Wandering Eyes

A filly born at Darby Dan Farm near Lexington, Kentucky is the first reported foal for champion 2-year-old colt Forte (Violence). Gravy (Collected–Flawless Diamond, by Saint Ballado), a $160,000 2024 Keeneland November purchase by Darby Dan client Gary Holland for Kamden Favorites, had a dark bay filly Jan. 8 at 6:00 p.m. ET. “She is a flashy filly with plenty of leg, we are thrilled with the result, especially as this is the mare's first foal,” said Darby Dan Farm Manager Charlie McKinlay. Forte, winner of the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile in 2022, also took home that same year the GI Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga and the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland. Forte covered 196 mares to date and is set to stand the 2025 season for $45,000 S&N at Spendthrift Farm near Lexington. The post First Foal Reported For Champion Forte Is A Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this extended weekend running at Chukyo and Nakayama Racecourses: Saturday, January 11, 2025 3rd-CKO, ¥11,850,000 ($75k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1800m QUEEN'S CHOCOLAT (JPN) (f, 3, Tiz the Law–Ahh Chocolate, by Candy Ride {Arg}) is the first Japanese-foaled produce for her dam, a two-time graded winner going long on the dirt for Stoneway Farm and trainer Neil Howard and sold with this filly in utero for $300,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. This is the female family of three-time GIII Arlington Handicap hero Rahystrada and his Grade III-winning half-brother Lone Star Sky. B-Queens Ranch Ltd Sunday, January 12, 2025 5th-CKO, ¥11,850,000, ($75k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1800m BILLIONAIRE BOY (c, 3, American Pharoah–Theworldweknow, by Speightstown) looks to become the third winner from as many starters out of a half-sister to Marylebone (Unbridled's Song), winner of the GI Matron Stakes at two and subsequently responsible for 10 winners, including SW Bow Bells (Giant's Causeway) and an additional three stakes horses. Theworldweknow was purchased in foal to Constitution for $160,000 at KEENOV in 2020 and was exported to Japan in 2023. B-Crown Farm USA (KY) Monday, January 13, 2025 5th-NKY, ¥11,850,000 ($75k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1200m ADVANTES ROAD (JPN) (c, 3, Munnings–Enchanting Kitten, by Kitten's Joy), purchased by the JS Company for $100,000 carrying this colt at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale, is out of a winning full-sister to Csaba, a three-time graded stakes winner on the main track; and Kitten's Queen, a stakes winner and Grade I-placed runner who has produced the Japanese multiple stakes-placed Today Is the Day (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). The 4-year-old half-sister to Advantes Road, Public Assembly (More Than Ready), was purchased by Abbondanza/TMSA-Medallion out of the Horses of Racing Age at last year's KEENOV sale. B-Hattori Bokujo The post Tiz the Law Represented By First Japanese Runner Saturday at Chukyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple stakes winner Toupie returns to the site of her finest victory to date when she lines up for the $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T) Jan. 12 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Santa Anita Park has postponed Friday's Jan. 10 racing program until next Thursday, Jan. 16. due to the forecast of poor air quality for the San Gabriel Valley after the devasting impact made by the Eaton Fire in the Los Angeles area, the track said in a press release on Thursday afternoon. The California Horse Racing Board has approved this proactive rescheduling of the 10-race card. The races will be run with the horses previously entered in the post position order originally drawn. “While Santa Anita continues to remain well outside of any active fire area, the smoke from the wildfires is affecting all of Los Angeles County,” said Santa Anita's General Manager & SVP Nate Newby. “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.” A decision on this weekend's racing program, including Saturday's 11-race California Cup program, will be made on Friday. On Wednesday morning, Santa Anita began distributing N-95 masks to all backstretch and frontstretch personnel as well as protective eyewear because of the smoke from the Eaton Fire. Though Santa Anita was never in any imminent danger from the fire, the track has offered assistance to trainers who wished to voluntarily evacuate their horses to another CHRB facitlity. Click here for TDN's coverage of the Eaton Fire. Thank u to everyone that's reached out the last few days. All the calls & texts mean a lot. My family evacuated Tuesday night, but thankfully we are safe and the house is ok. Horses at Santa Anita are healthy. Sadly many families in our area lost everything pic.twitter.com/4Eqf1Qs7RZ — Dan Blacker (@dan_blacker) January 9, 2025 The post Santa Anita Park Postpones Friday Racing Until Next Thursday, Jan. 16 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With 50 horses stabled at Payson Park Training Center this winter for the first time in his two-decade career, the 2020 and '21 Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox now has a geographically easier time targeting Florida races. On Wednesday, Cox won with his first Tampa Bay Downs starter since 2019. And since Nov. 30, he's compiled a 1-3-0 record from six starts at Gulfstream Park, where he started only 50 runners over the past five years, generally by shipping in from his customary bases at Fair Grounds and Oaklawn Park, where he still has stalls. With horse-training duties wrapped up at Payson on Thursday, Cox was squeezing in a bit of personal conditioning prior to boarding an afternoon flight from Fort Lauderdale to New Orleans when TDN called to ask about his decision to keep a division in Florida this winter. “I'm walking through the airport right now just trying to get some steps in,” an on-the-move Cox told TDN before delving into an explanation about his stabling shift. “We needed a place to prepare horses on the dirt, and there's not a lot of [winter] options,” Cox said. “I wanted a place where I didn't feel obligated to race anywhere. I just wanted a place where we could train. I'd never been to Payson, but heard nothing but good things about it from people like Bill Harrigan, Elliott Walden, and a lot of other guys. And obviously, Bill Mott and Christophe Clement have been there for long, long time, so that says a lot about it. “We've got a lot of nice horses, and they can't all end up at New Orleans or Hot Springs,” Cox continued. “Payson is also a place where we're not going to get interrupted too much with regard to weather. Obviously, they're going to get some rain. But look, right now at Oaklawn [where a snowstorm has KO'd racing for the upcoming weekend] it's a little tough, and trying to keep a horse on a [GI Kentucky] Derby trail or [GI Kentucky] Oaks trail, it's hard enough without having to avoid closures and stuff like that.” Gulfstream is a 90-mile straight shot south from Payson, while Tampa is nearly 200 miles to the northwest on the opposite coast. Brad Cox | Sarah Andrew John Hancock, a Constitution-sired 3-year-old colt who is a half-brother to the 2020 GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes victress Speech, was bet to 8-5 favoritism for his Jan. 8 debut at Tampa. He was a bit antsy in the gate prior to the start, hopped at the break, accelerated to a clear lead, then drew off in the stretch when challenged prior to being put under wraps by jockey Samy Camacho for the final 70 yards. “That was like riding a machine. I didn't ask him 100%, just a little bit at the quarter pole, and after that I was on cruise control,” Camacho told the Tampa media team after the win. Owned in partnership by Siena Farm, CHC, Inc., and breeder WinStar Farm, John Hancock won by three lengths. His 1:09.45 time for six furlongs (.78 seconds off the track record) equated to an 81 Beyer Speed Figure. “I thought he performed very well,” Cox said. “Really well-balanced horse. I think based on pedigree and the way he travels, he can stretch [in distance]. I'm not sure where we'll land. We'll talk with the WinStar team and Elliott Walden, but I think the Sam F. Davis [Stakes Feb. 8 at Tampa] is a spot that we're going to nominate to and take a look at; give him an opportunity to stretch out.” Cox has his second Tampa starter of the season, Gin Gin (Hightail), entered as a main-track-only 3-5 favorite in Friday's ninth race, a one-mile allowance/optional claimer. Gin Gin has not raced since finishing twelfth in the Kentucky Oaks last May. Cox has a pair of high-priced sophomore firsters entered at Gulfstream on Saturday: Vanderbilt (Into Mischief) a $1.1-million KEESEP colt, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite for the fourth race over six furlongs. Wild Conqueror (Authentic), an $875,000 KEESEP colt, is 4-1 for the seventh race at one mile. The post Stabling 50 At Payson For First Time, Cox Takes Closer Aim At Florida Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB) will honor Frank Taylor and the Stable Recovery Program with the Special Eclipse Award for service to the Thoroughbred industry at the Resolute Racing 54th Annual Eclipse Awards Dinner and Ceremony at The Breakers Palm Beach in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 23, according to a press release from the NTRA on Thursday. Taylor, along with Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler, is the driving force behind that organization and the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, two programs that work in tandem to take recovering addicts, give them the ongoing support they need, and find them meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred racing industry. “This program has changed so many people's lives,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “Not only does Stable Recovery give recovering addicts a second chance, but the racing industry is fortunate to find very capable and talented horsemen as a result. Dependency is an issue that affects everyone, one way or another.” Taylor got the idea for the program several years ago, from local Lexington restaurant DV8 that employed only individuals in recovery. After learning about their success, he explored whether a similar model could work within the horse industry, especially because of the therapeutic attributes of horses. “I went to my brothers, told them about this idea and said I wanted to try it,” Taylor said. “After a lot of discussion, we decided on a 90-day trial period–and five years later it has been nothing but positive.” Billy Major at Taylor Made | Sara Gordon He launched the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, a 90-day program that helps men learn the essential tools needed for working on a Thoroughbred farm. Then along with Countzler, Taylor rolled out Stable Recovery, a program to provide a safe and stable living environment, along with a 12-step program, for men in early recovery to regain control of their lives. The peer-driven therapeutic community allows men to live, work, and recover together, while helping each other grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. While participating in the Stable Recovery program, residents attend the School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farm. They receive training and on the job experience in several different facets of the Thoroughbred industry by the very best in the business at Taylor Made. Stable Recovery then provides employment opportunities at participating strategic partners in the Thoroughbred industry–if participants possess a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic. Participants are able to attend the program entirely free of charge. The project was launched and was initially self-funded by the Taylor family. Since then, they have received an outpouring of support from the local community, and across the US and the world, and have been able to involve not only other horse operations and racing entities in the program, but also are expanding their curriculum to help individuals with other interests. Now the program is funded approximately 80% by private donations and 20% by state and federal grants. “Our success rate is three times better than national average–I think there's several reasons for that,” said Taylor on the success of the program. “One, they're getting exposed to a horse, which is an amazingly therapeutic animal. Two, it's a military type of operation, and they're held very accountable. We have high expectations, and we require maximum effort from our participants each and every day. Three, they're in a natural setting and are exposed to a lot of hard work, which is good for people. And finally, they are in a very controlled environment with a strict daily schedule. All these things combined give us a little advantage over other places, and it's working.” More than 100 individuals have graduated from the program. When asked what this program means to him, Taylor said, “I feel like this program has been like a spiritual journey and that God has had his hands on it every step of the way. This program is solving a lot of problems–the addiction problem, the imprisonment problem, the homelessness problem, the labor problem in the sport, and on top of everything, it's reuniting families. It's just so good on so many levels, and I'm very proud of that.” The TDN has covered Stable Recovery's rise–the most recent article can be accessed by clicking here. The post Frank Taylor And The Stable Recovery Program To Receive Special Eclipse Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Taylor, along with Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler, is the driving force behind Stable Recovery and the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship, two programs that work in tandem to take recovering addicts and find them employment in the industry.View the full article

C2 Racing Stable, Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Antonio Pagnano's multiple Grade I winner White Abarrio (Race Day) breezed Thursday morning at Gulfstream Park ahead of his next scheduled start in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Jan. 25. With regular exercise rider Vicente Gudiel aboard, White Abarrio went four furlongs in 47.81 seconds over the main track, the fastest of 23 horses at the distance. It was the first work for 5-year-old earner of more than $5.2 million since his runner-up finish in the GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes Dec. 28. “We were kind of looking for a steady kind of half with a long gallop out, and it kind of went beyond our expectations,” said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. “It went really, really well. He worked super with an even longer gallop out than we wanted, but he did it the right way. We're very pleased with where he's at. If he can hopefully stay this kind of form into the Pegasus, he'll be very tough.” Making his first start in 168 days, White Abarrio romped by 10 1/4 lengths in a seven-furlong optional claiming allowance Nov. 22 at Gulfstream to set him up for the Mr. Prospector. Also at seven furlongs, he got off slowly and raced far back before making a dramatic late run to come up 1 1/4 lengths short of multiple graded-stakes winner Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke). “Obviously you always want to win, but you try to look for the positives in every situation,” said Joseph. “We felt like we ran a winning race without winning. He got a lot of education as far as taking dirt and it was a gallant effort. He's in good order right now. We need it to continue like this and we feel like we're bringing a horse in with a very good chance.” White Abarrio will put in his final work next week for the Pegasus. “We worked today so it gives us options,” he said. “Now we can work next week anywhere between Thursday and Sunday. We'll kind of decide next week when we're going to do it.” Joseph's other Pegasus candidate, Daniel Alonso's multi-millionaire Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), is scheduled to put in his penultimate work Friday morning. Following his sixth-place finish in the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Nov. 2, the 5-year-old has breezed four times since mid-December at Palm Meadows. The post MGISW White Abarrio Posts Work For Pegasus World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Gulfstream, $50,000, (S), Msw, 1-9, 3yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.84, fm, 1 1/2 lengths. MO HARMONY (f, 3, Uncle Mo–Leslie's Harmony, by Curlin) finished sixth at a well-backed 5-2 on debut sprinting on the all-weather here Dec. 1. Adding Lasix, stretching to two turns and trying turf this time, the 6-5 favorite broke in and bumped with a rival at the start and was checked hard in traffic and shuffled back into seventh passing the wire for the first time. An inside sixth through a half mile in :46.68, she hit the gas on the far turn, came rolling four wide at the top of the stretch and kicked home to graduate by 1 1/2 lengths over Abundant Love (Kitten's Joy). The winner is a half to Scotland Yard (Quality Road), Ch. Miler-KSA, SW-KSA, $879,468. After producing fillies by Not This Time in 2023-24, Leslie's Harmony was bred to Justify. Leslie's Harmony is a daughter of Broodmare of the Year Leslie's Lady (Tricky Creek), who, of course, produced Into Mischief, Beholder and Mendelssohn. Sales history: $225,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $30,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Bridlewood Farm (FL); T-Happy Alter. Mo Harmony and @luissaezpty deliver in the first race at #GulfstreamPark! pic.twitter.com/CAzEIcT2El — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 9, 2025 The post Well-Related Uncle Mo Filly Graduates Over Gulfstream Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spikezone, who overcame a second round of knee surgery to go 11-for-14 as a 5-year-old, has been named the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association's National Claiming Horse of the Year for 2024. View the full article

After a brief pause caused by winter weather, live racing is scheduled to return Jan. 10 at Turfway Park with a nine-race program beginning at 5:55 p.m. ET.View the full article

The GI Breeders' Cup NetJets Juvenile Fillies winner and leading candidate for Eclipse 2-year-old filly honors, Immersive (Nyquist–Gap Year, by Bernardini), will be given some time off due to bone bruising, according to a Thursday post on Godolphin's website. The homebred and Brad Cox trainee–who also won the GI Spinaway Stakes and GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes–will likely be off until summer. Godolphin's Director of Bloodstock, Michael Banahan, said, “Brad [Cox] wasn't happy with the way she was moving so she came home for diagnostics that confirmed the issue. While obviously unfortunate, she had a flawless 2-year-old season and we will give her the time she needs and look forward to seeing her back in the summer.” Immersive wins the $2 Million @NetJets #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies on #FutureStarsFriday at @delmarracing! Congrats to all of her connections! pic.twitter.com/4tKPMmjo7z — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 1, 2024 The post Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Winner Immersive Sidelined With Bone Bruising, Off Until The Summer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Obviously this is too wide a category, at $60,000 and upwards, to be always comparing like with like. And really those at the very apex have earned their monster fees by excellence too blatant for contention. Most of that will instead be reserved for those sires that remain somewhat more accessible, relatively speaking–especially given the Uncle Mo-sized hole that has tragically appeared in this sector. La creme de la creme is divided between a trio in the evening of their careers–Into Mischief, Curlin, Tapit–and those aiming to supplant them, led by Gun Runner, Justify and Not This Time. None needs introduction but let's just remind ourselves that it was actually CURLIN who proudly topped the 2024 yearling averages at $585,636 for 55 of 66 sold. (At this level, of course, many programs will gladly retain horses if the price doesn't match their expectations.) He actually slipped out of the top 10 on the general sires' list, but had another three Grade I winners and his 5.2% graded stakes scorers (to starters) was unmatched. INTO MISCHIEF, whose rise has been underpinned by exceptional libido and fertility, received 193 mares last year–aged 19, and charging $250,000! He processed 60 of 82 yearlings at $552,500 en route to a sixth consecutive championship, breaking his own prizemoney record. He'll soon overtake Tapit as the richest stallion in American history, and his stakes percentages have advanced with the caliber of his mares. No established/active stallion, indeed, beat the 7.6% clip at which he produced another 36 black-type winners (five Grade I) in 2024. Into Mischief has no fewer than four of T.D. Thornton's opening Derby Top 12. Into Mischief | Sarah Andrew The venerable TAPIT is being respectfully managed, confined to 79 mares last year at $185,000. His diminishing output told at 27th in the general sires' table but he still got six graded stakes winners (including a 32nd Grade I scorer) at basically the same clip as Into Mischief's 17. (They respectively fielded 186 and 475 starters!) This remains a modern great, whose latest yearlings brought $442,030 for 33 of 41 sold. GUN RUNNER broke into the top three at the sales, averaging $525,987 for 82 of 97 sold (conceived at half his current fee of $250,000). He also got closest to Into Mischief's total, with four Grade I winners among 24 graded stakes performers, representing a superb 9.4% of starters. The only horse to beat that (25 at 9.8%) was the still younger JUSTIFY, who'll have both quantity and quality behind him in the years ahead. Only neighbor Practical Joke exceeded Justify's latest book of 256. He processed his yearlings (conceived at his bubble fee of $100,000) at $326,254 for 59 of 76 sold. Value remains a factor at this rarefied level, too, and NOT THIS TIME must be the pick even at $175,000, up from $150,000. His yearlings, conceived at just $45,000, graduate from the monster crop he assembled as an emerging star, and no fewer than 132 entered the ring. Of these, 113 sold at $357,787, up sharply from $287,025 the previous year. The real quality is yet to cycle through, with the next crop conceived at $135,000, but Not This Time continues to produce at stellar ratios. Remember Epicenter, Up to the Mark and now Cogburn all resulted from $15,000 covers. GOOD MAGIC has joined Man o' War and Gallant Fox as the only sires of a Classic winner in each of their first two crops. Obviously he must divide some credit with the mare who produced both, but Dornoch was only one of three Grade I winners in 2024 and that pretty well vindicated his hike to $125,000. Admittedly his new fee eroded his 2024 book to 138 (179 the previous year) but the 61 of 77 yearlings sold from his fourth crop at $226,618 were conceived at just $30,000. Good Magic has absolutely earned fidelity, pending his upgraded matings coming through on the track. Good Magic | Sarah Andrew The big mover for 2025 is NYQUIST, after four Grade I winners in 2024, soaring to $175,000 from $85,000–at which fee we put him on our podium last year. It feels a long time ago, now, since he mustered a single graded stakes winner the year after winning his 2020 freshman title. That caused him to be throttled back to $55,000–but the resulting yearlings soared to $293,959, for 65 of 86 sold, a six-figure increase on the previous crop. After various peaks and troughs, we'll just have to see where the graph-line settles. QUALITY ROAD had a bumpy couple of years at $200,000 and sensibly returns to the $150,000 fee at which he conceived his latest yearlings. These made $303,009 for 51 of 61 sold, rather a slide since topping the averages in 2021 (second in 2022); while he only mustered 109 and 82 mares during his two years at an inflated fee. He kept himself in the game on the racetrack, however, as many as eight of his 10 stakes winners in 2024 obliging at graded level (notably in the GI Met Mile). His lifetime indices remain excellent. His celebrated new neighbor FLIGHTLINE will do well to put together a resume like that, but trades at the same fee in preparing to launch his first yearlings. However astonishing his talent, we obviously have no idea whether he can replicate it. But eight weanlings certainly capitalized on his glamor, vindicating a $200,000 introductory fee with the eye-watering average of $655,896. LIFE IS GOOD is meanwhile down to $75,000 from an opening $100,000, despite eight of just a dozen weanlings fetching $325,625. His second book held up strongly (186 after 192). CODY'S WISH, who shared Elite Power's outlier Curlin speed, opened for business last year at $75,000 but takes the familiar second-year trim to $65,000 despite being fully subscribed for his debut (165 mares). MCKINZIE was so warmly received, in mare traffic and then at the sales, that he maintained a $30,000 fee through to the appearance of his first juveniles last year–and he's now up to $75,000 after two of them won Grade Is, missing the freshman title by cents. Curiously, these two remain his only stakes scorers, and his winner ratio falls below those around him in the freshman table; on the other hand, his six black-type performers also included another pair placed at Grade I level. Looks like his good ones can be very good, and he duly topped the second-crop averages at $156,159 for 88 sold of 100. A national high of 277 mares locks in catalogue competition, but it's easy to understand a continued vogue for PRACTICAL JOKE at $75,000 (up from $50,000). With a $30,000 stallion son starting out, he's leading the Into Mischief pack (again ninth in the general sires' table, his seven graded stakes winners including two elite scorers at Saratoga) and his black-type ratios are highly respectable given the sheer volume of his output. Having averaged $156,901 for 82 of 97 yearlings (conceived at $35,000), at this fee he'll obviously need continued momentum to sustain his sales offering. Studmate MUNNINGS continues in a correction after a single season at $100,000 in 2023, now $65,000 from $75,000. If he overshot somewhat at six figures, he looks pretty fairly priced now. While 68 of his 98 yearlings sold at $174,558, down a little on the previous year, on the racetrack he maintained a top 10 foothold via another 14 stakes scorers. These arrive at a lifetime clip of 8.6%, and now include an unbeaten GII Remsen Stakes winner. So long a wiseguy pick, Munnings has arguably now found his niche as a rock-solid second-tier stallion. Now turned 26, CANDY RIDE (ARG) is sire of 19 Grade I winners and two top six stallions. That makes him one serious horse to be standing at $75,000 and he maintained standards in 2024 with another seven graded stakes winners. He's suffering the same neglect as so many older sires, his latest yearlings down to $140,546 (43 of 52 sold) from $200,657 the previous year. But class should never go out of fashion. Which makes the same fee about the great WAR FRONT feel almost insulting. Still $250,000 as recently as 2020, he has long required restrained management of his books and his diminishing footprint might nourish the illusion that his powers may be waning. But overall his ratios are simply off the charts: one-in-four named foals a stakes horse, one-in-six a graded stakes performer, one-in-30 a Grade I winner. Like Hard Spun, he offers priceless access to Danzig, who was himself actually 24 when conceiving War Front. For a breed-to-race program, War Front is unmissable, even if his commercial profile is no longer robust enough to complement that status. War Front | Sarah Andrew VALUE PODIUM Bronze: CONSTITUTION Tapit–Baffled, by Distorted Humor WinStar Farm, $110,000 Our pick at this level last year duly broke into the top five in the general sires' list. If he did so with breadth, rather than garish headliners, remember that his 2024 sophomores were still only conceived at $40,000 yet included two placed in Triple Crown races. The next bunch were sired at $85,000, thanks to his breakout star Tiz the Law, and the market has bought into the whole project enthusiastically: his last three crops of yearlings averaged $244,242, $281,125 and last year $330,171 for 64 sold of 81. It just feels like the quality is going to cycle through over the next couple of years, after which he might leave even this fee behind. Silver: TWIRLING CANDY Candy Ride (Arg)–House of Danzing, by Chester House Lane's End Farm, $60,000 As intimated at the outset, this horse isn't really competing directly with the superstars. But you'd hardly know it, looking at the general sires' list, where Twirling Candy climbed to a giddy sixth. He has got here by unobtrusive, consistent achievement, hitting this fee in 2022 only by steady increments from $10,000 (when sending out his first runners in 2015). Yet Iscreamuscream in 2024 became his ninth Grade I winner. As the steady upgrading of his mares filters onto the racetrack, he could also keep progressing in commercial clout: his latest yearlings retailed at $143,894 for 78 of 104 sold. This was the leading domestic earner on grass in 2024, but his versatility as a runner is echoed by sons having won dirt Grade Is as varied as the Bing Crosby Stakes, Preakness and Santa Anita Handicap. His fourth dam is actually the result of allowing Alydar to cover the dam of his nemesis Affirmed, and the seeding of the family to that point has persuasive balance: dam by the beautifully bred Chester House, second dam by Danzig, third by Seattle Slew. Gold: MEDAGLIA D'ORO El Prado (Ire)–Cappucino Bay, by Bailjumper Darley, $75,000 Gold by name, gold by nature. We've noted with a due affront a couple of other veterans at this fee. But the difference with this paragon is that even now he keeps producing, both on the track and in the ring. His book doubtless requires sensitive management nowadays, but breeders who share the self-fulfilling prejudice against ageing stallions are being offered strong grounds to repent. From his latest juveniles Medaglia d'Oro produced Grade I winner East Avenue, firmly on the Classic trail along with unbeaten GII Golden Rod Stakes winner Good Cheer. And he's still getting gorgeous horses, too, retailing 29 of 38 yearlings at $290,068. His career record actually remains uncannily in step with Into Mischief, whose bigger books mean that they have fielded almost precisely the same number of starters (1,412/1,402) despite four fewer crops. Both have 80 graded stakes winners and 52 Grade I performers; while the senior stallion has 156 graded stakes horses against Into Mischief's 154. The one and only reason Medaglia d'Oro has sunk to this undignified level is ageism. If anything, access if anything should cost you more, not less. Hurry while stocks last! The Breeders Speak: Peter Bradley, Bradley Thoroughbreds Gold: MCKINZIE Street Sense–Runway Model, by Petionville Gainesway Farm, $75,000 Peter Bradley | Keeneland Even though his stud fee more than doubled, McKinzie may be the best bang for the buck at $75,000 this season. A Grade I winner at two, three and four, he completed his racing career at five with a Grade II win. His precocity, soundness and class are all evident in his first crop to race. Narrowly missing out on the Champion First-Crop Sire title, he has already produced four Grade I performers including Grade I winners Chancer McPatrick and Scottish Lassie. His yearling average topped $150,000 off a $30,000 stud fee and is certain to improve with the success of his first crop to race. Silver: LIFE IS GOOD Into Mischief–Beach Walk, by Distorted Humor WinStar Farm, $75,000 Life Is Good was one of the best racehorses of his generation, despite having to compete in the shadow of Flightline. This horse is an A+ physical and is stamping his foals with balance and quality. With a weanling average of $325,625 and a median of $325,000 in 2024, Life Is Good offers plenty of value at a $75,000 stud fee. He bred 378 high-quality mares across his first two books, giving him every opportunity to succeed at stud. Two years from now, $75,000 could look very inexpensive. Bronze: CANDY RIDE (ARG) Ride the Rails–Candy Girl (Arg), by Candy Stripes Lane's End Farm, $75,000 Candy Ride provides great value for the breeders whose focus is to produce top quality race horses at a reasonable fee. He is as underrated as they come and no other stallion at this price point can boast a resume with 19 Grade I winners and as a sire of sires, has a list that already includes Gun Runner, Twirling Candy and newly crowned Champion First-Crop Sire, Vekoma. The post Value Sires For Kentucky Part 7: The Big Guns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Selections for Nelson Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Nelson Trottech Form Analyst Race 1 3.10pm 1 Copenhagen Girl 2 Seaside Pond 7 Stunna 5 Racingmissgracie Race 2 3.47pm 1 Beside Me 6 Miki Skipper 2 Mandala 3 American Blaze Race 3 4.23pm 4 Call Dudley 6 Volstone 3 Rosary 5 Nellie Doyle Race 4 4.57pm 3 Captain Cool 5 Lasa 7 Itsallaboutthemoney 8 Carrera Bandido Race 5 5.22pm 2 Just Holla 8 Bondi Lustre 3 Moonlite Blood 6 Santanna Mach Race 6 5.49pm 5 Hi Hopes 9 Sophia Bromac 8 Social Distancing 3 Hope For Love Race 7 6.17pm 4 Bullit Train 13 Randel Huston P 6 The River Boy 9 Knowing Me Race 8 6.42pm 6 Clonakilty 4 Dave Duley 7 Always B You 5 Sky Rocket Race 9 7.09pm 8 Rakero Rocket 6 Built For Glory 2 Xlendi 7 Who’s Delight Race 10 7.34pm 7 Ready Set Jet 8 Regal Sierra 10 Tu Tangata 11 Helloveamoment Race 11 8.03pm 5 Melody Banner 9 Radha 2 Bryson Dechambeau 8 Follow Your Dream View the full article

Sam Goyette's love for horses started in the hunting field and evolved when he entered the world of bloodstock sales. Goyette honed his skills working for Salcey Forest, Blandford Bloodstock, Juddmonte and Overbury Stud. He is also a graduate of The National Stud course and in 2024 set up Oakhurst Stud with his fiancée, Kinsey Petyt. What made you happiest in 2024? It's a bob of the head between getting engaged to my partner Kinsey or starting up Oakhurst Stud and the support we received from our friends and family. How do you start your day? My day starts with feeding the dog, the horses and then myself. Followed by a shower to take a minute and think about the day ahead. What is the best thing about your job? It would have to be first thing in the morning when the lights go on and the mares give me their own version of a good morning. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be? Can't Stop by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I've always found it to be a good motivational song when you need something to get you through the last few stables. Is there a horse you wish you had bought in 2024? A mare called Wensleydale (GB) (Frankel {GB}) who sold at Tattersalls in December. I remember her as foal at the sales when Juddmonte bought her. I then got to work with her when I worked for Juddmonte a few years later. I always had a soft spot for her. Racehorse of 2024 and why? Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) would be my racehorse of the year. Beating the boys in the G1 Phoenix Stakes was hugely impressive. Even more so that Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never) went on to win the Prix Morny on his next start beating some top-class colts. Dark horse for the year ahead? My Dark Horse for 2025 is Alluring Angel (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). She's trained by Chad Brown in America and most recently ran a solid fourth first time out for the trainer in a Grade III. She's lightly raced and had a bit of time off the track but fingers crossed she can go on this year. Value stallion for 2025? I'd say Auguste Rodin (Ire) looks like very good value at €30,000. A word for Palace Pier (GB) also. Overbury Stud had two very nice yearlings by him last year that I did a bit of prep with, and I liked a few of his foals. I wouldn't be surprised if people suddenly changed their opinions of him by the end of this year. What would make 2025 a good year for you? Keeping our horses healthy and clients happy is our main aim first and foremost. We also have some yearlings to sell this year that some of our biggest supporters are involved in. Nothing would give me more satisfaction than giving them some good results later this year. What is your motto for life? If it was easy then everyone would do it. The post In The Hot Seat: Sam Goyette appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In response to news that emerged Jan. 7 regarding changes to decoupling regulations in the state of Florida, officials at the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (THA), Inc. issued a statement on Thursday opposing any such changes. The state of Florida at one point required its racetracks to conduct live racing operations in order to run a casino, but those rules have been eased, many tracks have suspended racing while continuing to operate their casinos. In its release, the THA clarifies that the horsemen's organization at Gulfstream withdrew its membership from the organization effective Jan. 1, 2023, and is therefore not affiliated with the THA. The THA statement reads: “While the THA does not have jurisdiction in Florida, we strongly oppose any legislation that would allow gaming license holders to separate their obligations to host live Thoroughbred racing from their gaming operations. Such legislation threatens the long-term viability of the racing industry and undermines the livelihoods of horsemen and other stakeholders who rely on a strong and vibrant racing ecosystem. “The THA remains committed to protecting the interests of horsemen and preserving live racing as an integral part of the industry across all jurisdictions.” The post THA Releases Statement Opposing Decoupling Legislation In Florida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran east coast rider Kendrick Carmouche led all jockeys for the week in wins with nine riding between Parx Racing and Aqueduct, including a win in a stakes race. The panel of racing experts voted Carmouche Jockey of the Week for Dec. 30- Jan. 5.View the full article

Irish Thoroughbred Marketing boss Charles O'Neill has admitted that the build-up to this year's Stallion Trail has been made “really tough” by the icy conditions that have wreaked havoc across the country and forced Coolmore Stud, one of the main attractions for many people who were hoping to attend, to pull out from what is now a trimmed-down version of the two-day showpiece. Roughly 30 stud farms will open the doors to racing fans and enthusiasts alike on Friday and Saturday, with Kedrah House Stud, Annshoon Stud and Coolagown Stud [on Friday] joining Coolmore in being forced to sit out the Stallion Trail because of the weather. “It's been really tough,” O'Neill explained on Thursday. “The weather has caused a little bit of havoc this week, with the likes of Coolmore being forced to pull out, but Grange Stud is back in now, which is great news. “The farms are resilient and hopefully it will be a good weekend. The only farms that will not be open are Coolmore Stud, Kedrah House Stud and Castlehyde Stud. Coolagown Stud is only closing on Friday. So we are expecting over 30 farms to be open over the course of the weekend.” He added, “We had a group of 75 people arrive from Eastern Europe on Wednesday night. They started touring around some of the farms today [Thursday] and they will be at Dundalk races on Friday night as well. There are quite a few British and people from further across Europe coming over as well.” Kildangan Stud, which boasts one of the most glittering rosters anywhere in the world, with Blue Point (Ire), Ghaiyyath (Ire), Night Of Thunder (Ire) and more based at the County Kildare operation, is open to the public on Friday and Saturday. However, nominations manager Eamon Molony admits that the stud expects to see a much bigger crowd for the stallion shows on Saturday, where the weather is expected to pick up. Night Of Thunder | Darley Stallions He said, “Friday is harder to predict than Saturday because the morning temperatures on Friday are said to be quite low. But we're ready and are planning our first show for 11am. We're quite hopeful that, weather wise, Saturday will be much better. I'm guessing we won't see as many people out and about on Friday compared to other years but we're hoping for a big crowd on Saturday.” One of the main attractions of the Stallion Trail is that it provides people with the opportunity to get the first glimpse at some of the newbies at stud. At Ballyhane Stud, Group 2-winning juvenile Sakheer (Ire) is new to the roster while Ballylinch Stud has French Derby hero Look De Vega (Fr), the Irish National Stud has Shouldvebeenaring (GB), while Tally-Ho Stud welcomes Big Evs (Ire), Bucanero Fuerte (GB) and King Of Steel. Starfield Stud has landed Aesop's Fables (Ire), Yeomanstown Stud will show off Mill Stream (Ire) while Springfield House Stud has added Go Bears Go (Ire) to the roster. Meanwhile, on the National Hunt side of things, Capital Stud will provide many people with the opportunity to catch the first peak at the Martinborough (Jpn), sire of the highly-touted Willie Mullins-trained Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough (Fr). “We're getting ready to go and are hoping it doesn't freeze too hard tonight,” Capital Stud's Ger O'Neill said. “The plan is to open our doors tomorrow, and hopefully everyone will be able to have a good day out regardless of the weather. A few people have rang ahead but, to be honest, we're expecting more of a crowd on Saturday compared to Friday with the way the weather is. “A lot of people want to come and see Martinborough. He seems to be going down well and he's had a good couple of winners in France over the past week or so. It looks as if everything is going his way and the horse of Willie Mullins' [Majborough] looks very exciting as well so lots of people want to come and get a look at him.” He added, “The stallion trail is a good initiative. We've already had a lot of breeders call to see the stallions this year but, for the fella down the road who might just want to poke his head in and see what we do here, it's brilliant. That's not to say you don't do business during the stallion trail, because you do, but it's more about opening your doors and welcoming people. If that transpires to getting mares booked into any of the stallions, even better.” Meanwhile, just a few miles down the road in County Kilkenny, Michael Shefflin of Annshoon Stud, which is now the new home to Twilight Son (GB), was the latest man to be forced to pull out of the Stallion Trail because of a persistent covering of snow at his base. He said on Thursday evening, “It's disappointing, because we were really looking forward to the weekend but there's nothing we can do. While Twilight Son is not exactly new, he's new to Ireland, and we hope he can be popular. His record speaks for itself. We actually bought him on behalf of a client to go to Turkey but, because so many people expressed an interest in using him in Ireland, we said we'd give him a chance here. The weather is a bit of a sickener but our doors will be open for business when it clears and we'd invite everyone to come and see him.” Coolmore Stud has already rescheduled its open day for Saturday, January 18, from 10am to 3pm where Auguste Rodin (Ire), City Of Troy, Henry Longfellow (Ire) and more will be on show. A full list of the farms partaking in the Irish Stallion Trail on Friday and Saturday can be found here – https://www.itm.ie/Breeding/ITM-Irish-Stallion-Trail. The post “The Farms Are Resilient” – Studs To Brave Icy Weather For ITM Stallion Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Carlos Lopez has been suspended for a combined three years and fined $25,000 after two of his trainees-Major Lloyd and Emperor's Gold-tested positive for Diisopropylamine after finishing one-two in the second race at Mahoning Valley on Feb. 13 last year. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) classifies Diisopropylamine as a vasodilator, which is a substance that dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely through them. Diisopropylamine is also found in several everyday items like tobacco and beauty products, as well as hand sanitizer. Lopez' suspension runs from March 27, 2024, through March 26, 2027. The case was resolved without a hearing. The written resolution can be read here. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 01/07/2025 Licensee: Rafael Barraza, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Racer Rex, who won at Turf Paradise on 11/29/24. Date: 01/06/2025 Licensee: Martin Valdez-Cabral Jr., trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sapello Sweetee, who won at Albuquerque on 10/19/24. Date: 01/02/2025 Licensee: Carlos Lopez, trainer Penalty: Combined 36-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person and $25,000 fine; a period of Ineligibility for Covered Horses subject to a Negative Finding from an Out-of-Competition Test; Disqualification of Covered Horses' Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable). Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Major Lloyd, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/13/24, as well as from Emperor's Gold, who was second at Mahoning Valley on 2/13/24. Pending ADMC Violations 01/08/2025, Scooter Davis, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from John Dutton, who won at Tampa Bay on 11/29/24. 01/07/2025, Bernadette Barrios, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a controlled substance (Class B)-in a sample taken from Impeachabull on 12/03/24. 01/07/2025, Adan Farias, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Barsabas on 11/29/24. 01/06/2025, Austin Gustafson, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a controlled substance (Class B)-in a sample taken from Sweet Karat Cake on 12/10/24. 01/06/2025, Shon Dunlap, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Ooh La Da Stoops, who won at Remington Park on 12/7/24. 01/06/2025, Juan Aguirre, trainer: Pending violation for “engaging in intentional complicity with a provisionally suspended covered person” for an event dated 9/6/24. He is also accused of “causing a covered horse to violate its provisional suspension” for an event dated 9/14/24 concerning the horses Scat Shack and Cindy's Storm. 01/03/2025, John Thomas Toscano, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Runninsonofagun, who finished second in the Fall Highweight S. at Aqueduct on 11/29/24. The post National Regulatory Rulings Jan. 3-8; Trainer Lopez Banned Three Years, Fined $25K appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Kristen Manning/Dane McLeod/Thomas Baddock/TTR AusNZ The top sales prices continued on Thursday as racing's heavyweights clashed over a cracking son of Snitzel (Aus) from Group 3-winning mare Humma Humma (Aus) (Denman {Aus}), setting a new Magic Millions Yearling Sale record of A$2.8 million. Lot 489 – Snitzel (Aus) x Humma Humma (Aus) (Denman {Aus}), colt – A$2,800,000 Just moments into Day 3 on the Gold Coast, the sale ring erupted with excitement for lot 489, the second foal of three-time stakes-winning mare Humma Humma by champion sire Snitzel. The bidding escalated to an astonishing A$2.8 million, before ultimately being knocked down to Ciaron Maher Bloodstock. Offered by Widden Stud and bred by Widden Bloodstock, Warringah Stud Farm and Frampton Racing the remarkable colt, who hails from the family of G1 Victorian Derby winner Manzoice (Aus) (Almanzor {Fr}) and speedy stakes-winning mare Tycoon Humma (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}), comfortably became the highest priced yearling in the history of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. “He looks really early and sharp,” Maher said. “He's from a quality family with a sharp pedigree. Bred on a good farm and hopefully he can get back to a farm in good time. “The quality, you've always got to pay for. The top ones always get stronger. We thought he was one of the colts of the sale. “It was probably a bit more than expected but the competition is always strong on those big ones.” After a stellar racing career under the care of John McArdle, which saw Humma Humma claim six wins and over A$650,000 in prize-money, the Denman mare was snapped up by Widden Stud for A$1 million at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. “A really proud moment for us. It has been an amazing sale for Widden,” owner of Widden Stud Antony Thompson said. “We sold Sunlight here as a record price mare. Having sold Clean Energy, I think she was a record-priced filly, and now to have the highest-priced yearling, it is a big honour. “With nine or 10 serious players on him and a couple knuckling down over a million-and-a-half, I was always confident he'd sell well but it is hard to know how well.” Humma Humma's first foal by Zoustar (Aus), named Price Tag (Aus), was sold for A$600,000 at last year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale to Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) and has already proved himself a more than handy racehorse, placing in this season's G3 Maribyrnong S. Humma Humma had a colt by I Am Invincible (Aus) this season and has revisited Widden's champion stallion Zoustar. Ciaron Maher | Magic Millions New International Interest in Australia Continues The Magic Millions sales ring was again lit up by foreign investment as the A$2.8m record-breaking Snitzel colt was purchased by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock on behalf of English businessman Phil Cunningham. It is Cunningham's second venture into Australian racing having teamed with Maher and other stable clients to purchase, for A$825,000 a filly by I Am Invincible at last year's Magic Millions. Named Life After Love (Aus) (Cunningham enjoying naming his horses with a musical theme; this one a homage to the Cher song 'Believe'), she lined up in the Gold Coast Debut in late December, finishing fifth after showing pace. “Ciaron was trying to get her to the race on Saturday so we planned our trip around that,” Cunningham said, “but she just needs a bit more time.” Cunningham arrived at the Gold Coast on sale morning, arriving at the complex just 10 minutes before his A$2.8 million purchase from Widden Stud. He was delighted to secure the son of the G3 Proud Miss S. winner Humma Humma (Denman) who he will race with partners, having asked Maher who he thought the sale's best colt was. “We did have to go a bit higher than we thought but you have to go home with the horse you want, there is nothing worse than watching a horse win a big race who you wanted but stopped bidding on,” he said. The CEO of DCL Insurance, Cunningham has successfully raced horses in the UK since the early 1990s, doing well enough to justify purchasing his own stables; firstly, Albert House Stables and then Sefton Lodge. Racing as Rebel Racing, he has 50 horses in work at Newmarket with Richard Spencer, also racing in the United States, Ireland and France. He has always had a liking for Australian bloodlines, racing the G2 Coventry S. winner Rajasinghe (Ire); the English National Stud resident who he still owns and who is a son of Choisir (Aus). Cunningham is excited to be part of the Australian racing scene though he intends to stay small. “I am going for quality over quantity here,” he said. “I have runners nearly every day in England and I like to see them in action. It's just not practical to keep getting up in the middle of the night to watch horses race in Australia! “It makes sense to have less horses in Australia but to have the right ones.” Cunningham was introduced to Ciaron Maher by his friend Peter Trainor who races with the stable the dual Group-winning import Future History (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) who contested the 2023 G1 Melbourne Cup. During this trip to Australia, he has spent time with Maher, visiting the Bong Bong complex by which he was most impressed. Antony Thompson & Phil Cunningham | Magic Millions At A Glance The all-time Magic Millions Gold Coast record price was broken on Day 3 with lot 489, a Snitzel colt purchased by Ciaron Maher for A$2.8 million, who was one of two seven-figure lots for the day. This was down from five on Day 3 in 2024, bringing the total for the sale in 2025 to 11. The average of A$277,351 is below the 2024 average at the same point of A$289,810, and the same is true for the median at A$200,000 compared to A$220,000 at the same stage. The current gross is A$144,500,000 at the close of play on Day 3 with 521 lots sold so far. The clearance rate of 79.66% is down on last year's 85.21% at the end of Day 3. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing with Kestrel Thoroughbreds continues to lead the buying bench, having signed for 18 yearlings outright for a total gross of A$6,895,000 thus far, plus several more in partnership. Ciaron Maher Bloodstock sits in second, thanks to the sale-topper, with 12 yearlings purchased for A$5,460,000. Newgate Farm continues to lead the leading vendor standings with 35 of their 37 lots so far sold for A$13.6 million at an average of A$389,143, while in second is Segenhoe Stud who have sold 21 of their 22 lots so far for A$10.7 million at an impressive average of A$511,905. Arrowfield Stud's four-time champion sire Snitzel jumped to the top of the sire standings by gross with A$17 million for his 22 yearlings at an impressive average of A$777,045, while in second is I Am Invincible with 25 sold for an average of A$616,000 and a gross of A$15.4 million. Home Affairs (Aus) continues to be the leading first-season sire by gross with 31 yearlings sold for A$10.5 million at an average of A$340,000, which is also the leading average for a first-season sire at the end of Day 3. Stay Inside (Aus) remains in second with 21 yearlings sold for an average of A$312,619 and a gross over A$6.5 million. Lot 505 – Written Tycoon (Aus) x In Her Time (Aus) (Time Thief {Aus}), colt – A$1,800,000 Anticipation was high for lot 505, a colt by champion sire Written Tycoon (Aus) and out of the exceptional dual Group 1-winning mare In Her Time (Aus) (Time Thief {Aus}). He certainly met expectations, selling for a remarkable A$1.8 million to Coolmore's Tom Magnier, marking his third seven-figure purchase for the week. This colt, bred by Yulong Investments, is the third foal of In Her Time, who was acquired for A$2.2 million at the 2022 Inglis Chairman's Sale. The mare's first two foals, a colt by I Am Invincible and a full-brother to this colt, fetched A$800,000 and A$750,000, respectively. The latter was also purchased by Magnier and is currently in training with Chris Waller, where he is reportedly demonstrating significant potential. “We're very happy to get this horse,” Magnier said. “Obviously, we got the brother last year for the syndicate as well, again we're very lucky to have the people we have in this syndicate and everybody was very keen on the horse. “Everybody liked him and you could see again from the bidding the good judges were on this horse. I think Chris has an opinion of the brother, which probably gave us the confidence to come back this year.” Over the past several years, Yulong has sought-after and established a top-tier broodmare lineup, with over 60 individual Group 1 winners or producers now belonging to the stud. Magnier see's it as an opportunity not to be missed. “It's a very good page, Mr Zhang and their team have gone out and bought some lovely mares, as we have, and the progeny of that stock is coming through,” Magnier said. “It's a very good pedigree, he's a nice individual and Chris really liked the horse, as did all the team, so we'll know our fate this time next year but just delighted we got him.” In Her Time foaled a filly by Diatonic (Jpn) in September and also visited Pierata (Aus) this season. Tom Magnier | Magic Millions Lot 695 – Extreme Choice (Aus) x Mrs Ramona G (Kantharos), colt – A$925,000 After an intense bidding battle, China Horse Club in partnership with Newgate Bloodstock & Partners, claimed victory by acquiring lot 685, a son of their statistically freakish sire Extreme Choice (Aus), for A$925,000. Striking at just under 12% stakes winners to runners, it's no surprise to see that the progeny of Extreme Choice are averaging just over A$500,000 on the first three days at the Gold Coast. Bred by S F Bloodstock and Henry Field Bloodstock, the eye-catching grey colt is the third foal from the stakes-performed American mare Mrs Ramona G (Kantharos), who recorded four wins from 1200 metres to a mile. Michael Smith, the Australasian representative for China Horse Club, stated that this colt was an obvious selection due to his impressive physical traits. “We know how good Extreme Choice is and we thought this was an excellent physical by the stallion out of a fast American mare,” Smith said. “I think they're [US Mares] usually very tough, quick horses with great constitutions, and it just works [with Extreme Choice]. “This colt was a really lovely moving, athletic horse with plenty of strength. Probably more strength than is typical for an Extreme Choice.” After a fruitful partnership with Newgate Farm which has spanned over several years and produced some of the most prominent sires in the country, Smith is hopeful this colt is the next to rise to prominence carrying the famous red-and-yellow silks. “Horses like Russian Revolutions (Aus), Wild Ruler (Aus), In The Congo (Aus), Captivant (Aus), Artorius (Aus), Stay Inside (Aus), we've raced a lot of good colts in partnerships and hopefully this can be the next one,” Smith said. Mrs Ramona G foaled another colt by Extreme Choice this season. Lot 586 – Wootton Basset (GB) x Lady Piaf (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), filly, A$875,000 A stunning black filly and the first foal of I Am Invincible mare Lady Piaf (Aus) continued an outstanding sale for the exciting first-season sire Wootton Bassett (GB), selling for A$875,000 to Clarry Conners' Victory Lodge. Lot 586 represented the fifth offspring of Wootton Bassett (GB) of 14 presented to date, to achieve a sale price exceeding $500,000 at the auction. “The Wootton Bassetts have been going great, and we think they are 2-year-olds so we were naturally interested,” Conners said. “My client was interested. We picked out two or three and we liked her a lot. She reminded me very much of Belle Du Jour. Light legged, light on her feet. Nice filly. Not over big, just racy.” Bred by Cobra Bloodstock Australia and offered by Coolmore Stud, the filly boasts a deep pedigree page, stemming from blue hen and G1 Blue Diamond winner Lady Jakeo (Aus) (Last Tycoon {Ire}), who produced four stakes performers as well as the dam of Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Mrs Onassis (Aus) (General Nediym {Aus}). “It is a good family and as long as we win races with her, I'll be happy,” Conners said. Lady Piaf was offered in foal to Wootton Bassett at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale but, fortunately for connections, failed to meet her reserve of A$225,000, with resulting foal being this beautiful filly. Lady Piaf had a filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr) in September and visited the French stallion again this season. Clarry Conners | Sportpix Lot 650 – Snitzel (Aus) x Medovina (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), colt – A$850,000 James Harron partnered with Aquis Farm's Tony Fung to acquire his seventh purchase of the sale when securing a Snitzel colt from Medovina (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), a winning half-sister to Group 3 winner Brave Mead (Aus) (Brave Smash {Jpn}) and listed winner Solemn (Aus) (Bernardini), for A$850,000. Harron has a phenomenal reputation for sourcing future stallions, namely purchasing and racing Group 1-winning sires King's Legacy (Aus) and Capitalist (Aus) from the Gold Coast sale. On Thursday, Harron added a fourth colt to his purchases from Magic Millions 2025, lot 650. “He's a lovely colt,” Harron said. “From the start of the week to the end of the week I loved the way he progressed through the sale and really went about his work well. “He's a lovely shape of a horse and you have a lot of confidence buying off a farm like Vinery. They produce good horse's year-in-year-out. We were very happy to get him and we'll all came together on him. “I looked at him a few times and he didn't put a foot wrong. He looked like a real racehorse.” Bred by Hybrook Pastoral Co, the striking bay colt certainly has a stallion's pedigree, hailing from the family of G1 Australasian Oaks winner La Volta (Aus) (Laranto {Aus}) and G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss (Aus) (Not a Single Doubt {Aus}). Medovina foaled a filly by Vinery's All Too Hard (Aus) this season before she was once again covered by champion sire Snitzel. The post Snitzel Colt Smashes Magic Millions Record At A$2.8 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Prime Power (Medaglia d'Oro) earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure in his 2-year-old unveiling at Fair Grounds Dec. 26. And he's still a maiden. Off at odds of 7-2 for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Prime Power hit the ground running from post eight and was hounded to his outside by the Brad Cox-trained firster Gunmetal (Gun Runner) through sharp fractions of :21.88 and :44.89. The Winchell Thoroughbreds colorbearer dug down gamely in the stretch and held a narrow advantage into the final furlong, but couldn't withstand a final push from his aforementioned rival, who fought on by to win by 1 1/4 lengths. It was another 7 1/4 lengths back to third-place finisher Fanatical (Nyquist). The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.85. “I saw what everybody else did–a very fast race and all the numbers came back indicating that he's got a nice future,” Asmussen said. “Very pleased with how he came out of the race. I'm happy to have him and look forward to running him back.” Asmussen continued, “He's very impressive. He's a very nice horse to look at. Always been very nice to train. Expected a good run from him and I think he validated what we had seen in the mornings as far as showing ability. Do believe that he'll stretch out a bit. We'll try to move him out in distance off that race.” Prime Power pictured as a foal with his dam Princess Peggy | Stonestreet Prime Power, a $500,000 Keeneland September yearling graduate bred by Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, is the second foal out of the winning Scat Daddy mare Princess Peggy, a half-sister to champion female sprinter Gamine (Into Mischief). His second dam, the New York-bred Peggy Jane (Kafwain), was a $200,000 OBS April purchase by Banke's Grace Stables in 2011. Leading sire Medaglia d'Oro is responsible for 27 Grade I/Group 1 winners worldwide, including the Asmussen-trained and Stonestreet-raced Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra. “The Stonestreet breeding program is very impressive,” Asmussen concluded. “I think that he's going to be a good horse.” The newly turned 3-year-old returned to the worktab with a four-furlong breeze in :51 (85/109) at Fair Grounds Jan. 4. The 'Second Chances' Honor Roll is headed by Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and GISWs A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), Honor A. P. (Honor Code), Locked (Gun Runner), Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and Speaker's Corner (Street Sense). What shining debut for #10 Gunmetal @fairgroundsnola! ?? The 2-year-old colt by Gun Runner came out firing for trainer @bradcoxracing and @flothejock. Be sure to add this promising star you your TwinSpires Stable Alerts! pic.twitter.com/5hE6GnYNDG — TwinSpires Racing ?? (@TwinSpires) December 26, 2024 The post Second Chances: Prime Power – ‘All the Numbers Came Back Indicating That He’s Got a Nice Future’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spikezone (Speightster), whose 11 victories in 2024 trailed only the 13 recorded by Tennessee Moon (Ransom the Moon), has been named National Claiming Horse of the Year for 2024 by the National HBPA. “We're thrilled for him,” said Mid-Atlantic-based trainer Jamie Ness, whose Jagger Inc. stable owns Spikezone with Troy Johnson and Charles Lo. “He deserves it.” Said Lo: “I am so shocked. It just doesn't happen the way it has–maybe one time out of 100. It's crazy. I never had a horse that good.” Johnson: “It's a dream, unreal.” Spikezone, who successfully overcame a second round of knee surgery, made 14 trips to the races in 2024, beginning with an eight-length romp in a Tampa optional claimer back in January and concluding with a one-length tally in the Lets Give Thanks Stakes at Parx in late November, his first black-type victory. He became eligible for claiming horse of the year when he was offered for a $100,000 tag at Tampa in March. “Spikezone is terrific example of how horses can just get better with age, patience and horsemanship,” said Todd Mostoller, chair of the National HBPA's awards committee. “At 11-for-14, Spikezone also shows that horses can come back from multiple surgeries and still be excellent and admirable racehorses at their level.” Added National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback: “This award highlights the importance of our claiming horses to American horse racing and how much enjoyment they bring to their team. We congratulate Troy and Charles and certainly Jamie for having so much success with Spikezone after career-compromising surgeries. And, of course, the biggest applause goes to Spikezone.” The post Spikezone Named NHBPA Claiming Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards will take place during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, January 25. The event features two prestigious awards–The Jockey Club Horse of the Year Award and The Peter O'Sullevan Community Impact Award–along with recognition for winners of the RoR Elite Series across six equestrian disciplines (dressage, endurance, eventing, polo, showing and showjumping). Nominations for this year's awards were submitted from across the racing and equestrian communities, with an independent judging panel selecting the finalists. The winners will be announced at the RoR Awards, which will be opened by RoR patron Zara Tindall. “I am thrilled to be attending the RoR Awards 2025,” said Tindall. “The charity's tireless commitment to supporting the retraining and wellbeing of retired racehorses reflects my passion for these incredible animals. I look forward to celebrating the achievements made over the past 25 years and to helping RoR continue making a positive impact across the racing and equine communities.” Public voting to help decide the winners closes at 5pm on Friday, January 10. For information on the finalists and to vote, click here. The post Voting Open for the Annual Retraining of Racehorses Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For the fourth consecutive year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Godolphin topped the list of leading individual breeders in North America in 2024, with earnings of $23,205,149. Runners listed as bred by the operation made 1,161 starts for a record of 226 wins, 169 runner-up efforts and 186 thirds. No fewer than 10 Grade I races in North America in 2024 were taken by Godolphin-breds, led by Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won his second Breeders' Cup Turf in three years and is a finalist for the Male Turf Eclipse Award, which he also won in 2022. Immersive (Nyquist) is the champion 2-year-old filly elect, having completed an unbeaten juvenile campaign in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in November, while 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) was also a top-level scorer at two in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. Godolphin's additional North American Grade I winners included Highland Falls (Curlin), Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Eclipse finalist Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal). Brad Kelley's Calumet Farm was second for the fourth straight season, with 371 wins from 2,778 starts for earnings of $13,923,897. Godolphin also led the breeders list that includes partners with $25,912,067 in earnings and 293 wins from 1,640 starts. Calumet was second with $14,181,110 in earnings and 380 wins out of 2,862 starts. Rounding out the top 10 individual breeders were Brereton C. Jones, $11,071,712 (235 wins / 1,519 starts); WinStar Farm LLC, $10,057,543 (170/1,149); Don Alberto Corporation, $9,034,695 (147/931); Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, $7,679,445 (137/805); Debby M. Oxley, $6,438,362 (11/69); Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds LLC, $5,854,034 (54/392); Gary & Mary West Stables Inc., $5,631,929 (118/755); and Repole Stable, Inc., $4,745,232 (42/281). Completing the list of the top 10 breeders including partnerships were WinStar, $12,206,112 (236 wins / 1,511 starts); Brereton C. Jones, $11,491,759 (251/1,637); Don Alberto Corporation, $9,277,665 (150/946); Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, $8,029,151 (142/856); Debby M. Oxley, $6,442,567 (11/74); Fred W. Hertrich III, $6,157,549 (134/1,066); Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC, $5,895,174 (55/399); and Machmer Hall, $5,727,524 (152/1,075). The post Godolphin Completes Four-Peat As Leading North American Breeder appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Hayes is confident Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) is primed to continue his barnstorming form in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 19 January after the star sprinter dominated a 1200m trial at Sha Tin this morning (Thursday, 9 January). Partnered by regular rider Zac Purton, the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) victor sat three-wide early before coasting to the lead and was untroubled in beating G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble by three quarters of length in 1m 10.43s. The pair cleared out from the rest of the nine-horse trial with Lady’s Choice third, almost eight lengths away, with Helios Express and Galaxy Patch finishing fifth and seventh, respectively. Confirming plans to chase the HK$5 million bonus on offer for the winner of the Hong Kong Speed Series – the Centenary Sprint Cup, G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April – Hayes was delighted with today’s hit-out. “We’re very happy with the trial. He was a little bit fresh before the trial, so this will just settle him down for next week and you couldn’t have asked for more, could you? It was a beautiful trial,” Hayes said. “Zac didn’t move on him and he went through the motions very well with big margins to third and fourth. It was pretty good.” Seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton was also impressed with the trial as Ka Ying Rising bids to extend an eight-race winning streak. “With the time between runs, he always gets a little bit fresh and when he’s fresh, that’s when he gets a bit agitated,” Purton said. “So, the trial’s always nice to knock the edge off him a bit and on race day, he’s settled his nerves.” John Size was satisfied with Helios Express, who will challenge Ka Ying Rising in the Centenary Sprint Cup after finishing only half a length behind the 128-rater in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint on 8 December. “He trialled the way he normally does, he just sort of goes through the motions and he’s probably not a good trialler on the dirt track, but he just does his work and that’s all we really expect from him,” said Size, who has also entered Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) winner Howdeepisyourlove in next week’s feature. Size be represented by Beauty Eternal and Red Lion in HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on 19 January, hopeful the duo can topple Voyage Bubble after finishing fourth and eighth, respectively, behind Ricky Yiu’s 128-rater in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. Beauty Eternal finished third, beaten only half a length, behind Find My Love in today’s second 1200m batch. “He looked like he did his work properly, he seems in pretty good order, he’s pretty relaxed and I think he seems to be going on with his preparation quite normally,” Size said. Purton added: “He’s moving well and trialling well. We just need him to take his trials to the races. We know he’s got the ability when he produces it, we’re just waiting for him to do it at the moment. But I do feel like he keeps heading in the right way, just that little bit every time.” Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (12 January) with the Class 5 Wu Kai Sha Handicap (1200m, dirt) at 1pm. View the full article