival Tajana at Matamata. “I was proud of his effort, gutted he didn’t win but the winner is a pretty nice horse and it’s a good form line heading into Saturday,” Bergerson said. “He’s gone the right way since his debut, we think he’ll take good improvement from the raceday experience and he galloped on the rail before scratching time at Matamata on Sunday with Born To Be Royal and his work was really strong. “Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) has ridden him in all of his jump-outs at home, trials and at the races, so he knows him very well. I’m pleased to see him draw well so he should map to get a good run. “He’s obviously got the least experience of the field, but we think he’s talented enough to be a strong each-way chance.” Born To Be Royal is another lightly-tried contender, having her third appearance after placing behind La Dorada in the Matamata Breeders. “She’s a really nice filly and a real talent going forward,” Bergerson said. “She doesn’t carry a lot of condition which is why we haven’t gone to the races again following the Matamata Breeders, but she’s a real horse for the future and we think the big, roomy track at Trentham will really suit her, as well as the step up to 1400m. “She’s another good each-way chance.” Completing the tangerine quartet will be To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel), who placed third in the Gr.2 Matamata Slipper (1200m) and bypassed the Sistema to enter Saturday’s contest in a fresh state. “When he won at Ellerslie before the Karaka Million, he was very fresh without a lead-up race or a trial, and that’s probably the best race he’s ever gone,” Bergerson said. “We thought the key was to keep him really fresh into Saturday, which we’ve done. He’s done very well at home, with the same schedule as La Dorada with the two exhibition gallops. “He probably needs to improve off the Slipper effort, but he’s very bright at home and we can’t fault him. He’s got good raceday experience and I’m looking forward to Saturday with him as well.” Having a number of horses in a Group One is nothing new to Walker and Bergerson, with a different route suiting each individual. “They’re all coming from different form-lines and race schedules, we try to tailor it to the individual in what we think will be the best way to get them there and performing at 110 percent,” Bergerson said. “Our hand was forced with La Dorada missing the Sistema and we would’ve loved to get another run into Hostility, but we’re pleased with all four of their chances and we think they are going there in tip-top order.” The stable will be represented in each of the other three stakes races on the Trentham card, firstly with Shockabella (NZ) (Shocking) in the Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2100m). A talented type, she was late-scratched after being fractious in the gates in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m), something Bergerson hopes they have got on top of in the interim. “It was extremely frustrating, that was a really good chance at black-type for her but thankfully, both her and Blake (Shinn, jockey) were unscathed,” he said. “We had to go back to the trials and we’ve adjusted her barrier gear from a blanket to a blindfold, she’s done plenty of remedial work so fingers crossed she’s on her best behaviour there on Saturday. “I thought her win at Taupo was really good and she’s trained on well from the trial, drawn one with Sam Spratt on hopefully means she can be positive on her. As long as she does everything right, she should be a nice each-way chance. “It depends how she runs, and there is the Championship Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) in a couple of weeks, but she’ll have to perform well to go against the boys again.” Group One performer Talisker (NZ) (Embellish) will take his place in the Listed Bramco Granite and Marble Flying Handicap (1400m), off the back of a fifth placing under the topweight at Taupo last-start. “He was probably a little bit disappointing there, we elected to go forward on him and he was taken on, we think he’s possibly not trying as hard when he’s going to the front,” Bergerson said. “We’re going to try to ride him a bit colder as he did at Taranaki when he won that day, and we’ve dropped down to a visor blinker as well. “He’s a very talented galloper on his day, he’s got good form-lines throughout his career and he’s performed at the top level before. I’m looking forward to Saturday with him and just riding him that bit colder so he can get over the top of them. “It’s come up a pretty even race, but he’s a strong lightweight chance.” The Gr.2 City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2100m) will feature both What You Wish For (NZ) (Embellish) and Midnight Blue, with the former having a Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) success to his name two starts back before a creditable effort for fifth in the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m). “We tried to keep him nice and fresh for the mile but this was always the race we earmarked following the Kaimai,” Bergerson said. “Back up to 2100m we think suits, set weights and penalties is also nice and he’s got a soft gate with Michael McNab aboard. “He ticks a lot of boxes, but it is a very good field with Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir) in there who have been performing very well. He probably needs to lift again, but he’s in good form and has been racing really well this time around.” Midnight Blue has been figuring in the finish in the feature Cups races before finding the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) a touch sharp last-start. “It was probably too hot a field for him there last time, but he’s come through it really well and he’s in good form,” Bergerson said. “The old boy, he’s enjoying the New Zealand lifestyle and he’s bright and happy. The set weights and penalties suits him too on 55.5kg, he was pretty stiff in the Avondale Cup and Ryan (Elliot) felt he would’ve been the winner without that chequered run. “He was good at New Plymouth too after being slow away, so he’s racing well and just missing that elusive win.” View the full article

What King Of The Mountain Raceday 2025 Where Clifford Park Racecourse – Hursley Rd, Newtown QLD 4350 When Friday, March 28, 2025 First Race 1:34pm AEST Visit Dabble The Toowoomba Turf Club will host its annual King Of The Mountain meeting at Clifford Park this Friday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, but with more rain forecast in the lead-up, expect a downgrade or two before the meeting kicks off. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the first of eight races set to jump at 1:34pm AEST. King Of The Mountain tip: Chinny Boom Chinny Boom returned from a 21-week spell at the Gold Coast with a gritty second-place finish behind Liqour over 1100m. The Clinton Taylor-trained mare was made to travel three-wide without cover for the entire trip before finishing off strongly to finish within a neck of the winner. From a much better barrier (4), the +380 on offer with Neds is a great price for Chinny Boom, who is the horse to beat in the feature. King Of The Mountain Race 7 – #12 Chinny Boom (4) 5yo Mare | T: Clinton Taylor | J: Justin Stanley (55.5kg) Best Bet at Toowoomba: Pink Vixen Kevin Kemp and Georgina Cartwright will combine again with Pink Vixen, who will return to her home track, where she broke her maiden on debut two starts back. After claiming a dominant victory over 1000m at this track, the daughter of Brave Smash had a lot go wrong in the QTIS Jewel 2YO over 1200m at the Gold Coast last start. Now that she drops back in grade slightly and is expected to gain a perfect run in transit, Pink Vixen can bounce back and claim her second win. Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Pink Vixen (8) 2yo Filly | T: Kevin Kemp | J: Georgina Cartwright (55kg) Next Best at Toowoomba: Restonica After being transferred from James Cummings to Pat Webster earlier this month, Restonica will kick off his racing career in Queensland on Friday. The son of Exceed And Excel produced a dominant trial victory over 1000m at this track, running away from his rivals to win by 7.3 lengths. The booking of Les Tilley is a very good sign for this guy and from barrier two, Restonica can settle behind the speed off the fence and prove hard to hold out late. Next Best Race 8 – #4 Restonica (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Pat Webster | J: Les Tilley (61kg) Friday’s quaddie tips for Toowoomba races Toowoomba quadrella selections Friday, March 28, 2025 1-6-7-8 1-3-7-11-13 1-4-12 2-3-4 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Rising Force gives Richard Kingstone a memorable three-timer. Photo: HKJC Epsom Derby-winning jockey Richard Kingscote snared riding honours at Sha Tin’s all-dirt meeting on Wednesday night with a treble, finding success with a perfect three wins from three rides. Having gone winless in 31 previous mounts in Hong Kong, Kingscote struck in spectacular style by scoring on Chill Kaka in the second section of the Class 4 Peacock Handicap (1650m) and Rising Force in the first section of the Class 4 Kestrel Handicap (1200m) for Ricky Yiu, while also partnering with David Eustace to win the first section of the Class 4 Peacock Handicap (1650m) with Fashion Legend. Underlining the prowess on all-weather surfaces, which landed him the British All-Weather Champion Jockey title in 2020/21, Kingscote extracted maximum return from three opportunities. “It’s a big result. Obviously, time was running out to ride some winners,” said Kingscote, who finishes his short-term stint in the city on April 2. “But luckily, I have and thanks to the connections who put me on. I’ve been lucky with draws tonight and horses that are capable, so I think was a big help.” Kingscote, 38, had ridden successfully in Australia, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, France, Bahrain and Turkey before impacting on Wednesday night. “Things have been building with a bit of momentum and the support of some trainers, it’s been great,” he said. “I’ve had some horses running well but not quite able to get there.” Kingscote, who won the 2022 Epsom Derby on Desert Crown for trainer Sir Michael Stoute, described Hong Kong racing as “very competitive but I’ve really enjoyed it. Hopefully they’ll let me come back.” Tony Cruz Award winner Angus Chung slotted a double with a pair of brilliant rides, first scoring on Tony Cruz-trained California Star in the second section of the Class 4 Kestrel Handicap (1200m) after weaving his way from the tail of the field to win decisively. Demonstrating tactical versatility, Chung led all the way on veteran Telecom Fighters in the Class 3 Flamingo Handicap (1650m) from barrier 12, fending off Never Peter Out by a short head as the gelding posted his eighth win in Hong Kong. Imported to Hong Kong after three wins in 2019 and 2020 in Australia, where he raced as Mark Gee, the now eight-year-old Telecom Fighters has amassed HK$17.5 million in prize money from 59 starts. Andrea Atzeni celebrated his 34th birthday with a double, winning the first section of the Class 5 Spoonbill Handicap (1200m) on Frankie Lor-trained Cheer For South and the Class 3 Egret Handicap (1200m) on John Size’s Must Go. “It’s nice to win a race on my birthday,” the Italian said. “It was nice for him (Cheer For South) to put his head in front – he’s been threatening and just needed for things to go right.” While Size (45 wins) stretched his lead to seven over David Hayes (38), Atzeni took his tally to 35 wins to claim third place in the jockeys’ championship from Brenton Avdulla (34) to sit behind only Zac Purton (84) and Hugh Bowman (50). Atzeni also rode a winner on his birthday in 2016, triumphing on Postponed in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) on Dubai World Cup Night. Yoda’s Choice justified Pierre Ng’s patience with deserved success in the Class 5 Swan Handicap (1800m) under Luke Ferraris to end a frustrating run of minor placings this season. “He’s been running consistently, Yoda’s Choice, he’s just been unlucky in running four seconds this season and now he breaks the maiden. Hopefully he can carry on with the light weight in Class 4 and perform more,” Ng said. Cody Mo-trained Yeah Buddy also scored his first Hong Kong victory with jockey Derek Leung, winning the second section of the Class 5 Spoonbill Handicap (1200m). Horse racing news View the full article

What Muswellbrook Races Where Muswellbrook Race Club – Skellatar Park, 15 Racecourse Rd, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 When Friday, March 28, 2025 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing returns to Muswellbrook on Friday afternoon, where a bumper eight-part program is lined up for Muswellbrook Cup Day. Big Dance (1600m) eligibility is up for grabs in the $150,000 feature, with a capacity field of 14 set to battle for supremacy. The rail is in the true position the entire circuit for the meeting, and although some rainfall is forecast to hit the course proper on Thursday, the surface should be rated no worse than a Soft on race-day morning. The opening event for Muswellbrook Cup Day is scheduled to get underway at 1:10pm local time. Muswellbrook Cup Tip: Les Vampires Les Vampires picked up a much-deserved victory second-up at Rosehill on March 15, grinding his way to the wire to score by a length. He held off the likes of Bojangles and Harlem Queen and should have no issues stepping out to the 1500m third-up. Rachel King will look to make every post a winner from stall eight, and with Les Vampires likely to get it all his own way out in front, this guy will take plenty of chasing in the concluding stages. Muswellbrook Cup Race 7 – #11 Les Vampires (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Rachel King (54kg) Best Bet at Muswellbrook: Telling Telling returns after a 103-day spell and looks perfectly placed back in country grade. The son of Graff was no match for Within The Law in the Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Randwick on December 14 at the end of last preparation; however, he never shirked the task to get within 3.7 lengths of what would be a genuine Golden Slipper contender. Two strong barrier trials have Telling ready to fire, and provided he gets even luck from stall six, this guy should justify the short price with . Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Telling (6) 2yo Colt | T: Peter Snowden | J: Braith Nock (58.5kg) Next Best at Muswellbrook: Merchant Gold The Brett Cavanough-trained Merchant Gold brings an element of class to this Class 2 contest, closing off strongly behind Our Benefactor at Eagle Farm on February 15. He’s had just over a month between runs and a tick-over trial to keep his mind on the job and looks well placed dropping back to the 1000m. Expect Braith Nock to press forward to hold a position over the short course, and although others could prove sharper, Merchant Gold has the class to get the job done. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Merchant Gold (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Cavanough | J: Braith Nock (57kg) Friday quaddie tips for Muswellbrook Muswellbrook quadrella selections March 28, 2025 2-3-5-11-13 1-2-3-4-8 1-4-6-10-11 1-3-11-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

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In this week's edition of Three Heating Up for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tiztastic, Flying Gambit, and Flying Mohawk are profiled. View the full article

Jockey Tyler Gaffalione was transported to a local Hallandale hospital for further evaluation after complaining of ankle pain prior to Wednesday's fourth race at Gulfstream Park, the track said in a Wednesday release. Gaffalione was shaken up during the post parade of the claiming event for 3-year-old fillies when his mount, China Blue (Social Inclusion), acted up and pinned his leg against the rail. Gaffalione was a replacement rider for Junior Alvarado, who suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday's finale. Jose D'Angelo-trained China Blue was unhurt and finished third under jockey Emisael Jaramillo. Gaffalione was replaced on his remaining two mounts Thursday. He is named in all 14 races Saturday at Gulfstream, 10 of them stakes including California shipper Madaket Road (Quality Road) in the GI Curlin Florida Derby. His agent, Matt Muzikar, said following Wednesday's races that Gaffalione was awaiting test results. The post Jockey Gaffalione Injured, Replaced On Remaining Wednesday Gulfstream Mounts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three Heating Up for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1)View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Some extra spice has been added to the Boys Get Paid (BGP)’s assault on Cambridge’s Night of Champions on Friday, April 4. For the second year BGP will be running their own Punters’ Club at Cambridge on the night but for the first time they will have some real skin in the game, with their own runner in the night’s pinnacle race. Big spending Australian Josh Davine and BGP secured the 10th and last slot for the $1m The Race by betcha and then locked in reigning Inter Dominion champion Don Hugo. He’s a pre-draw $3.20 second favourite behind Leap To Fame with defending champion and leading Kiwi hope Merlin at $8.50. “He’s a massive get,” BGP’s Dan Rack says of Don Hugo , “it was bit surprising as we thought he was going to Peth and was going to bypass this race.” “We are in with a real chance.” The $2m earner comes to New Zealand after winning his last four races at Menangle, including the Miracle Mile on March 8. This year BGP is also super keen to “get one over the TAB” after only breaking even last year. In 2024 they had big sized losing bets on the likes of Republican Party ($50K) and Muscle Mountain ($17K) only to ultimately get back to level with a $50K bet on both Don’t Stop Dreaming and Kango to finish top 4 in the then Race by Grins. It came in, paying $140,179! The Punters Club for next week’s event is open now, and so far just over $50K has been invested. “Our goal is $200,000,” says Rack, “and the last couple of Punters Clubs have showed us that things start slowly and then ramp up in the last few days.” Rack is at pains though to emphasise that the Punters Cup is not a get rich scheme. “Obviously we want to make money but it’s got to the point that people think it’s guaranteed money when they put their money in which it’s not.” “The whole idea is to be part of something big.” “We want it to be profitable of course but we also want it to be fun and entertaining for everyone.” There will be 10 races on the night, highlighted by The Race by betcha and the $600,000 TAB Trot. Making the investments will be four core tipsters – Andrew Fitzgerald, Matt Markham, Troy Scanlon and Bruce “Gasso” Gasson. “There will be one or two horses that we really like on the night,” says Rack, “and we would go backwards from there.” “If you kick off the night with a good win you get your tails in the air, you have more ammo and it can change how you bet during the night.” “Conversely if you get bowled over early it changes the way you bet as you try to get people their money back.” On course BGP will have their own set-up by the finishing post. There will be room for around 150 people. They’ll each pay $100 which includes a food and beverage package. If Don Hugo happens to win The Race by betcha then one of those BGPers will get another windfall as well. “$5000 in cash will be given to someone in the room!” says Rack. THE BGP PUNTERS CLUB : How to get involved : You can purchase a share in the BGP Punters Club directly from the TAB APP. You can no longer enter via a retail store, betting option or the online site. You must use the app. Follow this link: https://www.tab.co.nz/hosted-group/BGPAID2024 which will take you direct to enter. Alternatively: 1. You need to go to the TAB App and bottom right you will find ‘More’. 2. Top left you will see ‘Boys Get Paid’ – click on this. 3. You will see ‘Boys Get Paid’ under groups. If it asks for a joining code that is BGPAID2024 or BGPAID24 4. Once you have joined that you will see ‘The Pot’. 5. Select The Pot and join it and you can follow the steps to add funds. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Queensland trainer Graham Dwyer isn’t setting the bar too high for his emerging trotter Not As Promised at Cambridge on Friday night. The five-year-old steps into the big league for the first time when he faces arguably NZ’s two best trotters, Bet N Win and Oscar Bonavena, in a small five-horse field in the $60,000 Waikato Trotters’ Flying Mile. “It a small field, but a strong field,” Dwyer said. “It’ll give us a clear indication where he sits with some of the best. “We’ve been really happy with how he’s come back since his time out and we think he’s earned a chance like this. “But this is a starting point. It’s a race he needed to have to help settle in and be at his top for the big one the week after.” The big one is the $600,000 TAB Trot as part of Cambridge’s Night of Champions on Friday week, where Not As Promised will be one of five Aussie-trained runners in the eight-horse field. Aussies filled the first four placings in last year’s TAB Trot. “The first step for him was handling the travel, which he seems to have done well. He’s certainly been better than when we took him to Christchurch at the end of 2023, but that was different because he two flights, one from Brisbane to Auckland and then another down to Christchurch. “He seems bright and he’s been drinking and is starting to get back into his feed as well. He’s put on 15kgs since he got here (Sunday).” Not As Promised has gate three and is drawn inside his two main dangers – Bet N Win (four) and Oscar Bonavena (five). “I doubt he’ll take advantage of that, though,” said Dwyer. “We haven’t bustled him out a lot and like to drive him to settle into a rhythm early. “We won’t change that because of the draw and, ultimately, he’s having this run to prime him for the week after. “We’d just love to see him show he can be really competitive against two top Kiwis like Bet N Win and Oscar Bonavena. “The mile isn’t his ideal trip either. He’s got strength and sustained speed more than brilliance, so he’s better over longer trips.” Top Queensland driver Nathan Dawson, who won the Australian Drivers’ Premiership in 2023, will drive Not As Promised. “It’s great having Nathan coming across this week and next because he knows the horse so well,” Dwyer said. Not As Promised with the 2023 Australian 3YO Trotter of the Year courtesy of his wins in the Victoria Trotters’ Derby and Breeders Crown finals. He was sidelined for all of 2024 with injury, but has returned with eight starts this year for six wins and a second. View the full article

Here's a look at the sixth installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2025: Things are really starting to heat up. Last weekend saw Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), who is now 6 for 6, winning the Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks. For now, she looks like a strong favorite in the GI Kentucky Oaks. At Turfway Park, Bless the Broken (Laoban) won the Bourbonette Oaks, but didn't show enough versus a weak field to crack our top 10. This will be a huge weekend of preps that will include the GII Gulfsteam Park Oaks and the GII Fantasy S. at Oaklawn. 1) GOOD CHEER (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) O/B-Godolphin (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 6-6-0-0, $877,630. Last Start: Won Mar. 22 GII Fair Grounds Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points 145. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 2 All she does is win. Good Cheer has yet to run a big number. The 90 she received for winning the Fair Grounds Oaks is her career best. And she doesn't take your breath away during her races. In most of her races, it looks, early on, like she's going to put in a pedestrian effort and then the next thing you know she's somehow four in front at the wire. She's now 6 for 6 and the closest anyone has come to her is 2 1/2 lengths, the distance between her and runner-up Quietside (Malibu Moon) in the GII Golden Rod Stakes. Brad Cox is good at a lot of things, but his biggest strength is creating top-class 3-year-old fillies. 2) TENMA (Nyquist–Amagansett, by Tapit) O-Baoma Corp.; B-B Flay Thoroughbreds (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $850,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 5-4-0-1, $429,000. Last Start: Won Feb. 2 GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 33. Next Start: GII Santa Anita Oaks, SA, Apr. 5. If Tenma wins the GII Santa Anita Oaks, which she should, she'll likely be the second choice in the Kentucky Oaks. Trainer Bob Baffert has been patient with this filly, which is why he didn't run her in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. It has paid off as she is 2-for-2 since, including an impressive victory in GIII Las Virgenes Stakes. Tenma was his eighth consecutive winner in the Las Virgenes for Baffert. With all the top 3-year-old fillies he has had over the years, surprising to see that Baffert has won the Kentucky Oaks only three times. 3) QUIETSIDE (Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Shortleaf Stable (Ky); T-John Ortiz. Lifetime Record: GSW & MGISP, 6-2-3-1, $552,200. Last Start: Won Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 68. Next Start: GII Fantasy Stakes, OP, Mar. 29. After a string of second and third-place finishes, Quietside finally broke through to win the GIII Honeybee, which had a loaded field. She goes next in Saturday's GII Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn, where she's the 2-1 morning line second choice. “Maintenance,” John Ortiz told the Oaklawn notes team after Quietside worked four furlongs in 49 seconds last Sunday. “We already know she's fast. She looked really good. Ramon (Vazquez) jumped off the horse and he called me right away. He says: 'Johnny, I got a little tingle in my tummy when I went down the stretch because she really knows how to stretch out. Nice maintenance, felt great, galloped out nicely, he said. He said all the gears lined up.'” Now must prove that she can put in two big efforts back-to-back. 4) MUHIMMA (Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Shadwell Stable; B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $700,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-1, $319,460. Last Start: Third Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, Apr. 4. Formerly No. 1 in this poll, she slipped down to fourth after a lackluster third-place finish in the Honeybee. Considering how well she ran in her final start as a 2-year-old, earning a victory in the GII Demoiselle Stakes, the race was a disappointment. Maybe she didn't make the transition from two to three or maybe she just had a bad day We shall find out in the GI Ashland, where she'll need a big effort to stay in the conversation when it comes to the top 3-year-old fillies in training. 5) MAYSAM (Game Winner–Sefani, by American Pharoah) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Michael L Petersen; B-Seclusive Farm, Chester & Anne Prince (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $140,000 yrl '23 FTKJUL; $500,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-0-0, $98,500. Last Start: WON Mar. 2 GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: TBD. After a horrible effort by Maysam in the Sunland Park Oaks, where she was the 1-10 favorite, Bob Baffert was left with no choice but to run her back in two weeks to try to get her back on track. It worked as she gamely fought off Supa Speed (Justify) to win the GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel Stakes by a nose. It has been a less than smooth journey to the Kentucky Oaks for her, and that's a big factor with this horse. But this appears to be a talented filly who could win if things go her way. She looked sensational breaking her maiden at Santa Anita by six lengths on Jan. 24. Maysam winning the GIII Santa Ysabel | Benoit Photo 6) FIVE G (Vekoma–Triumphant, by Quality Road) O/B-Gatsas Stables (NY); T-George Weaver. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 5-2-2-0, $240,290. Last Start: Second Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park Oaks, GP, March 29 The Gulfstream Park Oaks will be a big test for this daughter of Vekoma. After two turf starts, the New York-bred looked terrific when switching to the dirt and winning the Cash Run Stakes at Gulfstream by nine lengths. After finishing a close second in the Honeybee, she returns home to South Florida to take on an interesting group of six opponents. Note that Irad Ortiz Jr. took off her to stick with The Queens M G (Thousand Words). Considering that she won a mile-and-a-sixteenth maiden on the turf at Aqueduct, distance should not be a problem 7) BALLERINA D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro–In the Moonlight, by Tapit) O-Rodeo Creek Racing, LLC; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $320,000 yrl '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: MGSP, 5-1-1-1, $176,975. Last Start: Third Mar. 1 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 16.25. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, April 4 If not trained by Chad Brown, Ballerina d'Oro wouldn't make this list. But it looks like Brown has carefully crafted a plan to get her to the Oaks at her very best, and it may just result in a win. She was supposed to make her 3-year-old debut in the Rachel Alexandra, but was knocked out of that race by a fever. Brown had to wait all the way to March 1 and the GII Davona Dale Stakes to get her back on track. She ran third, but considering the layoff and that the race, at a mile, was a bad fit for her distance-wise, it was an encouraging effort. She should run much better next time. 8) SIMPLY JOKING (Practical Joke–Imply, by E Dubai) O-Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner, & Berkels0813; B-Barlar LLC (Pa); T-D Whitworth Beckman. Sales history: $65,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MSW, 2-2-0-0, $153,000. Last Start: WON Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GII Fantasy Stakes, OP, March 29 It's now or never for the daughter of Practical Joke. She was entered in the Rachel Alexandra, but lost her appetite a few days before the race. Trainer Whit Beckman ordered a blood test that revealed a developing illness. Simply Joking recovered fairly quickly and is now entered as the morning line favorite in Saturday's Fantasy at Oaklawn. She's 2-for-2 and has a win in the Silverbulletday Stakes on her record, but she hasn't run since Jan. 18 and has zero Kentucky Oaks points. To win the Fantasy won't be easy, but maybe she's that good. 9) LA CARA (Street Sense–Cara Caterina, by Bernardini) O/B-Tracy Farmer (Ky); T-Mark Casse. Lifetime Record: GSW, 8-3-2-0, $418,520. Last Start: Second Mar. 1 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 51.75. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, April 4. She looked like she was ready to have a big year after romping in the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa in her 3-year-old debut. She dropped back to a one-turn, one-mile race for the Davona Dale and the results were less than encouraging. She finished third in a race where the winner, The Queens M G (Thousand Words), turned in a Beyer of only 80. She's been a little bit erratic throughout her career. There's every chance she cold jump up in the Ashland and run a big race. 10) THE QUEENS M G (Thousand Words–Show Queen, by Grindstone) O-C2 Racing Stable LLC & Mathis Stable LLC; B-T F VanMeter, Samuel Hernandez, Jesus Torres, Justin Vinalay (Ky); T-Saffie Joseph, Jr. Sales history: $3,500 yrl '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 8-4-0-2, $422,480. Last Start: WON Mar. 1 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 43.5. Next Start: GII Gulfstream Park Oaks, GP, March 29 She's dangerous when the races are shorter and around one-turn. She won the one-turn, one-mile Davona Dale Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths and also won last year's GIII Adirondack Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs and the six-furlong Schuylerville Stakes at six-furlongs. But she's never been two turns. So the big question for her is can she handle the distance in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Gulfstream Park Oaks? She doesn't look like a two-turn horse, but we'll give her a chance to prove us wrong Saturday at Gulfstream. The post The Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Mar. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) will defend his G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup crown on May 25, according to assistant trainer George Murphy, who assists his father, John. The Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez runner won all three of his starts in 2024–April's G3 Alleged Stakes, the G2 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh a month later, and the May 26 Gold Cup, claiming the scalp of Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the latter. He was benched for the remainder of the year with a setback just before Royal Ascot. “He's wintered very well and looks superb and we couldn't be happier with how he's training,” said George Murphy, assistant to his father. “We'll more than likely start off at the Curragh, we'll probably skip the Group 3 [Alleged Stakes, Apr. 12] and head to the Mooresbridge [Stakes, Curragh, May 5] and then we'll go on to the Tattersalls Gold Cup,that I think will be the plan. Hopefully he gets there in one piece, but he's in good shape at the moment anyway.” The post Tattersalls Gold Cup Defence On The Agenda For White Birch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, March 27. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Gosford. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 27, 2025 Gosford Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 27, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

A judge in Louisiana has dismissed Jonathan Wong's complaint against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division, ruling that the state does not have jurisdiction over HISA, according to Brent Malmstrom, one of Wong's owners. The case, which stemmed from a June, 2023 Metformin positive, saw Wong receive a two-year suspension and spurred his move to Louisiana, where the Act is not in effect. In the complaint filed Tuesday, Wong asserted that the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) had threatened the immigration status of an employee who cared for the horse who tested positive, Heaven and Earth (Gormley), and who had been prescribed Metformin, preventing him from testifying. HIWU denied that charge. The complaint also questioned the constitutionality of the law, like the case against HISA currently in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the chain of command of the blood and urine. The complaint asked that the decision be vacated. Heaven and Earth broke her maiden at Indiana Grand on June 1 but subsequently tested positive for metformin. As a matter of protocol at that time, HIWU initially provisionally suspended Wong at the beginning of June when the A sample returned a positive finding for Metformin. The B sample also tested positive for Metformin, and a HISA arbitration panel imposed the maximum possible sentence-a two-year ban and a $25,000 fine. Attorneys for Jonathan Wong and the horse's owner Brent Malmstrom issued the following statement: “We are disappointed in the Louisiana federal district court's decision to dismiss Jonathan Wong's case for jurisdictional reasons. The ruling is procedural and does not address the substance of Jonathan's claims. The FTC and HISA forced Jonathan to move to Louisiana by suspending him, and yet they both fought against having to defend themselves there. Jonathan's case has always been–and will continue to be–about ensuring fair and equal treatment and holding the FTC, HISA, and HIWU to the rules they set for themselves. While we disagree with the federal court's ruling, we are pleased that the court acknowledged that Jonathan may file his case in a different court. We are considering all legal options, including an appeal. We look forward to Jonathan finally having the merits of his claims decided by the rule of law, which is all Jonathan has ever asked for. Given the ongoing nature of the dispute, we will have no further comment.” The post Louisiana Court Dismisses Wong’s Complaint Against HISA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland announces that Valvoline Global Operations, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, is the new sponsor of the $400,000 Shakertown (G2T) to be held April 5.View the full article

Woodbine and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario jointly announced March 26 that they have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by CA$5.7 million.View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by $5.7 million, according to a press release from the racetrack on Wednesday afternoon. The new agreement commits $64.7 million in purses in 2025 and $65 million in 2026, both with 128-day race meets. The upcoming 2025 season kicks off on Saturday, Apr. 26 and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 14. “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the HBPA that increases purses for our racing community, even as the industry continues to face significant challenges and headwinds,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “Reaching an agreement allows our horse people to plan and move forward,” said HBPA President Sue Leslie. “The 128 racing days and the purse increase provides needed stability for our members and while there is always more work to be done, we believe that this is a necessary and positive step forward for racing in Ontario.” The post Woodbine Entertainment And Ontario HBPA Reach New Two-Year Deal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Have you ever fancied gaining an insight into how trainers like Jessica Harrington or Johnny Murtagh prepare their horses to win big-race riches all over the globe? Or perhaps you'd like to better understand the breeding industries and take a peek behind the scenes at some of the biggest stud farms in Ireland? The recently-launched Horse Country, which is funded by Failte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland and the Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, will offer such experiences to interested parties and its CEO Laura Magee spoke of her excitement about the concept. “The industry can be quite closed doors unless you are working in it or know somebody who is working in it,” Magee explained. “I'm from Dublin with not a really strong horse background but my Dad and Granddad had a huge love for it and worked in the sport. That's where I got the love from but, even for me to try and get in behind the scenes and find out a little bit more when I knew it was something I wanted to do as a career, it was tricky.” She added, “The race day is not the full story but, for some people, it might be their only touch point. But so much has gone on behind the scenes in the build-up to the race day. As our relationship with Failte Ireland has grown, so too has their appreciation for how important our industry is. “Obviously it's important on an economic basis, but much more than that, the connection that the Irish people have with the horse is also extremely important. We looked at a destination development plan, which sounds wicked fancy, but it is similar to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. They give a name and a theme to an area that they want to collectively promote. In this instance, we looked at Kildare and Tipperary as being the areas we wanted to try and promote. Kildare is known as the HQ for the horse racing and breeding industries in Ireland while in Tipperary we have Aidan O'Brien and Coolmore which are recognised globally so that's what sets us apart.” Horse Country is something that has thrived in recent years in Kentucky. Magee concedes that her friends in America “are 10 years ahead” but spoke of her excitement about what the future might hold for Ireland's newest tourism destination ahead of its official launch at Punchestown on April 30 where Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke and Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon, will be in attendance. Magee said, “By allowing visitors access to your training yard or stud farm, that's not going to make anyone rich. Nobody is doing that to have another revenue stream although they are paid for it. This is for the betterment of the industry because, if we don't start opening the doors and letting people in and experience what happens on these stud farms and the various stages of a thoroughbred's life, to be honest, I think the industry might look very different in 10 years time. “Not everyone can be an owner and get that behind-the-scenes feel and knowledge and get to go into Johnny and Orla Murtagh's kitchen and have breakfast and ask them questions. We've developed these experiences where people can feel like an owner for the day and really feel a part of it.” A VIP experience with Johnny and Orla Murtagh is advertised at €2,000 for a group of eight on the Horse Country website while an hour with Jessica Harrington is priced at €400 for two people. That includes a gift and afternoon tea. There are also behind the scenes tours at the Curragh, which are priced at €25 per person, the Kildangan Stud 'Foal to Fame Tour' at €35 per person and much more. The post Newly-Launched Horse Country Is For “Betterment Of The Industry” Says CEO appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Topping the Arqana March Online Sale was Siyouni (Fr)'s Why Not Again (Fr) (lot 1), who went for €250,000 to Willingham on Wednesday. Sent through the ring by Fabrice Chappet, the winning bay is out of dual Group 1 winner Watch Me (Fr) (Olympic Glory {Ire}). City Light (Fr)'s Scapecity (Fr) (lot 13) made €155,000 on the bid of Willingham, once again. The 3-year-old filly, also offered by Chappet, was third in the Listed Prix Zeddaan in November of 2024. Blue Seabhac (Fr) (Seabhac) was knocked down to James Summers for €150,000. The 3-year-old gelding (lot 16), consigned by Mickael Seror, has placed from his sole start at Fontainebleau. Overall, 13 of the 16 lots offered sold (81%) for a gross of €824,000. The post Why Not Again Tops Arqana Online’s March Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade 3 winner West Balboa (Ire) (Yeats {Ire}) (lot 38) leads a 62-strong catalogue for the Tattersalls Online April Sale. Scheduled for Tuesday Apr. 1 through Wednesday Apr. 2, the sale features 45 horses in- and out-of-training, nine broodmares, four yearlings, three point-to-pointers and one store. West Balboa was runner-up in the G1 Challow Novices' Hurdle and is out of the Fleminsfirth mare Rostellan (Ire), herself a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Clew Bay Cove (Ire) (Anshan {GB}). Another Grade 3 winner in the jumps sphere is Uncle Phil (Ire) (lot 36). The 8-year-old son of Walk In The Park (Ire) took the G3 Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse; while Grade 2-placed Miss Manzour (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}) (lot 23), out of a winning half-sister to the dam of dual Group 1 winner Hello Youmzain (Fr), is also offered. On the Flat, the winner Quandary (GB) (Intello {Ger}) (lot 28) qualifies for a free entry in the All-Weather Championships Finals Day at Newcastle. Rated 86 by Timeform, she is a half-sister to last season's promising juvenile winner Surprised (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}). There is also a yearling (lot 52) by Grade I winner and sire Oscar Performance from the family of Rogue Lightning (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). The post Grade 3 Winners Highlight Tattersalls Online April Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Valvoline Global Operations, a provider of automotive and industrial solutions, is the new sponsor of Keeneland's $400,000 GII Shakertown Stakes to be held opening Saturday of the 2025 Spring meet, the racetrack said via a press release on Wednesday. “Keeneland is pleased to welcome Valvoline Global to our team of stakes sponsors, whose participation enables us to continually elevate our world-class racing program,” Keeneland Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christa Marrillia said. “As Lexington-based companies, Keeneland and Valvoline Global share a commitment to the community, and we thank them for their support of Thoroughbred racing.” “For more than 150 years, Valvoline Global has been dedicated to driving innovation and excellence–on and off the road,” said Valvoline Global's Chief Brand Officer Rob Kenny. “We are proud to partner with Keeneland, uniting our mutual passion for horsepower and community.” The Valvoline Global Shakertown is a 5 1/2-furlong turf race for 3-year-olds and up. First run in 1997, the race is named for America's largest and completely restored Shaker community and living museum located 25 miles southwest of Lexington. The post Valvoline Global To Sponsor Keeneland’s Grade II Shakertown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article