Wandering Eyes

Name Dropper led throughout at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Colin Bull Talented galloper Name Dropper notched his third victory from seven career starts when leading throughout at Flemington on Saturday. The late-blooming son of Tavistock was perfectly rated by Blaike McDougall and comfortably held placegetters My Brothers Keeper and Impending Link. The Richard Laming-trained gelding was fourth emergency but was supported into $15 with BlondeBet, with Name Dropper unusually carrying the number 20 saddlecloth to victory at headquarters. Name Dropper was a well-backed Eagle Farm winner on debut in August 2023 and was sent for a lengthy spell before reappearing as a Sandown winner last winter and was around the mark through his last campaign but failed to stay when stretched in distance. “He is obviously a pretty nice horse,” McDougall said. “He proved that last preparation. “I thought we would be outside the leader or one-one, but when we found our way to the front, it was game over. “I was able to dictate and being first-up I had a good few cheap sectionals. It was pretty much a four and two in the end (working gallop over four furlongs and gallop home two furlongs). “Richard was confident today and autumn is around the corner and I am sure he has got a plan for him. He feels like a pretty progressive horse. “I don’t know if he is going to be a stayer. I saw that he got out to a trip (2040m) at the end of last preparation. “He feels more like a 1400m horse or a miler. He is going to have a fitness edge on a lot of these horses come the autumn. So if they plan right, they might be able to get a little bit of black-type with him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Top Darwin jockey Sonja Logan aboard Queen In The North, trained by husband Tom Logan, after the five-year-old mare made it three straight wins at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) In-form Darwin jockey Sonja Logan celebrated a winning treble at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Logan saluted on Queen Of The North and Crown Waters for husband and trainer Tom Logan before claiming a narrow win aboard Phil Cole’s Lord Fenrir. Queen In The North was the $2.25 favourite with online bookmakers over 1300m at 0-64 level and Crown Waters started at $4.80 over 1200m in 0-58 grade, while Lord Fenrir won over 1000m in the BM54 ranks at $2.60. It was three straight wins for the five-year-old mare Queen In The North, who continues to produce powerful late finishing bursts after winning at the 13th attempt in Darwin on December 14 before saluting again on January 4. Crown Waters, a four-year-old mare, was making her NT debut after posting a second from five starts in Victoria from July-October. Lord Fenrir made it two wins in a row – albeit narrowly yet again – after prevailing on December 28. Logan’s last Darwin treble was Melbourne Cup Day in 2022. She came close to making it four wins on Saturday when Chris Pollard’s No I’m Not ($5) finished a close second in the 1200m maiden. For Tom Logan, it was another double after achieving the feat on October 5 and November 29. Cole secured a winning double for the third straight meeting after Conclave Prince delivered over 1200m at 0-70 level; he now has 18 wins for the season. Gary Clarke leads the way on 22 in the Top End and Country trainers’ premiership, while Tom Logan is third with 10. Jarrod Todd is ahead in the jockeys’ premiership with 18 wins from Sonja Logan, who has 14 in the bank. Trainer Jason Manning and jockey Vanessa Arnott combined to win the maiden with Carat Time, while Wayne Davis made it three wins from the last three meetings since returning from injury after piloting Conclave Prince. Conclave Prince, fifth in the Palmerston Sprint (1200m) in August, was a first-up fourth following a spell over 1100m in open company a fortnight ago. Lumping 61kg, the five-year-old gelding did a great job catching Chole Baxter’s $2.80 favourite La Boqueria, who carried 54.5kg courtesy of Olivia Kendal’s 2kg claim, in the closing stages to win by just under a length. It was a tough day for Baxter and Kendal as Siberian Larch succumbed to Lord Fenrir by a short half-head. Horse racing news View the full article

GISW Johannes (Nyquist) has emerged from his victory in the GII San Gabriel Stakes with bone bruising and will need time off, Camilla Yakteen tweeted on X Friday. A three-quarter-length winner of that graded contest for trainer Tim Yakteen, his fifth in a near perfect 2024 season blemished only by a game second in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, Johannes will be given time off to heal and will resume his 2025 campaign once fully recovered. “Coming out of the San Gabriel Stakes, Johannes developed a mild case of bone bruising,” said Yakteen in the tweet. “As always, Tim and the owners, Debby and Joe McCloskey, will put Johannes first and give him the necessary time off to fully recover before resuming his 2025 campaign.” The post Johannes Sidelined with Bone Bruising after San Gabriel Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Mullion (Into Mischief) sired his first foal when Maggiore (Speightstown) gave birth to a filly, announced Sequel New York in a release Saturday evening. The first foal for her dam, a half-sister to MGSW & MGISP Bonny South (Munnings), the filly was bred by Albaugh Family Stables. The mare is also a half to GSP Sun Path (Munnings), SP Capella (Quality Road), and to the dam of MSW Mister Omaha (Omaha Beach). The female family includes the likes of multiple Group/Grade I runner Etoile Montante (Miswaki), herself dam of MGSW Starformer (Dynaformer) and granddam of MSW & GSP Flavius (War Front) and MGSP Oyster Box (Tapit) through that daughter. Mullion is himself out of a very active female family, one that includes most notably his full-brother, 2021 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun. Their dam, Irish multiple Group winner Brooch (Empire Maker), is a half-sister to MSW & MGSP-Ire Caponata (Selkirk), who has also produced a group winner named Merrily (No Nay Never). This is the extended family of GI Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victress, multiple Group 1 winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}). The post Mullion’s First Foal is a Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Grade 3 winner King Zachary was represented by his first winner as a stallion Jan. 11 when King Adolis won the third race at Sam Houston Race Park.View the full article

There will be no warm-up starts for new trainer Nick Vaccarezza, but then again he's been preparing most of his life for the opportunity.View the full article

9th-Gulfstream, $78,840, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 1-11, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.44, fm, 1 1/4 lengths. DREAM ON (c, 3, Not This Time–Mamma Kimbo {GSW, $242,250}, by Discreet Cat) put together a classy juvenile campaign, breaking his maiden second asking when switched to the turf at Ellis Park and earning placings in the Soar Free Stakes and, more notably, in the GI bet365 Summer Stakes at Woodbine going one mile Sept. 14. Fifth at odds of 15-1 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar Nov. 1, Dream On then enjoyed a short break before returning to the races as a 3-year-old with Lasix Saturday. Trying his longest distance to date, the popular 1-2 favorite stalked from just off the speed while a close-up third as 16-1 longshot Tank (Adios Charlie) led the field up the backstretch. Spun off the turn wide, Dream On put in a strong bid to head the pacesetter at the furlong marker and edged away in the later stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths. The half-brother to Balandeen (Bernardini), SW, $372,352, Dream On is a son of GSW Mamma Kimbo who brought $1.2m at FTKNOV in 2013 from Aaron and Marie Jones while third dam Deputy Jane West was a two-time Canadian champion as 2-year-old and 3-year-old filly. Mamma Kimbo has not produced a foal since Dream On but was bred to Arabian Lion for 2025. Sales History: $295,000 RNA Wlg '22 FTKNOV; $245,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $380,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISP, 6-2-1-1, $175,990.Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. Dream On and @jjcjockey are the winners of the 9th race for @markecasse and @DJ_Stable! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/waubPBff2S — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 11, 2025 The post Dream On Returns From Breeders’ Cup Run With Gulfstream Allowance Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The fans in attendance at Tampa Bay Downs were treated to a show in addition to live racing as the pair of featured seven-furlong 3-year-old stakes provided plenty of drama and theatrics Jan. 11.View the full article

Santa Anita Park has provided space for a pop-up donation site to help victims of Los Angeles County wildfires, an effort that began with three men streaming their efforts to provide some free hot dogs on TikTok.View the full article

The number of Thoroughbred trainers who started at least one horse in North America declined in 2024, dipping from 4,058 in 2023 to 3,886 in 2024, a reduction of 4.2%. The slippage is largely in step with the fall-off of the annual foal crop and the closure of racetracks across the continent. Using year-end historical statistics posted on Equibase to make comparisons, the number of North American trainers has dropped 21.5% from five years ago, when 4,955 conditioners were active in 2019. Ten years ago, in 2014, there were 6,262 trainers, or 37.9% more than in 2024. Going back 20 years, the current number of trainers has plunged 57.8% from 9,210 in 2004. In 2024, there were 276 trainers (7.1% of the 3,886 total) who earned at least $1 million in purses. Compared to previous years, the number of trainers over the million mark was 283 in 2023; 239 in 2019; 236 in 2014, and 219 in 2004. At the opposite end of the scale, 2,315 trainers in 2024 (59.5% of the total) did not earn at least $100,000 in purses. The 2023 percentage for that earnings cutoff was close, at 60.2%. The median amount of earnings tells a slightly different story, with that number edging up compared to previous years, even when adjusted for inflation. In 2024, the median level of earnings for North American trainers was $61,289 (so exactly half of the 3,886 conditioners were above that level, half below it). The historical median level of trainer earnings is as follows, with the first number representing the actual dollar amount, and the figure in parenthesis adjusted for inflation, according to the United States Bureau of Labor's consumer price index inflation calculator: 2023-$58,807 ($60,483) 2019-$40,567 ($49,805) 2014-$29,816 ($40,060) 2004-$19,835 ($32,883) The post Number of Active Trainers Declines, Median Purse Earnings Edge Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2023 champion 3-year-old male MGISW Arcangelo (Arrogate) has sired his first foal, born Jan. 10, at Safari North Farm, Lane's End announced via release Saturday afternoon. The filly is out of the Bernardini mare Bhoma, who earned just shy of $230,000 in her career, and who claims multiple graded winner Mom's One Strike (First Dude) as a half-sister as well as SW Otago (Speightstown) and MSP Reminder (Audible). “Bhoma has been with the program since she was a yearling and we were excited about her first foal by Arcangelo,” stated farm manager Debbie Ward. “We were hoping he would give the mare some leg and the filly definitely has that! She's a very nice first foal.” Arcangelo's championship year included victories in the GIII Peter Pan Stakes, the GI Belmont Stakes, and the GI Travers Stakes, where he defeated that year's GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) as well as the GI Preakness Stakes victor 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road). The son of the late great Arrogate hails from the female family of the likes of GISW Streaming (Smart Strike); Canadian champion older horse MGSW & GISP Tyson (Tapit); and MGSW Cezanne (Curlin), all through the female line of Broodmare of the Year Better Than Honour. That mare herself produced two Belmont Stakes winners in champion 3-year-old filly MGISW Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and her half-brother GISW Jazil (Seeking the Gold). Arcangelo stands at Lane's End for $35,000 LFSN in 2025. The post Arcangelo’s First Foal is a Filly Born at Safari North Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-11, 3yo, 1m, 1:36.83, ft, 2 1/2 lengths. GRANDE (c, 3, Curlin–Journey Home {GSW, $225,997}, by War Front) was off at a modest 9-1 in the face of Camp Hale (Mo Town), who was crunched into 1-2 favoritism on the back of a pair of big-figure runner-up efforts, including to 'TDN Rising Star' and recent Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner Guns Loaded (Gun Runner) when last seen over six furlongs at Churchill Downs back on Nov. 16. Given a positive ride from John Velazquez from the inside barrier, the $300,000 Keeneland September purchase quickened through to set up shop just off the flank of the big favorite, who showed good gate speed and crossed his rivals to lead through an opening couple of furlongs in :23.67. The cadence quickened markedly through the next quarter-mile, as Camp Hale held a tenuous advantage over his less-experienced rival and the two pulled well clear of the peloton as they approached the entrance to the stretch. Camp Hale boxed on determinedly inside, but Grande always appeared to be doing slightly the better work and inched clear to the wire to give Velazquez and Todd Pletcher a sweep of the afternoon's 3-year-old maidens. Racing Drive (Dialed In) clipped heels down the backstretch, casting Reylu Gutierrez to the ground, but neither appeared injured. A $200,000 KEESEP purchase by Sam-Son Farm, Journey Home won the 2016 GIII Jimmy Durante Stakes and was sold to Larry and Karen Doyle's KatieRich Farms for $650,000 with this colt in utero out of the Sam-Son broodmare dispersal at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. Subsequent to Grande's purchase at KEESEP, Journey Home's foal of 2020, Ticker Tape Home, GSW, $273,916, won the 2023 Fury Stakes and 2024 GIII Seaway Stakes at Woodbine. Hailing from the family of GISW 'TDN Rising Star' and champion Japanese freshman sire Nadal (Blame), Grande is the most recent live produce for Journey Home, who visited both Tapit and Into Mischief last season. This owner's success with sons of Curlin is well-documented, having campaigned the likes of GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero Vino Rosso, Crupi and Bright Future in partnership with St. Elias Stable. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. –ALC O-Repole Stable; B-KatieRich Farms (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher. #1 GRANDE ($20.60) by Curlin out of the graded stakes winning War Front mare Journey Home takes race 7 at @GulfstreamPark. @ljlmvel and Todd Pletcher team up for their second win on the card. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/HpF5clErbu — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025 The post A ‘Big’ Debut For Repole-Owned Curlin Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Cat Eyes in Florida. The Florida Place To Be JDT Racing's Cat Eyes (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) put an eighth-place debut run at Tampa firmly in the rear view with a victory for Brendan Walsh at Gulfstream on Jan. 5 (video). Bred by Bill Crager, the dark bay daughter of Bodak (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) was a €65,000 purchase by JRSA from the Goffs November Foal Sale in 2021. Reoffered at the Goffs Orby Sale as a yearling, Cat Eyes was picked up by Ken Condon for €170,000. She is the first foal for her dam, who won a one-mile Dundalk handicap at three. Bodak's 2022 filly, Darling (Ire) (Australia {GB}), has yet to race, while her latest foals are fillies by Starman (GB) and Saxon Warrior (Jpn) born in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Second dam Arty Crafty (Arch) foaled a pair of group winners in Pincheck (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and Valeria Messalina (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). G2 Duke of York Stakes heroine Azure Blue (Ire) (El Kabeir) is out of another daughter of that mare, while GI Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Handicap hero Prince Arch is a full-brother to Arty Crafty and G1 National Stakes victor Kingsfort (War Chant) is a half-brother. New Turkish-based stallion Ten Sovereign's runners have an 64% strike rate in North America, with seven winners from 11 runners. Dual American graded winner Zulu Kingdom (Ire) is his best to date on U.S. shores, while he has an additional four stakes horses. Cat Eyes (IRE) and @LeojockeyReyes are the winners of the 10th race. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/UkkZlR76Zb — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 5, 2025 Repeat Winners It was a Ten Sovereigns double in this week's column, as Lush Lips (GB) added another victory at Gulfstream for Brendan Walsh on Friday (video). The filly races in the colours of Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Mrs. Paul Shanahan and Mrs. MV Magnier. Scarlet Poppy (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) earned her third victory in a row at Tampa Bay Downs for trainer Wesley Ward on Jan. 10 (video). A Making Waves firster in October, she is raced by Stonestreet Stables, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg. The post Making Waves: Ten Sovereigns Filly Shines At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Top bloodstock agent Mags O'Toole, Mickley Stud boss Richard Kent and Ana O'Brien were some of the key industry figures to give this year's Irish Stallion Trail the thumbs up. For Kent, this weekend marked his first time attending the trail, and it could prove an expensive trip for the Cork native who is now based in Shropshire, after he pencilled in a host of the farm's best mares to visit some of the stallions he was most taken with. He said, “We started off with Tally-Ho Stud on Friday and went on to Yeomanstown and Kildangan. We went to the Irish National Stud as well but they had gone to bed early at four o'clock so we went to Sunnyhill Stud instead! We've been to Ballyhane Stud, Capital Stud and on to Ballylinch Stud today [Saturday] so we're getting around to plenty of them. “Some beautiful horses have gone to stud here in Ireland and we really liked Big Evs (Ire) at Tally-Ho. We're going to send him a nice mare called Radio Goo Goo (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who won seven times. He has quality and is a really sharp-looking horse. The O'Callaghans do such a wonderful job bringing these young stallions through so, when you send a mare there, you can be fairly sure that the progeny of the stallions will be getting the maximum support in the sales ring.” He added, “It's actually great to be able to get out and see the horses in the flesh because stallion books and pictures don't do them any credit. It was my first time on the Irish Stallion Trail and I'd fully recommend it to anyone. You get to see all of the horses in the flesh and that makes such a difference. I had never seen Good Guess (GB) before, for example, and I just couldn't believe what a beautiful horse he is. I am glad I saw him because I wouldn't have sent him a mare if I didn't and I've booked one in now. We hoped we wouldn't be sending over too many but, after this weekend, that plan has changed! We've a few mares that we are thinking of going to Ireland with this year for a change.” It was at Tally-Ho, which is based slap bang in the middle of Ireland, where a lot of people seemed to begin their tour on Friday before branching out. One casual observer put it to the stud's Roger O'Callaghan that no other outfit in the country has welcomed three new stallions-Big Evs, King Of Steel and Bucanero Fuerte (GB)-to the roster. Richard Kent at Ballylinch Stud | Alayna Cullen Birkett “We've never had as much money invested in the place, either,” came the response. While his mother Anne was busy handing out fancy brochures, she needn't have bothered. No sooner had each horse left his stable to parade, a different breeder was busy posing the question, 'what is he standing at?' And in typical Irish fashion, the answer was usually met with a, 'but what are ye dealing at?' Doubtless there were many hard bargains driven and deals done this weekend, but one horse who the O'Callaghans won't be budging on this year is Mehmas (Ire), one of the stars of the entire trail who now stands at a cool €70,000. “You've got to write the cheque,” came O'Callaghan's response when another breeder queried if there were any foal-shares available on the record-producer of two-year-old winners in Europe. Friday morning represented O'Brien's first time viewing Mehmas among many of the country's top stallions. “We've been doing a bit of touring around over the past couple of days,' the former jockey, who now manages Mount Richard Stud, said. “It's been very interesting. I had never seen some of those very good horses-the likes of Lope De Vega (Ire), Mehmas, Dark Angel (Ire) and Blue Point (Ire). So it was great to be able to have a good look at them and it was interesting to compare them to what their stock looks like. There are some very nice horses that have gone to stud in Ireland recently as well, so to be able to get in and see all of the stallions, I think it's a brilliant incentive.” Just a few miles down the road from Tally-Ho Stud lies Micheál Orlandi's Starfield Stud in County Westmeath. It was during an impromptu sales pitch about the outfit's new stallion, Aesop's Fables, where Orlandi shared that the Group 2 winner's trainer Aidan O'Brien is one of the part-owners. Quick as lightning, Tattersalls employee Freddie McKibbin joked, 'wow-that's your marketing sorted then!” Upon viewing the strapping son of No Nay Never, O'Brien pledged to support her father's cause, and said, “Aesop's Fables is a horse that Dad used to train and he really caught my eye in Starfield Stud. He is a smashing-looking horse who, now that he is out of training, has let down into a very nice stallion. Out of all of the new stallions, he was the one that I liked the look of and we will send him a mare. It was great to see King Of Steel as well. He has size and scope. We saw Look De Vega (Fr) at Ballylinch Stud as well and he is a lovely-mover. Any of those three, they could do anything.” Top breeze-up handler and breeder Tom Whitehead committed to sending “at least one” of his 20 or so mares to the new kid on the block at Ballylinch Stud while O'Toole nominated Irish National Stud newbie Shouldvebeenaring (GB) as her standout from the first-season sire brigade. She explained, “I went to Kildangan and the Irish National Stud on Friday. I was going to go to Ballylinch Stud today, because I am keen to see Look De Vega, but I had to go to Fairyhouse. I would like to see him along with Auguste Rodin (Ire) and City Of Troy at Coolmore in the coming weeks. I was keen to go to Kildangan because they have such a lovely bunch of stallions and also because I bought Native Trail (GB) along with Norman [Williamson] and it was lovely to see him again. He has let down very well and looks great. “I have to say, I was very impressed by Shouldvebeenaring at the Irish National Stud. He's bigger than most horses by Havana Grey (GB) and he's stronger as well. He's a beautiful-mover and he's very correct. He's obviously sound as a pound because he went to the races more than I have. He's a fabulous mover for a sprinter and he impressed me.” The cohort of those who turned out to support the stallion trail was largely made up of domestic breeders and racing fans, with a notable number of British visitors as well, but the tour also drove some international interest, namely from Eastern Europe. Bloodstock agent Thomas Janda organised alongside Irish Thoroughbred Marketing for 65 people from Eastern Europe to make the trip and the native of Czech Republic said he was happy with the interest the two-day tour of the studs drummed up. He said, “The Eastern European market is expanding. This is true. Unfortunately, the reason for this is because the breeding industry is going down in these countries. The racing is stable in most Eastern European countries, and in some countries, it is actually on the rise. But because the breeding is in decline, we are seeing more and more yearlings being bought in Ireland from these countries.” Asked if there were any sires in particular that appealed to the Eastern European market, Janda continued, “Generally, we prefer the middle-distance horses but, unfortunately, there have not been as many new staying sires at stud in recent years. Our racing programme is similar to in Germany so we concentrate on staying stallions. For example, I bought some horses by In Swoop last year. I know he is standing as a National Hunt stallion but he is something that would appeal to our market. “We brought a group of 65 people-owners, trainers, breeders and journalists-from central Eastern Europe and, while things were a little bit complicated by the bad weather, it was a successful trip. Some breeders might decide to send a mare and, for the owners, it is interesting for them as they can go and see the stallions and match up with some of the yearlings that they might buy at the sales. So it is a trip that should generate some business.” The post “It Was My First Time On The Irish Stallion Trail And I’d Fully Recommend It To Anyone” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If anyone understands the talent and versatility of the Thoroughbred it is Anne Kursinski. A five-time member of the U.S. Olympic team and two-time Olympic (team) silver medalist, Kursinski has amassed a resume that would make most equine professionals blush. In addition to her Olympic efforts, the California native was also a member of 47 Nations Cup teams, and three World Equestrian Games teams. “I started on Thoroughbreds,” explained Kursinski of her longstanding relationship to the breed. “I am originally from Pasadena, California. Most of the horses when I was a little girl were Thoroughbreds. The Warmbloods hadn't really come over at that point. The horses came from Santa Anita, Del Mar, Hollywood Park or [Agua] Caliente in Mexico-so mostly Thoroughbreds. I grew up on them and just loved them. I really liked the sensitivity, intelligence and their bravery.” Kursinski was carried to her second team silver by the Australian-bred ex-racehorse Eros in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also won the team silver aboard Starman in Seoul in 1988. “He's was just an amazing character,” she recalled of the fiery red chestnut. “He had that sensitivity I loved and could jump anything. He was like a bird or a gazelle. He had that lightness and fluidity that Thoroughbreds often have. He was powerful but with a lighter feeling.” Winner of the 1994 American Gold Cup (Pennsylvania), Eros also annexed the 1998 $450,000 Pulsar Crown Grand Prix, the richest grand prix at the time, giving Kursinski the first victory for an American and a woman in the event. A member of the Nations Cup team for wins at Rome and St. Gallen in Switzerland, Eros won two legs of the Pulsar Triple Crown–the predecessor to the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping-before finishing second in the final leg in Aachen, Germany. In 2007, the chestnut was retired to Kursinski's Market Street facility in Frenchtown, New Jersey, where he lived out the remainder of his life before passing at the age of 33. While Kursinski admits the flashy gelding wasn't always the most straightforward horse to ride, the immense talent he possessed more than made up for any challenges. “He had his quirks-his head was up, but he knew right where the jumps were and he knew where his legs were. Since I grew up riding Thoroughbreds, his quirkiness was no problem for me. I just let him do his thing.” She continued, “He might not have suited just any rider because of his sensitive way of going, but it became a balancing act between asking him and letting him do what he wanted to do. It was about meeting him halfway. But that's the essence of the Thoroughbred.” In 1991, the U.S. Olympic Committee voted Kursinski Female Equestrian Athlete of the Year. She won individual and team gold medals in the Caracas, Venezuela Pan-American Games. In 1988 and 1992, she was named AHSA Horsewoman of the Year and in 1995 she was Equestrian of the Year. In 2017 she was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. A USHJA clinician, she is a member of the USHJA and USET Executive Committees and USEF Board of Directors. The horsewoman is also the Chef d'Equipe for the U.S. Show Jumping Development program and was a selector for the 2014 WEG bronze medal winning U.S. team in Normandy, France and the 2016 Rio Olympics' silver medal winning U.S. team. Kursinski, who has since added the title of author to her long list of accomplishments with her book: 'Riding and Jumping Clinic: A Step-by-Step Course for Winning in the Hunter and Jumper Rings', spends much of her time now in the role of trainer and mentor to subsequent generations of riders. And according to Kursinski, it was through her students that she was introduced to the TAKE2 program, which supports and promotes Thoroughbreds in their second careers after racing. “I had several students who came to me with their Thoroughbreds and told me about TAKE2 originally,” she explained. So when the off-the-track Thoroughbred Acta Non Verba, a.k.a. 'Bobby Socks' came to her attention via grand prix rider Mary Chapot–wife of Olympic silver medalist Frank Chapot– Kursinski felt he would be a good fit for the program. “I wish I could get more horses like Bobby Socks to develop,” she admitted. “He's really been fun to work with. He's intelligent and I think he has the potential to go far. There are Thoroughbreds like him out there to suit whatever it is you're looking for.” The son of Honor Code made one career start at Delaware finishing eighth for trainer Richard Henricks. The $300,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase is the most expensive auction horse out of Oneofacat (Deputy Minister), a daughter of stakes-placed Beware of the Cat (Caveat), who is the dam of European champion juvenile Hold That Tiger and Belmont Stakes hero Editor's Note. “I think the program is just great for the Thoroughbred,” she said of TAKE2. “It's really wonderful for them to get a chance at a second career. They are promoting them and showing people that they really are great athletes and giving them a platform to show people what they can do. I think it is also helping change that perception of Thoroughbreds.” Despite all the inherent qualities that make the Thoroughbred an ideal candidate for retraining for a second career, Kursinski explains that the breed doesn't always get a fair shake. “Thoroughbreds are not all hot and crazy-that's a misconception,” she affirmed.”Yes, they are a little more sensitive. But they also teach you to be a better rider because you have to have more feeling, as a rule, because of their sensitivity.” She continued, “As a teacher, to have the sensitivity and to learn about that, I think a Thoroughbred teaches you that more than most Warmbloods, largely because of the instant feedback you get when working with them.” Underscoring some of the prime qualities that make the Thoroughbred a natural athlete, no matter the discipline, she said, “Thoroughbreds will do whatever you ask and are typically confident whereas the Warmbloods can spook, for example, at the water jumps. But with Thoroughbreds, if you ask them to jump it, by God they are getting you to the other side. They have a big heart and are very eager to do their job.” She added, “When I look for an athlete, I look for something that is confident and brave and not too hot. These qualities are bred into Thoroughbreds. But I also think it's a benefit to really understand what makes them tick. If you can invite them to relax and be themselves, you can get the most out of them.” When asked why would one consider the Thoroughbred rather than just sticking with the other more conventionally-sought after sporting breeds, Kursinski didn't mince words. “The athleticism and versatility of the Thoroughbred speaks to the fact that they can go on to a second career in jumping or other athletic endeavors. You don't really see that with the other breeds,” she said. “There is nothing like a Thoroughbred.” The post Thoroughbreds and Olympian Anne Kursinski: A Match Made in Heaven appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and GISW Power Squeeze (Union Rags) went through their preparations Saturday morning at Gulfstream Park for the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational. The Ken McPeek trainee was out to breeze five furlongs Saturday morning, covering the distance in a bullet move of :59.48 (1/35). Depending on how he does during the week, and after one more work next week, the conditioner says a decision will be made at that point as to whether or not Mystik Dan will be entered in Gulfstream's marquee invitational. “We wanted a nice, solid breeze out of him so he got something out of it,” said McPeek. “It was a good next step. We'll go over him this afternoon and this morning to make sure he's OK. One more work next week, either Friday or Saturday, I haven't decided, and then we'll make a decision whether we're going to go or not.” Also on the track Saturday morning was the lone filly expected to make a start in the Pegasus Invitational, Power Squeeze. She too worked five panels, clocked in 1:01.66 (18/35), and has emerged from the move in good shape. “She went very nice,” said trainer Jorge Delgado. “She breezed really strong and the gallop out was what we expected. She did it really easy.” “She goes [the Pegasus 1 1/8 mile] distance really well. The last race [Listed Rampart Stakes], there was a slow pace in the race and the small field didn't help her, but it sets her up for this race. She loves the distance, she loves the surface, she knows how to win. If there's a good pace she'll run a good race.” Other possible Pegasus entries worked at Payson Park as well, including Brad Cox runner GISW Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), another for the World Cup, and Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}), likely one of the favorites in the GI Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf, went out for Chad Brown. The former worked four furlongs in :50 flat and the latter went a half-mile in :49.40. Entries for Pegasus World Cup Day will be taken Sunday, Jan. 26 with the post-position draw, along with the odds, taking place in the Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park. The post Mystik Dan Drills for Pegasus World Cup, Lone Filly Power Squeeze On Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-GP, 94K, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 1:18 p.m. POP ART (Medaglia d'Oro) sold to Glen Hill Farm for $750,000 as a Keeneland September yearling last year. She is the first foal out of GSW Painting (Distorted Humor) while second dam Handpainted is a full-sister to Canadian champion older mare Serenading. This is also the family of GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Brilliant Speed (Dynaformer) and MSW/GI Arkansas runner up Conquest Mo Money (Uncle Mo). TJCIS PPS 6th-GP, 94K, Msw, 3yo, 1m, 2:49 p.m. A $700,000 OBS April buy for 30 Year Farm, Madam Opus (Practical Joke) worked her eight in :10 and is a daughter of the Pulpit mare Choir who has produced four winners from four to race. The result was a marked increase from the $70,000 she brought as a yearling just seven months earlier at Keeneland September. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Gulfstream Maidens Heat Up Sunday Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An early local watering hole for 3-year-old colts on the funnel to the GII Tampa Bay Derby, it was Naughty Rascal (Rogueish–Baby Doll, by Smarty Jones) who was elevated to the top of the podium after the stewards disqualified Owen Almighty (Speightstown) in the Pasco Stakes at the northern Florida track on Saturday afternoon. As the heavy favorite, Owen Almighty and Rookie Card (Adios Charlie) engaged in a speed duel from the bell. Tabbed at 3-1, Naughty Rascal tracked closely from the second flight. Before the far turn, Rookie Card appeared to stumble and was forced to drop back. Entering the lane, Owen Almighty and Naughty Rascal traded blows with the former getting the better of his rival. After an inquiry, the winner was taken down and placed the last out of five, while Naughty Rascal was declared the winner. The final running time was 1:22.50. Lifetime Record: 6-4-1-1. Sales History: OBSWIN '23 $22,000; OBSMAR '24 $39,000. O-Mr Pug LLC and J.P.G. 2 LLC; B-Edward Seltzer, Beverly Anderson, Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon (FL); T-Gerald S. Bennett. #5 NAUGHTY RASCAL ($8.20) was elevated to first in the $150,000 Pasco Stakes at @TampaBayDownsFL after the disqualification of Owen Almighty. This is the third stakes victory for the three-year-old Rogueish colt. @EdwinGonzalz1 was aboard for trainer Gerald Bennett. pic.twitter.com/4DwhQ7QMyM — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025 The post Naughty Rascal Elevated To Pasco Stakes Win After Owen Almighty DQ At Tampa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan continued his preparation for the $3.015 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) by breezing five furlongs in :59.48 at Gulfstream Park Jan. 11.View the full article

Vanderbilt (Into Mischief) took the lion's share of the pari-mutuel action in Saturday's fourth race from Gulfstream Park and jumped as the 4-5 chalk, but New York-bred RIVER THAMES (c, 3, Maclean's Music–Proportionality, by Discreet Cat) proved the fly in the ointment, turning in a flawless debut performance to be named the newest 'TDN Rising Star'. The clearest betting alternative to Vanderbilt at odds of 29-10, the $200,000 Fasig-Tipton NY-Bred Sale graduate was under a busy ride early from John Velazquez, but had gained a forward position three-wide from third passing the half-mile marker. Pouring in the pressure to the favorite, who cut out fractions of :22.49 and :45.47 while mostly hugging the inside running rail, River Thames–carrying the WinStar colors for the debut–went on the attack four deep at the five-sixteenths, claimed Vanderbilt with relative easy in upper stretch and was ridden out to score by a good four lengths. River Thames continues a nice stretch for his sire, whose son Music Critic, a $650,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile, aired at first asking for Jimmy Jerkens in Saudi Arabia this past Thursday. The winner hails from the female family of MGISW Paulassilverlining (Ghostzapper), dam of SW and recent UAE GSP 'TDN Rising Star' Artorius (Arrogate). River Thames is a fourth 'Rising Star' for his Hill 'n' Dale-based stallion. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 FTNAUG. O-WinStar Farm LLC, Siena Farm LLC & CHC Inc; B-CTR Stables LLC (NY); T-Todd Pletcher. It was an impressive debut by #8 RIVER THAMES ($7.80) in race 4 at @GulfstreamPark. The 2yo son of Maclean's Music was ridden by @ljlmvel and is trained by Todd Pletcher. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/nNvMRywY1N — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025 The post Maclean’s Music Colt River Thames Rolls To ‘Rising Star’ Hono(u)rs at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple group winner Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) has been sold and will stand at the Jacobs family's Maine Chance Farms in South Africa later this year, according to published reports. The 6-year-old's fee will be announced later. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Point Lonsdale would go on to be named a 'TDN Rising Star' when winning his debut, and quickly added the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, the G3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and the G2 Futurity Stakes. He was second in the G1 National Stakes, and, after running unplaced in the G1 2000 Guineas, did not return until he was four. He won both the G2 Huxley Stakes and G3 Alleged Stakes and was placed in the G1 Coronation Cup. Kept in training at five, he landed the G3 Ormonde Stakes and an additional top-level placing in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. He retires with a mark of 20-7-1-4 and $906,260 in earnings. Bred by Epona Bloodstock, the bay is out of dual stakes winner Sweepstake (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who was second in the GIII Appalachian Stakes and third in the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes during her career. Offered by Croom House Stud out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Point Lonsdale caught the eye of Coolmore's MV Magnier to the tune of 575,000gns. His full-brother is Group 1 winner Broome (Ire), while he is also a half-brother to G2 Solonaway Stakes, G2 Champions Stakes and G3 Meld Stakes hero and fellow 'Rising Star' Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who both also raced for the Coolmore partners. The post Point Lonsdale To Stand At Maine Chance Farms In South Africa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Through three sessions of next week's Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, over 1,300 broodmares, short yearlings, racing and stallion prospects will cross through the ring en route to new beginnings. And while it may be a fresh start for many of them, the sale marks the end of a process that dates back to September for Keeneland's new Sales Recruitment Manager Josie Mattmiller. “We consider the January sale an extension of the November sale and there are some real advantages to January because there is a lot of good racing between the Breeders' Cup and year end to create fresh updates,” said Mattmiller of how the January Sale begins to take shape through the preceding year. The sales team at Keeneland works hand in hand with their partners in the industry each season to keep their finger on racing's pulse and a spider web of owners, breeders, trainers and consigners keep in constant communication to find the best spot for each particular horse regardless of its stage in life. “We are always seeking mares in foal to and short yearlings by attractive sires. We have an eye on anything catching action on the track that there might be an opportunity to capitalize on.” While a different sort of beast when lined up against Keeneland's marquee events in September and November, the January Sale catalog reflects a continuation of the same recruiting process that has led to Keeneland's success across the board. Mattmiller acknowledged subtle differences in the way the catalogs come together but admits the core of the team's style stays much the same. “The owner of a yearling we want to feature in the September sale may also own a race filly we want to feature in the November sale. It is imperative that we maintain the relationship with not only the owner but the breeder, consignor, trainer, agent so that we can all work together to achieve the shared goal of buying and selling horses. Consistency is key in recruitment.” And though this year's January Sale was shortened from four days down to three, Mattmiller highlights the steady quality of the catalog and expressed optimism as momentum carries on from 2024. “The sale is smaller than normal this year, but we are selling more horses a day, which adds to the excitement. The best thing about a brick-and-mortar sale, no matter the time of year, is that the horses are in one place for you to connect with. [We have] young mares in foal to leading sires like Into Mischief and Gun Runner [and] to hot young sires like Vekoma, McKinzie, and Complexity. And mares in foal to freshman sires like Elite Power, Forte, Cody's Wish, Gunite, Arcangelo and Arabian Lion. A half-sister to Breeders Cup Champion Straight No Chaser that is in foal to Vekoma will be offered, plenty of horses of racing age, stallion prospects, and a few dispersals are being presented as well. There is a horse here for everyone. The market has been very strong and consistent for recent sales, and we expect the same to take place at Keeneland next week.” Even as seemingly relentless snow and cold weather continue to plague central Kentucky, Keeneland stands ready to put on a show as buyers, sellers and horses arrive through the weekend for Monday's opening session. “It's all hands-on deck at Keeneland right now. Everyone is doing their part to prepare in order to give participants the best experience possible. A special thanks go to the maintenance crews who have gone above and beyond to make sure the grounds are accessible and safe. They have been working their tails off all week only with more inclement weather on the horizon. It is never easy when you're hit with a snow and ice storm so close to a sale, but we have the best team in the world, and they have done this before, many times. We are dedicated to making the January sale go off without a hitch.” The post Building Keeneland January, Some Assembly Required appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Santa Anita Park has canceled racing this weekend, Jan. 11-12, given the overnight developments with the wildfires on the west side of Los Angeles. Santa Anita Park's expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts. View the full article

Top turf miler Johannes, an Eclipse Award finalist for 2024 champion turf male, has been sidelined with bone bruising and will point toward a summer campaign.View the full article