Wandering Eyes

The momentum built by the opening-day, six graded-stakes program at Santa Anita carried on into the weekend, as bettors pushed all-sources handle to over $50.4 million over the course of the 39 races between Thursday, Dec. 26 and Sunday, Dec. 29. Aided by strong support from owners and trainers that led to an increase in field size from 2023, the stretch was led by the $21.4-million turnover on Thursday's program, topped by the GI Malibu Stakes, won by Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) and the GI La Brea Stakes, taken out by Kopion (Omaha Beach). That amount was the third-highest recorded on opening day in the history of the track and was the fourth time in the last seven years exceeding $20 million. Total attendance for the four days was better than 62,000, with over 41,000 heading through the turnstiles on opening day. Santa Anita hosts a special New Year's Day program this Wednesday, with nine live races, and the four-day week continues Friday through Sunday. The post Santa Anita Handles Over $50M On Opening Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Camelot (GB), sire of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking (GB), is the champion sire in France for 2024 as well as being the leading stallion in Europe. He also had the third home in the Arc, Los Angeles (Ire), who earlier in the season had landed the Irish Derby. Bluestocking's top-level wins in 2024 included the Pretty Polly Stakes and Prix Vermeille, while Camelot's durable son Luxembourg (Ire), who has recently retired to Castle Hyde Stud, added a fourth Group 1 win to his tally in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Among Camelot's other major winners in France were OTI Racing's Sevenna's Knight, whose three group victories included the G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, and the Wertheimer-bred Pensee Du Jour (Ire), winner of the G2 Prix Corrida. The stallion's total earnings in France were just over €5 million. Second in the French table was another 2,000 Guineas and Derby winner, Sea The Stars (Ire), whose leading runner in the country was the well-bred Sosie (Ire), winner of the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G2 Prix Foy. Lope De Vega (Ire), who provided two of this year's French Classic winners in last-gasp Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Rouhiya (Fr) and Prix du Jockey Club winner Look De Vega (Fr), took third in the championship, just ahead of the leading sire domestically in France, Siyouni (Fr). The remarkable Mqse De Sevigne (Ire) kept the flag flying for the Haras de Bonneval resident, with her wins in the G1 Prix Rothschild and G1 Prix Jean Romanet being a repeat performance of her double strike in Deauville the previous summer. Wootton Bassett (GB) may have left France four years ago but his legacy continues in the country where he made his name, and he was fifth in the sires' table, separating Siyouni from his fellow Aga Khan Studs stallion Zarak (Fr). The latter, a son of Dubawi (Ire) and the brilliant Zarkava (Fr), is the real rising star of the French ranks. Earlier this month a 1/50th share in the stallion was sold for €800,000 during an Arqana online sale. Zarak's first Classic winner came this year when Metropolitan won the Poule d'Essai des Poulains. He is now ensconced at Haras d'Etreham. G2 Prix d'Harcourt winner Zarakem (Fr) has recently joined Ciaron Maher's stable in Australia with a plan in place for him to return to France to join the Etreham ranks at the conclusion of his racing career. On the subject of Haras d'Etreham, two of their younger members are making notable inroads in the stallion ranks. City Light (Fr), by Siyouni, was the leading first-season sire of 2023 and he has backed up that early good impression with an eleventh place finish in the general sires' table in France. He was actually eighth overall by number of winners (42) from just two crops of racing age, including the G3 Prix Miesque winner Mimos (Fr) and six other stakes performers. The champion first-crop sire title returns to Etreham for 2024 and has been won by the dual Group 1-winning sprinter Hello Youmzain (Fr), an increasingly useful looking son of Kodiac (GB). His 13 winners in France (from 33 runners) put him one ahead of Wooded (Fr), Haras de Bouquetot's similarly fast son of Wootton Bassett. In total, Hello Youmzain was represented by 21 winners across Europe, which put him in fourth position in that particular table, behind Sergei Prokofiev, Pinatubo (Ire) and Mohaather (GB). He has sired two Group 3 winners to date – Electrolyte (Ire) and Misunderstood (FR) – along with two other stakes performers. In third among the French freshmen is Etreham's Persian King, while another Bouquetot resident, Romanised (Ire) was fourth. The latter, a son of Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) who won the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Prix Jacques le Marois for Ken Condon, has sired nine winners to date. You can take the boy out of Germany… Sea The Moon (Ger), winner of the G1 Deutsches Derby ten years ago, may never have stood in Germany but he continues to make his presence felt in his native country. The Lanwades stallion is the German champion sire once more, having also won the title in 2023 after siring the winners of the both the Deutsches Derby and the Preis der Diana (in which he also had the first three home). He was also Germany's leading first-season sire of 2018. The Derby winner of 2023, Fantastic Moon (Ger), continued to be Sea The Moon's leading earner this year, adding the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden to his Classic success, and he now joins the stallion ranks himself at Gestut Ebbesloh. Fantastic Moon is not the only son of Sea The Moon to be retiring to stud in Germany in 2025 as Assistent (Ger), winner of the G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern, returns to Gestut Rottgen, where he was bred, with an impressive seven stakes wins to his credit from 23 starts for Henk Grewe. This year's Deutsches Derby winner Palladium (Ger), also trained by Grewe, was sold at the Arqana Arc Sale in October for €1.4 million and has now joined Nicky Henderson's stable with a jumping career ahead of him. Whether he will be sent hurdling as an entire remains to be seen, but he helped his sire Gleneagles (Ire) to second place in the German stallion table. The range of the Coolmore sire's offspring was highlighted when Mill Stream (Ire) won the G1 July Cup over six furlongs, and it is worth reflecting that Gleneagles also had the runner-up in the Derby, Ambiente Friendly (Fr). Incidentally, Palladium's Classic victory also ensured that his breeder Gestut Fahrhof will be crowned champion breeder in Germany this year. In third and fourth in the German sires' table were the late Adlerflug (Ger), whose son Goliath (Ger) ensured that his name was still in lights across Europe by winning the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, and Soldier Hollow (GB), who died in May and was also represented by a British Group 1 winner in Tamfana (Ger). Make Believe Leads the Way in Italy Irish-based stallions dominated the Italian sires' championship in 2024, with Ballylinch Stud's Make Believe (GB) leading the way, largely thanks to his unbeaten juvenile daughter Klaynn (Ire). Trained by Endo Botti and bred by Massimo Parri's Allevamento Le Gi, Klaynn's three victories included the G2 Premio Dormello and Listed Premio Repubbliche Marinare Trofeo. Make Believe's trio of stakes winners in Italy this year was completed by G2 Premio Gran Criterium winner Lazio (Ger) and the Listed winner Fast Spirit (Ire). The Parri family also bred the leading scorer for the runner-up in the table, Sioux Nation. The three-year-old Sioux Life (ITY), who, like Klaynn, is trained by Endo Botti and is out of a mare by Rip Van Winkle (Ire), completed an excellent October for the Tuscan-based Le Gi when winning the G2 Premio Lydia Tesio and G3 Premio Verziere Memorial Aldo Cirla. She has also won three Listed races across the last two seasons. The G2 Derby Italiano winner Borna (Fr), who was later runner-up in the G1 Deutsches Derby, ensured third place in the Italian table for his sire Saxon Warrior (Jpn). Among the first-season sires in Italy, the exquisitely bred Mount Everest (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) out of Six Perfections (Fr), has made a positive start from his base at Azienda Agricola Luciani and is the country's leading freshman sire with seven winners from 13 runners. Behind him in the table is Starfield Stud's Far Above (Ire), whose two Listed winners, Kabir (Ire) and the Group 2-placed Nigrum Regina (Ire), have both struck in Italy. The post Camelot, Sea The Moon and Make Believe Top Sire Lists Across Europe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At the moment, the 1944 Carter Handicap remains the only American stakes that featured a triple-dead-heat for the win spot. But it almost had company. On the first Saturday of May, no less.View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

Zac Purton finished the month on fire and John Size returned to form, while Karis Teetan and Caspar Fownes battled.View the full article

Six-year-old bids to give Tony Cruz a record sixth success as a trainer in the Group Three feature.View the full article

The New Year will usher in a few changes in the training and driving ranks, including a new training partnership of Ray Green and Nathan Delany. Just 24, Delany has gone from being stable junior at Lincoln Farms to joining 79-year-old Ray Green at the helm. Green is in the top echelon of this country’s trainers with 510 winners, including dual New Zealand Cup winner Copy That. To read more of their story click here After a very successful 2024 season that’s included 23 wins, Hayden Cullen will be joined by wife Amanda in partnership from January 1,2025 while Grant Milne will join forces with his father Alex at their Edendale stables down south. The following Junior Drivers will be having their licence changed on 1 January : Hayley Clarke – Graduation Driver Kendra Gill – Graduation Driver Jack Harrington – Open Driver Laura McKay – Open Driver Angela Mugford – Graduation Driver Kerryn Tomlinson – Open Driver Charlotte Williamson – Open Driver View the full article

What Warrnambool Races Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2/64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Tuesday, December 31, 2024 First Race 1:55pm AEDT Visit Dabble The traditional New Year’s Eve meeting at Warrnambool awaits punters on Tuesday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race meeting is set down for decision. A perfect day for racing is forecast, and the track conditions will match those above, with the rail out 3m on a Good 4 surface. The first race at Warrnambool is set to go at 1:55pm AEDT. Best Bet at Warrnambool: Navy King Navy King looks to have plenty of talent under his bonnet, and the four-year-old gelding looks poised to strike third-up from a spell. The son of U S Navy Flag chased home the smart Mawallock at Ararat fresh and then was only beaten three lengths at the Caulfield Heath in a tougher race than this. He should gain the run of the race from the one-one from barrier six, and when asked to quicken, Navy King should have no issue disposing of his rivals in the $50,000 Woodford Cup. Best Bet Race 7 – #8 Navy King (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Teo Nugent (54.5kg) +220 with Neds Next Best at Warrnambool: Captivate Legend Captivate Legend went nicely on return at Warrnambool on November 11 after a five-month spell, and stepping up to the 1400m should see her break maiden ranks at start three. The three-year-old filly chased gamely over 1300m when fresh but was seemingly looking for more ground. Jaylah Kennedy will look to slide across the field and land in the one-one, and from there, when asked for the ultimate effort, Captivate Legend can overhaul the leaders and skip clear with the prize. Next Best Race 4 – #13 Captivate Legend (8) 3yo Filly | T: Archie Alexander | J: Jaylah Kennedy (a1.5) (56kg) +250 with BlondeBet Best Value at Warrnambool: Flick Roll The Tom Dabernig-trained Flick Roll is a 12-start maiden, but based on her last three runs, a maiden triumph does not look far away. The four-year-old mare is a natural front-runner and has been game in defeat, albeit as favourite with horse racing bookmakers in her last three starts, and has only been overhauled late. The plan looks simple for Harry Grace from barrier seven, with the Harry Angel mare likely to gain an uncontested lead over 1100m. With a cheap section, Flick Roll presents great each-way for a leader at $13 with Picklebet. Best Value Race 1 – #4 Flick Roll (7) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Harry Grace (57.5kg) +1200 with Picklebet Tuesday quaddie tips for Warrnambool Warrnambool quadrella selections Tuesday, December 31, 2024 2-3-9-14 1-3-5-7-11 2-8 1-2-3-4-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Black-type targets are in the offing for Cambridge mare Doddle after she took out the Harcourts Taupo Cup (2000m) on Monday. The five-year-old daughter of Dundeel settled off the pace for jockey Teegan Newman, who bided her time before pushing the go button at the 600m mark and sent Doodle alight around the field. They entered the straight a length in arrears of leaders Opawa Jack and Rua Rocks but were able to wrestle the lead and hold off Midnight Blue to win by 1-1/4 lengths. Trainer Stephen Marsh enjoyed getting the win in front of a bustling holidaymaker crowd and was full of praise for Newman’s ride. “Teegan has given the horse a 10 out of 10 ride, the horse settled for her, she got into the right spot and I couldn’t have ridden her better myself,” Marsh quipped. “She got out at the right time and you could see at the top of the straight that she was building momentum, and she was too good in the end. “Taupo has put on a marvellous day again, there’s a massive crowd. They put the stake money up to $85,000 and got a really good field. It was very nice to win.” Newman was confident of a bold showing in the meeting’s feature race and was delighted to get the result. “She actually had her first raceday start here (Taupo) where she ran a nice third,” Newman said. “I was quietly confident coming into this race and she has done everything perfectly. She relaxed beautifully and hit the line really well. “You don’t really hear the crowd when you are trying to win, but she has gone super today, it was good to get that win.” It was Doddle’s fourth career win and Marsh said she may have earned herself a crack at another stakes target. “She is nicely bred by Dundeel. We will just try and get some black-type to improve her value,” he said. “Probably in the autumn more so, but she has always shown us plenty, we have run her in some nice races. She is starting to put it all together.” View the full article

Stakes performer Sugah Sweet showed she is back to her best when comfortably taking care of a handy line-up in the Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (1400m) at Taupo on Monday. Trainer Bryce Newman and jockey Masa Hashizume were seeking redemption at the South Waikato track after Sugah Sweet tailed the field home at the venue at her last raceday outing in October, where she took on the uncustomary role of pacemaker. Hashizume, who currently leads the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership, took the polar opposite approach this time, easing his charge to sit at the rear of the compact field where they stalked Group Two performer Solidify throughout. Sugah Sweet came off the back of Solidify at the top of the straight and made her move down the outside. She showed a good turn of foot to reel in her opposition and continue her momentum to run out a 2-1/4 length victor over Solidify, and Hashizume was rapt he was able to make amends for his last start error. “Last time I didn’t get much instruction and I led, which was a mistake,” he said. “Bryce told me to do whatever (today) but don’t lead. I just followed Ryan (Elliot, on Solidify) and she was travelling so good. I didn’t want to go too early on the corner, and she sprinted well.” Newman was delighted to see his mare back in the winner’s stall, with the daughter of Zacinto last tasting success 13 months ago. “She is back, and I thought it would just be a pass mark today, but Masa rode her well today. She has never led before in her life, so it was a bit of a shock here last time,” Newman said. “It is lovely to have her back and it was worth the trip up (from Bulls). It will be nice to go home, we have got three hours of planning of what we are going to do next with her. “She will definitely improve a little bit from that. We will make the choice of whether we go to a mile or whether she has got another 1400m in her. We won’t rush.” A homebred, Sugah Sweet has now won five of her 23 starts for Newman, and placed in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) earlier this year after posting fourth placings in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m). Newman said it was a timely win, with her half-brother set to go through the sale ring at Karaka next month as part of Beckham Equine’s New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Sale draft. “We bred her, we have still got mum (She’s Thoreal), and we have got a nice Noverre colt (lot 829) that is a half to her going through the sale,” Newman said. “It is exciting.” View the full article

The NZB Filly of the Year Series begins to take a different look with the sixth leg, the $270,000 Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. After five races over distances ranging from 1200 to 1600 metres, the Sir Patrick Hogan marks the first step up to 2000 metres. The winner will earn 8 points in the NZB Filly of the Year Series, with 4 for second and 2 for third. Starting with the Sir Patrick Hogan, five of the remaining six legs of the Filly of the Year Series will be run over 2000 metres or more. That sequence will culminate with the grand finale, the $1m Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 22. That means the next few months could bring big changes on the points table, which is currently headed by Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) with 21 points. Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) heroine Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) sits in second place on 15. Victory in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day put Hitabell (NZ) (Embellish) into third spot with 8 points, followed by Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) on 6. Kitty Flash (NZ) (Ace High) and Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth) have 4 points each. Movin’ Out (NZ) (Staphanos) has 3.5 points, which puts her just ahead of Connello (NZ) (Time Test) on 3. Love Poem (Snitzel) and Real Class (NZ) (Vadamos) have 2 points apiece, while Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) and Skymax (NZ) (Ferrando) complete the table with 1.5 points each. A promising field of 11 fillies will contest the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes on New Year’s Day, but only two of them have NZB Filly of the Year Series points to their name already. Real Class earned her 2 points from a strong-finishing third in the Eight Carat Classic on Boxing Day, while Skymax finished third in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m) on December 21. Two others in the line-up have been stakes-placed. Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos) was runner-up in the Group Three Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki on November 28, and Macaluso (NZ) (Savabeel) was a third placegetter in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) last January. Several of the other Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes contenders have been winners, including Crown Princess (NZ) (Embellish), who made a big impression with a four-length maiden romp at Rotorua on Saturday. The Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes will be run as Race 7 at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, with a scheduled start time of 3:37pm. # HORSE DRAW COMMENTS SALE PURCHASER 1 Real Class 6 Real Class (NZ) (Vadamos) earned top billing in this race with her performance in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day. Lining up for only the third start of her career and at $43 odds, she powered home from last to finish third behind Hitabell (NZ) (Embellish) and Sethito (NZ) (Super Seth). Real Class clocked the fastest times in the race for her last 800, 600 and 400 metres. 2 Myakkabelle 11 Brewers Bloodstock paid $55,000 at Karaka 2023 to buy Myakkabelle (NZ) (War Decree), who has so far had seven starts for two wins, three placings and $42,060 in stakes. She finished strongly for a close fifth in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day. Inglewood Stud will offer a Russian Revolution half-sister to Myakkabelle as Lot 131 in Book 1 of Karaka 2025. Karaka 2023, Book 1 Brewers Bloodstock, $55,000 3 Island Life 3 Pencarrow Stud’s promising filly Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos) has done little wrong in her four-race career. She flew home for second over 1400 metres on debut, then stepped up to 1600 metres and scored a smart maiden win at Tauranga. Her first attempt at stakes level produced a close second in the Group Three Wellington Stakes (1600m). She was a last-start fifth in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m) after getting a long way back in the running. 4 Skymax 1 Skymax (NZ) (Ferrando) was a maiden winner at Rotorua in October and has followed that up with a series of creditable performances in the NZB Filly of the Year Series. She ran sixth in the Group Two Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), then stuck on strongly for third in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m). 5 Macaluso 4 Forsman Racing, Andrew Williams Bloodstock and Bevan Smith Bloodstock paid $600,000 to buy well-related filly Macaluso (NZ) (Savabeel) from Book 1 of Karaka 2023. She showed real promise as a two-year-old, finishing third in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) and fourth in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). She resumed with an outstanding first-up win at Trentham on December 7, then didn’t have much luck in the straight when sixth in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Karaka 2023, Book 1 Forsman Racing/Andrew Williams Bloodstock/Bevan Smith Bloodstock, $600,000 6 Reggae Queen 7 An impressive come-from-behind maiden winner at Te Aroha in late November, Reggae Queen (Exceedance) produced an eye-catching late run from the back of the field to finish seventh in the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) last week. Karaka 2023, Book 1 Psd, Res $100,000 7 Bella Montagna 10 Bought for $25,000 from Book 2 of Karaka 2023, Bella Montagna (NZ) (Belardo) has had four starts for two strong-finishing second placings. She was also a close fourth in the Group Three Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki on November 28. Karaka 2023, Book 2 Archer Equine Investments Ltd, $25,000 8 Moschino 2 Moschino (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) has put together a consistent formline through her five-start career, never finishing further back than fourth. She ran third on debut in September, followed by another two third placings at Pukekohe and Ellerslie. Fourth at Te Rapa in her next start, she bounced back at Ellerslie on December 12 with a second placing in a tight photo finish. 9 The Trendsetter 9 The Oaks Stud’s The Trendsetter (NZ) (Proisir) has been steadily improving as distances increase. She finished 10th, sixth and sixth in her first three races, then stepped up to 1600 metres for a last-start second to Real Class (NZ) (Vadamos) at Te Aroha. 10 Ballistic Miss 5 Ballistic Miss (NZ) (Charm Spirit) is still a maiden but has shown promise, producing her best work late in her races over 1400 to 1600 metres. The step up to 2000 metres looks likely to suit, being out of a half-sister to the dam of Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War). Ballistic Miss is part-owned by her breeders Windsor Park Stud, who will offer a half-sister by Noverre (NZ) as Lot 475 in Book 1 of Karaka 2025. 11 Crown Princess 8 Te Akau Racing’s Crown Princess (NZ) (Embellish) has shaken this race up significantly since the field was finalised on Saturday morning. She lined up for a maiden race over 1560 metres that afternoon and scored a stunning victory by four and a half lengths. This is a significant step up in class and distance on a quick turnaround. Crown Princess could complete a remarkable double for the week for Cambridge Stud stallion Embellish (NZ), who sired the Group Two Eight Carat Classic (1600m) winner Hitabell (NZ) on Boxing Day. View the full article

Sunday’s RM300,000 Penang Gold Cup (2000m) was won in powerful come-from-behind style by Lucky Magic (NZ) (Mendelssohn), who was bought from the Karaka sale ring and also has a half-sister catalogued for Karaka 2025. Lucky Magic was offered by Prima Park in Book 1 of Karaka 2022 and was bought for $35,000. He later returned to Karaka as a member of the Prima Park draft for the Ready to Run Sale, where the HY Cheng Racing Stable secured him for $75,000. He has now had eight starts for four wins, two placings and more than RM200,000 (NZ$80,000) in stakes. Lucky Magic was ridden by Andre Luiz Da Silva and settled in midfield before unleashing a potent burst in the straight and rapidly charging into contention. The four-year-old finished over the top of his fellow Karaka graduate Good Fight (Super One) and went on to win by a length and a quarter. The Penang Gold Cup was a new highlight for Lucky Magic’s trainer Cheng Han Yong, who began his career with a valuable nine-year stint in New Zealand’s South Island. After initially working alongside the likes of respected horsepeople John and Karen Parsons and Stephen Blair-Edie, Cheng trained nine winners in his own right during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 racing seasons in New Zealand. “I feel very happy, this is my biggest win,” Cheng told local media on Sunday. “I had two runners today and two winners. To do it in my home town, it doesn’t get any better than that. “There’s more to come from Lucky Magic. I think he can win more big races in 2025. I plan to run him in the 4YO Mile Championship (1600m) in July. “I targeted the Penang Gold Cup for him for a long time, because I knew he’d carry only 52 kilograms. I know he can get 2000 metres and even longer.” Brighthill Farm will offer a half-sister to Lucky Magic during Book 2 of Karaka 2025 in late January. The filly by exciting young stallion Hello Youmzain will go through the ring as Lot 751. Vendor Prima Park Purchaser Karaka 2022: B Kwok (Hong Kong)2022 Ready to Run Sale: HY Cheng Racing Stable (Malaysia) Breeding Mendelssohn – No Love Letters Sale Lot 452, Karaka 2022 Book 1, $35,000Lot 192, 2022 Ready to Run Sale, $75,000 Bred by J Crowley View the full article

It may have taken a little longer than desired, but enigmatic galloper Lanikai finally broke through for his maiden victory at Taupo in the Mort Weber – Good Sorts in Racing (1800m) on Monday. The four-year-old son of Ocean Park had shown plenty of promise for trainer Tony Pike, placing in five of his previous 14 starts, but was testing the patience of his group of owners, which includes leading thoroughbred nurseries Haunui Farm and Waikato Stud. However, Pike reassured the group of his ability, and they were rewarded for their faith on Monday with his maiden win. “(He has) a very patient group of stable owners,” Pike said. “It is a great group of owners who have had a lot of success. “They wanted to move this one on a while ago, but I said to hold onto him and that we will get there eventually. Hopefully they will be well rewarded going forward.” Lanikai was given an economical trip midfield and was presented at the perfect time by jockey Ryan Elliot to produce his winning run with 500m to go, and went on to score a length victory over Mohi Place, much to the delight of Pike. “He (Elliot) gave him a lovely trip,” Pike said. “He (Lanikai) is still arms and legs, he doesn’t help himself, he doesn’t know what he is doing, but hopefully the penny drops after today. “He is a big-actioned horse and probably struggled around the tight Taupo circuit, but he got the job done. “He will get a bit of confidence out of that win, he is a talented horse, he just needs to improve his racing manners a touch and hopefully he continues through the grades.” Elliot was pleased with the win and said further wins are instore for the four-year-old if his racing manners continue to improve. “The race mapped out perfectly for him,” Elliot said. “He just had to get out and rolling, he is quite a big striding horse. When the rub of the green goes his way, he is a very nice horse. “He has got a few tricks up his sleeve, but as long as he progresses, he will get another couple of wins.” View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Tuesday, December 31, 2024 First Race 1:10pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) headlines the action at Wyong on Tuesday afternoon, with a competitive seven-part program set down for decision. The rail moves out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with light rainfall forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a Soft 5 surface for race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:10pm local time. Belle Of The Turf Stakes Tip: Konasana The Chris Waller-trained Konasana appears set to peak in the 2024 Belle Of The Turf Stakes after hitting the line impressively at Rosehill on December 7. The daughter of Dundeel mare was no match for I’mintowin but closed off powerfully to suggest the 2000m would be the ideal step-up in trip. The sting out of the ground only enhances her chances, and with Regan Bayliss likely to gain an economic run throughout, Konasana should get every chance to claim her first win of the campaign. Belle Of The Turf Stakes Race 6 – #1 Konasana (7) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Regan Bayliss (59kg) +650 with Neds Best Bet at Wyong: Everybody Rise Everybody Rise ran into a smart one in the form of Madam Instrife at Canterbury on December 20 and finds a very winnable maiden second-up in the preparation. The quinella pair cleared out on that occasion, suggesting punters can follow the form with confidence moving forward. Billy Loughnane should take a stalking position from stall six, and with even luck in the concluding stages, Everybody Rise should have no issues justifying the short price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 1 – #4 Everybody Rise (6) 3yo Gelding | T: Peter Snowden | J: Billy Loughnane (57.5kg) +150 with BlondeBet Next Best at Wyong: Writego Wrtiego caught the eye in a recent barrier trial at Warwick Farm on December 19, bounding clear of her rivals to score by 4.6 lengths. The Chris Waller-trained filly led every step of the way, showing a blistering turn of speed when asked for a minimal effort by Jason Collett. Collett takes the reins under race-day conditions for the first time, and with the star hoop likely to adopt similar tactics, Writego should get every chance to make an impression on debut. Next Best Race 2 – #12 Writego (1) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: Jason Collett (56.5kg) +200 with Picklebet Best Value at Wyong: Balmierro Balmierro got a pass mark returning at Kembla Grange on December 12, hitting the line well over the unsuitable 1400m journey. The Pierro gelding was doing his best work late, and although he was well-beaten by 5.5 lengths, the four-year-old should appreciate stepping out in trip second-up into the campaign. Molly Bourke should lob into the one-one from stall four, and provided she can get the last crack at her rivals in the final furlong, Balmierro should give followers a bold sight at the each-way price with Playup. Best Value Race 3 – #3 Balmierro (4) 4yo Gelding | T: John Sargent | J: Molly Bourke (a1.5kg) (58kg) +700 with Playup Tuesday quaddie tips for Wyong Wyong quadrella selections December 31, 2024 1-4-5-6 1-2-4 1-2-5 2-3-4-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Spectators take in the day of racing at Ascot for Perth Cup Day. Photo: Western Racepix The Perth Cup, an iconic New Year’s Day event, will now be held as a twilight fixture at Ascot Racecourse due to extreme heat forecasts. The race programme has been reduced from nine to seven races, with the first race now set for 3:37 pm local time. Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter emphasised the organisation’s commitment to safety, stating, “Our policies are designed to protect the welfare of racing animals and participants, with flexibility to adjust scheduling based on the forecast.” “Racing WA stewards and veterinarians have been in direct contact with the duty forecaster, and with temperatures expected to be 38°C or higher until later in the day, it was necessary to reduce the number of races to enable a later start time when temperatures are expected to ease and continue to fall,” David added. Perth Cup Day Revised Race Times Race 1 – Magic Millions Plate – 3:37 pm Race 2 – Schweppes Handicap – 4:11 pm Race 3 – Ascend Trophies Handicap – 4:45 pm Race 4 – Swan Draught Summer Scorcher – 5:18 pm Race 5 – TABtouch Perth Cup – 5:52 pm Race 6 – Mrs Mac’s La Trice Classic – 6:24 pm Race 7 – Mumm Champagne Handicap – 6:55 pm Racing WA stewards will continue to monitor weather conditions in collaboration with the Bureau of Meteorology. Further adjustments to the schedule may be made if the forecast changes significantly before or during the event. Horse racing news View the full article

Zac Purton celebrates after victory on Tourbillon Prince. Photo: HKJC Zac Purton became only the second jockey to ride 1,800 winners in Hong Kong with a treble at Sha Tin on Sunday as the Australian moved to within 13 wins of Douglas Whyte’s all-time record of 1,813 wins. Completing a superb week, Purton combined with John Size to win on Endeared and on Masterofmyuniverse before closing out the final meeting of the year with victory on Benno Yung’s Tourbillon Prince. With nine wins from his past 18 rides, the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey has hurtled to 60 wins for the season to lead Hugh Bowman (26) and Vincent Ho (21) after 33 of 88 scheduled meetings. “Obviously there’s a lot of pride in reaching 1,800,” Purton said. “But it just comes down to the opportunities and support I get and I can’t do anything without that. “I’ve been very lucky in my time here – I never thought I would get to this number, but I’m after another one (1,813) now, so I’ve got to keep going. But it’s nice. It’s very satisfying. “Being so close to the bigger number (Whyte’s record) is going to overshadow this one, of course, but it’s been a good end of the year and hopefully we can start next year just as well.” Riding in supreme form, Purton, 41, posted a record-equalling six-timer at Happy Valley on Thursday. The Australian’s first win in Hong Kong came atop Elfhelm on September 12, 2007 at Happy Valley for trainer Ricky Yiu. Mark Newnham will target Hong Kong’s lucrative 2400m races with Bravehearts after the former Argentine stayer continued an outstanding season with victory. Posting his third win from four starts this campaign, Bravehearts is likely to be set for the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup (2400m) on May 4 with the possibility of a tilt at the HK$13 million Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on May 25. Winner of the 2022 Group 1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (2400m) in Argentina, Bravehearts (118lb) was ridden patiently by Matthew Poon before emerging at the top of the straight to down Winning Dragon (124lb) by a length, with another length to three-year-old Romantic Thor (124) who showcased his Hong Kong Derby (2000m) credentials with a brave third. “He’s (Bravehearts) in really good form. He keeps improving, he appreciated getting back to 2000m today and down the bottom of the weights,” Newnham said. “Matthew’s rides on him all the way through have been 10-out-of-10. “It’ll be a while until we get the opportunity, but even once he gets further than 2000m, I’m sure he’ll improve again. Looking way ahead, you’d think the Queen Mother Memorial (Cup) later in the season, 2400m, would be more to his liking. But good we’ve got him to this level now and hopefully he can continue to improve.” Newnham is second overall in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship with 24 wins, trailing only Pierre Ng (26). Poon vaulted into fifth place in the jockeys’ championship after sealing a double on Tony Cruz-trained Super Fortune and also believes Bravehearts will be even better over extended trips. “I love him so much, he has improved every start with his mental approach, his fitness and I can’t wait to see him at 2400m,” Poon said. “He’s quite a relaxed horse, finds his feet and you wait for the right time for him to go and he will run for you. So, I think 2400m will be even better. “I’m really lucky I can ride this horse for Mark and the owner Mr Yue, he gives me lots of support even from when I started and also Mark has given me such a beautiful horse to ride. I can’t thank them enough.” Romantic Thor impressed after being caught wide early and finished stoutly under Alexis Pouchin, while fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby aspirant Naval Force charged from the rear of the field – clocking a race-best 11.88s for the final 200m – to finish seventh, beaten three lengths. Britney Wong partnered Manfred Man’s Jolly Companion to victory, marking the apprentice’s second win on the All Too Hard gelding and her sixth overall in Hong Kong. “Three rides on him and we’ve already got two wins together, so that’s good,” Wong said. “He’s a lovely horse, very straight-forward. He always likes to be forward, rolling and leading by himself and that’s a ride that suits me.” Luke Ferraris extended a fruitful season, notching his 18th win of the term for Jimmy Ting aboard Satono Aladdin gelding The Absolute. “I thought the horse had a bit of a chance even though he wasn’t 100 per cent,” Ting said. “He is a nice horse but before he could not breathe. After the surgery he is much better. I think he can win more races and later a longer distance will be better.” Horse racing news View the full article

Vestas. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Trainer Clinton McDonald is optimistic that Vestas can deliver another major victory for his stable when she lines up in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight (1100m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday. The daughter of Toronado announced herself with an impressive debut win at Cranbourne in October before finishing a strong second in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on November 7. Vestas recently sharpened up with a trial at the Gold Coast, leaving McDonald confident in her chances. “She trialled up at the Gold Coast last Tuesday and trialled beautifully,” McDonald told Racing.com. “She’s in great order, and I think she’ll give it one hell of a shake. “It’s been an amazing year. I’m very thankful to all the staff at home; they’ve done a great job, and all the owners that support us. “We’re very fortunate, for a small stable of 30, for the luck that we’ve had. We’ve had plenty of stakes wins and placings. “We’ve got a lot of nice, young horses coming through, so it’s exciting. Let’s hope we can get the Sunlight Classic next week with Vestas.” Horse racing news View the full article

Gallo Nero. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Gallo Nero is set to target the prestigious Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 11 following an impressive maiden victory at Randwick on Saturday. Ridden by Tyler Schiller, the Team Hawkes-trained colt displayed his potential, defeating Apocalyptic by half a length, with Memo finishing a further 1.1 lengths back in third place. Co-trainer Michael Hawkes confirmed the $3 million Gold Coast feature has always been the goal for the talented juvenile, provided he pulls up well after Saturday’s success. “That was the plan,” Hawkes said. “The plan was to win today and then head to the Gold Coast. Of course, we’ve got to see how he pulls up in the next 24 to 48 hours. “If he doesn’t get to the Magic Millions, he’s going to be a really nice colt in the autumn.” Hawkes was pleased with the improvement Gallo Nero showed, particularly in his ability to settle during the race. “That was a very good win. I think he should have won first-up; he just got really keen. He only got beaten a length and did everything wrong. “We gave him an easy trial on Monday and just tried to get him to relax. And probably the key was taking a sit today, where he actually did relax.” What stood out most for Hawkes was the colt’s determination and willingness to take a run through traffic. “The part I liked the most about Gallo Nero’s performance was that he was able to take a run between rivals on the inside and wanted to find the line. “He’s still learning, and he’s a really nice colt in the making.” Jockey Tyler Schiller echoed Hawkes’ sentiment, noting the colt’s talent and potential. “Hopefully, the Hawkes team can get him to the Magic Millions in one piece,” Schiller said. “And bring it on.” Horse racing news View the full article

When Kopion pulled off a 37-1 upset in the La Brea Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park, she not only earned her first grade 1 victory but also cemented herself as a leading member on the long honor roll of horses bred by Tall Oaks Farm.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The highlights just keep coming for Sam Ottley. 2024 has finished with a roar for the history-making driver. She has had 14 wins in six days either side of Christmas and along the way became the first New Zealand woman to drive 100 winners in a 12 month season. And it gets even better – yesterday she won in front of a huge crowd at Motukarara with Justa Terra, a Terror To Love four-year-old trained by her mother Denise. “The last few days have been a massive thrill and a highlight but this is right up there,” Ottley told Harness Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong post race, “driving for your mum … it’s a big thrill.” Previously with Gerard O’Reilly, Justa Terra hadn’t been seen on race day since a seventh at Timaru in April last year. Denise Ottley has been training him for four months. Sam gave the horse the perfect run fresh up. They started safely and were nestled three back the fence before launching up the passing lane to win by over a length. The victory evoke memories of Sam Ottley’s first ever win. It came with another horse trained by her mum in her first ever race day drive on her 18th birthday with Nigel Paul at Kurow in 2008. Overall Sam Ottley has now driven 13 winners for Denise, headed by Rocki Warrior (4) and including OK I’m Bad and Majesticmite (3), Reformed, Tempo Warrior and Minnelli Smile (2) and Nigel Paul, Justakiwiboy, Alantic, Justa Terra, Artfilly Crafted, Clarendon’s Last, and Star Paige (1 each). Ottley had a double at Motukarara yesterday, also winning with What The Bell in the Dakins Group Trot. That took her to 107 wins for the season, a remarkable result considering even getting to 100 looked in the balance in recent weeks. Since winning twice at Cambridge on Christmas Eve she won five at Westport on Boxing Day, one at Gore on December 27, four at Westport on December 28 and the two at Banks Peninsula yesterday. Other highlights from yesterday was a Brent Borcoskie-trained quinella in the first with Lindy’s Rocket and Tessamae and trainer Laurence Hanrahan preparing Tanzania and Woodbine Rocks to finish first and third in the day’s feature, the Paul Renwick Joinery Motukarara Christmas Cup. Tanzania produced a huge run for John Morrison out wide to mow down a very game Katherine and Woodbine Rocks, who secured a nice trip in the one-one. It was Tanzania’s fourth win this year and fifth overall. Hanrahan was on course to enjoy the victory yesterday after a recent accident when he was kicked by a horse, cracking ribs and suffering a tear to his spleen. And with just one day of the 2024 season left the junior drivers’ premiership is down to just one. Carter Dalgety leads the premiership on 65 wins, one ahead of Sam Thornley. He closed the gap to one when favourite Bettor Be Sharp took out the Tim and John Dunn Junior Drivers Pace. View the full article

Dylan Davis finishes as NYRA's leading rider, Chad Brown its leading trainer.View the full article

Jockey Dylan Davis earned 209 wins across six race meets in 2024 to pace all riders and secure top honors as the leading rider at the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). This is Davis's second year-end NYRA title, adding to a 2022 campaign which saw him win 186 races. This year, Davis, who is represented by agent Mike Migliore, scored a pair of meet titles at the Aqueduct winter [54] and Belmont at the Big A fall [44] meets. “It means a lot,” said Davis. “Me and Mike put in a lot of work, day in and day out and year in and year out, on the NYRA circuit. We have a lot of support from all the horsemen and owners to ride their amazing horses. I feel I've been improving as a rider and getting better every year. It's great to have that recognition and to have this accomplishment to be the NYRA year-end leading jock. I know it's my second one, but it feels really good.” Among Davis's 23 stakes wins were 10 graded events, led by his first Grade I win with Carson's Run (Cupid) in the Saratoga Derby Invitational at Saratoga Race Course. “Everything came together at Saratoga. I feel I've always been riding well, but we really capitalized on the opportunity with good riding and the horses being ready. Saratoga is the place where you want to really shine and to finish third at the premier meet was a big accomplishment and I think it opened up the eyes of a lot of owners and trainers that my riding ability has stepped up. It really continued through the fall and the quality of horses has been improving and I'm really thankful for that.” Davis finished the year with a NYRA record of 1,091-209-165-140 and earnings of $15,349,606, good for a win rate of 19.16 percent and in-the-money rate of 47.11 percent. Manny Franco claimed second in the year-end standings with 196 wins while Kendrick Carmouche finished third with 152 wins. Four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown secured his ninth year-end training title with 146 wins. Brown captured three meet titles this year at Belmont at the Big A spring [32 wins], Saratoga [45 wins] and a 13th consecutive Belmont at the Big A fall [31 wins] during a season which saw him win multiple Grade I races with runners such as Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie), Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), Domestic Product (Practical Joke), Raging Sea (Curlin), Ways and Means (Practical Joke), Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio), Randomized (Nyquist) and Chili Flag (Fr) (Cityscape {GB}). Brown posted a record of 574-146-96-77 with $15,881,246 in purse earnings for a win rate of 25.44 percent and in-the-money percentage of 55.57. Linda Rice finished second with 121 wins with Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher finishing third with 67 wins. Chad Brown | Sarah Andrew The year's leading owner, Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables, secured its sixth consecutive year-end title with 63 victories. Klaravich Stables posted an overall record of 224-63-37-26 with total purses of $5,957,965. Michael Dubb finished second with 38 wins while Linda Rice finished third with 34 wins. For the Aqueduct fall meet, Manny Franco came out on top as the leading rider, scoring 34 wins that included six stakes wins. “I feel blessed to have these opportunities for all the trainers, all of the owners, here in New York, all year round,” said Franco. “My agent, John Panagot, has been doing a terrific job. I've been winning a lot of races here, so winning the title is just amazing. I feel great about that.” Franco, who was also NYRA's year-end leading rider in 2018-19 and 2023, posted a meet record of 143-34-24-16 with earnings of $2,327,063, good for a win rate of 23.78 percent and in-the-money percentage of 51.75. Dylan Davis finished second with 32 wins with Jose Lezcano finishing third with 21 wins. Trainer Linda Rice secured her third consecutive Aqueduct fall meet training title with 22 wins, her third training title this year after taking the Aqueduct winter [23 wins] and Aqueduct spring [18 wins] meets. “I'm happy to have won this title three years in a row, that's good,” said Rice. “Hopefully we can keep moving forward and have a good winter meet. We have about 80 horses and it's a lot of work and we always have horses coming in and out – horses always need time, but it's a good number to work with.” Rice completed the meet with a record of 103-22-15-22 and earnings of $1,341,177, good for a win rate of 21.36 percent and in-the-money rate of 57.28 percent. Rick Dutrow, Jr. finished second with 16 wins and Brad Cox finished third with 11 wins. Sanford Goldfarb clinched the owners' title at the Big A fall meet with eight wins. He completed the meet with a 22-8-3-3 record and $308,809 in earnings. Gatsas Stables finished second [seven wins] with Linda Rice and Winning Move Stable finishing in a tie for third [five wins]. The post Dylan Davis, Chad Brown Lead NYRA Circuit Standings For 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Phil D'Amato said Motorious will take the rest of the winter off before returning for a 7-year-old campaign in April or May. View the full article

Jockey Jorge Ruiz, released from the Aventura (Fla.) Hospital the night of Dec. 28 after receiving stitches above his left eye following a race 1 spill, visited Gulfstream Park Dec. 29.View the full article

Jockey Jorge Ruiz, who fell shortly after the start of the first race at Gulfstream Park Saturday, was released from Aventura Hospital Saturday night after receiving stitches above his left eye. Ruiz, a 39-year-old native of Argentina, was hurt after being thrown to the turf course when his mount, 3-year-old filly Roscoe Village (Kantharos), stumbled and fell shortly after the start of Saturday's opener. Roscoe Village was uninjured. The track safety siren and lights were activated as Ruiz was being helped off track, causing several riders to pull up and resulting in the race being declared a no contest. Ruiz ranked in the top 10 in both wins (eight) and purse earnings ($282,235) during the 2024-2025 Championship Meet, which began Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. Replaced on his four mounts Sunday, Ruiz said he expects to return to riding Wednesday when he is named in five races at Gulfstream. The post Jockey Jorge Ruiz Released From Hospital, Will Ride Wednesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article