Wandering Eyes

Sun Marshal, Freedman, Azzopardi get their moment in the Sun in Singapore Derby View the full article

Wecando gives Amirul much-needed win View the full article

Stablemate Strikes Gold for Brown after first-elect misfires View the full article

I’m Incredible blows rivals away first-up View the full article

Reilly easy when it’s On Line View the full article

Horses' body weights July 21 View the full article

Track conditions and course scratchings July 21 View the full article

All these moving tributes to Marylou Whitney leave no doubt that she touched many, many lives. I cannot hope to give an adequate sense of how deeply she influenced my own–as a neighbor, counselor and friend. But I hope you will forgive me if I at least try. Marylou belonged not only to a different generation, but in many ways to a different era. Her very name evokes a time of glamour that makes our own epoch seem rather colorless by comparison. Yet I cannot stress enough how firmly she remained ever rooted in the present. Rooted, that is, by a loyalty and generosity that transcended all barriers of age or origin. A generosity that comprised not just deep, genuine philanthropy, but also the countless quiet kindnesses that together achieved a no less decisive impact on many lives. Decisive? Certainly. In my own case, I need only tell you how often Marylou would like to tease me that of all the matings she has supervised, none surpassed the one she instigated in my own engagement. For it was she who introduced me to my wife Angela; and she, as a result, who can be credited for the advent of our five wonderful children. Without Marylou, I’m not sure I would have become or remained as animated as I am by our work here at Gainesway. As it was, no small part of the fulfillment I have found here can be traced to her abiding commitment to land once grazed by horses raised by her late husband Sonny. For her, as for me, it always felt as though the old and new reinforced each other. How we loved to see her and her husband John, also a very great friend, touring the farm on a golf cart on any day the weather was pleasant enough. This ritual became one of the highlights of her later years. And it had been the most natural thing in the world one day to find her presiding over the placement of headstones for the previously unmarked graves of champion Silver Spoon and her dam Silver Fog, in the cemetery that contains so many names synonymous with the Whitneys. It will be easily understood, then, how unforgettable a privilege it was to be seated beside Marylou when Summer Bird–by her 2004 [Belmont] winner Birdstone–won the Belmont. I was able to tell her to close her eyes and reflect that neither Sonny, nor Harry Payne Whitney, had ever achieved what she had just done. And when that grand old lady opened those eyes, they were full of tears. Given her love of the farm, there had never been any doubt that Birdstone would stand at Gainesway. But the affinity between our families extended far beyond horses. My children adored her. She was so kind to my mother especially, after we lost my father. And her beautiful nature defined so many places: Cady Hill, for instance, and Saratoga itself. How fitting that the place should fall respectfully quiet Saturday–because no midsummer sun could rival the sheer warmth of her character, a warmth that enabled so many different people to blossom. Happily, whatever the challenges of health and age, Marylou retained her sharp mind and charm to the end. Even for a lady of advanced years, her loss is a terrible shock. Her passing is the one divide she cannot transcend. But Marylou will endure forever in the hearts of all of us who loved her. Antony Beck is the president of Gainesway Farm. The post Marylou Whitney will Endure Forever in Hearts and at Gainesway appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today’s Observations features a a half-sister to G1SW The Last Lion (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}). 2.00 The Curragh, Mdn, €17,500, 2yo, f, 6fT NA BLIANTA BEO (IRE) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) debuts for Michael Ryan, breeder of her brilliant dam Finsceal Beo (Ire) (Mr. Greeley). Handled by the “living legend’s” trainer Jim Bolger, the May-foaled half-sister to the G2 Beresford S. scorer Ol’ Man River (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) meets another well-connected newcomer in the Nagle/Stack/Magnier Sable Camp (Ire) (No Nay Never), a half-sister to the G1 Middle Park S. hero The Last Lion (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}). The post Observations: July 21, 2019 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After two races conducted in brutal heat, Monmouth Park has opted for discretion and canceled the six remaining non-stakes on its 14-race July 20 TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) Day card. View the full article

After two races conducted in brutal heat, Monmouth Park has opted for discretion and cancelled the six remaining non-stakes on its 14-race July 20 TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) Day card. View the full article

Star Catcher fully justified the decision to supplement her for the Kerrygold Irish Oaks (G1) by making all to land the classic at the Curragh July 20 under an inspired ride from Frankie Dettori. View the full article

After canceling live racing July 19-20 because of the forecast for extreme heat, Ellis Park announced it will conduct a special Monday card July 29 to make up some of the canceled races. View the full article

After two races run in oppressive mid-90-degree temperatures, Monmouth Park has opted for discretion and canceled the six remaining non-stakes on its 14-race July 20 TVG.com Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) Day card. View the full article

Europe’s racing on Sunday spans from The Curragh to Dusseldorf, with Deauville in between offering a key 2-year-old contest in the G2 Darley Prix Robert Papin. Staged over the unique distance of 5 1/2 furlongs, it has attracted Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa’s G2 Norfolk S. winner A’Ali (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}) who bids to inflict another in a string of defeats on the French-trained contingent. Going from a defeat on debut at Ripon June 5 to a neck verdict over Saturday’s Weatherbys Super Sprint disappointment Ventura Rebel (GB) (Pastoral Pursuits {GB}) in the June 20 Royal Ascot speed test, the Simon Crisford trainee bids to become the sixth British-trained winner since 2012. The exception is the filly Jolie (Fr) (Power {GB}), who in another stride would have beaten the Norfolk abstainer Maven (American Pharoah) in the G3 Prix du Bois at Chantilly June 29. At The Curragh, the G2 Friarstown Stud Sapphire S. features some usual suspects among the sprinting scene and the 3-year-old Soldier’s Call (GB) (Showcasing {GB}). Third in the G1 King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot June 18, Clipper Logistics’ representative has proven ultra-consistent throughout his brief career so far and evades a penalty for his G2 Flying Childers S. success at Doncaster in September. The defection of June 19 G2 Duke of Cambridge S. winner Move Swiftly (GB) (Farhh {GB}) from the G2 Kilboy Estate S. due to the fast ground robs that nine furlong contest of some competitiveness and it provides Ballydoyle ‘TDN Rising Star‘ Star Goddess (Camelot {GB}) with a chance to return to winning ways. She has been gently eased back to competitive action and her latest third, albeit beaten nine lengths, in the June 26 Listed Naas Oaks Trial and the fact that Ryan Moore picks her over two fillies with better form suggests she is on her way back. Last year’s G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Study of Man (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) looks for his first win subsequently in the G3 Prix Messidor at Deauville and there will be no excuses on the back of second placings in the Apr. 28 G1 Prix Ganay and May 26 G1 Prix d’Ispahan at ParisLongchamp. Dusseldorf’s G2 Meilen-Trophy sees the May 26 G2 German 1000 Guineas third and July 1 G3 Hugo Phohe-Rennen runner-up Shalona (Fr) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) take on the older horses with the weight-for-age scales swung firmly in her favour. The post A-Game appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The second annual “Riders Up! Battle of East-vs-West” jockey karaoke contests will be held in the coming weeks to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The Saratoga jockeys will perform first on Sunday, July 28 at Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Former NYRA track announcer Tom Durkin will emcee and trainers Mark Casse, Mark Hennig, D. Wayne Lukas and Graham Motion will judge. Then, on Sunday, Aug. 4, the Del Mar jockeys will try to outdo their east coast rivals at Belly Up in Solana Beach. TVG host Mike Joyce is the emcee and Slam Dunk Racing’s Nick Cosato, San Diego sports radio personality Scott Kaplan, Del Mar CEO Joe Harper, and TVG analyst Todd Schrupp form the judges’ panel. Both contests will be streamed live via PDJF’s Facebook page and after the judges on each coast name their favorite performance, the public will vote for their favorite online via Facebook and Twitter (@PDJFund). Last year, the east coast’s winning performance bested the west by just 124 votes. General admission tickets (includes one drink coupon) for each venue are $75 with 7:30 p.m. entry to Vapor Night Club and 7:45 p.m. entry to Belly Up. A limited number of VIP tickets are available at each venue for $150 which includes early entry (6:00 p.m. entry in New York, 6:15 p.m. in California), reserved seats close to the stage, two drink coupons, and a buffet dinner with the jockeys. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. in New York and 8:00 pm in California. Both events feature live and silent auctions and a cash bar. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older to enter the premises. Tickets are now on sale at https://pdjf.org/purchase-tickets/. Multi-tiered sponsorship opportunities are available for both events. Contact the PDJF by email (info@pdjf.org) or call (630) 595-7660. The post East vs. West Jockey Karaoke Battle to Benefit PDJF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A field of 10 juvenile fillies will contest this turf sprint as racing resumes Sunday at Saratoga, headed by Coolmore’s SEQUIN (Bayern), who makes her career bow from the outside draw for Wesley Ward. Expectations are undoubtedly high for the dark bay considering she hammered for $500,000, easily the highest price for a progeny of her sire this year, at Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream after breezing a furlong in :10 1/5. Out of a SP half-sister to SW/MGISP ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mother Mother (Pioneerof the Nile), she tipped her hand with a bullet half-mile in :47 2/5 (1/34) over the Oklahoma turf July 13. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gainesway Stable went to $350,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga to secure Sharing (Speightstown), a daughter of 2010 GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect). Trained by Graham Motion, the chestnut shows a steady worktab at her trainer’s Fair Hill base, capped by a three-furlong tightener over the training track in :37 4/5 (3/4) July 18. Other contenders include Claiborne Farm’s homebred Meritaten (War Front), a debutante out of a GSP full-sister to MG1SW The Gurkha (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), and Robert Masiello’s firster Giggle Factory (The Factor), a half-sister to GISW turfer Watsdachances (Ire) (Diamond Green {Fr}). TJCIS PPs The post July 21 Insights: Pricey Bayern Filly Debuts for Coolmore at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After the delayed completion of its first two races under extremely warm and humid conditions, Monmouth Park announced that it would cancel part of the remainder of its GI TVG.com Haskell Invitational card (races 3,4,6,7,13,14), but would hold its scheduled stakes races beginning at 6:00 p.m. Rescheduled post times are as follows: 6:00 p.m. – GIII Oceanport S. 6:25 p.m. – GIII Molly Pitcher S. 6:53 p.m. – Wolf Hill S. 7:15 p.m. – GIII Monmouth Cup S. 7:40 p.m. – GIII Matchmaker S. 8:05 p.m. – GI TVG.com Haskell Invitational S. The post Haskell Card at Monmouth Paused; Stakes to Be Held Starting at 6:00 P.M. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The start of Monmouth Park’s GI TVG.com Haskell Invitational S. card was delayed approximately 30 minutes as officials and participants discussed whether or not to run in extremely warm conditions. According to the Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy contacted the track’s operator Dennis Drazin to express his concerns about the conditions. After two late scratches, the first race took place, and the track said it would reevaluate the running of any more races after the second contest–as of now, there appears to be a delay before that race. This story will be updated as necessary. The post Start of Haskell Card Delayed; Monmouth to Reevaluate After Second Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frankie Dettori continued his hot streak at The Curragh on Saturday when judging the pace to a tee on the 7-2 second favourite and TDN Rising Star Star Catcher (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) in the G1 Kerrygold Irish Oaks. Sent straight to the front, Anthony Oppenheimer’s June 21 G2 Ribblesdale S. winner had that Royal Ascot contest’s runner-up Fleeting (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) to deal with at the end again here but pulled out more when threatened to prevail by a half length as they pulled clear of the 5-2 favourite Pink Dogwood (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in third. 1–STAR CATCHER (GB), 126, f, 3, by Sea the Stars (Ire) 1st Dam: Lynnwood Chase, by Horse Chestnut (SAf) 2nd Dam: Lady Ilsley, by Trempolino 3rd Dam: Sue Warner, by Forli 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (240,000gns Wlg ’16 TATFOA). O-A E Oppenheimer; B-Hascombe & Valiant Studs (GB); T-John Gosden; J-Lanfranco Dettori. *1/2 to Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid), GISW-Can & MGSW-Eng, $680,268; and Pisco Sour (Lemon Drop Kid), GSW-Eng & Fr, $412,610. The post Sea the Stars’ Star Catcher Makes All In the Irish Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Accomplished trainer James “Jimmy” Picou died Friday in South Florida following a long illness. One of 16 children born to Cajun parents in Southeast Texas, Picou got his start in racing as a jockey in 1949 before a training career that spanned 45 years. Based in New York and Florida, he conditioned runners for the likes of Fred Hooper, saddling 422 North American winners with earnings in excess of $15 million before retiring in 2004 at the age of 70. Picou’s standout trainees included 1981 GI Travers S. winner Willow Hour; MGISW and $2 million-plus earner Val’s Prince, who took the 1997 Hong Kong Cup; Hooper homebred Diplomatic Jet, who won a trio of Grade I events in 1996; 1967 Coaching Club American Oaks heroine Quillo Queen. Picou is survived by his son Jim Picou and daughters Debbie Markowski and Lisa Picou. His wife Helen passed away in December 2016. Brother Clarence Picou, also a trainer, died in November 1998. Arrangements for a family celebration of life will be planned at a later date. The post Trainer Jimmy Picou Dies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will hold its annual Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 24. The day will feature free grandstand admission for all United States military service members and veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service.NYRA will welcome and recognize local service members and veterans in the winner’s circle before races on the day’s card. “The New York Racing Association is honored to recognize the service and dedication of the men and women of the United States military,” said NYRA CEO & President Dave O’Rourke. “Military Appreciation Day is one of the highlights of the season and we look forward to continuing this great Saratoga tradition.” For more details, visit www.nyra.com. The post Military Appreciation Day Wednesday at Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will host its first of four public Open Barns on Monday, July 22 at the TRF Saratoga Summer Farm at Bloomfield Farm from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A brief ground-work demonstration will take place in the Bloomfield Farm arena at 6:00 p.m. The event is free, family friendly, handicapped accessible and open to the public. Donations are welcome and merchandise will be on sale. Subsequent Open Barn day events will be held on July 29, Aug. 12 and Aug. 26 with the same hours. For more information, visit www.trfinc.org. The post TRF to Host Open Barn Events in Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

‘TDN Rising Star‘ Guarana (Ghostzapper) looks to stretch her speed around two turns and nine panels as she looms the one to reel in in Sunday’s GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. The Three Chimneys homebred thrashed sprinting maidens in the Keeneland slop Apr. 19 to the tune of 14 3/4 lengths. Favored off just that debut over GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Serengeti Empress (Alternation) in the one-turn-mile GI Acorn S. at Belmont June 8, the Chad Brown pupil put six lengths on that formidable foe in the stretch under Jose Ortiz, who had ridden both fillies in their prior outings. Should Guarana falter, Point of Honor (Curlin) boasts the lone 1 1/8-mile win on her record, having annexed the GII Black-Eyed Susan S. last out May 17. She opened her account two-for-two, including a win in Tampa’s Suncoast S. in February, but was a somewhat disappointing fourth behind Champagne Anyone (Street Sense) and Guarana’s stablemate and recent GII Mother Goose S. romper Dunbar Road (Quality Road) in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks Mar. 30. Brought along in typically patient, progressive fashion by Ian Wilkes, Champagne Anyone seemed to put it all together in the Gulfstream Oaks. She was far from disgraced when fourth from far back after a rough start in the Kentucky Oaks, and got a feel for the Saratoga main track with a 1:00 1/5 (3/29) spin Saturday. “She’s training well and I’m happy with her,” Wilkes said. “I freshened her up, backed off a bit and just was trying to get her ready for this race.” The post Distance the Only Question for Guarana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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