Wandering Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEWMARKET, UK — After a weekend of brutally cold winds and rain at Park Paddocks, summer decided to reappear to bless the final yearling viewing day at Tattersalls with warm sunshine. An omen of bright days ahead, perhaps? Or if you're not a fan of symbolism, a more concrete guide to what could be in store over the next three days of Book 1 of the October Sale may have been gleaned from a car park full to the brim by early morning on Monday as the crowd rolled in from a weekend in Paris. Some people are yet to recover from the shock of last year's Book 1, when more than 129 million gns was spent on 345 fledgling racehorses in the space of three heady sessions. It's a hard act to follow, for sure, but unlike last year, this season's yearling sales have been far more ebullient up to this stage already, with gains posted at pretty much all levels of the market and that robust top end seemingly as impervious to outside events as ever. Last year, it was the Frankel filly out of Aljazzi who ensured that Newsells Park Stud was once again in pole position on the vendors' list, and this time around the same team will present a full-brother to the sale-topper early in the proceedings as lot 15, just two lots after a first-crop daughter of Blackbeard from the same draft who was delivered the best possible update on Sunday when her half-sister Barnavara (Calyx) won the G1 Prix de l'Opera. Newsells Park again has strength and depth in its draft, as do the likes of the established names of the Castlebridge Consignment, Watership Down Stud and Highclere Stud among others. But for every behemoth there's a boutique draft, and this year's Book 1 includes a few first-time entrants. One of those is Rigsdale Stud, run by Barry Kennedy and Anna Murphy, who started the year well when winning the Next Generation Award at the prestigious ITBA Awards, and have a good end in store with the arrival of their first baby next month. While Murphy concentrates on that important job for the meantime, Kennedy is at Tattersalls demonstrating the hands-on approach which has already stood the couple in good stead. Rigsdale Stud's first Book 1 offering is lot 342, a Starspangledbanner half-sister to the Listed winner and G2 Queen Mary Stakes-placed Maria Branwell (James Garfield). “We bought the mare here at the July Sale some years ago for 6,000gns,” said Kennedy of the filly's unraced dam Princess Pearl (Teofilo) in between showing the yearling to a stream of viewers. “We always said to ourselves that the dream would be one day to sell a yearling at Book 1 so it is great to be here.” Kennedy and Murphy work full-time for Coolmore's Castlehyde Stud and Kennedy said that he is grateful for the support and encouragement of his colleagues. Last year, they sold a Footstepsinthesand colt out of Princess Pearl for 68,000gns at the Tattersalls Somerville Sale and, now named Ballybunion, he has already finished runner-up on just his second start for Michael Bell. Starspangledbanner -filly-300x218.jpg" alt="" width="578" height="420" /> Barry Kennedy with his Starspangledbanner filly | Emma Berry Rigsdale Stud's other select one-horse drafts at the sales this year have included selling a Sioux Nation colt at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale for £100,000 and a Harry Angel colt at the Goffs Orby Sale for €55,000. Another Book 1 debutant is Peter Nolan Bloodstock, the consigning name of husband-and-wife team Peter and Katy Nolan, who had a top-three finish at the recent Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale when selling a €165,000 Blackbeard colt to Ted Durcan. Blackbeard features among the Nolans' draft of three for Book 1, this time with a filly, along with a sleek, dark brown son of Ghaiyyath and a daughter of leading first-season sire Starman. “We've been involved more with Flat horses in the last four or five years,” said Peter Nolan, who also has a solid National Hunt background, while his wife Katy was well known in Britain as a point-to-point rider. “Katy was mad for doing more of this and I always liked the Flat and have bought horses for Noel Meade, but since herself came on board, we've concentrated a lot more on this. National Hunt is grand, but you have to keep them for longer, and you only have these boys for ten months. “We try to keep the numbers small. Two of these are pinhooks and one belongs to a client. The Ghaiyyath colt [lot 12] we bought as a foal from Dermot Weld, who also bred the stallion, and he's an absolute beauty.” Nolan added, “Katy used to work for Jenny Norris [of Norris Bloodstock] at the sales over the years and she always dreamt of having her own draft, so I'm delighted for her that she's here now.” Many of the world's leading owners and breeders have already gathered in Newmarket, with more big names expected for the start of the sale on Tuesday at 11am. If the pattern of trade follows that already witnessed in Saratoga, Deauville, Lexington, Ireland and elsewhere in Britain so far this year – and there is no reason to suppose that it won't – then vendors and buyers alike, and even bloodstock journalists, will be in for a frenetic week. The post Book 1 Debutants Living The Dream as Tattersalls October Gets Ready to Roll appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What has been a competitive yearling sales season makes a two-day stop in Central Florida with the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's October Yearlings Sale to be held Tuesday and Wednesday in Ocala. A total of 507 horses, including 48 supplemental entries, have been catalogued for the sale, with Tuesday's opening session featuring hips one through 258 and Wednesday's session offering hips 301 through 551. Each session begins at noon. “We're all anticipating a good sale, and it looks like a lot of people are coming into town,” said consignor Francis Vanlangendonck of Summerfield Sales. “A lot of people did not get horses bought and I've had a lot of phone calls from people wondering what I had.” With a hurricane bearing down on the region a year ago, sales officials were forced to make a last-minute scheduling change and moved the October sale up a day. A total of 297 yearlings sold at the reshuffled auction for a gross of $5,724,600. The average was $19,275 and the median was $10,000. A filly by Complexity brought the 2024 auction's top price of $150,000 when purchased by the Gladwells' Top Line Sales. Reoffered at this year's OBS March sale, the filly sold for $385,000. An Independence Hall half-sister to last year's sale topper will be offered Wednesday through Thoroughstock as hip 320. Vanlangendonck expects the pinhooking bench to be active again at this year's auction. “[The pinhookers] will be here looking and picking out the better ones,” he said. “It's going to be a good market for the horses that vet well and have good conformation.” The post OBS October Yearlings Sale Opens Tuesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Marcstown Ltd and Andrew Rosen's 550,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate Sacred Ground (Kingman), a John and Thady Gosden-trained daughter of G1 Oaks and G1 Prix de Royallieu heroine Anapurna (Frankel), made a winning debut with a last-to-first effort in Monday's bettingsites.co.uk Betting Sites Fillies' Novice Stakes at Great Yarmouth. Trailing all four rivals after a sluggish break, the 11-8 favourite made headway under pressure to launch her bid approaching the furlong pole and was pushed out to deny long-time leader Food For Thought (Dubawi) by 3/4-of-a-length in ultimately snug fashion. Sacred Ground is the third of five foals and second winner out of the aforementioned Anapurna, herself kin to G3 Tetrarch Stakes runner-up Dynasty (Danehill Dancer) and Listed Hoppings Stakes third Very Dashing (Dansili). The February-foaled bay's second dam is stakes-winning G1 Fillies' Mile and G1 Yorkshire Oaks placegetter Dash To The Top (Montjeu). Sacred Ground is half to a yearling filly by Palace Pier, who is set to go under the hammer as Lot 25 during Tuesday's opening session of this year's Book 1 sale, and a weanling colt by Dubawi. Bred to be special! By Kingman and out of Oaks winner Anapurna, Sacred Ground makes the perfect start to her racing career with a taking performance on debut for John and Thady Gosden…@GTYarmouthRaces | @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/ZGT6i9s6Su — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 6, 2025 The post Oaks Heroine Anapurna’s Daughter Sacred Ground Makes Winning Debut at Great Yarmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the concerns of the most recent breeding season was the relative dearth of stallions retired to stud, particularly in Britain, for 2025. That should not be a concern for the forthcoming year, with a number of retirements already announced and more likely to follow. Leading the charge, appropriately, is Juddmonte's Lead Artist, who arrived at Banstead Manor Stud last week and is available for breeders to view during the October Sales. In a year in which Night Of Thunder has surged ahead of his own sire to head the stallion table in Britain and Ireland it is no bad time to be retiring another son of Dubawi, and particularly one who hails from a signature Juddmonte family. When Prince Khalid Abdullah made the decision to purchase Sookera (Roberto) from Robert Sangster, he could hardly have known then the significance it would have for his burgeoning Juddmonte empire. The champion juvenile filly in Britain in 1977, Sookera's legacy continues to grow almost half a century later, chiefly through her diminutive granddaughter Hasili (Kahyasi), who became a cornerstone for Juddmonte. Three of Hasili's sons – the full-brothers Dansili, Champs Elysees and Cacique – have stood at Banstead Manor Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket and, just as importantly, her daughters have continued to prove their worth within the Juddmonte broodmare band. To date, there are 53 Group 1 performers among Hasili's descendants, and it is her final foal Responsible (Oasis Dream) who features as the granddam of Lead Artist through her Group 2-winning daughter Obligate (Frankel). That Lead Artist's first two dams are by current members of the Juddmonte stallion roster is the icing on what amounts to an enticing cake when introducing a new Group 1 winner to the roster. Though Lead Artist's fee is as yet undecided, it is fair to say that he will stand at a level which will make him accessible for a wide sector of breeders. “I think he's probably going to be a very commercial horse,” said Juddmonte's general manager Simon Mockridge as Lead Artist was shown to members of the press on Monday morning. “He's going to sit in that 10-to-20,000 range.” He continued, “For us, it's great to have him here. Purely and simply it's a continuation of that great line. We had so much success with Dansili and through [his son] Bated Breath even. It's just nice to have a [great] grandson back here. At one time we had the three brothers together, with Dansili, Champs Elysees and Cacique, and Cacique unfortunately probably could have been the best of the lot, but was sub-fertile.” Sent into training with John and Thady Gosden, Lead Artist was unraced at two owing to a fissure fracture of his knee but he broke his maiden in convincing fashion on his second start at three during York's Dante meeting. By high summer he had won the G3 Glorious Stakes before finishing second to Kinross in the G2 Park Stakes and then landing the G3 Darley Stakes over nine furlongs at Newmarket. Over the winter he contested Bahrain's G2 International Trophy, in which he finished second to Frankel's son Spirit Dancer. Lead Artist's four runs this season have resulted in just one victory, but it was a good one: in the G1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, he had the Group 1 winners Rosallion, Notable Speech, Fallen Angel and Tamfana behind him when winning in the second-fastest time recorded for the mile contest. “He's got great balance,” Mockridge said. “The lovely thing about him is that has been all the way through from being a foal – he was quite a big foal when he was born, he was 132lbs, which is a good size. And he was always described, even then, with great balance, power, very strong, good head on him, and even all the way through his breaking career he was rated eight, so he was one of the top two or three of his cohort.” He added, “He's a very relaxed horse, nice temperament, easy to work with. I hope that he's going to be popular and, as we can see today, he's a very easy horse to like, and he's physically very correct, walks well, very nice horse. I think he'll suit a lot of people.” On a bright autumn morning with the sun bouncing off Lead Artist's dark bay coat, it is hard to disagree with Mockridge's assessment. As it's never too early to start thinking about next year's matings, if you find yourself with an hour to spare in Newmarket over the next fortnight, you can make up your own mind with a trip to Banstead Manor Stud. The post ‘It’s a Continuation of That Great Line’: Lead Artist Arrives at Banstead Manor Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over the past decade, Baoma Corp. has become synonymous with elite horses competing at the sport's highest level. But for those who know Susan and Charlie Chu personally, it's their unwavering dedication to their horses that stands out most. “They take good care of their horses and protect them,” said the Chus' longtime trainer Bob Baffert. “That's why they do so well. They've had a lot of luck and a lot of success. They're not only great clients, but they're great friends of mine and they love racing.” “Susan cares more about the horse than the money and the achievement,” echoed Hill 'n' Dale's John Sikura. “Whether they're Grade l winners or they haven't broken maiden, they're all the same for her. Their horses get the ultimate care, and if there is ever any question of if we should do one thing or another, they want to do what's very best for the horse.” It's no coincidence, then, that the Chus' passion for the animals has fueled Baoma Corp.'s rise. Year after year, their stable produces stakes-level quality. Natives of Taiwan, the Chus formed Baoma Corp. over 10 years ago. Since then, their colors have been carried by standout colts like 2016 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Drefong (Gio Ponti) and this year, MGSW and Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile hopeful Nysos (Nyquist). But it has been the fillies who have defined the operation, several of whom have gone on to headline Fasig-Tipton's Night of the Stars Sale. In 2020, three-time Grade I winner Bast (Uncle Mo) sold for $4.2 million in foal to Justify. Last year, Private Mission (Into Mischief) brought $2.6 million and Eda (Munnings) went for $2.55 million. Now, it is Tenma's turn to step into the spotlight at Fasig-Tipton. The daughter of Nyquist captured the 2024 GI Del Mar Debutante and claimed three other graded races, establishing herself as one of the leaders of her division in California. “Tenma continues the line of Grade I-winning fillies that have been sold at Fasig-Tipton for the Chus,” said Boyd Browning. “It's nice to see people who make a commitment to the industry be rewarded with success. They certainly have done that for many years and hopefully for many years to come.” “When you consistently have top-quality offerings that win major races, there's a recognition from buyers that these horses come from a fine program,” added Sikura, who will be consigning Tenma. “The Chus have proven to have the ultimate class and win at the highest level. That's what international breeders and commercial breeders are looking for–horses with sales profile, racing performance, pedigree and physicality. Virtually all of their offerings have a consistent blend of all those things.” Like most of the Baoma Corp. recruits, Tenma was selected by the powerhouse buying team of Bob Baffert and agent Donato Lanni. Bred by Bobby Flay, she brought $850,000 as a 2-year-old. Tenma stretching her legs this summer at Del Mar | Horsephotos “One thing about Donato Lanni and myself when we are going to look for these fillies, we are looking for physicals first,” Baffert noted. “When you brought her out of the stall, she looked expensive. She's a beautiful physical and she's by one of the hottest sires in Nyquist. It was one of those things where the potential was there and it was up to me to get it out of her.” Making her debut last August at Del Mar, the filly broke a step slow but came flying around the turn and swept past rivals to win by a neck. Again in the Del Mar Debutante, she stalked the pace and picked off rivals, battling future Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up Vodka With a Twist (Thousand Words) to win by nose. “Her class got her there,” Baffert said of both efforts. “We're proud of the fact that she showed that grit that you like to see in these fillies. All of my good fillies and mares have had so much grit and they know where the wire is. After that she won the GII Starlet Stakes. Looking back, I probably should have run her in the Breeders' Cup.” At three, Tenma extended her winning streak with a 6½-length victory in the GIII Las Virgenes Stakes and a more than two-length win in the GII Santa Anita Oaks. She later finished fourth in the GI Kentucky Oaks and third in the GIII Torrey Pines Stakes. “She had a little sickness so that's why we weren't able to run her more, but she always stayed sound and we just ran out of time,” said Baffert. “I think there's still much more improvement there because I think she'll get better with age.” Catalogued as a racing or broodmare prospect, Tenma will sell as Hip 164 at Fasig-Tipton's Night of the Stars. The filly's stakes-winning second dam, Twirl (Galileo {Ire}), is a full-sister to champion Ballydoyle (Ire) and four-time Group 1 victress Misty For Me (Ire), the latter the dam of U S Navy Flag and Roly Poly, both Grade I winners by War Front. Susan and Charles Chu celebrate Tenma's win in the 2025 GII Santa Anita Oaks | Benoit “Tenma's pedigree is really international in nature,” said Sikura. “And I think as good as this pedigree is, it's very likely to get better in a significant way with graded winners all over the world. Her pedigree suggests that she could be dirt or turf, therefore she is an international type of prospect which is really unique.” “The really interesting thing about Tenma when you look at her broodmare sires and her pedigree page is that she's out of a Tapit mare who is out of a Galileo mare who is out of a Storm Cat mare,” Browning added. “You're talking about generational talents. You combine that with one of the leading sires in North American in Nyquist, it's quite an impressive collection of genetics.” Coming off an exceptional year in 2024 with four Grade I winners, Nyquist is on track for another strong season. Two weeks ago, Johannes and Cavalieri, both Grade I-winning progeny, stamped their presence as leaders of their divisions ahead of the Breeders' Cup by securing Grade II scores at Santa Anita. Baoma Corp. has enjoyed strong results with Nyquist. Nysos, a four-time graded stakes winner who most recently claimed the GII San Diego Handicap, joins Tenma as one of the Darley's sires leading earners this year. Baffert is hoping that wherever Tenma's next chapter takes her, it might eventually lead back to his barn. For now though, he said the star filly has already delivered on every expectation. “I wouldn't mind having her back,” he said with a grin. “But a Grade I winner by Nyquist, it's a home run out of the park especially with her physical. Everybody knows that the horses we buy have to have great physicals to get in this barn. We're looking for fillies that have a chance to compete at the top level and she never missed a beat. She was everything that we thought of and the dream came true.” The post Passion Breeds Success: Tenma Next Fasig-Tipton Star for Baoma Corp. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ceistiu, the dam of this year's Royal Ascot and Qatar Goodwood Festival winner Merchant, will be offered at the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale, which takes place from November 21-22. The daughter of Vocalised is a full-sister to the multiple Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Steip Amach, while her half-sisters include the GIII Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes winner Ceisteach (New Approach) and Fidaaha (New Approach), the dam of last year's G1 National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ. The nine-year-old Ceistiu, who is in foal to Mehmas, the sire of Scorthy Champ, will be consigned by Clare Manning's Boherguy Stud on behalf of breeder Jim Bolger. “We're looking forward to offering a most attractive young mare – already the dam of a highly exciting Group winner in Merchant and from a very happening pedigree,” said Bolger. “She is also in foal to an exceptional stallion, Mehmas.” Trained by William Haggas, Merchant was a dominant winner of the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot, before taking the step up to Group company in his stride with a narrow defeat of Wimbeldon Hawkeye in the G3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. The son of Teofilo was due to put his Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe credentials to the test in September's G2 Prix Niel at ParisLongchamp, but those plans had to be shelved after the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing-owned colt suffered a setback. Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby said, “Merchant looks an extremely exciting prospect for the future after his Ascot and Goodwood victories, and the chance to buy his dam, in foal to the brilliant Mehmas, is hugely appealing. We are grateful to Mr Bolger for once again entrusting Goffs with a mare of this calibre, which follows a number of successful collaborations over the years, not least with the likes of Banimpire who topped Goffs November at €2.3 million. “The Goffs November Sale has long been a leading source of Group 1 producers, and this year's catalogue, featuring Ceistiu alongside outstanding drafts from HH Aga Khan Studs, Godolphin, Moyglare and so many more, is shaping up to be another unmissable event for international buyers.” The post Ceistiu, Dam of Royal Ascot and Group Winner Merchant, Heads to Goffs November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Social media influencer Griffin Johnson and XBTV analyst and host Zoe Cadman will co-host Thoroughbred Charities of America's Bash at the Breeders' Cup presented by Churchill Downs Incorporated Oct. 31 at the Del Mar Hilton. The evening will offer savory bites, handcrafted cocktails, live music, and a live auction to benefit the TCA. Tickets to the event are availabe here. Live auction items to be offered will include a Del Mar racing package, a box at the Whitney Stakes in Saratoga, a box at the Blue Grass Stakes, a stay at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, 2026 Breeders' Cup tickets, and a two-night stay at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. To preview auction times, click here. Email Erin Halliwell at ehalliwell@tca.org to bid by phone. In addition to Churchill Downs Incorporated, other sponsors of the Bash include Rocket Ship Racing, Haymarket Farm, DJ Stable, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Always Dream Foundation, Candy Meadows Farm, Little Red Feather Cares, Machmer Hall, Herringswell Stables, Tito's Vodka, Maker's Mark, Teremana Tequila, and Jackson Family Wines. Media sponsors include TDN, BloodHorse, Paulick Report, and the Horse Racing Radio Network. Thoroughbred Charities of America was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds to charities in the Thoroughbred industry that provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. This year, TCA granted over $1 million to 98 approved charities working within Thoroughbred retraining, rehoming and retirement; backstretch and farm worker services, research and equine-assisted therapy. The post Griffin Johnson, Zoe Cadman to Host TCA Bash at the Breeders’ Cup Fundraiser appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Half Yours has been backed heavily to win the Caulfield Cup after a fast finishing fourth in the Turnbull Stakes. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Two horses have been handed weight penalties for the $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) which will be held on Saturday week, following their respective victories over the weekend. Ciaron Maher’s Royal Supremacy, winner of The Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, rises from 51kg to 52.5kg in the weight scale having received a penalty of 1.5kg for the Caulfield showpiece. Dominant Group 3 Bart Cummings (2500m) winner Valiant King, who ran ninth in last year’s Caulfield Cup for Chris Waller, rises from 51kg to 52kg in the weight scale having received a penalty of 1kg for this year’s edition. The penalties see Royal Supremacy and Valiant King progress to 26th and 27th respectively in the Caulfield Cup order of entry with both horses currently $15 with racing betting sites behind race favourite Half Yours (52.5kg), who ran a slashing fourth in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on Saturday. Half Yours is now the $3.50 favourite for the Caulfield Cup, after opening as long as $27 with Picklebet. Both Royal Supremacy and Valiant King also hold entries for the $10 million Melbourne Cup (3200m), with Valiant King securing the fourth live golden ticket into the race that stops a nation alongside Parchment Party, Deakin and Revelare thanks to his Bart Cummings victory. Although both horses remain at 51kg in the iconic race due to the 2kg difference in weight scales between the two Cups this year, the penalty effectively applies against the weight-for-age scale so Royal Supremacy progresses to 32nd in the order of entry. “It was an easy win for Royal Supremacy on Saturday, he moved into the race effortlessly at the top of the straight and was too strong through the line for his rivals,” said David Hegan, Racing Victoria’s (RV) Head of Handicapping. “As a result, he was worthy of a reassessment and takes a 1.5kg Caulfield Cup penalty to rise off the limit of 51kg to 52.5kg while moving up seven spots to 26th in the order of entry. “This places him one spot in the order behind Birdman who carried 1.5kg more than Royal Supremacy in the Metropolitan, but would meet him on level weight terms for that 2.6 length defeat. “In the Bart Cummings, off the very strong pace set by Gilded Water, many were found wanting in the latter stages of the race but Valiant King was the exception, barnstorming from the back of the field to win by an expanding 2.75 lengths on the line. “His runaway victory earns him a 1kg Caulfield Cup penalty off the limit of 51kg to 52kg while moving up 10 spots to 27th in the order of entry. “Neither horse takes a weight penalty for the Melbourne Cup and while Valiant King secured ballot exemption on Saturday, Royal Supremacy does progress up the order nine places from 41st to 32nd given that he is now 9kg below the weight-for-age benchmark for an older male. “Both horse’s true Melbourne Cup weights based on handicap form would now be 50.5kg and 50.0kg respectively, however with the minimum lifted to 51kg this year they were already handicapped on the limit weight and thus their weight won’t change. This takes into account the fact that Caulfield Cup weights are 2kg higher than Melbourne Cup weights this year due to the topweights.” Bart Cummings placegetters Torranzino (second) and Gilded Water (third) both also improved their chances of gaining a start in the Melbourne Cup by passing the first elimination clause and moving up to 48th and 50th respectively in the order of entry. View the full article

Sailor Jack produced an impressive trial win at Awapuni on Monday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Sailor Jack impressed trainers Shaun and Hazel Fannin with his trial victory at Awapuni on Monday, and they have their fingers crossed their home track will be back in commission for his first major test of the season. The five-win gelding took out his 1400m heat in the hands of Chris Dell, beating a handy field, which included last-start Group One winner Quintessa. It was the eight-year-old gelding’s fourth trial this time in, with his trainers searching for better footing. “We were really happy with him,” Hazel Fannin said. “This prep, we would have liked to have had him to a race by now, but there has been a lot of rain around, so we have had to wait a little longer than we expected, but he is still coming to hand really nicely. “It was a pretty tidy field today, so we were rapt with how he went.” More: How to bet on NZ horse racing Fannin is looking forward to Sailor Jack resuming in the next fortnight, with the Power Farming Feilding Cup (2100m) at Awapuni’s scheduled meeting on November 1 his first major aim of the spring. “We will look to kick him off in the (rating) 75 mile next Sunday at Waverley,” she said. “Waverley always plays really well, so that should suit him regardless of the weather. “All going to plan with the Awapuni track, he’ll hopefully go to the Feilding Cup two weeks after that.” Awapuni’s newly renovated grass track still needs to be given the green light to return to racing, with Monday’s trials playing an integral part in that process. The Palmerston North track has been out of commission for two years, having initially been set to return to racing on ANZAC Day earlier this year. However, that meeting was abandoned following a slip in the opening race. The track subsequently underwent further remedial work, with RACE calling on the expertise of Flemington track manager Liam O’Keefe to assist in that process. A set of trials took place at the Palmerston North venue in August, and while the club were pleased with the way the track handled those trials, a track inspection a week later confirmed the track needed more time. Fannin was pleased with how the track handled the trials on Monday and is hoping it is in line for a return to racing next month. “There is a lot more grass on it,” she said. “We will wait to see what the powers at be decide with the track, but it seemed to hold up well. “There is still a bit of shiftiness in the track, but there is improvement since the last time it was open for galloping compared to this time coming back to the trials. “It would be nice to be back at the home track, it is less travel for owners and bringing costs down for them is always a big bonus. It would be great to be back racing here as soon as we can.” View the full article

David Eustace is hoping the likes of Sports Legend and Amazing Award can kick-start his season as he looks to break his duck at Happy Valley on Wednesday evening. The 34-year-old is the only trainer without a win to his name this campaign, with the only other maiden for the season, Pierre Ng Pang-chi, getting off the mark at Sha Tin on Saturday. The slow start was something that Eustace was expecting, however, and after securing a strong haul of 36 winners in his first season in Hong Kong, the...View the full article

By Mike Love Rangiora trainer Tom Bamford can breathe a sigh of relief – at least for now – after Rakero Rocket showed he is on track for the second Tuesday in November with yesterday’s Alabar Methven Cup win. The five-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding has given Bamford a few sleepless nights recently with a few things not lining up how he would’ve liked. “It’s been well documented he had a bit of trouble after his trial leading into his first run. I spent a lot of time trying to patch him back up,” said Bamford in a post-race Trackside TV interview. “He had too hard a trial and may have had a bit of a bug or something that knocked him. We’d been real happy with him this week. His blood and heart rate have been good so we were confident.” Run in mud, the Group 3 event was blown wide open with the scratching of hot favourite Akuta due to the weather and track conditions. The eight horse field raced mainly in single file with Rakero Rocket making a flyer from the tapes quickly diminishing his 10 metre handicap to lead briefly before settling for the trail behind Who’s Delight. Driver Gavin Smith then played the patient game, conserving energy in the treacherous conditions until scooting up the passing lane. It briefly looked like the southern visitor Wag Star was going to run away with it, but Rakero Rocket found a stronger kick to take the win by a neck from Wag Star and Who’s Delight running third. “The start was key and he got into a good spot. Everyone knows he’s a class horse, so I’m glad he was able to show it again.” Immediate plans for Rakero Rocket appear to be somewhat cemented, presuming his race recovery is sound. “We will go to the Canterbury Classic then Ashburton or Kaikoura. This takes a bit of pressure off now.” Rakero Rocket, the winner of the first ever Group 1 Christian Cullen last year, has now nine from 26 starts. He is currently at $41 on the futures market for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington on Tuesday, November 11. Other highlights on the day saw Swannanoa trainer Brendon Hill claim his 300th training success when Patiro took out the Methven Panel & Paint Mobile Pace with his son Seth Hill in the bike. Brendon Hill trained 21 winners when in a brief partnership with Mark Jones while his other 279 winners solo, including Monkey King’s two New Zealand cups (2009 and 2010) while his first training success was Brendan Marc at Alexandra Park in 2001. Ricky May drove a hat-trick of winners (Magical Max, Kairaki Spur and Rockcent) while Matthew Williamson scored a double (Carlin and Practical Magic). View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Zoe Cobb was a casual follower of Mach Shard during his racing days – now they are the best of mates. The Waikato-based Cobb acquired the multiple Group 1 winner shortly after he retired this year and they have already had success in the Show Ring and have some big targets ahead. “It is the kindest and most gentle horse you would ever meet,” Cobbs says, “he’s been an absolute pleasure.” She first spotted Mach Shard with HRNZ re-homer Jo Ferguson at the North Island Standardbred Championships. “I said to her ‘I’d take him in a heartbeat. He’s just a lovely lovely horse.” She didn’t expect anything to come out of it until Ferguson took her up on her offer weeks later. “I went to Hamilton and hadn’t been on him for five minutes and I said ‘I’ll take him’,” says Cobb. “Shady”, as he’s known, is Cobb’s fourth standardbred. She used to work at trainer Nicky Chilcott’s place and it’s there where “she fell in love with them”. During his racing career Mach Shard raced from a 2YO to a 10YO, on both sides of the Tasman. In 2024 he produced some of the year’s greatest moments with his back to back Group 1s in the Taylor Mile, paying $155, and then the Messenger a week later for Crystal Hackett. A $200,000 sales purchase he ended up winning 20 races and bankrolling $843,000. “I did follow him a bit especially after those two big wins,” says Cobb. Now his life is more sedate at Cobb’s place just outside Cambridge. “For a free-legged pacer he trots beautifully in the saddle – he hasn’t got quite the canter yet, his legs get confused!” Their debut together was the Harness To Hack event at the Equestrian Centre in Hamilton at the end of March. “He won the In Hand, the Ridden, and the Musical Equitation in the pleasure section, he was second in the dressage and was Champion Standardbred in his section.” But then things had a turn for the worse with Shardy getting an intestinal issue which saw him off the scene for six weeks. Once back though he was Champion Standardbred at the Winter Dressage Series in Hamilton and they went on to win the In-hand and they were Reserve Champion Standardbred at the Bonanza Breed Show. Then in late September the combo competed at their very first A and P Show (Te Aroha Hack and Hunters at Waihou). “He was foot perfect. We came away with three placings which I was very happy with.” They will go to November’s Waikato A and P show next and Cobb has big plans longer-term. “I’d like to see him progress in the show ring and be an open horse and compete against the standies potentially at HOY (Horse of the Year) in a couple of years and also progress up the levels in dressage.” View the full article

Mick Price has not overestimated Globe’s (NZ) (Charm Spirit) ability by considering a start in this Saturday’s Gr.1 The Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield, but the trainer sees advantages in the $1 million Group One for his gelding. The seven-year-old son of Charm Spirit was one of just nine entries for the 2000-metre weight-for-age event when they closed at midday Monday. Taking on the likes of Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) and Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock) will be a major step up on the open handicaps in which he has been beaten this time in, but he looks the race’s lone leader, which is what appeals to Price and his co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr. “That’s the attraction for Globe, that he gets left alone,” Price said. “He’s not as good as the others, but it doesn’t matter. He’ll bowl along in front, he’ll give plenty of cheek.” The Might And Power will be Globe’s first test at Group One level and his first start in Stakes company since finishing second-last in the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) in April. The seven-year-old’s only run at 2000m came in last year’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m), in which he finished third behind Berkeley Square (Territories). After resuming with a second placing over 1523m at Moonee Valley on August 23, Globe was fourth over 1700m at Flemington on September 13 before being nabbed late by Charterhouse (Charming Thought) at Sandown on September 27. He hasn’t been beaten any more than half-a-length in any of those runs. Globe is also among the entries for the $2m Gr.2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill, but Price said he would only consider heading north if there was the likelihood of a wet track. While there is a chance of rain Monday and Tuesday, fine and sunny conditions are expected through until Saturday. Price and Kent also have Hezashocka (NZ) (Shcoking) among the Might And Power entries, but they are not committed to a start with that gelding. Light Infantry Man (Fast Company), Attrition (Churchill) and Kingswood (Roaring Lion) – who are all among the Hill Stakes entries – are among the other nominations for The Might And Power, joined by Charterhouse and Whisky On The Hill (Ribchester). The Might And Power is one of three Group One races at Caulfield this Saturday, accompanied by the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas and the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap, both over 1600m. View the full article

Sailor Jack impressed trainers Shaun and Hazel Fannin with his trial victory at Awapuni on Monday, and they have their fingers crossed their home track will be back in commission for his first major test of the season. The five-win gelding took out his 1400m heat in the hands of Chris Dell, beating a handy field, which included last-start Group One winner Quintessa. It was the eight-year-old gelding’s fourth trial this time in, with his trainers searching for better footing. “We were really happy with him,” Hazel Fannin said. “This prep, we would have liked to have had him to a race by now, but there has been a lot of rain around, so we have had to wait a little longer than we expected, but he is still coming to hand really nicely. “It was a pretty tidy field today, so we were rapt with how he went.” Fannin is looking forward to Sailor Jack resuming in the next fortnight, with the Power Farming Feilding Cup (2100m) at Awapuni’s scheduled meeting on November 1 his first major aim of the spring. “We will look to kick him off in the (rating) 75 mile next Sunday at Waverley,” she said. “Waverley always plays really well, so that should suit him regardless of the weather. “All going to plan with the Awapuni track, he’ll hopefully go to the Feilding Cup two weeks after that.” Awapuni’s newly renovated grass track still needs to be given the green light to return to racing, with Monday’s trials playing an integral part in that process. The Palmerston North track has been out of commission for two years, having initially been set to return to racing on ANZAC Day earlier this year. However, that meeting was abandoned following a slip in the opening race. The track subsequently underwent further remedial work, with RACE calling on the expertise of Flemington track manager Liam O’Keefe to assist in that process. A set of trials took place at the Palmerston North venue in August, and while the club were pleased with the way the track handled those trials, a track inspection a week later confirmed the track needed more time. Fannin was pleased with how the track handled the trials on Monday and is hoping it is in line for a return to racing next month. “There is a lot more grass on it,” she said. “We will wait to see what the powers at be decide with the track, but it seemed to hold up well. “There is still a bit of shiftiness in the track, but there is improvement since the last time it was open for galloping compared to this time coming back to the trials. “It would be nice to be back at the home track, it is less travel for owners and bringing costs down for them is always a big bonus. It would be great to be back racing here as soon as we can.” View the full article