Wandering Eyes

A total of 1,123 entries, including 81 Group or Grade I winners from no fewer than 21 racing jurisdictions from all over the world were received for the 2025 Saudi Cup meeting, to be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and 22 and King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The entries were released Friday by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA). (See TDN Europe for the entries to the meeting's turf events) Some $38.1 million in prize money will be on offer over the course of the weekend, headed up by the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup, which has lured entries from the connections of 28 elite-level scorers worldwide. Juddmonte's reigning G1 Dubai World Cup romper Laurel River (Into Mischief) is set to make his seasonal reappearance for trainer Bhupat Seemar on Fashion Friday at Meydan on Jan. 24 as a stepping-stone to the Saudi Cup, a race dearly coveted by the family of the late Prince Khalid Abdullah. Contention figures to run very deep, as the competition looks set to include 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), the GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero and a leading Eclipse Award candidate; Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who took a thrilling renewal of the G3 Saudi Derby on the program 12 months ago on his world travels and recently won the G1 Tokyo Daishoten following his third placing at the Breeders' Cup; and Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), who could return to defend his title after nosing out Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) last year. The Saudi Cup nominations are spiced up considerably by the addition of Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who is pointing to the 1800-meter contest after taking in the G1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan on Fashion Friday. Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) is another intriguing entry from the Far East for what would also mark his first start on a dirt track. Last year's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) winner and G1 Arima Kinen third is out of Top Decile (Congrats), second in the G1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in 2014. Other prominent American entries include Wathnan Racing's MGSW Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}); the locally owned Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), beaten under a length in third last February; the Todd Pletcher-trained GII Cigar Mile Handicap winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner); GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and the consistent Rattle N Roll (Connect) from the barn of Ken McPeek; GI Malibu Stakes hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) for internationally minded trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill; Soul of an Angel (Atreides), the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint upsetter and last year's beaten favorite White Abarrio (Race Day) for Saffie Joseph, Jr.; Stronghold (Ghostzapper), winner of the 2024 GI Santa Anita Derby and a sound runner-up in the Malibu for Phil d'Amato; and Malibu third Imagination (Into Mischief) and recent impressive Santa Anita allowance winner Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) from the barn of Bob Baffert. There also figures to be strong American representation in the two other dirt races on the Saudi Cup undercard. Japan's Remake (Lani) is an anticipated runner in the newly upgraded $2-million G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, whose purse was boosted by $500,000 for this running. Shippers from the States could include GI Breeders' Cup Sprint hero Straight No Chaser (Speightster); Book'em Danno (Bucchero) and Bentornato (Valiant Minister), second and third, respectively, in last year's Saudi Derby; the reliable Nakatomi (Firing Line); and the in-form Giant Mischief (Into Mischief), a latest winner of the Nov. 29 Fall Highweight Stakes for Cox. The Saudi Derby is contested over the one-turn 1600-meter configuration at King Abdulaziz, and several U.S.-based gallopers will look to get the upper hand over what is typically a strong group of horses from Japan. Juddmonte's 'TDN Rising Star' Disco Time (Not This Time), last seen running his record to two-for-two with a mile allowance win at Churchill Downs in late November, has been given an entry by Brad Cox and is in steady training at the Fair Grounds; trainer Chad Summers is giving strong consideration to a Middle East campaign for Cyclone State (McKinzie), easy winner of the Jan. 4 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct; 'TDN Rising Star' Guns Loaded (Gun Runner) could be another on the program for D'Angelo off his neck success in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Jan. 4; and trainer Bob Baffert has entered Eclipse finalist and GI Del Mar Futurity hero Gaming (Game Winner) as well as GIII Best Pal Stakes winner Getaway Car (Curlin). A handful of American-based horses have been entered for the meeting's three group-level turf races. Howard Wolowitz (Munnings), winner of the GI Franklin-Simpson Stakes, holds an entry for the G2 1351 Turf Sprint, as does the Graham Motion-trained Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What a Winter {Saf}). Todd Pletcher has engaged GII Kentucky Turf Cup winner Grand Sonata (Medaglia d'Oro) for the G2 Neom Turf Cup (2100mT) where he could be joined by Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) and Dicey Mo Chara (GB) (Adaay {Ire}) from California for George Papaprodroumou and Leonard Powell, respectively. Grand Sonata (56.5 kg) also holds an entry for the G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap (3000mT), as do GII United Nations Stakes victor Get Smokin (Get Stormy, 56.5 kg) and Verstappen (War Front, 54.5 kg). Japan's Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), third in the G1 Japan Cup, is the 62 kg highweight and is expected to accept that impost. “Horse racing thrives on international competition, and we believe that the Saudi Cup is the perfect event to showcase the best of global racing,” said HRH Prince Bandar Bin Khaled Alfaisal, chairman of the JCSA. “The Saudi Cup itself is the pinnacle of our racing season and in a few short years has become a truly global race. This year's renewal looks perhaps the strongest yet. “As we continually improve our offering, through race upgrades and further investment, The Kingdom continues to grow as a destination for horse racing, both domestically and internationally. “We look forward to welcoming all connections to King Abdulaziz Racecourse next month for what promises to be another unforgettable Saudi Cup meeting.” Click here for the full list of entries. 2⃣8⃣ G1 winners nominated for this year's $20 million Saudi Cup, featuring the likes of: LAUREL RIVER SIERRA LEONE ROMANTIC WARRIOR MYSTIK DAN FOREVER YOUNG SEÑOR BUSCADOR DANON DECILE SOUL OF AN ANGEL EL KODIGO#TheSaudiCup | #サウジカップ pic.twitter.com/Ri5hwbZN6H — The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) January 10, 2025 The post Sierra Leone, Laurel River, Senor Buscador Among 28 Top-Level Winners Entered For Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

To honor Frank Taylor's Special Eclipse Award, Fasig-Tipton issued a $25,000 matching grant to benefit Taylor's Stable Recovery program, the sales company announced Friday morning. Shortly after the grant was announced, Craig Bernick informed Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning that the Lavin Family Foundation would match the gift, raising the challenge grant's total to $50,000. Taylor will receive a special Eclipse Award at the Eclipse Award ceremony Thursday, Jan. 23, for the work he has done in building Stable Recovery and the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, two programs that work hand in hand with individuals coming out of drug or alcohol rehabilitation and providing ongoing support while they begin meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred industry. “The work that Frank Taylor and the Stable Recovery Program have accomplished and continue to accomplish is remarkable,” said Browning. “It's life-changing for many individuals in our industry and has provided many people the opportunity to reunite their families. We are proud to support this incredible initiative.” People in the Stable Recovery program live in a group housing environment that provides counseling and ongoing recovery programs while they attend the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, which prepares them for jobs in the Thoroughbred industry. Taylor and CEO Christian Countzler are the driving forces behind the program. They have graduated more than 100 individuals, and expect to graduate another 80 in 2025. WinStar Farm and Taylor Made both have Stable Recovery houses on the farm, and Keeneland plans to add one at their Manchester Farm. Other strategic partners hiring from the program include Godolphin, Spy Coast Farm, Brook Ledge, Hallway Feeds, Rood & Riddle, Coolmore, Lane's End and Old Friends, as well as outside-the-industry partners. To donate to the matching grant, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/dollar25000-fasig-tipton-matching-donation The post Fasig-Tipton Issues Matching Grant in Honor of Taylor’s Eclipse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading owner and philanthropist John Murrell has died. Through the red and yellow colours of his wife Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez, Murrell has been associated with Group 1 winners such as Oaks heroine Qualify, Man O'War Stakes winner Zhukova, Moyglare Stud winner Intricately, Fillies' Mile and Matron Stakes winner Iridessa and more recently, Tattersalls Gold Cup hero White Birch. At just 25, Murrell owned 30 horses and had a training yard in Newmarket. His early successes on the racetrack included Cawston's Clown, winner of the 1976 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and multinational Group 1 winner Gentilhombre, who won consecutive runnings of the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp in 1976 and 1977. Both horses were trained by Neil Adam. However, when John sold his UK chemical business and moved to Spain, he turned his attention to golf [also becoming involved in the development of the La Manga resort] and left racing for years. He returned to the sport around 2000 and operated a husband-and-wife partnership with the horses running in the name and colours of his wife Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez. Murrell's preferred strategy in these later years was to buy horses of racing showing early potential, as opposed to buying unproven yearlings at auction. Murrell was also a noted collector of old master paintings, particularly from the Spanish school, and in recent years donated or loaned several important works to the Prado Museum in Madrid. The post Leading Owner And Philanthropist John Murrell Dies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are 12 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, January 11. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Gold Coast, Flemington, Wyong, Ascot & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – January 11, 2025 Gold Coast Racing Tips Flemington Racing Tips Wyong Racing Tips Ascot Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 11, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

By Michael Guerin In the end of the final push to the top of millionaire’s mountain was an easy one. It was probably always going to be for Oscar Bonavena, who had panels on his rivals in the IRT Cambridge Flying Stakes Trot at Cambridge on Thursday night. The nine-year-old was able to pull back to second last and after moving mid-race ended up in the one-one. From there the question was how big the margin would be. The answer: five-and-a-quarter lengths as he raced into the millionaire’s club without breaking a sweat. It was win 30 from start 76 for $1,018,558 in stakes, edging him into that most elite of trotting clubs. But while the final step was easy the climb up that mountain was anything but. It all started so well. Oscar was an instant hit for first trainer Phil Williamson, before being purchased by US-based Kiwi trainer Chris Ryder and Mark Purdon. He even raced in the part-ownership of the late, great Roy Purdon for a while as Mark kept his legendary father involved in the industry. Oscar was excellent in a short three-year-old career and magnificent for much of his four-year-old career before a luckless Australian campaign and then soon after the niggles started. As they say, the faster you go the bigger the mess. And Oscar’s little legs went awfully fast. As issues came and went it affected Oscar’s manners to the stage as a six-year-old he won only one of his 13 starts. Her looked set to become a cautionary tale of what happens to good horses who can’t stay sound and happy. But two years ago things changed and the little horse who couldn’t became the little horse who could. Oscar went on a rampage in the second half of that season, winning the Dominion Trot on his way to becoming Trotter of the Year. Last year was trickier, with Just Believe coming from Australia to dominate our major trots but it is a measure of what a great little horse he is that Oscar came from behind the Victorian to beat him in the NZ Free-For-All on Show Day. Oscar is still Oscar though. Such imperious form still mixed with a gallop in the score up of the National Trot on New Year’s Eve before he made his way to that mountain top on Thursday night. Next stop will be Australia and an opportunity to turn the clock back five years to when he was the next kid on the block. He is no longer new, no kid. He is our latest trotting milllionaire. A horse who did it the hard way. A sprinting machine who has to turn warrior to get off the canvas more than once. Oscar has turned out to be the horse we all hoped he would be. It just took him longer to get there than we expected. Oscar Bonavena is the 12th Australasian-bred trotting millionaire. He joins : Lyell Creek with $2,961,137. Sundon’s Gift ($1,460,561) I Can Doosit ($1,445,774) Speeding Spur ($1,304,992) Take A Moment ($1,164,356) Stent ($1,156,750) One Over Kenny ($1,098,007) Keystone Del ($1,088,449) Tornado Valley ($1,031,977) Vulcan ($1,025,892) Oscar Bonavena ($1,018,558) Sundees Son ($1,010,667) View the full article

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young trained Emphasize (NZ) (Embellish) has rocketed into Gr.1 New Zealand Derby contention with an emphatic victory at Sale on Thursday. The lightly tried son of resident Cambridge Stud sire Embellish had finished a debut third on the course over 1400 metres prior to Christmas and he relished the next step up to 1717 metres, waltzing home by four lengths. Emphasize was forced to cover plenty of extra ground in his victory romp with a performance that now has him the $8 second favourite for the Derby. Rider Thomas Stockdale has been aboard the three-year-old in both of his outings and said the best has yet to come from the gelding, who carries the colours of OTI Racing. “He was ever so strong and will continue to improve.” Emphasize was caught four wide early after jumping from the outside gate before he slotted in one off close to the pace. He pulled out early to improve three wide and strode to the front halfway down the straight to thump his older rivals. “The tempo was okay before the leader backed off going to the 1000 metre mark and my bloke has such a big stride that I let him roll,” Sadler said. Bred by Yarrawonga Racing, Emphasize was bought out of Castle Hill Farm’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale by Inglewood Stud for $5000. He was subsequently purchased for $75,000 by OTI, Busuttin Racing and Phill Cataldo Bloodstock at the Ready to Run Sale. Emphasize is a son of the Dane Shadow mare Dancing May, who also has a juvenile Embellish filly, and she is a sister to the Gr.1 South Australian Derby winner Shadows In The Sun. View the full article

It might not have been the race she wanted to target with Lingjun Xiongfeng this week, but Pam Gerard was pleased to see her showy grey return to winning form at Tauranga on Friday. The Matamata trainer had set her sights on tomorrow’s Gr.1 Harcourt Thordon Mile (1600m) at Trentham with the six-year-old gelding, but his 78 rating had made if difficult for her to execute that plan. “We have been a bit unlucky trying to get into fields. With his rating, he hasn’t been able to get in Open fields,” Gerard said. “We wanted to have him ready for the Thorndon Mile but just couldn’t get a start into him. I do think he has got a good one (race) in him.” The Factor entire hadn’t been sighted in the winner’s stall since December 2013, where he scored back-to-back victories, but he battled in open grade last year, featuring at the tail end of his last two Group outings. He returned to the races last month where he placed in the Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (1400m) at Taupo and after reviewing the race, Gerard decided the entire is best ridden cold. She gave those instructions to jockey George Rooke prior to the Simply Law Greerton 1600 on Friday, and the English jockey duly obliged, settling at the back of the field before setting his charge alight down the straight where he ran over the top of his rivals to score by a head over Outback Opal. “Last time at Taupo we rode him a bit handier,” Gerard said. “We were keen to put him into the race, but when I got home and looked at it I thought that’s not the right way to ride him. We were really patient today and in a small field you get your options and even though they aren’t coming from the back today, he has flown home late.” Rooke was pleased with the win and believes there is a big win instore for Lingjun Xiongfeng over the coming months. “I half thought I left it too late and when I got to the front, I thought I got there too soon,” Rooke said. “He has got plenty of ability, he is quite quirky with it, and he has won well today. “He is going to have a big summer and thankfully he has got it off today.” Gerard is hoping the win is the start of a prosperous weekend for stable, with stable star Savaglee out to continue his impressive run of form in the Gr.2 Top Kat Roofing Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham on Saturday. “Looking at him he looks big and burly and you think he is a little bit chubby, but I think he has just muscled up and got stronger,” Gerard said. “It is exciting, but it is probably more nerve-racking now as we have got to turn around and do it all again. “But I couldn’t be happier with him.” View the full article

Potential Group One contender Golden Century (NZ) (Pierro) will have his chance to shine on Sunday when he steps up to a middle distance on a roomier track. The highly regarded son of Pierro has yet to open his account and is presented with a grand opportunity to bank a winning cheque in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) on the big stage at Ellerslie. Golden Century ran third in his first two appearances at Taupo and Te Aroha before he changed hands and finished runner-up at Rotorua in his first outing for new owner OTI Racing and will again be ridden by Ryan Elliot. “He’s a real stayer and has been around tighter circuits and being the big horse he is, he’s going to appreciate the bigger track,” trainer Tony Pike said. “The 2100m will be right up his alley, he is still a very green horse but he’s improving with racing.” A top performance in the Salver will likely see Golden Century’s path toward the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) firmed up and his current $31 quote for the Classic tumble. “He was bought by OTI and his future lies in Australia, but they will look at leaving him here for our Derby depending how he progresses in his next couple of runs,” Pike said. Golden Century’s stablemates Raziah (NZ) (Niagara) and Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) will also continue their build-ups toward more lucrative targets when they step out in the Sistema 3YO (1200m). Niagara’s daughter Raziah won the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) in the spring before running eighth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “She had three or four weeks in the paddock and has come back in good order,” Pike said. “Back right-handed in the north, it will be interesting to see where she fits in and will improve a touch with the run. “She’s going in without a barrier trial, but she has got plenty of residual fitness from her trip down south.” Matt Cartwright will take the mount of The Oaks Stud-bred and raced filly who has the $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on her radar. “It’s 1200m fresh-up on Sunday and we’ll probably try and work toward that, it’s a short run up hence she’s running instead of a barrier trial,” Pike said. “If she comes up well enough, we’ll give her a crack at one of the 2000m fillies’ races and take it from there.” Almanzor filly Thooza is unbeaten in two appearances in the colours of Cambridge Stud and will have the services of Warren Kennedy. “It was a small field at Taranaki the other day and she was a bit slow to come up in the spring, but her coat has come through now,” Pike said. “She’s in good order and it will be her first time around Ellerslie and obviously Brendan (Lindsay) has a slot in the big race (NZB Kiwi, 1500m) and he wants to give her a chance of getting there. “We’ll get through Sunday and if she performs well, we’ll look at something a bit stronger at her next start.” A leading light among the stable’s older runners at Ellerslie is Trelawney Stud’s in-form mare Acquarello (Written Tycoon), who runs in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis Handicap (1400m). She won the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in the spring and was runner-up when resuming in the Royal Descent Stakes (1400m) on the course on Boxing Day. “She needed that run, she’s a very big mare who holds a lot of condition and will improve a lot,” Pike said. “That’s why we’re running again on the way to the Westbury Classic (Gr.2, 1400m).” View the full article

Rising star Marotiri Molly (NZ) (Per Incanto) has defied the expectations of Matt Dixon already this season, and on Saturday at Trentham the Foxton trainer hopes she can continue that trend in the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m). The late-developing daughter of Per Incanto broke maiden status as a five-year-old over 1200m, and there was a period of time where Dixon wondered if that would be her limit. 12 months down the track, Marotiri Molly had won three races in succession over 1400m, and in her first attempt in stakes company she came within a neck of La Crique in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1400m). Her outstanding form line was capped off in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) on December 21 where the mare put a healthy margin on a strong field of horses, persuading Dixon and the Parlato’s (owners) to pay the late nomination into Saturday’s feature. “She’s come through that run in great order, she’s had a pretty faultless prep over the past few weeks so I’m very happy with her,” Dixon said. “It wasn’t really the plan earlier on, but the more she’s raced, the more she’s learned to settle, which she showed in her Pukekohe run and her last run. In the early days, we wondered if she’d even get 1400, but she’s learned to race a bit kinder. “She’s been strong to the line and given an indication that she will see out the mile, so we are hopeful.” The Thorndon Mile also slotted into the mare’s programme better than her other option, which would’ve been the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) on Karaka Millions Night (January 25). “After her last win, it was going to be five weeks to the Westbury Classic,” Dixon said. “She’d come through her last run so well and she loves Trentham, it’s nice and close to home. The three-week timeframe also worked out well, we went a month from Pukekohe into the Challenge Stakes and now a nice gap between this too.” Marotiri Molly will be having just her 13th start on Saturday, and while Dixon had always rated her highly, even he couldn’t have predicted her rapid rise this term. “She always showed a lot of natural speed, it was just a matter of her maturing into her frame,” he said. “She’s had a few growing pains along the way. “She’s certainly had the ability, but you never expect to get to this point, 13 or 14 months ago she was just winning a maiden race. “She’s come a very long way.” View the full article

Allan Sharrock’s New Plymouth stable has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, and rising star mare Islington Lass (NZ) (Proisir) will attempt to extend that hot run in Saturday’s Gr.3 Life Direct Trentham Stakes (2100m). Sharrock sits in fourth place on the New Zealand trainers’ premiership with 34 wins this season, and 16 of those victories have come since December 5. That includes black-type successes with Ladies Man in the Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham on December 7 and Islington Lass in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) at the same venue on December 21, while Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) contender Almakeitgood placed in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. “The stable’s been going pretty well over the holiday period,” Sharrock said. “We’ve got some nice horses around us at the moment and hopefully we can keep our good run going for a bit longer yet.” Sharrock is following a familiar formula in his attempt to continue his winning form in Saturday’s Trentham Stakes. He has won three of the last four runnings of the race with Our Hail Mary (2021), Waisake (2022) and Ladies Man (2023), while Waisake also placed in both 2023 and 2024. Islington Lass goes into the $150,000 feature as the winner of eight of her 16 starts and more than $249,000 in stakes. Her five visits to Trentham have produced three wins, including the Listed Rangitikei Cup (1600m) in May and an impressive performance in last month’s Manawatu Cup. “I thought it was a great effort to win the Manawatu Cup last time out,” Sharrock said. “I gave her an easy week after that race and I’ve been happy enough with how she’s been working up since then. “I think she’ll run well again on Saturday. She likes Wellington and is well suited to the set weights and penalties conditions of this race.” Despite her rating of 99 being the second highest in the Trentham Stakes field, Islington Lass will carry only 54kg. The Proisir mare will be ridden by Michael McNab and holds $3.20 favouritism in the TAB’s Final Field market, just ahead of Group One winner and topweight Campionessa at $3.90. Sharrock suggested that the Trentham Stakes is likely to be the final start of the summer for Islington Lass. “I can see this being her last run before we put her out for a little break,” he said. “We’ll bring her back for the autumn with a focus on some good fillies and mares’ races like the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) and Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 2000m).” Islington Lass headlines a two-pronged Trentham team for Sharrock, who is also expecting a bold showing from Bridal Train (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) in the Belclare Superstar (1400m). The four-year-old daughter of U S Navy Flag has been close up in fourth in both of her first two runs of this campaign, and the TAB rates her a $3.10 favourite for the opening race on Saturday’s card. View the full article

Classy mare Campionessa has flown the flag for Te Akau Racing at the top level for a number of years, but on Saturday at Trentham, her younger stablemate Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor) will get her time to shine contesting the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m). The Te Akau homebred mare was among the top staying fillies last term, placing in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), earning her a tilt at the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. While she didn’t fire in her season finale, Qali Al Farrasha has made a firing four-year-old return, winning at Ellerslie before recording narrow placings at Te Rapa and Pukekohe, the latter to Nereus in the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m). “She’s not very big and doesn’t carry a lot of condition, but she’s very game,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the mare in partnership with Mark Walker. “I thought her runs this time around have been very good, she goes out there and tries hard, which her record reflects. “She’s freshened up nicely and we were planning to go to the Rich Hill Mile (Gr.2, 1600m) last week, but she got quite a few points from the Counties Cup and would’ve been carrying 56.5kg. We elected to wait and she’s got 53kg in a pretty even field on Saturday, and she’s got a nice barrier, which gives us options.” As reflected in the TAB market, the field for this year’s edition is relatively even, with Marotiri Molly currently on top at $5. However, the big mover early has been Qali Al Farrasha, shortening from $21 to $12. Bergerson, while knowing the size of the task, has faith his charge is more than capable of figuring in another elite-level finish at Trentham. “She hasn’t missed the top three many times in her career and she raced well at Wellington in the Oaks,” he said. “It’s a big ask at Group One level now, but we think she’s up to it.” Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer) will also feature on the Trentham card, taking her place in the Gr.3 Life Direct Trentham Stakes (2100m). A Group One winner over 2050m, the daughter of Contributer has run her customary honest races this preparation, finishing second to Snazzytavi in the Gr.2 Cal Izuzu Stakes (1600m), and fifth to the same runner in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m). “She’s probably just a year older now, and against those top Group One performers, she’s just not quite as sharp as a Snazzytavi or La Crique,” Bergerson said. “We ran in the Thorndon last year, but this time around we weren’t able to freshen her well enough to come back to a mile, and this looks like a nice stepping stone in potentially heading to a Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) or something similar again. “She’s very consistent, she gets in well at the set weights and penalties, she’s giving two or three kilos to horses that are rated 20 points below her. It looks a nice race for her, we’re sure she can be competitive. Allan’s horse (Islington Lass) will be very hard to beat, but she always runs well and tries very hard.” Te Akau’s trio of stakes runners is completed by Carsolio (Bivouac), a juvenile colt having his second start in the Listed Star Group Wellesley Stakes (1100m). The son of Bivouac was a narrowly beaten favourite on debut, but has since impressed winning at the Pukekohe trials last month. “It was disappointing to be beaten at Tauherenikau, but he’s certainly better for the experience,” Bergerson said. “It just rained on the morning and unfortunately got to a heavy track, and he ended up three-wide in front in a four-horse field. “It all went wrong, but we’ve given him a freshen-up, his trial at Pukekohe was good and his work was very good on Tuesday on the course proper. “This looks like a nice open race for him on paper, he’s drawn one with Luke Currie aboard, so he ticks a lot of boxes. He’s already had an overnight trip away as well, so we think he’ll travel and handle it well.” While the stable has had plenty of success at the Central Districts venue, they will enter new territory further south at Kumara on Saturday when they line-up their first runner in the Vernon and Vazey 0800 Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m). That representative will be Elegant Lady (NZ) (Highly Recommended), a placegetter in last year’s Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m). After running fifth at Otaki on Boxing Day, she continued down to Te Akau’s Riccarton base with the same target in mind this term. “We are keen to get her to the Dunedin Gold Cup again as we did last year, she ran at Otaki on the way down to the South Island which is where she was always heading,” Bergerson said. “She’s pretty well-travelled, she went down to Christchurch last year and seemed to really thrive. We saw this race as a nice stepping stone in getting up to the 2000-plus range, without having to jump from a mile to a 22 or 24. “We would love to win the Nuggets, it’s an iconic race and I’m pretty sure we’ve never had a runner there. It’s an exciting time for the stable and it looks like a nice race for her to progress into the late summer and autumn.” View the full article

Stephen Gray experienced plenty of highs with Silent Is Gold (Star Turn) when training in Singapore, and he is excited to begin a new chapter with the gelding when he makes his New Zealand debut in the JR & N Berkett 1100 at Trentham on Saturday. The six-year-old son of Star Turn won seven races in Singapore for Gray, up to Class 1, and was placed in the Singapore 3YO Sprint (1200m), Kranji Sprint (1200m) and Singapore 3YO Classic (1400m), and earned more than S$390,000 ($509,000) in prizemoney. With the closure of racing in Singapore last year looming, Gray elected to return to New Zealand and was asked to take Silent Is Gold with him by owner Chin Hien Tan, who continues to race the gelding in partnership with Gray and his wife Bridget. Silent Is Gold won a 1000m trial at Foxton last month and readied for his weekend assignment with an exhibition gallop at Otaki on Monday, and Gray is excited to see what his charge can do on raceday in New Zealand. “It is quite sentimental,” said Gray, who trains in partnership with his father Kevin. “The owner was a lovely guy and a good owner of ours. He sent him over with us when we left. He wanted to send him to New Zealand and try him and give him a good home afterwards. “We are really excited for the weekend, it’s cool to get him back from Singapore. He has trialled up well and he looks fantastic. He will probably improve with a run, and a first run at Trentham is never easy. “He is not a Group One horse, he is a Group Three type of horse, he is pretty sharp and he tries hard. He was pretty nippy over there (Singapore), but you wouldn’t say he was the best sprinter in Singapore, but he was always thereabouts. “We just want to win a race and have a bit of fun.” Silent Is Gold will jump from barrier eight and will have the benefit of apprentice jockey Toni Davies’ three-kilogram claim, bringing his allocated weight down to 57kg. “It is good to have young Toni on, she is a rider that has got a really good future,” Gray said. “We are a bit fortunate down our way, we have got two or three really good apprentice jockeys.” Later on the card, former Hong Kong galloper Sword In Stone (NZ) (Redwood) will have his first stakes test since returning to New Zealand when he contests Saturday’s Gr.3 Life Direct Trentham Stakes (2100m). The nine-year-old gelding was initially purchased as a yearling by Gray and he is delighted to renew his association with the son of Redwood. “Originally, Gary Carvill (bloodstock agent) and I bought him as a yearling and then I sold him to one of my best owners in Singapore,” Gray said. “He was in pre-training at Lauren Brennan’s, Lauren did a lot of our pre-training for us in those days, and asked to give him a race because he showed a lot of potential. “He won his second start and then he ran third in the Waikato Guineas (Gr.2, 2000m). We were going to have a go at the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) but he didn’t make the field. Hong Kong came calling and he was sold for a big figure.” Sword In Stone continued his racing career in Hong Kong where he raced as Columbus County for trainer Caspar Fownes. He won two races in the competitive racing jurisdiction and was Group One performed, placing in the Gr.1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) and Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m). Sword In Stone’s form had begun to wane in Hong Kong and Gray said it was perfect timing that he was making a return to New Zealand when Fownes was contemplating winding down the gelding’s racing career. “I formed a friendship with Caspar Fownes and when Caspar knew we were coming back he asked if we wanted to take this horse back with us, and I said we would,” Gray said. “The idea was to give him a few races and see how he went, because he is a natural stayer, and here we are. Even though he is a nine-year-old, he doesn’t know he is a nine-year-old.” The return to New Zealand has rejuvenated the gelding, who made the perfect return when victorious at Otaki on Boxing Day. “He won and it was a bit of coup,” said Gray, who also races the gelding with his wife. “He had a beautiful preparation and that is why I went to a mile first-up because he is a staying horse. “He had three trials and had been in work a long time and you never know how they are going to go, but we just felt that in that class, with the light weight (54kg), and if he brought his Hong Kong form he would go well fresh, and he did. “The family were there and a lot of my friends, they all had a bet and you would think that we won a Group One.” Gray is now stepping up his charge to stakes level, with a possible view of heading towards the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day in March. “I am not sure about Saturday,” Gray said. “He is stepping up to a stronger field, but he is well weighted (55kg) and it will be interesting. The main thing is that he relaxes and has a good hit-out and we will see where we are at from there. “He is nominated for the Auckland Cup and that is my main thinking.” Completing the Grays’ representation at Trentham will be promising juvenile filly Hello My Dear (NZ) (Hello Youmzain), who will be out to try and gain a berth in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) when she contests the Listed Star Group Wellesley Stakes (1100m). Gray purchased the daughter of Hello Youmzain out of Haunui Farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft for $26,000, and she has placed in two of her three starts to date, including a runner-up effort over 1000m at Tauherenikau last week. “She went really well the other day, she shows a lot of promise,” Gray said. “She is a tough filly and I was quite impressed with the way she was headed by a reasonably nice horse and fought back. “She is in the Karaka Million. You have to go to the Wellesley to have a crack and if she can run well, why not? “She is a nice, big, strong filly and everyone who rides her said she is going to get over ground.” View the full article

Bauhinia. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Lee Curtis is unfazed by Bauhinia’s wide barrier draw as the talented three-year-old filly prepares for Saturday’s $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m). Although drawn in barrier 20, Bauhinia will shift into barrier 16 of 18 if emergencies fail to secure a start. Curtis remains optimistic about the chances of the fast-finishing filly, who caught attention with her impressive first-up win in the Magic Millions Wyong Stakes (1200m), where she set a new 1200-metre track record of 1:07.67. “She’s been to races four times and pretty much every time she’s come out, or three of them, she’s come out on her ear,” said Curtis, who trains in partnership with his wife Cherie. “You’ve got to assume she’s probably going to do that again, she just comes from impossible positions. “If she drew two and that happens, she’s going to be in the same position, so I’m not worried about it.” Curtis has maintained Bauhinia’s successful preparation strategy, mirroring her Wyong lead-up by giving the filly one trial before the big race. She placed in a Rosehill trial on December 23, showing she is in excellent form. “[Her] trial was really good, she ran an amazing time,” Curtis added. “We’re very happy.” Tommy Berry, who has ridden Bauhinia in all four of her starts, will again take the reins on Saturday. Currently rated a $9.50 chance for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas with horse betting sites, Bauhinia is among just three runners with single-figure odds, with Snitzanova narrowly leading the market at $5.50 at Neds. Horse racing news View the full article

Icarian Dream. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Ciaron Maher remains optimistic about Icarian Dream’s prospects of delivering him a third Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) victory, despite the filly being handed a wide draw in barrier 21 for Saturday’s $3 million feature. The accomplished trainer has already tasted success in the prestigious event with Away Game and Coolangatta, and has had his sights set on another triumph with the $300,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale acquisition. Icarian Dream impressed in her last outing with a commanding win in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm. “It’s been the plan for Icarian Dream pretty much her whole career to get her back here, and last start, she was quite dominant,” Maher told Racing Queensland. “It’s not ideal, but barrier draws are often overdone I feel. The main thing is she is well and has done everything right – so I’m happy with her preparation going in.” Maher acknowledged the challenge posed by the wide draw but remained confident in his filly’s readiness. “We’ll have to sit down and nut out the race as to how we think it will unfold. “No doubt it’s going to be more difficult from out there, but she should be spot on and ready to run a big race.” He also highlighted the importance of acclimatisation, a strategy that has worked well for him in the past. “We wanted to get her up here nice and early, as we’ve done in previous years to acclimatise and get her into the swing of things, and so far, so good.” Horse racing news View the full article

Qali Al Farrasha will contest the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Classy mare Campionessa has flown the flag for Te Akau Racing at the top level for a number of years, but on Saturday at Trentham, her younger stablemate Qali Al Farrasha will get her time to shine contesting the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). The Te Akau homebred mare was among the top staying fillies last term, placing in the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) and Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), earning her a tilt at the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. While she didn’t fire in her season finale, Qali Al Farrasha has made a firing four-year-old return, winning at Ellerslie before recording narrow placings at Te Rapa and Pukekohe, the latter to Nereus in the Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m). “She’s not very big and doesn’t carry a lot of condition, but she’s very game,” said Sam Bergerson, who trains the mare in partnership with Mark Walker. “I thought her runs this time around have been very good, she goes out there and tries hard, which her record reflects. “She’s freshened up nicely and we were planning to go to the Rich Hill Mile (Group 2, 1600m) last week, but she got quite a few points from the Counties Cup and would’ve been carrying 56.5kg. We elected to wait and she’s got 53kg in a pretty even field on Saturday, and she’s got a nice barrier, which gives us options.” As reflected in the market with horse racing bookmakers, the field for this year’s edition is relatively even, with Marotiri Molly currently on top at $5. However, the big mover early has been Qali Al Farrasha, shortening from $21 to $12 with BlondeBet. Bergerson, while knowing the size of the task, has faith his charge is more than capable of figuring in another elite-level finish at Trentham. “She hasn’t missed the top three many times in her career and she raced well at Wellington in the Oaks,” he said. “It’s a big ask at Group One level now, but we think she’s up to it.” Horse racing news View the full article

Silent Is Gold (inside) during an exhibition gallop at Otaki on Monday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Stephen Gray experienced plenty of highs with Silent Is Gold when training in Singapore, and he is excited to begin a new chapter with the gelding when he makes his New Zealand debut at Trentham on Saturday. The six-year-old son of Star Turn won seven races in Singapore for Gray, up to Class 1, and was placed in the Singapore 3YO Sprint (1200m), Kranji Sprint (1200m) and Singapore 3YO Classic (1400m), and earned more than S$390,000 in prizemoney. With the closure of racing in Singapore last year looming, Gray elected to return to New Zealand and was asked to take Silent Is Gold with him by owner Chin Hien Tan, who continues to race the gelding in partnership with Gray and his wife Bridget. Silent Is Gold won a 1000m trial at Foxton last month and readied for his weekend assignment with an exhibition gallop at Otaki on Monday, and Gray is excited to see what his charge can do on raceday in New Zealand. “It is quite sentimental,” said Gray, who trains in partnership with his father Kevin. “The owner was a lovely guy and a good owner of ours. He sent him over with us when we left. He wanted to send him to New Zealand and try him and give him a good home afterwards. “We are really excited for the weekend, it’s cool to get him back from Singapore. He has trialled up well and he looks fantastic. He will probably improve with a run, and a first run at Trentham is never easy. “He is not a Group One horse, he is a Group Three type of horse, he is pretty sharp and he tries hard. He was pretty nippy over there (Singapore), but you wouldn’t say he was the best sprinter in Singapore, but he was always thereabouts. “We just want to win a race and have a bit of fun.” Silent Is Gold will jump from barrier eight and will have the benefit of apprentice jockey Toni Davies’ three-kilogram claim, bringing his allocated weight down to 57kg. “It is good to have young Toni on, she is a rider that has got a really good future,” Gray said. “We are a bit fortunate down our way, we have got two or three really good apprentice jockeys.” Horse racing news View the full article

Santa Anita opened its track Thursday morning to limited training–just joggers and gallopers for most of the morning. For the Santa Anita backstretch community, it was a slice of normality as the extent of the damage caused by the wildfires that have ripped across Los Angeles this week began to set in. “I've lived there half my life, almost. My daughter was born there. It's where she grew up. All of our memories together. I was just telling her, 'all of your medals and trophies for all the years you danced, everything's gone,'” said Deedee Anderson, whose home in Altadena–one of the communities in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills most affected by the fires–was destroyed. Anderson is a long-time staple of the Santa Anita backstretch. She's a former exercise rider and now the owner of a successful equine therapy business, whose clients include trainers like Michael McCarthy. “We got out and the cats out, except one,” Anderson said, of her husband, 16-year-old daughter and pets. “I'm between despair and utter devastation and sadness and guilt and regret. Why didn't I load up this? Why didn't I load up that? Honestly? I thought at the worst we'd have some smoke damage. It would be no biggie. I grabbed a few things. My laptop. My machines–my equipment so I can continue to have a business.” Anderson said she and her neighbors were evacuated Tuesday night. She listened into the police scanner in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the fire worked its way through the community, street by street, towards her home. “I want to be stoic about it and reflect and be philosophical. Like, what's the silver lining? Well, I did have too much stuff. I did have a cluttered house from all the years I've lived there and raised a kid there,” she Anderson. “My house was very charming. It was in a beautiful area,” she added. “I loved it. I don't know if we'll ever go back. We'll see. But it means a lot that so many people have checked in. It means a lot that people like Michael [McCarthy] have reached out and gone, 'take all the time you need for you and your daughter.' It's good to know that I have support.” By Thursday afternoon, several fires continued to burn in the Los Angeles region. The Eaton Fire is the wildfire that has most impacted the communities surrounding Santa Anita Park. It has so far claimed at least five lives, and has spread to more than 10,600 acres, according to Cal Fire. Tuesday night and on into Wednesday, the Eaton Fire licked across foothill communities like North Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre where many of the backstretch workers live, causing mass evacuations. Unusually strong Santa Ana winds coupled with tinder-dry conditions have made this particular event especially treacherous. Because of the high winds and the smoke, training at Santa Anita was cancelled Wednesday morning. There was also some damage to the backstretch property. Trainer Leonard Powell reported that a portion of his barn roof had partially blown off. As the winds dropped slightly Thursday, compromised air quality from the heavy smoke has become the main obstacle to operations at Santa Anita. With that in mind, Santa Anita has been distributing N-95 masks and protective eyewear to backstretch and frontstretch personnel. Track management have also told the horsemen and women that, if anyone chose, it would assist them in evacuating horses to other licensed facilities. The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has developed a protocol for what activities are permitted at its facilities when the air quality is compromised, an ultimate decision on which is determined by the track's general manager and the state's equine medical director. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical standard developed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At 2:00 pm PT Thursday afternoon, the AQI for Arcadia was 198, which is considered unhealthy. When the AQI is more than 175, the options are to cancel live racing, cancel official workouts, and to prohibit galloping, breezing, and anything more strenuous than a jog. On Thursday afternoon, track management announced that it had postponed Friday's racing program until next Thursday, Jan. 16. due to the forecast of poor air quality in the region. “We also want to respect the impact that this tragedy has had on many of our community, including our horsemen and women and our own Santa Anita team, who have been devastated by these fires. By proactively moving the races, it gives our horsemen and women, horseplayers, fans and our team the opportunity to plan accordingly,” wrote Santa Anita general manager, Nate Newby. A decision on this weekend's racing program, which includes Saturday's 11-race California Cup program, will be made on Friday. The racing office also alerted trainers Thursday that there will be no official workers Friday morning, and that a decision about what training activities will be allowed (like jogging or galloping) will be made at 4:30 am PT Friday morning. In the meantime, many in the backstretch community have been finding out whether they still have homes to go back to. Eoin Harty | Horsephotos California Thoroughbred Trainers president Eoin Harty was evacuated from his north Sierra Madre community late Tuesday night. Harty returned to his house midway Wednesday morning. It was still standing. But a tree at the end of his garden was ablaze. He doused it with a hose and stayed on into the night to stub out any other potential fires and to protect the property from looters combing the fire-stricken area. “I've been sat up there trying to protect the porch, basically,” said Harty, Thursday morning. Emergency services had cordoned off his street but there was no other police presence keeping an eye on the homes last night, he said. “I think I might have been the only person on my street last night. It was eerily quiet and pitch dark. I left this morning when it was dark, and so, haven't really surveyed what has happened or is happening today,” he said. “You've got the fallout from the wind, so you've got the tree limbs and crap everywhere. Then you've got the smoke and ash falling on top of that,” he said. “I think I'm in a state of shock today. Yesterday, it was just reacting to the facts and the situation. But today it's starting to sink in just what the f@#* is going on here,” said Harty, who added that he'll once again stand guard outside his home tonight. “I'll be wielding my little league baseball bat at them,” he said, of any looters. “It'll be like Pee-wee Herman chasing down a villain.” Phil D'Amato | Horsephotos For trainer Phil D'Amato, his is more a sense of relief. “We've averted disaster, thanks to the fire department and the forestry service. They acted quickly and I'm extremely grateful,” said D'Amato. D'Amato lives in a home abutting the mountainside north of Santa Anita. He said he was evacuated Tuesday night but returned to his home yesterday to see if it was still standing. When he arrived, he said, the flames were perilously near creeping down the hillside towards him home (see the video above). The emergency services arrived just in the nick of time, he added. “The cut down all the trees and all the potential fuel to the fire, knocked out anything that got into my backyard,” said D'Amato. Had they not, his home would likely have been lost, he said. “I think so–it was getting really hot, fast and furious there,” said D'Amato. “It was a surreal experience.” 8am pic.twitter.com/XeZ6UqXwlm — John W. Sadler (@johnwsadler) January 9, 2025 The post Los Angeles Wildfires: As Threats To Santa Anita Recede, Reality Bites appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Orchestral. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A series of outstanding performances at Ellerslie last summer underpinned an award-winning three-year-old season for Orchestral, and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood hope Sunday’s first-up run will set her up for more of the same in 2025. The top-class daughter of Savabeel scored a stunning Ellerslie treble in last year’s $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). She powered home from the back half of the field to win each of those features with ease, racking up a combined winning margin of more than 11 lengths. Orchestral carried on to Sydney and added the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), which James and Wellwood had also won the previous year with Prowess. Orchestral’s exceptional three-year-old season came to an end with a third placing in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m). James and Wellwood went into Orchestral’s four-year-old spring with high hopes, but she was unplaced in all of her three appearances. She resumed with an eighth over 1400m at Ellerslie in September, followed by a strong-finishing sixth in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and a very disappointing 12th in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). “For whatever reason, she didn’t show her best form in that spring campaign,” James said. “She had a hard run first-up, and then to be fair to her, she was very unlucky in that second run. But her performance in that last race was a bit of a head-scratcher. “We gave her a break after that and I’m super happy with her in the lead-up to Ellerslie this weekend. She’s looking great. “The 1400m will absolutely be short of her best distance this weekend and there’s a fair bit of improvement left in her. We don’t need her to be peaking for this race.” James is looking forward to taking Orchestral back to Ellerslie’s Karaka Millions meeting again on January 25 in search of another million-dollar prize. “She’ll go to the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) next,” he said. “After that, she’ll probably continue to race in New Zealand through until the autumn. We can race for such incredibly good money on home soil now, with the stakes and bonuses, that there’s no need to look further afield.” Horse racing bookmakers rate Orchestral a $3 favourite for the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic. She is also prominent in the market for the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 8, where she sits on the second line of favouritism at $6 behind dominant $1.70 favourite Snazzytavi. Orchestral is at the same $6 quote with Neds for the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m), which is one of four Group One races run on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. The Aotearoa Classic, Herbie Dyke Stakes and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes are all qualifying races for the Rich Hill Champion Middle Distance Series, which will award bonuses of $300,000, $150,000 and $50,000 for the three highest point-scorers at the conclusion of the 12-race series. Horse racing news View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Sideshow Bruce has come a long way in a short time and today he’ll have to take another big step up. The Robert Stuart-trained Sweet Lou four-year-old has had three wins and a second in four career starts and at 7.09pm will carry local hopes in the day’s feature at Richmond Park, the $25,000 Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup. The country’s top driver Blair Orange will again drive Sideshow Bruce after guiding him to a winning double at Westport on Boxing Day and December 28. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes,” says Orange, “this will be the hardest field he’s raced and it will be interesting to see how he shapes up and we’ll get a line on where he’s at.” It will also be Sideshow Bruce’s first standing start. He’s drawn one over the 3000 metres and is currently a $10 fifth favourite, behind Rakero Rocket, Who’s Delight, Xlendi and Built For Glory. Rising star Rakero Rocket was an impressive winner of the first ever four-year-old Group 1 The Christian Cullen at Addington on December 6 while Orange is mindful of the Bob Butt trained and driven Xlendi. “Xlendi’s off the front and no slouch.” Orange has a full book of 11 drives today at one of his favourite places. “I love Nelson , I could retire there,” says Orange, “and it’s a lovely track, everyone gets their chance.” Orange looks to have plenty of chances himself. “They look a pretty even lot and there’s a few there with a bit of luck can be winning or in the money,” says Orange. Among them Nellie Doyle has won a trial for trainer Tim Trathen ahead of her resumption, Lasa has been in good form for Cran and Chrissie Dalgety, and the likes of Racingmissgracie, Light Me Up and Just Holla have all been well backed. And Orange is upbeat about the chances of the Paul Nairn-trained El Conqueror in the Jack Behrns / Joe Hill Tribute Handicap Trot at 7.34pm after he had two seconds at Westport and a fifth at Reefton between Christmas and New Year. “I think this is a winnable race for him. He was a bit flat on the last day at Reefton the way the track was playing but we were pretty happy with both days at Westport.” Blair Orange’s Nelson drives : Race 1 – 3.13pm – Racingmissgracie Race 2 – 3.47pm – Light Me Up Race 3 – 4.23pm – Nellie Doyle Race 4 – 4.57pm – Lasa Race 5 – 5.22pm – Just Holla Race 6 – 5.49pm – Kawactus Race 7 – 6.17pm – Bella Lindenny Race 8 – 6.42pm – What A Minx Race 9 – 7.09pm – Sideshow Bruce Race 10 – 7.34pm – El Conqueror Race 11 – 8.03pm – Follow Your Dream Orange wrapped up his seventh consecutive drivers’ premiership at the conclusion of the 2024 and has had five wins so far in 2025 to be second equal, two wins behind leader Matthew Williamson. View the full article

Top End trainer Ella Clarke was named recipient of the 2025 Racing Women of the Year award in the NT/WA category at the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards dinner at the Gold Coast last Friday. (Picture: Caroline Camilleri/Darwin Photography Professionals) It has been a big week for Darwin trainer Ella Clarke. Last Friday night, she was named as the 2025 Racing Woman of the Year in the combined WA/NT category at the Magic Millions Racing Women Awards dinner held at The Star Casino on the Gold Coast. Launched last year, the function recognises the outstanding national success and achievements by women in the Australian thoroughbred industry. “Meeting some of the biggest female names in racing, it was just an honour and exciting to share the room with them,” Clarke said. Ella Baird from Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory nominated Clarke for the award, while TRNT chief executive officer Andrew O’Toole helped with her final presentation. The 28-year-old heads home on Friday night to prepare for Saturday’s meeting at Fannie Bay. Apart from attending to her horse Style And Grace, Clarke will also prepare Hazlewood, Global Wonder, American Jazz, Influential Jack, Change Is Coming and Bel Suono for her dad Gary. Gary, the Top End and Country premiership’s leading trainer, and wife Sharlene arrived on the Gold Coast on Tuesday for the Magic Millions meeting on Saturday, as well as the horse sales. Click here for HorseBetting’s full preview of Magic Millions Day 2025. Ella hopes that former Victorian mare Style And Grace, a five-year-old by Impending, can make it three wins from seven starts when she takes on 0-64 opposition over 1300m. “Style And Grace has gone quite well – she has only missed out on prizemoney twice,” she said. “It’s a small field of six on Saturday, but there’s still speed in the race and there’s some good horses. “American Jazz has found his feet again, he’ll be hard to beat. “Tommy Logan is going for the hat-trick with Queen In The North – she’s one to beat as well.” Kick-starting her training career on October 2, 2021, Ella had her first win at her next meeting three weeks later with Son Of Utred. Since then, it’s been 23 wins and 32 minor placings from 100 starts at Fannie Bay. Wild Beau, Pop Magic, Debating, Hotim English and Point Loma complete Ella’s stable. Wild Beau broke the 1100m track record in December, Pop Magic won the $40,000 Wet Season Series Final (1200m) on Australia Day last year, and Debating starred as a three-year-old last season. The young trainer had success on Darwin Cup Day in 2023 when Ironedge won the 2050m consolation race for horses that missed the Cup. To be considered for the trophy and a $10,000 scholarship at the Magic Millions Racing Women’s big night, Clarke had to answer questions and stipulate how best she would spend her cash prize. “I’ve been learning about the post-race recovery for horses in hot weather, I just wanted to develop my skills and knowledge,” she said. “One thing I have been researching a lot was pulse therapy, I really want to go down that road.” Horse racing news View the full article

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A longshot legal maneuver aimed at halting funding of an overhaul of Belmont Park has officially fallen flat, which will allow the project that already has started to continue forward.View the full article

Santa Anita Park has postponed its Friday, Jan. 10, racing program to Thursday, Jan. 16, because of poor air quality in the San Gabriel Valley because of area wildfires, which have displaced workers and fans.View the full article

A New York Appellate Court has dismissed a complaint from two New York State taxpayers, Jannette Patterson and John Di Leonardo, who sought on behalf of PETA to prevent the state from loaning NYRA the $455 million it plans to use to rebuild Belmont Park. The court, the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, was ruling on an appeal from the plaintiffs whose complaint was dismissed by an Albany County court in October of 2023. With the filing of the original lawsuit PETA said, in a statement, that it was “hoping to prevent a shady deal to fund a private entertainment business with money from New York taxpayers.” The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief, claiming that the appropriation violated the New York Constitution's prohibition on giving of lending public funds in aid of a private undertaking. According to a ruling issued Thursday, “the court ultimately denied plaintiffs' application for a preliminary injunction, granted judgment in defendants' favor and declared the appropriation to be constitutional. Given that this action has been rendered moot, the appeal must be dismissed.” The court addressed a situation in which the work to tear down the original Belmont Park and build a new facility was already well underway. “As general principle, courts are precluded from considering questions, which, although once live, have become moot by passage of time or change in circumstances,” the ruling read…” In cases involving construction projects, various factors are considered, including how far the construction work has progressed towards completion, whether the work was undertaken in bad faith or without authority and whether the substantially completed work cannot be readily undone without substantial hardship.” “…extensive work has been performed that could not be undone without substantial hardship, as the former quarter-mile, long grandstand has been demolished. Belying any claim that the construction has been undertaken without authority or in bad faith, NYRA has obtained all the necessary regulatory approvals.” The court also noted that it would have been impractical for NYRA to seek a loan from anyone else other than the state. “While plaintiffs contend that NYRA and the state defendants could pursue other public or private funding mechanisms, such claims are speculative and unsupported by the record,” the ruling read. The new Belmont is expected to be ready in time to host the 2026 GI Belmont Stakes. “The transformation of Belmont Park will secure the future of thoroughbred racing in New York State, create thousands of good jobs and drive tourism to Long Island and the region for decades to come,” NYRA spokesperson Patrick McKenna said. “NYRA is pleased with the court's decision, and we look forward to opening a world-class racing and entertainment destination in 2026.” The post PETA Backed, Last Ditch Effort To Stop Belmont Rebuild Shot Down By Appellate Court appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, welcomed last month 2003 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town (Cape Town) and 2009 Kentucky Oaks runner-up Stone Legacy (Birdstone), the nonprofit via a release on Thursday. Bird Town is the first Kentucky Oaks winner retired to the farm. Both horses were donated to Old Friends thanks to the generosity of Marylou Whitney Stables. “Under any circumstances, Old Friends would be honored to welcome these two accomplished mares,” said John Nicholson, Old Friends's president and CEO. “The fact that they come to us from the Marylou Whitney Stables means that their arrival carries an even deeper meaning for us. We were so saddened by the recent unexpected passing of John Hendrickson. He and his wife Marylou Whitney were not only towering figures in Thoroughbred Racing, they were stalwart supporters of Thoroughbred aftercare in general and Old Friends in particular.” The post Old Friends Welcomes Kentucky Oaks Alums Bird Town, Stone Legacy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article