Wandering Eyes

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 son of former Juddmonte star Intercontinental. 2.00 Newbury, Novice, £9,900, 2yo, 7fT OSLO (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}) is the ninth foal out of the Juddmonte star Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), the daughter of Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) who famously beat Ouija Board (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the 2005 GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. While she has only one black-type performer so far in the listed-placed Abseil (First Defence), he is one of six winners and this Sir Michael Stoute-trained newcomer is by Coolmore’s hot first-season sire. The March-foaled bay encounters Godolphin’s Haydock novice runner-up Encipher (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), the John Gosden-trained 425,000gns Tattersalls Book 1 relative of Siyouni’s high-class Ervedya (Fr). 2.30 Newbury, Novice, £9,900, 2yo, f, 6fT DIRTY DANCER (FR) (No Nay Never) cost €500,000 at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale when purchased by Jamie McCalmont for the fledgling German-based Westerberg operation. Introduced by Ralph Beckett, the relative of the sire Crimson Tide (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) encounters another debutante in Tweenhills Fillies and Meridian International’s Run Wild (Ger) (Amaron {GB}), a John Gosden-trained half-sister to the classy Rock My Soul (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) and Rock My Love (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). 6.15 Newmarket, Novice, £8,000, 2yo, f, 7fT NATIONAL TREASURE (IRE) (Camelot {GB}) received favourable mention from Charlie Appleby last week, which is significant given the 2-year-old firepower he possesses in 2019. The €500,000 Goffs Orby graduate whose dam is a half to the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Wrote (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) is joined by stablemate Alpen Rose (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), another Orby bigwig who sold for €750,000 and descends from the G1 1000 Guineas heroine Sleepytime (Ire) (Royal Academy). They will have to be smart to deal with Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Wasaayef (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a John Gosden-trained 580,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate who hails from the family of another Classic heroine in Nightime (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). She was runner-up to her stablemate Cressida (GB) (Dansili {GB}) on debut at Kempton earlier in the month and that is a fair standard of form to aim at. The post Observations: July 19, 2019 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Owners of California is pursuing clearer agreements on when and how racing associations can exclude horse owners. View the full article

The Irish National Stud is in the process of building an alumni group for all past graduates of its breeding course from 1971 to present. The alumni group will enable all graduates to connect or reconnect with one another, and the INS asks graduates to contact them with updated contact details. Anne Channon, education manager, said, “Graduates of the course have a substantial amount of industry knowledge and experience among them and it is hoped that the network of former students will be able to offer support and advice to each other while also being available to mentor new students joining the course.” To get in touch please contact Anne Channon at achannon@irishnationalstud.ie. The post INS Forming Alumni Group appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Freshened up since running seventh in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, Mohawk (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) returned in rude health at Leopardstown on Thursday to stamp his class on the G3 Meld S. Saddled with a five-pound penalty as a result of his success in Newmarket’s G2 Royal Lodge S. in September, the 9-4 favourite was comfortable playing the waiting game under Donnacha O’Brien with two behind early. Sweeping wide to gain control with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining, the bay was soon in the clear as fellow 3-year-old Up Helly Aa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) took up game pursuit and there was two lengths between them at the finish. “Things went smooth and when I asked, he quickened and put it to bed well,” the winning rider said. “He’s a high-class horse whose form is just underneath Group 1 level, but he’s run well in them and is solid. He deserves a lot of credit.” Mohawk was winning a race that has proven tough for the Classic generation, which is not a great surprise given that his juvenile form also featured a third in the G2 Futurity S. and fourth in the G1 Vincent O’Brien National S. at The Curragh. Second to Circus Maximus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) giving him five pounds in Chester’s Listed Dee S. on May 9, he had run eighth in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas back at The Curragh on May 25 before his fair effort from a wide draw in the June 2 Chantilly Classic. Pedigree Notes The dam Empowering (Ire) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) was effective at up to a mile, winning the seven-furlong G3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial at this venue and the Listed Sweet Mimosa S. over six and finishing runner-up in the G3 Phoenix Sprint S. She is a daughter of Blue Cloud (Ire) (Nashwan), a half-sister to the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. hero Bigstone (Ire) (Last Tycoon {Ire}) who captured the Listed Prix Imprudence and was third in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac. She also threw the listed-placed Blue Angel (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) who in turn produced another Dee S. winner in Viren’s Army (Ire) (Twirling Candy). The family features a clutch of notable North American graded-stakes winners in Keep Quiet (Fr) (Elusive City), Little Treasure (Fr) (Night Shift), More Chocolate (Malibu Moon) and Rhythm of Light (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}) and it could be that Mohawk adds to that tally before the year is out. Thursday, Leopardstown, Ireland MELD S.-G3, €60,000, Leopardstown, 7-18, 3yo/up, 9fT, 1:54.98, g/f. 1–MOHAWK (IRE), 131, c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Empowering (Ire) (GSW-Ire, $151,953), by Encosta de Lago (Aus) 2nd Dam: Blue Cloud (Ire), by Nashwan 3rd Dam: Batave, by Posse O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Whisperview Trading Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Donnacha O’Brien. €35,400. Lifetime Record: 10-3-1-1, $201,545. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: B+. 2–Up Helly Aa (Ire), 126, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Fiesolana (Ire), by Aussie Rules. O-Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd; B-Flaxman Stables Ireland Ltd. (IRE); T-Willie McCreery. €11,400. 3–Ancient Spirit (Ger), 140, c, 4, Invincible Spirit (Ire)–Assisi (Ger), by Galileo (Ire). O-Zhang Yuesheng; T-Jim Bolger. €5,400. Margins: 2, 1HF, 2HF. Odds: 2.25, 3.50, 14.00. Also Ran: Zihba (Ire), Pincheck (Ire), Tinandali (Ire), Zabriskie (Ire). Scratched: Cape of Good Hope (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. The post Mohawk In Command In The Meld appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five last-out winners and three stakes winners add to the intrigue of the 10-strong field of sophomore fillies seeking to score in the San Clemente Stakes (G2T) on the grass at Del Mar. View the full article

On July 18, the New York Racing Association announced the cancellation of Saturday's card of racing at Saratoga Race Course due to excessive heat forecast for the Saratoga and greater Capital Region. View the full article

Veteran racing industry executive and former Deputy Director of the Minnesota Racing Commission, Joe Scurto, has been selected to head the newly created Minnesota Racehorse Engagement Project. He will be leading the new initiative to drive Thoroughbred racehorse ownership and further expand aftercare programs in the state. Representatives from Canterbury Park and the Minnesota HBPA agree on the importance of encouraging ownership and developing a greater interest in racehorse ownership, and have agreed on jointly funding this project, which now also includes the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association (MTA). The post Scurto to Lead Thoroughbred Ownership & Aftercare Initiative in Minnesota appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a six-year hiatus from flat racing in Virginia, Colonial Downs opens its barn area July 25 for the 2019 meet, which begins Aug. 8. Among the trainers that will have stalls at the 15-day meet are John Servis, Larry Rivelli and Steve Klesaris. Other well known conditioners who have expressed an interest in shipping in to run during the meet are Todd Pletcher, Dale Romans, Mark Casse, Chad Brown, Brian Lynch, Graham Motion, Shug McGaughey, etc. “We are extremely excited by the level of interest from trainers coming in to stable from many locations, and the overall support we have received from the racing community as we approach the opening of our meet,” said Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs Vice President Racing Operations. “Our goal from the beginning has been to establish the highest standards in delivering a first-class racing and stabling environment for our horsemen by improving the basic structures of the facility and hiring experienced professionals from around the industry to ensure quality and integrity in our product.” In addition to the minimum daily $500,000 purse structure, horsemen will have other added incentives, including: each owner receiving $1,000 per start for any horse which did not earn $1,000 in the race; each trainer will receive $300 each time they start a horse; and Colonial Downs will offer free transportation for horses from Fair Hill. The post Colonia Downs Barn Area Opens July 25 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, Alan Carasso takes 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 weekend running at Chukyo and Hakodate Racecourses: Saturday, July 20, 2019 6th-CKO, ¥13,400,000 ($124k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400mT A $250K Keeneland September acquisition, FULL FLAT (c, 2, Speightstown–Golden Flair, by Medaglia d’Oro) is out of an unraced daughter of GI Beverly D. S. winner Fire the Groom (Blushing Groom {Fr}), also the dam of champion European sprinter Stravinsky (Nureyev) and British SW/American GISP Moscow Ballet (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) among others. By the sire of 88% winners from his 25 Japanese starters, Full Flat is bred on the same cross as US Grade I winners Competitionofideas and the late Rock Fall. B-Sierra Farm (KY) FLAMINGO FLIGHT (f, 2, Flatter–Well, by Well Decorated) fetched $180K at KEESEP last fall and is a full-sister to Kobe’s Back, who became a ‘TDN Rising Star’ when graduating in spectacular fashion in the Willard Proctor Memorial S. at first asking in 2013. Gray in color like her brother, Flamingo Flight is also a half-sister to GSW Well Spelled (Spellbinder). B-Joanne R Mummert & John C Barrett Jr (KY) Sunday, July 21, 2019 7th-CKO, ¥14,250,000 ($132k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1400m DURABLE (JPN) (f, 3, Curlin–Hurricane Flag, by Storm Cat) has not finished worse than third in four starts on the dirt track and makes her first appearance since graduating over this distance at Hanshin in early April (see below, gate 14). Purchased in utero for $530K out of the 2015 Fasig-Tipton November sale, the chestnut’s second dam Pennant Champion (Mr. Prospector) is a full-sister to GISWs Miner’s Mark and Traditionally making her third dam the legendary Personal Ensign (Private Account). Durable’s year-older half-sister Dark Templar (Tapit) was a Laurel allowance winner for in-form trainer Kelsey Danner July 4. B-K I Farm 9th-HAK, ¥14,250,000 ($132k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1700m CHELSEA LION (c, 3, Malibu Moon–Tashzara {Ire}, by Intikhab) graduated in his first try over the main track in career start number two last August (see below, gate 3) and is unraced since an unplaced effort at Tokyo last October. The $180K KEESEP buy is out of a half-sister to the top European miler Excelebration (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), G1SW Lancaster Bomber (War Front) and the well-traveled Mull of Killough (Ire) (Mull of Kintyre). B-Spendthrift Farm (KY) The post Notable US-Bred/Sired Runners in Japan: July 20 & 21, 2019 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saratoga has joined Finger Lakes, Laurel, Parx, Delaware Park and Ellis Park in cancelling some of their weekend cards due to a forecast of extreme heat. The decision on Saratoga’s Saturday cancellation was made between NYRA, NYTHA and NYSGC. “Working in consultation with NYTHA and following the recommendation of Dr. Palmer, we are cancelling Saturday’s card in the best interests of the safety of our equine athletes and horsemen,” said NYRA CEO & President Dave O’Rourke. “Assessing the safety of racing conditions, including weather, racing surfaces and raceday scrutiny, is of the utmost importance to NYRA and our industry partners.” Training will be permitted on both the main track and Oklahoma training track during the normally cooler early morning hours. The last time an entire Saratoga card was canceled due to extreme heat was Aug. 2, 2006 when temperatures rose to the upper 90s with a heat index of 110 degrees. Saratoga and Belmont will be closed for simulcasting Saturday, but Aqueduct will remain open. Finger Lakes canceled their Saturday card, which was highlighted by the New York Derby and New York Oaks, after the forecast said that the heat index could reach 110 degrees. The stakes races will be rescheduled, but the new date has yet to be announced. Finger Lakes will resume racing Monday. Ellis Park has canceled their Friday card, but will remain open for simulcasting and gaming. They have not made a decision yet about Saturday’s card. Laurel has canceled both Saturday and Sunday’s cards. All races drawn Saturday will be brought back as extras. Sunday’s card was scheduled to be drawn Thursday. Parx has also canceled their Saturday races. Monmouth Park has their biggest day of the year Saturday with a bevy of stakes headlined by the GI Haskell Invitational S. and Saratoga’s Saturday feature is the GI Coaching Club American Oaks. As of now, both tracks plan to run as scheduled Saturday. The post Saratoga Among Tracks to Cancel Weekend Racing Due to Extreme Heat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rick Hammerle has become Oaklawn’s Racing Coordinator for the 2020 live racing season. He most recently served as Vice President of Racing and Racing Secretary at Santa Anita Park and also worked at Golden Gate, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park and Meadowlands before he returned to his home state of California in 2000. In addition, he has been Racing Secretary for a record seven Breeders’ Cups and was a member of the graded stakes committee as well as the Breeders’ Cup selection committee. “We are very excited to have Rick join the racing department team,” Oaklawn Vice President of Racing Jed Doro said. “His experience and connections are going to be invaluable as we continue to grow our racing program. We have a lot great things happening at Oaklawn right now and we’re glad Rick is going to be part of it. We’re in the process of building six new barns, we’re anticipating record purses for the 12th straight year and we’ll soon be releasing an exciting 2020 stakes schedule.” The post Hammerle Joins Oaklawn Racing Dept. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

No disrespect to anyone else in the Monmouth Cup (G3), but Coal Front will be getting some class relief July 20 in the $200,000 stakes at Monmouth Park. View the full article

My Italian Rabbi (f, 2, Competitive Edge–Golden Miss, by Golden Missile), a debut winner at Belmont May 30, became the first stakes winner while leading home a one-two finish for her freshman sire (by Super Saver) in Saratoga’s Stillwater S. for New York-breds Thursday. The 8-1 chance pressed favored ‘TDN Rising Star’ Fierce Lady (Competitive Edge) from the outside through an opening quarter in :22.64. My Italian Rabbi poked her head in front approaching the quarter pole and outdueled the 1-5 chalk to the wire to score by a hard-fought head. First-time starter Jewel of Arabia (Daredevil) completed the trifecta. The final time for six furlongs was 1:10.31. Sales history: $47,000 RNA wnlg ’17 FTNOCT; $60,000 yrl ’18 OBSJAN; $160,000 yrl ’18 FTNAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Gold Square LLC; B-Hidden Lake Farm LLC & Anthony Grey LLC (NY); T-Jeremiah Englehart. The post Competitive Edge Exacta in Saratoga’s Stillwater S. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Editorial (War Front–Playa Maya, by Arch) will shuttle to Peru for Haras San Pablo and Haras El Embrujo to stand for the 2019 Southern Hemisphere breeding season. The deal was brokered by Climax Stallions LLC, in conjunction with Dante Zanelli Bloodstock and Horse International LLC. The half-brother to MGISW and top sire Uncle Mo entered stud in 2018 at Roland Farm in Warwick, Maryland. Editorial retired from racing with a 2-1-1-0 record. “Editorial’s first crop of babies have impressed a vast majority of their breeders,” says Sean Feld of Climax Stallions, “We look forward to making Editorial an international sire like his dad, War Front.” The post Editorial to Stand at Haras San Pablo & Haras El Embrujo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One year after the San Diego Handicap (G2) served as his coming out party, Catalina Cruiser returns to the 1 1/16-mile test at Del Mar as one of the stars of the handicap division. View the full article

The unraced juvenile Charge a Bunch (Will Take Charge), trained by Carla Gaines, and the also unraced 3-year-old Carson Valley (Distorted Humor), who hails from the Bob Baffert barn, were fatally injured after colliding during training hours at Del Mar Thursday. The track released the news in a series of tweets: “We are sad to confirm two horses, Charge a Bunch and Carson Valley, suffered fatal injuries after a collision during morning training. We are deeply sorry for the horses and their owners, trainers, riders and grooms. The accident occurred when Charge a Bunch, trained by Carla Gaines, three his rider Geovanni Franco, turned sharply and collided with Carson Valley, trained by Bob Baffert, and jockey Assael Espinoza. Assael was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Franco was not injured.” Del Mar also tweeted the following quote from Baffert, “This was a very unfortunate accident and is a shock to everyone in the barn. We work everyday to take the best care of our horses, but sometimes freak accidents occur that are beyond anyone’s control. This is one of those times and we’re deeply saddened for all involved.” The post Two Horses Fatally Injured During Training Collision at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For as long as there have been horses in barns, there have been barn cats. At Saratoga Race Course, cats have always lived among the horses. The cats provide service through rodent control and companionship for the people caring for the horses. Many stables who have their own cats take them when they leave at the end of the season. However, numerous cats are left behind and throughout the year others are dropped off at the track and left to fend for themselves. Many other cats migrate to the track in search of food and shelter. For years, the cat problem at Saratoga, like at many racetracks across the country, was spiraling out of control. The colonies of cats that lived in and under the barns were unattended. The cats were starving and reproducing at an alarming rate. Many of the cats were sick and injured. Animal lover and racehorse owner Susan Moore took notice and action. Moore had previously founded The Moore Foundation the mission of which is to provide care and medical treatment for sick, injured and homeless cats and other animals. She added a program to care for racetrack cats and got to work. “I would be visiting our horses and see the cats running around searching for food,” said Moore. “It was incredibly sad. Most of the cats were emaciated with eye infections, skin diseases and parasites. Some of the cats were feral, but others were friendly and had obviously been abandoned at the racetrack.” “I knew that the situation could be managed so I decided to recruit help and get it under control.” Moore began trapping cats, having them neutered, vaccinated and given necessary medical treatment. The feral cats were returned to the track where they were fed, monitored and cared for throughout the year. Friendly cats and kittens were offered for adoption to good homes. The cats that needed long-term care were taken to The Moore Foundation to live. “There were dozens and dozens of cats and kittens living under the barns and grooms’ quarters at the Oklahoma track,” said Moore. “I would get there at 6 a.m. to set the traps, bring the feral cats to local vets and then drive back to New Jersey with the adoptable cats and kittens. I worked with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Harlingen Veterinary Clinic and several other clinics. They treated and neutered the cats and showcased the kittens for adoption. We found homes for literally hundreds of kittens and cats. “I found help to feed, monitor and care for the cats in Saratoga throughout the year,” said Moore. “Imagine how difficult life is for homeless cats at the racetrack during the winter, when the horses and horsemen are gone. It is freezing cold with snow on the ground for months, and there is hardly any food.” The Moore Foundation had three feeding stations built that are replicas of the Saratoga barns and placed them strategically around the backstretch. Today, Moore’s program at Saratoga, Caring for Racetrack Cats, continues to go beyond what most Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs provide. “Caring for Racetrack Cats is not your average TNR program,” said Chris Boudreau, who currently manages the program at Saratoga for The Moore Foundation. “Caring for Racetrack Cats is a model program that really manages the situation, providing hands-on care and feeding, monitoring and adoption all year long.” The program has completely altered life for the cats on the backstretch. The cats are healthy and safe and people are not subjected to the sight of emaciated and sick cats searching for food. Moore’s attentions are not only on cats at the racetrack. Moore, who with her husband John, has raced hundreds of horses in her life, never leaves any horse’s welfare to chance. The Moores have supported the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) and John Moore, chairman emeritus of the TRF, served for ten years in leadership of the organization. Over the past 30 years, Susan Moore has helped countless horses and many of them were not her own. When notified of a horse that has no other options, Moore takes action and provides funding for vet care and retraining or placement when possible. “Susan Moore is simply ‘golden’ in my eyes and an incredibly caring and stalwart champion for horses,” said Dr. Patty Hogan, Moore’s longtime collaborator in rehabilitating Thoroughbreds so that they can enjoy their retirement. “Any horse fortunate enough to cross paths with Susan will be assured a lifetime of responsible care, no matter the cost or effort. Susan is a highly successful businesswoman with an intense work schedule, yet she leaves no stone unturned in personally arranging every detail of care and follow-up for a horse in need. Her compassion for horses runs deep and her dedication [is] unwavering.” To date, through its exemplary programs, The Moore Foundation, which is celebrating its 20th-year anniversary, has placed in good homes more than 1,000 homeless animals and provided hundreds of animals with desperately needed veterinary care. During its 20 years of existence, The Moore Foundation has distributed over $2,000,000 in furtherance of these purposes. “Susan has supported more than 300 animals in our practice alone,” said Dr. Katharine Salmeri of Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. “We work closely together and I hear the compassion she has for all animals and people who are in desperate need of a way to save their pet.” “Imagine how devastating it is to have a loving pet who becomes ill or injured, and dies unnecessarily because you can’t afford any veterinary care,” said Moore. “I was heartbroken as a child when my pets died because we did not have enough money to take them to a veterinarian when they got sick or injured. Families and pets should not suffer like that.” As part of its 20th-anniversary celebration, The Moore Foundation is launching a campaign to fund its state-of-the-art program, Caring for Racetrack Cats, at Saratoga and to expand its services to other tracks. “My goal is to raise enough funds to replicate the program in other racetracks and to continue providing critically needed medical care for animals,” said Moore. “We want to show that horse racing as a business and sport cares for all domestic animals that live in its midst and exist because of the presence of horses.” “Throughout the year, we will spread the word about racing’s support of the campaign and the cats,” said Moore. “It will help the cats and maybe bring new fans who will see the compassion for animals that we all know exists on the backstretch.” To be a part of saving lives at Saratoga and other racetracks, click here to donate or to get more information. Every dollar raised in this campaign will be used for food, shelter and medical treatment. The organization currently has a matching donor to match all donations up to $50,000 received between now and the end of the Saratoga racing meet. Diana Pikulski is the editor of the Thoroughbred Adoption Network. The post On Aftercare: Caring for Cats and Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez’s G1 Pretty Polly S. winner Iridessa (Ire) (Ruler of the World {Ire}) will face nine rivals as she bids to become the first filly since Peeping Fawn (Danehill) in 2007 to bring up a unique double in Saturday’s G1 Kerrygold Irish Oaks at The Curragh. Staging an emphatic return to form when beating Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and the re-opposing Pink Dogwood (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) by 2 1/4 lengths and 1 1/4 lengths in that June 28 10-furlong contest at the same venue, last year’s G1 Fillies’ Mile winner tries a mile and a half for the first time. If successful, she will be the first Irish-trained scorer outside of Ballydoyle since 2003 and Joseph O’Brien is taking after his father in making his own rules. “Iridessa has come out of the Pretty Polly S. well and she didn’t look like she was stopping that day, so we are looking forward to it,” he said. “We think going further this weekend will probably be fine for her, but it is always a bit of an unknown how they will get the extra two furlongs.” With eight of the last 10 renewals heading overseas, there is a keen focus on the John Gosden-trained G2 Ribblesdale S. winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Star Catcher (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) and Ralph Beckett’s pair of Antonia de Vega (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Manuela de Vega (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), while the five-times winning trainer Aidan O’Brien has the G1 Epsom Oaks third and Ribblesdale runner-up Fleeting (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Peach Tree (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) as back-up to Ryan Moore’s choice Pink Dogwood. Dermot Weld is represented by Moyglare Stud Farm’s Search For a Song (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was second to Trethias (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in the June 26 Listed Naas Oaks Trial over 10 furlongs. Trethias’s trainer Jessie Harrington is another Irish trainer hoping to buck trends and she also has the firepower to do so. There was much to admire about the way Stonethorn Stud Farms’ bay went about her business in dealing out a 2 3/4-length beating to Search For a Song at Naas and her trainer is expecting her to make her presence felt. “We’ve always thought a lot of Trethias and you’re finally getting to see what we all hoped she could do,” she told the Racing Post. “She’s getting stronger all the time and she put it all together at Naas. It’s been a slow process this season, but she’s making up for lost time. She’s a lovely filly and is bred to improve, as she’s from the same family as Dar Re Mi. I don’t know whether she can win or not and I would be delighted if she places.” On Friday, Kevin Ryan saddles ‘TDN Rising Star’ Repartee (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in a strong-looking renewal of the Listed Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Rose Bowl S. over six furlongs at Newbury. Deliberately saved for this despite the lure of Royal Ascot and Newmarket’s July meeting, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s five-length May 16 York maiden winner encounters another who scored on the Knavesmire in Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Al Aakif (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). “He was impressive at York and we’ve given him plenty of time,” Ryan said of Repartee. “This was always the plan to come here afterwards. He’s in good form and we’re all looking forward to seeing him run again.” The post Iridessa Heads Irish Oaks Ten appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sponsored by Alex Nichols Agency 5th-SAR, $90k, 2yo, f, 6f, 3:28 p.m. ET Two blue-blooded juvenile fillies, one related to a blossoming newcomer on the sire scene, and the other related to a proven sire of nine Grade I winners, including GI Preakness S. hero War of Will (War Front), will enter the starting gate for the first time on Friday’s card at the Spa. FINITE (Munnings), trained by Steve Asmussen, fetched $200,000 at this year’s Fasig-Tipton Timonium Sale after a snappy :10 2/5 breeze. Her dam Remit (Tapit) is a full-sister to millionaire and top freshman sire Tapiture, who was represented by his first stakes winner Wednesday afternoon at this oval when Sky of Hook scored in a sloppy renewal of the Rick Violette S. Finite’s half-brother Reride (Candy Ride {Arg}) crushed a field of maidens in his career debut two years ago under the Twin Spires before going on to finish a solid third in the 2018 G2 UAE Derby. Prominent owner and breeder Joseph Allen unveils Mrs. Danvers (Tapit) in hopes that the youngster can follow in the hoofprints of his graded stakes-winning colorbearers War Front (Danzig), Teammate (A.P. Indy) and Eccelesiastic (Pulpit). The Shug McGaughey pupil is the first foal out of a half-sister to that trio of notable performers. Mrs. Danvers blitzed a bullet half-mile in :46 1/5 (1/81) June 21 at Keeneland prior to shipping up to Saratoga. TJCIS PPS 6th-DMR, $61k, 3yo/up, 6f, 9:29 p.m. ET Trainer Bob Baffert sends out FAY DAN (Curlin) for his career bow on Del Mar’s opening weekend. A$400,000 yearling purchase at Fasig-Tipton October, the Baoma Corporation runner hails from the family of the brilliant turf star David Junior (Pleasant Tap), who captured three Group I stakes races. Fay Dan’s second dam Paradise River (Irish River {Fr}) is a sibling to champion grass horse Paradise Creek (Irish River {Fr}) and Grade I victors Forbidden Apple (Pleasant Colony) and Wild Event (Wild Again). TJCIS PPS The post Insights: Friday, July 19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chief veterinary officer for The Stronach Group discusses regulation View the full article

No disrespect to anyone else in the Monmouth Cup (G3), but Coal Front will be getting some class relief in the $200,000 stakes July 20 at Monmouth Park. View the full article

Gunpowder Farms and Brereton Jones' Divisidero will look for his first since more than a year ago from the rail in the $150,000 Oceanport Stakes (G3T) at Monmouth Park on the Haskell Invitational undercard July 20. View the full article

We’ve all found ourselves recently dissecting the big questions: how do we affect perception of our sport to the public? How do we offer transparency about our operations? How do we overcome objections and proactively tell a positive story? One of the efforts addressing these concerns with incredible efficacy is Visit Horse Country. Claiborne has welcomed fans and guests to the farm seven days a week, twice a day, for many years, so we believed in the idea: if we open the gates, if we do so in a coordinated manner as an industry effort, we can deepen engagement with our existing fan base, and reach new and untapped customer bases. Think of the millions who have visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail over the last 20 years–we have often said we would do well to replicate that model, and we’re making progress. Thirty-seven percent of Claiborne’s guests over the past year indicate they have “never” attended an equine-related event, and yet they leave Claiborne with a more positive perception than when they came (as measured by before- and after-experience Net Promoter Scores). It’s working. The planning and shepherding of Visit Horse Country has been supported by Claiborne from early days; I have served on the board since the beginning as our model of revenue sharing was developed so the organization could work toward sustainability. A portion of tour sales is retained by Visit Horse Country, a portion is returned to the farm. We initially approached the concept with caution as our tours had been offered complimentary for many years. What would it mean to charge for tours? How would this new structure impact the way things had been done before? Would existing fans be turned off? For a time, Claiborne maintained a tour at 11 a.m. outside of Visit Horse Country, while offering the 10 a.m. tour through Visit Horse Country. There was an adjustment, but the tours filled and filled with new guests who joined our regulars. The data we have gathered and maintain helps us to stay in contact with all fans and guests and provide an excellent experience that is responsive to guests’ expectations and hopes. The staffing and marketing efforts of Visit Horse Country have grown group traffic and united our offerings while being a proactive platform for positive messaging to the world (all 50 states and 22 countries outside the U.S.). It’s working. All our tours are now offered through Visit Horse Country–we are not only early adopters, we are fully bought in. As we’ve welcomed new people, we’ve also developed new tours. We’ve purchased a shuttle, created a visitor center and gift shop, hired staff, added parking; we’ve been busier than ever. It’s working. We knew that the access and transparency provided in our tours was powerful, but perhaps we didn’t realize how powerful it could be when we chose to realize visitors and fans are our customers too. We’re proud to support this important effort through the contribution of our time, facilities, staff and proceeds from tours. I encourage all of us in the industry to consider how we can support Visit Horse Country–with more experiences, financial support, in-kind access–whatever you have to give. As we continue to invest in efforts on perception change, public relations and fan development, we should not forget that the answer is, well, in our backyard. The post Op/Ed: The Answer is in our Backyard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Statistics for the first half of the year in Ireland show that figures are up for key indicators, like racecourse attendance, active owners and turnover of on-course bookmakers. Racecourse attendance has grown 9% year-on-year and with it on-course bookmakers reversed recent trends to report a turnover increase of 11.5%. Tote betting, while down overall, grew 5.4% on-track. Active owners are up 8.5% from this time last year, with the owner retention rate (owners active in two consecutive years) at a 10-year high of 87%. New owner registrations are up 9.5%, with 484 new owners registered, and as such the number of horses in training has grown 3.5%. Another knock-on effect is that individual runners are up 9%, with an average of 11.6 runners per race. Prizemoney is up 6%. Bloodstock sales are up a tick (1.3%), while sponsorship has grown 12.8% in the first half of the year. “It is very encouraging that figures for the first six months demonstrate increased participation rates across the ownership spectrum, more horses-in-training, and people coming to the races in bigger numbers and enjoying the wonderful product we have,” said Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Brian Kavanagh. “We have worked hard on bringing new owners into Irish racing and then, with the racecourses, ensuring that the ownership experience was positive so that the retention rate of our ownership base was high. It is pleasing therefore to see the rates of new owners and owner tracking at ten-year highs. “Ownership has been a key focus for Horse Racing Ireland and among the policy approaches has been increased prizemoney, increased opportunities for every strand of owner, the reduced costs and, this year, to ensure that prizemoney filters down to six places. Particular credit must go to our ownership team who work with racecourses on the ownership experience, run marketing support programmes for trainers, and organised the inaugural and hugely successful Trainers’ Open Morning last May. “The increased ownership base, allied to that retention of the business, has a huge impact on racing in Ireland because increased horses-in-training and participation all over the country benefits trainers and breeders, and every facet of the industry.” The post Key Indicators Up In Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LNJ Foxwoods’s Dogtag (War Front) returns to Saratoga in Friday’s GIII Lake George S. for the first time since breaking her maiden in last August’s P.G. Johnson S. Fourth behind then-unbeatable stablemate Newspaperofrecord (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in the GIII Miss Grillo S. at Belmont in September, she resurfaced to annex Pimlico’s Hilltop S. May 17. The homebred is one of three signed on for the omnipresent Chad Brown stable, which made up the trifecta in last Saturday’s GI Diana S. and could very well complete another triple here. Peter Brant’s Blowout (GB) (Dansili {GB}) was second to GI Belmont Oaks Invitational romper Concrete Rose (Twirling Candy) in the Mar. 9 GIII Florida Oaks and beaten a head in Aqueduct’s Memories of Silver S. Apr. 19. She earned her first stakes score in the June 22 Wild Applause S. downstate, defeating two more stablemates including Nova Sol (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), who had finished behind Dogtag in the Hilltop. Paul Pompa, Jr.’s ‘TDN Rising Star‘Regal Glory (Animal Kingdom) completes the Brown trio. Never off the board in five lifetime outings, she was second in Gulfstream’s GIII Sweetest Chant S. Feb. 3 and in the GII Appalachian S. at Keeneland Apr. 7 behind The Mackem Bullet (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}). Regal Glory was last seen cruising home at 1-9 in the June 1 Penn Oaks ahead of a pair of next-out allowance winners. Fellow ‘Rising Star‘ Winter Sunset (Tapit) looks to follow in the hoofsteps of her first two dams Winter Memories (El Prado {Ire}) and Memories of Silver (Silver Hawk), who took this race in 2011 and 1996, respectively. She doubled up in the Shantel Lanerie Memorial S. at Fair Grounds Feb. 9 before settling for third in the Florida Oaks. She was third again behind Concrete Rose in Churchill’s GIII Edgewood S. May 3, and second in the nine-panel GIII Regret S. back under the Twin Spires. Finishing one spot behind her that day was Varenka (Ghostzapper), who took a hot optional claimer here last week. The post Dogtag Back at the Spa for Lake George appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article