Wandering Eyes

Grade 1-winning trainer Evan Williams has denied assaulting a man. Williams pleaded not guilty to two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and inflicting grievous bodily harm to Martin Dandridge on December 4 last year in Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan. Williams, 54, of Llancarfan, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and enter his pleas during a brief hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, fixed a trial date for March 3 next year. Williams was released on conditional bail until his trial. Byron Broadstock appeared on behalf of the prosecution, while Leah Pollard represented the defendant. Williams is a multiple Grade One-winning trainer, with his most recent success at the highest level coming in the 2020 Christmas Hurdle via Silver Streak. He also trained State Of Play to be placed in three Grand Nationals and came second in the Aintree highlight with Cappa Bleu in 2013. The post Grade 1-Winning Trainer Evan Williams Denies Assaulting Man appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

We all found ourselves in the court of one ruler last weekend, but it would be wrong to treat the kind of transatlantic sovereignty charted by four Classic winners inside 48 hours, either side of the water, as an automatic outcome of greater aggregate expenditure than any program in Turf history. Nobody knows that better than Sheikh Mohammed and his Godolphin team. He has been trying to dovetail his wealth and his passion, both obviously off the charts, for nearly half a century. (He had his first winner at Brighton, 48 years ago.) And we can all remember times when it felt as though one or other element of the machinery was underperforming. But most of us can also acknowledge that nobody is ever immune to the Thoroughbred's reliable role in our lives as a vehicle for humility. That said, it does feel as though the Sheikh's ups and downs have in recent years leveled out into a more consistent yield. If that is indeed so, there will be no single or simple reason. There certainly appear to be specific factors, such as the stunning success of what had appeared a fairly obstinate solution to Godolphin's gravest crisis by the promotion of an unproven, internal candidate in Charlie Appleby. But there are also generic ones, such as the maturing of investments that demanded a patience seldom permitted to interfere with the relish some people discover in envy or resentment. It is true that the winners of both the GI Kentucky Derby and G1 2,000 Guineas were vindicating a seven-figure play that few others can repeat so comfortably. Crowned (Bernardini), whose $225,000 date with Into Mischief in 2021 produced Sovereignty, never made the racetrack after her $1.2-million purchase through John Ferguson at the 2014 September Sale. Ruling Court (Justify), meanwhile, cost $2.3 million at Arqana this time last year. But all the eligibility suggested by physique or pedigree will only solidify into achievement in the right hands. Build Your Horse on Rock While that obviously remains true once a horse reaches the racetrack, by that stage it could already be too late. The importance of a good grounding was underlined by both the colts that won on Saturday. At Churchill, in fact, the point was made in nearly surreal fashion, in terms of probabilities, both the first two having graduated from the same pre-training program. Sovereignty and runner-up Journalism (Curlin) may have ended up on opposite coasts, but they started out together at Bridlewood Farm in Florida, where their education was supervised by Joan “Meda” Murphy. Journalism was among the yearlings annually selected by Bridlewood in partnership with Eclipse Thoroughbreds, both camps having had him high enough on their Saratoga shortlists to stretch to $825,000. And Sovereignty was that year among the usual batch of Godolphin homebreds sent to Bridlewood to benefit from the same instruction as Cody's Wish. Ruling Court, meanwhile, he is another feather in the cap of pinhooker Norman Williamson, whose previous Keeneland finds include War of Will (War Front). Williamson is one of many breeze-up consignors to have adapted skills initially learned with mature steeplechasing types to the discovery and schooling of young Flat talent–a paradox that must have some significance. He was well paid for his work with Ruling Court, having picked him out for $150,000 at the September Sale. But one of the reasons people know to come to his Oak Tree consignment is because he has so shrewdly undertaken a similar process himself already. And he bought Ruling Court from a farm that gives its horses as sound a foundation as any in the Bluegrass. Norman Williamson | Tattersalls The man presiding over Nursery Place is so stubbornly self-effacing that I will spare him having to see his name in print again. But anyone who knows him will know that here they get horsemanship in its purest form: no bells and whistles, no social media, no catalogue photos, not even a hip sticker. (Would you think Marilyn Monroe/Cary Grant, according to your requirements, more alluring in the nude with or without a number slapped onto a thigh?) Zero short cuts. These horses are hand-walked from here to the moon. And as much benefit is eked from those few rolling fields, between the river and the trees, as from any of the glitzy farms stretching horizon to horizon. Oh, and by the way, the latest chapter in the astonishing story of Puca (Big Brown)–Baeza (McKinzie) flying into third in the Derby–didn't just confirm that one of the most precocious blue hens of all time was well bought by John Stewart at $2.9 million. It also reminds us that her dam Boat's Ghost (Silver Ghost), having just turned 19, was bought for $17,000 at the 2023 Keeneland January Sale, only a few days before Mage made his debut, by ….Nursery Place! Justify Closing Transatlantic Divide So much for nurture. How about nature? For another factor in Godolphin's spree is the integration of gene pools–or rather, their re-integration, a schism between perceived dirt and turf lines having caused an unwholesome blockage for a generation or so. Obviously the big international operations have been best placed to improve the situation, but we've just noted how Ruling Court is the work of a relatively small family concern. In other words, we all have a role to play. His dam Inchargeofme (GB) (High Chaparral {Ire}) was found at the 2015 Keeneland January Sale as what you might call a short 2-year-old, duly slipping through the cracks at $80,000. (Her brother Johannes Vermeer (Ire) had run fourth for Ballydoyle in the G1 2,000 Guineas only the previous May, also Group 1-placed at two.) Justify | Sarah Andrew Inchargeofme proceeded to win three races, throwing in a black-type bonus on her final start by flying into third in a Grade III on turf at Churchill. Two half-sisters–one Group 1-placed in France, the other producing a graded stakes winner–would further revive this branch of their family, their unraced dam Inchmina (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) having proved by no means the only anti-climax in the record of her own mother. More would have been expected of a group-placed half-sister to the admirable stallion Inchinor, as well as to the dams of GI E.P. Taylor winner Miss Keller (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and a GI Irish Oaks runner-up. (They were out of the diminutive matriarch Inchmurrin (Ire) (Lomond), who incidentally resurfaces as third dam of The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), the Ballydoyle colt who turned over Ruling Court at York last August, but had to miss the Guineas). A ton of chlorophyll here, then, and the mating with Justify has tapped into a historic opportunity, a G1 Derby winner at Epsom from only his second crop having focused attention even among notoriously myopic horsemen over the pond. If Ruling Court proceeds to win at Epsom, it will really start to feel as though transatlantic cross-pollination is returning to where it was in the Northern Dancer era. That revolutionary patriarch not only roots Justify's sire-line, via the Storm Cat branch, but combines his two premier European conduits in Inchargeofme: her sire High Chaparral, as a son of Sadler's Wells; and damsire Cape Cross as a grandson of Danzig. Five of Justify's eight elite winners have been trained in Europe–and he's built like a Quarter Horse! Once he goes to stud himself, of course, Ruling Court will introduce Justify to a very different bunch of mares from those now favoring City Of Troy. Thankfully, their respective camps nowadays appear to be rivals sooner than enemies. Remember that it was precisely as transatlantic genetic exchange was stagnating that the Maktoums cut off another source of vitality by declining to support the sires of their regular antagonists… Not Just a Bernardini Mare Genetic diversity brings vigor, after all. And the G1 1,000 Guineas winner Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) doesn't just combine European and American pools. (Out of a Hard Spun mare). She also introduces some thoroughly exotic blood through Brazilian granddam Aviacion (Brz), whose sire Know Heights (Ire) hopefully means more to you than he does to me. Though a Grade I winner in her native land, Aviacion's eligibility for the Godolphin broodmare band also seems fairly obscure until you reach her fourth dam, who turns out to be none other than Somethingroyal. The perennially underrated Hard Spun is becoming as solid a broodmare sire as he has long been in every other way. But the arrival of Sovereignty, alongside Speaker's Corner and Maxfield, will confirm the daughters of his late neighbor Bernardini as a truly exceptional legacy. Actually Sovereignty's tale entwines with Hard Spun in that the latter was bred by Betty Moran's Brushwood Stable–just like Sovereignty's dam Crowned (Bernardini). As we've explored in the past, the $1.2 million paid to Brushwood for Crowned as a yearling was less than had twice been required for her own dam. Mushka (Empire Maker) was a $1.6-million yearling, being out of a stakes-placed daughter of Seeking the Gold and four-time Grade I winner Lakeway (herself by Bernardini's grandsire Seattle Slew). Success in the GII Demoiselle elevated Mushka's value to $2.4 million when sold to Brushwood at the end of her sophomore campaign. Kept with Bill Mott, who duly knows his way around her grandson, Mushka matured to win the GI Spinster and run second in the GI Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic. Between those earnings and the $3.375 million banked for her first three yearlings, Mushka more than paid her way. But she then experienced fertility issues, eventually culled for $650,000 carrying what proved to be a penultimate foal. On the face of it, she'd become a disappointment. Her first foal, in two visits to the ring, made $1.65 million and $10,000; while her two Bernardinis never made the track. But like we said earlier, that's where the patience comes in. Old Gold Into Mischief himself, meanwhile, continues inexorably to match the narrative to the theory. The idea was always that his upgraded mares would stretch out his speed–and here he is, courtesy of a mare saturated with Classic brands, with a third Derby winner in six years. (Not forgetting that his first-crop son Goldencents joined the party with Mystik Dan last year.) Though now 20, Into Mischief only reached his peak fee with those mares who delivered his incoming juveniles, so he may yet find the fourth winner that would give him the Derby record outright. Into Mischief | Sarah Andrew Regardless, he will soon overtake Tapit (currently $216.3 million) as the richest American stallion in history, having now closed to $212.7 million. Bizarrely, after everything they have been through, at time of writing both have fielded precisely the same number (1,448) of starters! There are also some striking parities between Into Mischief and Medaglia d'Oro, who continues to flout the self-fulfilling prejudice against ageing sires with his third Oaks winner, Good Cheer. While East Avenue couldn't add the Derby, their sire now stands third in the all-time rankings on $181.6 million, and remains uncannily in step with Into Mischief in many key indices. Obviously, things are likely to change, given Into Mischief's career graph-lines, but for now they are maintaining a virtually identical clip: graded stakes winners, for instance, at 6% of named foals; and graded stakes performers at 11%. Their latest Classics, respectively, put Medaglia d'Oro on 25 Grade I winners–1,414 starters, again a strikingly similar output–and Into Mischief on 24. Good Cheer | Horsephotos With Spirit of St Louis winning his latest Grade I, and Nitrogen also scoring on turf in the GII Edgewood Stakes, Medaglia d'Oro is replicating his trademarks of class, looks and versatility deep into the evening of his career. It took a bit of nerve to put a 26-year-old stallion on top of a “value podium” during the winter. But whatever embarrassments other sires may be reserving for that exercise, $75,000 for this venerable creature is proving pure ageism. The post Breeding Digest: 48 Hours 48 Years in the Making appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Who were the five fastest maiden winners based on the Beyer Speed Figures this week? We count them down. PAHOEHOE D'ORO, OP 5/2 – 6 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure: 86 Video Replay (f, 4, Medaglia d'Oro-Miss Exclusive, by Unbridled's Song) B-Mt Brilliant Broodmares LLC, O-Old Bones Racing Stable LLC, Volcanic Racing LLC and Joey Platts, T-Phil D'Amato, J-Ramon Vazquez. Back-class pedigree pages don't look much better than this. Her third dam, Juddmonte blue hen Hasili, produced in sequence: Dansili (3rd in Breeders' Cup Mile), Banks Hill (won Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf), Heat Haze (won Beverly D., Matriarch), Intercontinental (won Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf), Cacique (won Manhattan, Man o'War) and Champs Elysees (won Hollywood Turf Cup, Canadian International). Intercontinental didn't produce much herself, and daughter Miss Exclusive was sold for $750,000 to Mt. Brilliant at Keeneland November in 2018. But Pahoehoe D'Oro, the third of Miss Exclusive's foals to race, is off to a fine start–winning smartly in her second lifetime start after 7 1/2 months. Volcanic Racing owner Larry Goldman must have named her: pahoehoe is a form of volcanic lava. FOUNTAIN LAKE, CD 5/3- 1 1/16 miles Beyer Speed Figure: 87 Video Replay (c, 3, Improbable-Doritza, by Mineshaft) B-Stoneriggs Farm, O-Shortleaf Stable Inc., T-John Ortiz, J-Julian Leparoux. Fountain Lake's $100k yearling price may turn out to be a bargain. He kicked off Kentucky Derby day wire-to-wire in his sixth lifetime start, with significantly more speed than his previous races. Owner John Ed Anthony has a history of naming colts after Arkansas locations, and this one's namesake is a small community (population 503) a dozen miles from Anthony's Hot Springs home. CONCORD BRIDGE, SA 5/4- 6 1/2 furlongs Beyer Speed Figure: 89 Video Replay (c, 3, Medaglia d'Oro-Pauline Revere, by Distorted Humor) B-Gage Hill Stables LLC and W.S. Farish, O-Antonio P. Sardo, T-Ron Ellis, J-Welfin Orantes. Claimed for $50,000 in December, he showed flashes of talent in his next start, but nothing like Sunday. Running for the eighth time, he sat behind the leaders and cut the corner through a big rail opening into the stretch–a perfect trip to be sure, but he then showed explosiveness to quickly open daylight. His dam is a half-sister to Grade I sprinter American Theorem, and at one point he was regarded highly enough to bring $850,000 as a yearling. MAINSTREAM, CD 5/3- 7 furlongs (2nd) Beyer Speed Figure: 92 Video Replay (c, 3, Speightstown-Lesley May, by Tapit) B- Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, O-Jeffrey Drown, Don Rachel LLC and Stonestreet Stables LLC, T-Brad Cox, J-Luis Saez. The entertaining 14th and final race on the sloppy Kentucky Derby program produced our two fastest maidens last week. In his second start, Mainstream rolled past Pursuitneversleeps into the turn but never completely shook him. The two ultimately left the others far behind and battled to the wire before Pursuitneversleeps edged past. A $485,000 yearling, Mainstream lost his March debut at Gulfstream in much the same fashion. PURSUITNEVERSLEEPS, CD 5/3- 7 furlongs (1st) Beyer Speed Figure: 93 Video Replay (c, 3, Ghostzapper-Fashion Factor, by The Factor) B-Ghostzapper Syndicate, Scarteen Stud and Barry Donworth, O-Bakster Farm LLC, T-Dale Romans, J-Corey Lanerie. After Pursuitneversleep's mid-March debut second behind Here Comes Francis, a fast 3-year-old sprinter so far under the national radar, owner Jim Bakke targeted this Derby day return. Pursuitneversleeps outbroke Mainstream to be third in a line of four on the pace, then was outfooted and perhaps shuffled back a touch at the half-mile pole, but he kept at it and lived up to his name as the even-money favorite. The post The Five Fastest Maidens for the Week of Apr. 30 through May 4 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars SERANGOON - R3 (3) Likes the course and distance and can strike from an improved draw Jay Rooney MAJESTIC DELIGHT - R4 (4) Ran an eye-catching third second up and has scope for improvement Trackwork Spy ICONICAL - R7 (6) Dominant winner last start and just needs an ounce of luck from a wide gate Phillip Woo GOKO WIN - R4 (2) Left a nice impression last start and looks a live chance from a better draw Shannon (Vincent Wong) CAN'T GO WONG - R3 (1) Has had two pleasing runs and can break through stepping up to 2,200m Racing Post Online SETANTA - R5 (1) Ran a nice third to A Americ Te Specso last week and looks well placed tonight Tom Wood KING MILES - R9 (10) Not beaten far last start and should go close with a light weight and Purton onView the full article

Fast becoming the theme of the global bloodstock market, more records were broken at the 2025 Inglis Weanling Sale where a Too Darn Hot colt fetched $775,000, eclipsing the $650,000 record that had been set just 24 hours previously for a filly by Stay Inside. The Too Darn Hot colt was knocked down to Equine Growth Fund Pty Ltd for $775,000. “I didn't want to leave without this colt,” the winning bidder Stefan Pardi said on behalf of Equine Growth Fund Pty Ltd. He added, “I pulled him out five or six times. The last time I had him paraded he was half asleep, he is such a relaxed colt. All I can say is that he is exceptional–his movement, everything about him.” The full-brother to Too Darn Lizzie was consigned by Widden Stud. Pardi says he is a massive fan of Too Darn Hot, noting that, “he is one of the best in the land, maybe one of the best in the world. He gets fillies, he gets colts. “It is hard to find these quality colts. I spoke to a few of my clients who I have bought for and who are in our fund and we did have more to spend. We have a model of sophisticated investors, 10 to 20 of them who have an appetite to pinhook. “They have been successful over the last couple of years doing it, we put all our money together and just try to find the right horses. We mostly buy at the top end and with this colt, we will try to turn him into something for the future, if not we will race him. “I won't say it was a no-brainer to buy him but I am pretty happy. The family is outstanding and another key element to buying him is that I think his sister [Too Darn Lizzie] will make pretty good money here on Thursday night.” The post More Records Broken At Inglis Weanling Sale With Too Darn Hot Colt Fetching 775k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's homebred 3-year-old Cualificar (Lope De Vega) made a stakes breakthrough in last month's G3 Prix La Force and doubled his pattern-race tally with a dominant 1 1/4-length success in Tuesday's G3 Prix de Guiche at Chantilly. The even-money favourite broke well and shadowed the pace in second through halfway in this nine-furlong G1 Prix du Jockey Club trial. Cruising to the front approaching the quarter-mile marker, he was stoked up with 350 metres remaining and kept on powerfully in the closing stages to comfortably hold the late threat of Al Aali (City Light) with plenty in hand. “We had already seen him win at this level and he confirmed again that he is quite a nice horse,” commented Godolphin's on-track representative Louise Benard. “Alexis [Pouchin] positioned him perfectly during the race, the horse quickened well and did it almost under a hand ride. He has a lovely attitude and improves with every run so, hopefully, he can improve more. He will now be back here for the big one [June 1] and tell us if he can go up in class two steps higher.” The golden spell for Godolphin continues… Cualificar follows in the footsteps of the likes of Big Rock, Vadeni and Almanzor in landing the Prix de Guiche at Chantilly! pic.twitter.com/mmEkG2pAqz — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 6, 2025 Pedigree Notes Cualificar is the fifth of seven foals and one of three scorers out of G1 Oaks heroine Qualify (Fastnet Rock), a 1.6-million guineas graduate of the 2015 Tattersalls December sale, who was knocked down to Ballylinch Stud for €650,000 at last year's Goffs November sale. Qualify is a full-sister to multiple Group-placed multiple Bahrain champion Shogun and has also produced last term's G3 Jebel Ali Mile victor Swing Vote (Shamardal), the unraced 2-year-old filly Harriet Quimby (Pinatubo) and a weanling colt by Dark Angel. The April-foaled chestnut's fourth dam is G1 Oaks-placed matriarch Media Luna (Star Appeal). Tuesday, Chantilly, France PRIX DE GUICHE-G3, €80,000, Chantilly, 5-6, 3yo, c/g, 9fT, 1:53.57, g/s. 1–CUALIFICAR (GB), 128, c, 3, by Lope De Vega (Ire) 1st Dam: Qualify (Ire) (G1SW-Eng & GSW-Ire, $485,356), by Fastnet Rock (Aus) 2nd Dam: Perihelion (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 3rd Dam: Medicosma, by The Minstrel 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Andre Fabre; J-Alexis Pouchin. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-1, €103,500. *1/2 to Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal), GSW-UAE, $198,861. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Al Aali (Fr), 128, c, 3, City Light (Fr)–La Zubia (GB), by Montjeu (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€38,000 Ylg '23 ARQOCT). O-Fal Stud SAS, GL Racing, Remy Dupuy-Naulot & Lucie Pontoir; B-SNIG Elevage (FR); T-Lucie Pontoir. €16,000. 3–Curragh Camp (Fr), 128, c, 3, Romanised (Ire)–Delinda (Fr), by Sea The Stars (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€52,000 Ylg '23 ARQOCT). O-Robert Ng; B-SCEA Haras de Gratte Panche, Michel Dardenne, Samy Torgeman & Mohsen Ben Hamouda (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €12,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 1 1/4, HD. Odds: 1.00, 23.00, 4.90. Also Ran: Madero (Fr), Les Petits Princes (Fr), Bulnes (Ire), Pure Legend (Fr). The post Godolphin’s Cualificar Doubles Stakes Tally in the Prix de Guiche appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In the latest edition of the TDN's Conversations podcast, Emma Berry takes a tour around New England Stud with Peter Stanley. As well as lending their name to the NHL's Stanley Cup, the Stanley family has a centuries-long association with the turf, with various members of the dynasty having made immensely significant contributions to British Thoroughbred breeding and racing. In 1780, Stanley's forebear, the 12th Earl of Derby, gave his name to the race that many believe to be the greatest test of a Thoroughbred. The fillies' equivalent of the Derby, the Oaks, was named after Lord Derby's house close to Epsom. The 17th Earl of Derby, Britain's Secretary of State for War during the First World War, is rightly regarded as one of the greatest owner-breeders of all time, responsible for such influential stallions as Phalaris and Hyperion. Along with owning New England Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket, Stanley also manages Stanley House Stud for his brother, the current Lord Derby. Together, the brothers continued their family's intrinsic links with the Classics at Epsom by breeding Ouija Board, the winner of the Oaks among her seven Group/Grade 1 victories. She in turn has produced the Derby winner Australia, who is now a successful stallion at Coolmore. https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/202505-Peter-Stanley_mixdown_v2.mp3 Listen to the show here. TDN Conversations are sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds, the British-based feed company which has this week been acknowledged with a King's Award for Enterprise. The post TDN Conversations with Emma Berry: Peter Stanley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a luckless end to his Sydney campaign, the focus for talented stayer Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) is firmly on the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr said the rising five-year-old gelding has been sent for a quick break before he returns to work to be set for the spring majors. The runaway winner of the 2024 Gr.1 Queensland Derby finished second in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m) behind Alalcance, before running 10th in the Gr.1 Tancred Stakes and 13th in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup. Kent Jnr said on each occasion, Warmonger had excuses. “We’ve been very proud of the horse. Things didn’t go right in his two Group One races in Sydney,” Kent Jnr said. “In the Tancred, he was trapped three wide working very hard and then in the Sydney Cup, he also had to work hard from an outside gate and he copped a big bump from Tom Berry, who copped a suspension for it. “He’s gone for a quick break and he’ll be back better, stronger and bigger for the spring with the Cups as his focus.” Kent Jnr said he and training partner Mick Price’s sparingly raced, smart galloper Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit) has also gone for a brief let-up after he suffered a slight setback with a bit of cellulitis in a hind leg. “There was nothing serious, but it just meant he had a couple of easy weeks. He’s a 100-rated horse and it doesn’t make sense having him in work for May and June. He’ll be back in work on Monday week as the spring horses start to come back into work,” he said. Globe had one start during autumn, finishing 13th in the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap after having had a torrid run, after winning the Listed Cranbourne Cup and then finishing third in the Listed Ballarat Cup late last year. View the full article

A Gr.1 Queensland Derby mission is on the radar for trainer Cliff Brown with last Saturday’s Caulfield winner Rogan (NZ) (Super Seth). Under jockey Patrick Moloney, Rogan finished well from back in the field to narrowly win Saturday’s 2000m handicap for three-year-olds. It was a second career win, at his ninth start, and first city success for Rogan, who is by Super Seth and is a half-brother to stakes-winning stablemate Von Hauke. “He’s a natural young stayer horse and he was really pleasing (yesterday),” Brown said on Sunday. “I thought he did a good job.” Rogan was sent out a $31 chance in Saturday’s race, but Brown felt the gelding had been going well, having won a Kilmore maiden over 1600m two starts ago before running fourth at Cranbourne, in a 2025m race won by Hurricane Georgie, in what was his first try beyond 1600m. The Mornington-based trainer said the gelding appears to have come through Saturday’s win in “really good” fashion. “He ate up last night, so he’ll probably head up to Brisbane and he might run in the Derby up there,” Brown said. The Queensland Derby is at Eagle Farm on May 31 over 2400m, and Brown said he was unsure yet whether Rogan would have a lead-up in Brisbane should he head to the Derby. “Pat Moloney said he’d get a mile-and-a-half easy,” Brown said. While Rogan pressed his claims for a Queensland Derby campaign at Caulfield, stablemate Scintillante (NZ) (Savabeel) finished fourth in Saturday’s Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville which was won by the Phillip Stokes-trained filly Femminile. Scintillante could get another chance at a Derby, with Brown saying Queensland is also an option for him. “I thought he was tremendous,” Brown said of Scintillante’s SA Derby run. “As (jockey) Billy Egan said, it was stop-start, he over-raced a little bit, but he was really good late. “He was still closing, so I thought he was great. “He might go up to Brisbane as well. We’ll just see how he does.” Brown has Queensland plans for Rogan’s half-brother Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel), with the trainer pinpointing the Listed Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Doomben as a planned next target for the five-year-old gelding, who was a close fourth in the Listed Bendigo Golden Mile (1600m) at his most recent start on April 12. “He was very unlucky that day, but he’s been really good since,” Brown said. “He’ll have a trial next week and he’ll go to Brisbane too. “There’s a mile race on the 17th (May) and he’ll look to run in that.” View the full article

BH Interview: Michael ShiffmanView the full article

Saracen Horse Feeds has been honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade. Saracen Horse Feeds is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King's Award for Enterprise. The company is a family-owned horse feed manufacturer, now in its fifth generation. Operating from Aylesford, Kent in England, it manufactures and sells a comprehensive range of innovative, nutritionally sound horse feeds across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. John Rawdon-Mogg, Joint Managing Director, commented, “Our export sales have always been a vital part of our business and the key to our success has been the strong partnerships that we have forged with our international distributors. The last few years have been particularly challenging with Brexit and Covid, but through these criseses we have grown even stronger together through hard work and partnership.” The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King's desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. The post Saracen Horse Feeds Acknowledged With A King’s Award For Enterprise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fitzwilliam Sports, a Dublin-based independent bookmaker making its first foray into UK sponsorship, has been announced as a new title partner of the 2025 Goffs London Sale. It will join returning title partner Privat 3 Money, a pioneer in premium digital finance, for this year's event. The 2025 Goffs London Sale will take place on Monday 16 June on the eve of Royal Ascot. It remains the only auction in the world where buyers can purchase a horse declared to run at the Royal Meeting just 24 hours later. One of the principals behind Fitzwilliam Sports is prominent Irish owner, Paul Byrne, who has unearthed a number of leading National Hunt horses, including Grand National winner Noble Yeats. He has also become an increasingly important part of JP McManus's racing operation in recent years. Byrne said, “Fitzwilliam Sports is delighted to partner with Goffs as the new sponsor of their London Sale. There's a distinct crossover between our clients and attendees of the London sale and we look forward to entertaining many familiar faces on the evening while also making some new acquaintances.” Henry Beeby added, “Fitzwilliam Sports speak our language when it comes to tailored service, discretion and a high-touch client experience – all values that mirror the ethos of the London Sale.” The post Paul Byrne’s Fitzwilliam Sports Announced As Title Partner For Goffs London Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rashabar, who had been no bigger than 12-1 for Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp, is set to miss the French Classic, according to trainer Brian Meehan. The winner of last year's G2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot posted a fine reappearance run to finish second in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury last month. However, he is now being re-routed to the Irish 2,000 Guineas after Meehan reported his charge to be “not 100%” after spiking a temperature recently. Meehan said, “Unfortunately Rashabar will miss the Poule d'Essai des Poulains this Sunday. He spiked a temperature a couple of days ago and subsequent bloods have shown he is not 100%. As always in these situations it is better to be cautious and we will now aim for the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.” The post Rashabar Will Miss French Guineas With Meehan Saying Stable Star “Not 100%” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new 2YO pacing Colts and Geldings race has been added to Addington’s meeting on Friday, May 16. The addition has been made after the 2YO race scheduled for this Friday (May 9) was abandoned. The May 16 race will provide an opportunities for the two-year-old males to race before the Group 1 Welcome Stakes on Addington’s Premier night on May 23. It will be run over 1980m (with PBD winning stakes using the track grid), and a stake of $17,000. View the full article

HRNZ has extended the grace period for ownership transfers of yearlings purchased at the 2025 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales. Buyers now have until 5pm on Friday, May 9 2025 to submit their initial transfer of ownership free of charge. Initially the cut-off date was Friday, May 2. After May 9, the normal $85 fee will apply. Even if ownership hasn’t been finalised, a transfer must still be submitted. You’re encouraged to list the nominated purchaser from sale day if final details are pending. The transfer form, along with a free name change form, was emailed by NZ Bloodstock once payment was completed. If you haven’t received these, please contact: grant.inglis@nzb.co.nz. Submit your completed paperwork via email to mark@hrnz.co.nz or by post to Harness Racing New Zealand, PO Box 459, Christchurch 8140. Questions? Contact Mark on mark@hrnz.co.nz or call 03 964 1191. View the full article

Trainer Andrew Bobbin joined Michael Felgate on Racing Pulse on Tuesday to chat about Duke Of Bedford’s double at The ‘Bool. Andrew Bobbin reflects on Duke Of Bedford’s incredible week at Warrnambool – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

Trainer Dan Meagher is set to unveil the second highest horse he brought back from Singapore in a 1400m contest at Caulfield. Meagher elected to keep Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress) in Melbourne for a 1400m benchmark 100 contest at Caulfield on Saturday rather than make the eight-hour journey to Adelaide to contest the Gr.1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday. The trainer also had his star Trelawney Stud bred galloper Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) entered over in Adelaide but has decided to wait a little longer before unveiling him. Meagher said he would have preferred a 1200m contest for Lim’s Saltoro to commence his Australian campaign but believes the five-year-old has done the work to be run well on Saturday. “He’s had three trials and jump-outs, and I took him away for two of them,” Meagher said. “You have to remember he has not done that before, travelling and then raceing so I thought it was pretty important for him to do that, and I think he got a lot of benefit out of it. “He’s going super. He’s a very good horse and I have no doubt he will measure up here, but I just don’t know at what level. “It’s a learning curve on Saturday. He’s got a great record, but where does that line up here.” Lim’s Saltoro had a look at Caulfield when trialling on the Heath track on April 10 before running second in a Moe jump-out on April 28. “I trialled him at the Caulfield Heath, and he went terrific,” Meagher said. “He’s had three goes at 1400 metres, for two wins and a second, and first-up after six months or so, I probably would have preferred 1200 or 1300 metres, but he’s had the trials, so we’ll see.” Lim’s Saltoro will be joined by Lim’s Ida who, like his stablemate, raced in Singapore but was prepared by Steven Burridge. Meagher said Lim’s Ida had been competitive against Lim’s Saltoro and Lim’s Kosciuszko in Singapore, but he will get a better guide as to where he stands in the peaking order in Australia. “He’s an older horse that I need to place pretty well to win, but he seems to be going pretty well,” Meagher said. “I haven’t got any gear on him. I want to see how he shapes up and then I’ll get serious with him.” Meagher said Lim’s Bighorn and Arentee would also run in a benchmark 84 race over 1200m on Saturday. View the full article

Westbury Stud have announced the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value. With three new stakes winners this season to date, the successful young stallion Tarzino will head the stallion roster at Westbury Stud in 2025 at a fee of $25,000 + GST. Tarzino sired his third classic winner from just four crops of racing age when his son Willydoit scored an emphatic victory in the Gr.1 Trackside NZ Derby on Champion’s Day at Ellerslie and is quickly establishing himself as the new ‘classic’ sire in the New Zealand stallion ranks. Willydoit became the second Derby winner for Tarzino after Jungle Magnate won the SA Derby in 2022, while Tarzino has also produced the classic winner Gypsy Goddess, winner of the 2022 Queensland Oaks and placed in the ATC Oaks. Tarzino’s success continues to grow at a strong rate, and among his three new stakes winners this season are Torranzino, an impressive win of the MRC Easter Cup Gr.3 and the Chris Waller trained Kadavar, winner of the Christmas Cup and unbeaten in 4 starts over 2400m. Immediacy, a Group 2 winner at three has been successful in his last two starts in Melbourne while Crouch was placed in the WRC Wellington Cup Gr.3, Tomadachi stakes placed in the Listed WRC Lightning Handicap over 1200m and the promising stayer Titicaca taking out the $350,000 WRC Remutaka Classic. Tarzino will again be joined by the established sires El Roca and Swiss Ace, internationally accomplished Reliable Man, and the multiple Group 1-producing son of High Chaparral in Redwood and the younger stallion Ferrando. Westbury Stud remains committed to offering breeders a range of proven sires at exceptional value, supported by a strong on-farm and sales-based support program. “We are very proud of the ongoing achievements of our stallion roster, and these fees reflect our commitment to offering high performing stallions at value fees, while maintaining the highest standards in service and support for breeders.” General Manager Russell Warwick said. The racetrack success of the horses we breed, and that of our stallions in general, is a priority allowing breeders to achieve success in both the sales ring and at the winning post. Westbury’s sires continue to play a key role in shaping the future of Australasian racing.” Tarzino (Tavistock – Zarzino): $25,000 El Roca (Fastnet Rock – Rubimill): $10,000 Redwood (High Chaparral – Arum Lily): $10,000 Reliable Man (Dalakhani – On Fair Stage): $10,000 Swiss Ace (Secret Savings – Rapid Serve): $5,000 Ferrando (Fast ‘n’ Famous – Rio Nugget): $5,000 View the full article

Foxton trainer Gail Temperton scored a popular result at Hawera on Tuesday when taking out the quinella in her local cup, the Foxton New World Foxton Cup (2100m). Group Three performer Royal Flower (NZ) (Proisir) was dropping back from stakes grade after placing in the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m) last month and was sent out a $4.40 second favourite at the mid-week meeting. She duly delivered for punters, scoring a half-length victory over stablemate Never Look Back (NZ) (Shocking), and Temperton was over the moon to get the quinella in the colours she inherited from her father, Norvil Temperton. “I thought the two horses were fabulously ridden, both jockeys brought them home very nicely,” Temperton said. “It means a lot to me. My Dad trained on the Foxton track and my colours are handed down from him, so to do that and think of him means a lot to me.” Temperton said the result was also a tonic for her partner Stanley Alexander, who she bred and races the pair with under their Taikorea Thoroughbreds banner. “We bred them both and it’s terribly rewarding for Stan and I,” Temperton said. “Stan is currently a little bit disabled, having had an accident and broken a bone, but he will be thrilled about this.” Both horses were offered through Rich Hill Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft, but were unwanted, and Temperton took great satisfaction in getting Tuesday’s result. “They both went to the Karaka sales and neither of them got a bid,” she said. “Royal Flower was last in Book 2, and everyone has pretty much gone home by then. To get this result when you couldn’t get a bid for two horses you bred is very rewarding.” Temperton has a soft spot for Royal Flower, but said she does have her quirks. “She is lovely,” Temperton said. “She is a handful, she always goes down early (to the start). It’s not that she’s naughty, she is just keen to go out and these other fellas just want to go around and round the birdcage, and she wants to get on with it.” After winning a high weight at Woodville last week, Never Look Back was destined to commence his jumping career at Wanganui on Sunday, but those plans could be shelved off the back of his current run of form. “He has really gone up a notch this year,” Temperton said. “I don’t know whether he will be going jumping on Sunday or not, we will have to see what he has to say about the matter.” View the full article

Group Three performer Oneira (NZ) (Contributer) will have her first appearance at the races in eight months when she heads to Ellerslie on Wednesday. The talented daughter of Contributer was a debut juvenile winner and finished fourth in the Listed Futurity Stakes (1400m) before making an impression at three when placing behind subsequent Group One winner Quintessa and Chantilly Lace in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). That Gold Trail was run in early September in 2023 and Oneira has raced just three times since, her most recent showing an eighth at Matamata last September before being ruled out over the summer with injury. She indicated she was back on track with a bold trial at Pukekohe seven days ago, and her trainer Cody Cole has selected the Yourride 1100 as her first-up assignment. “She’s super, I’m really happy with her,” he said. “This is a nice race that will suit her, she’ll be open to a bit of fitness improvement but if we can see the real Oneira, they’ll know she’s there. “I think those shorter course trips are to her liking still, we’ve tried to push her out a little bit further as a three-year-old and it didn’t really work out. “Maybe she could go further once we get up and racing this preparation, but I would probably guess to say she’ll stick around that 1200m mark.” Joining Oneira at the midweek meeting is promising maidener Bannen (NZ) (Swiss Ace), a four-year-old who finished runner-up in his first three starts before finishing seventh at Trentham, a result explained by several factors. “He got a bit of an illness after his run down there at Wellington, he had a temperature when he got home so I gave him a bit of a quiet time and freshened him up,” Cole said. “Prior to that run, his form was good, and he just got taken on in front at Wellington with blinkers on for the first time. That softened him up completely. “He may have been coming down with that too, but he’s got good upside there and he’s still figuring the game out. Things haven’t really clicked yet, but he’s got enough ability to overcome that at the moment.” The Gerry Harvey-owned son of Swiss Ace will contend with a wide barrier draw in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis 1400. Later in the week, Cole will head to Arawa Park with Renovations (NZ) (Ardrossan), a well-performed filly aiming to complete her season on a high note. Renovations has been absent from the winner’s circle this term but made a real account of herself in strong company, placing behind Leica Lucy in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), alongside fourth placings in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) and Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m). Her swansong contest at three will likely be the Van Dyks 1400, instead of heading down to Wanganui for a Pearl Series event on Sunday. “I’m really happy with her, she’s done a great job this season and performed well in some pretty strong races,” Cole said. “She’ll look to stay up here at Rotorua at this stage, then she’ll more than likely be heading for a spell. “She’s worked really well this (Tuesday) morning and I think she’ll run another good race, she’s a very honest filly and always seems to put a good run in.” Lightly-raced mare Part Time Lover (NZ) (Swiss Ace) is another Cole runner making an awaited return to the races, having had five starts for a win and three placings before requiring a bone-chip removal early this season. The five-year-old trialled at Pukekohe last week behind Tristar, indicating she is ready to run a race fresh-up. “She had a chip in her fetlock that had to be taken out at the end of last preparation, we’ve just been bringing her up quietly and waiting on the soft tracks for her,” Cole said. “She’s got good upside and has furnished into a nice mare, so if she can run up to her work, they’ll know she’s there on Saturday too.” With just under three months remaining in the current season, Cole is hoping to add further success to his career-best tally, currently sitting on 28 winners and over $1 million in stakes earnings. That figure was boosted significantly over the past 10 days, with five winners including his Te Rapa victor, well-bred filly Astoria Brooke (NZ) (American Pharoah). The Rating 65 contest was the Trelawney-bred and owned filly’s second win, while she made a good account of herself when sixth in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) back on Boxing Day. “It was a super performance in a big, strong field at Te Rapa,” he said. “She’s only a three-year-old and taken a bit of time to mature up, but she was out of my first stakes winner and it looks like she’s got a bit of the ability that her dam had as well. “We’re just going to see how she is in the next few days, I’m pretty open-minded and if she goes to the paddock, she’s done a good job. If she’s bouncing through it well enough, we’ll push on. “We’ll pop a saddle back on her tomorrow and make that call.” View the full article

Top rider hopeful concept can breathe fresh life into racing, should it come to fruition.View the full article

The National Racing Bureau now has its own dedicated email and phone accounts. The hotline is 0508 BUREAU = 0508 287328 and the email is : bureau@hrnz.co.nz The bureau has been in operation since Monday, April 7. It is a centralised system overseen by HRNZ that streamlines the nomination, acceptance and field release process for the sport across the whole county. Trainers should nominate and manage drivers via the HRNZ Website or app. View the full article

Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate. In an exciting move, NZB is pleased to announce a fitting new sales format, ensuring that the quality of the 100th National Yearling Sales catalogue is in line with the momentous occasion. Book 1 will be conducted across two full days, composed of approximately 580 horses. Book 2 will immediately follow with a further 290 yearlings the following day. While a third session will also be re-introduced with up to 200 yearlings catalogued to sell on the Thursday. To be known as the Karaka Summer Sale, the day prior will be utilised as an inspection day. “Our goal is to assemble the very best lineup of yearlings, validating our annual yearling harvest as the flag bearing sale for New Zealand breeders with the cream of the crop on offer,” commented NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook. “While the condensed Book 1 and Book 2 will be full days of selling, the format will be highly advantageous from an international buyer’s perspective. They want to be away from home for as little time as possible during what is an extremely busy sales calendar. “The introduction of the third session is to ensure we have a complete offering for both vendors and buyers, boosted by some attractive sales terms and a $200,000 Karaka Millions bonus.” “The 100 year anniversary is truly an exciting occasion. We are thrilled to be celebrating such a milestone on behalf of the wider industry, and are looking forward to producing one of the best catalogues seen in New Zealand.” Entries for the National Yearling Sales Series open in June, while details for the National Online Yearling Sale are in discussions with timing of that session to be confirmed shortly. For more information about Karaka 2026, call Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email kane.jones@nzb.co.nz. KARAKA 2026 SALE SCHEDULE BOOK 1: Lots 1 – 580 Day One: Sunday 25 January Day Two: Monday 26 January BOOK 2: Lots 581 – 871 Tuesday 27 January KARAKA SUMMER SALE: Lots 878 – 1000+ Thursday 29 January View the full article

Former Hong Kong galloper Rise Companions (Capitalist) will have his second start in New Zealand at Ellerslie on Wednesday, and trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander are hoping to see a more relaxed horse at the Auckland venue. He was a bit green in his debut outing at Pukekohe last month when runner-up over 1200m, and his handlers will apply ear covers on Wednesday ahead of the Trackside.co.nz 1400. “He got himself a little bit stirred up last time, a bit full of himself, he gets a bit overwhelmed with it all,” Katrina Alexander said. “It would be nice to give him a second crack and see if his manners can improve a bit from his first start.” The son of Capitalist won an 1100m trial at Ellerslie in March, and the Alexanders are looking forward to returning to the track this week. “We are pleased that we are going back to Ellerslie with him,” Alexander said. “I don’t think he will go much deeper into the season, just with the tracks and what we have seen from him galloping at home. “Hopefully he can put a nice performance together and we can get a line on him and put him aside and bring him back for the new season.” “He has worked well, he is a natural galloping horse.” A A$110,000 yearling purchase in Australia, the now four-year-old entered the care of Hong Kong trainer Danny Shum, but didn’t race in the competitive racing jurisdiction, having been withdrawn from his debut race after sustaining a tendon injury, and subsequently headed to New Zealand where he joined the Alexanders barn. He has been a work in progress, but Alexander believes Rise Companions has plenty of ability and is looking forward to seeing his progression on the track. “He is pretty raw, but is very much a natural galloper, he is a very powerful horse,” she said. “I think he is going to show a preference for the better ground, but we will get a line on him at Ellerslie. If he can continue racing there that would be great, but we will just see how tomorrow goes.” Rise Companions has plenty of support ahead of Wednesday, currently sitting a $2.50 favourite with TAB bookmakers. Looking ahead to the weekend, Alexander will head to Rotorua on Saturday with a trio of runners, and she is welcoming the wet forecast. “It will be interesting to see what this weather does,” she said. “I hope it rains, but I hope we don’t get huge amounts. “We have got Major Major (NZ) (Pins), Acapelago (NZ) (Belardo) and Vadanova (NZ) (Vadamos) going around at Rotorua and they will appreciate wet tracks.” Meanwhile, Alexander said stable star La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) is enjoying her spell after her Australian autumn campaign was curtailed with a foot issue. “I was out there with the farrier last week and she looks tremendous,” Alexander said. “She is doing very well and the farm commented that the more mature she gets mentally, the easier she is to spell. She seems very relaxed and chilled out and is looking good. “She went out on top because she didn’t get that last race in, so she has immediately done well, which is good to see. We are trying to give her six weeks and at this stage she is halfway through that.” View the full article

Oaklawn continues to deliver a world-class racing experience, marked by competitive fields and champion performances. View the full article