Wandering Eyes

As much as extending 2024 by a few months would not bother trainer Kenny McPeek, he's already looking forward to 2025. View the full article

The Dec. 22 Arima Kinen (G1) draws a quality field despite the absence of champion Do Deuce, who will miss his chance at one last grade 1 victory as lameness forces him out of the race. View the full article

Owner Mike Repole, always a strong competitor on the East Coast, has made his presence out west felt following back-to-back dazzling performances from the 3-year-old filly Accuracy. View the full article

Cast ratings aside: which horse stole your heart in 2024? And who went into the notebook for next season? Brian Sheerin has been a little greedy, but we will let him off as it's the season of indulgence, and he is putting forward four names worthy of merit. Horse(s) of the year: Porta Fortuna and Mehmas On the track, this year belonged to Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) but Mehmas (Ire) deserves a huge amount of credit for breaking Kodiac's long-standing record for the number of two-year-old winners sired in a year. That's why this is going to have to be a toss-up between the pair. Porta Fortuna was simply sublime this season. Few people would have put their neck on the block about Donnacha O'Brien's filly getting the mile this year given she never managed to score beyond 6f as a juvenile. But boy did she prove any of her doubters wrong. After being narrowly denied by Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in the 1,000 Guineas, Porta Fortuna mopped up a trio of Group 1s on the spin with victory in the Coronation Stakes followed by Falmouth and Matron Stakes triumphs. And that Leopardstown success was arguably the most impressive of them all, with Tom Marquand sling-shooting to the lead inside the final furlong to account for Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in what was an up-to-scratch renewal of the race. The Breeders' Cup proved to be just one race too many for Porta Fortuna and she remains hugely exciting with a view towards next season. As for Mehmas, what more is there to say? Not only did he break his Tally-Ho Stud mate's record, but he also took the step to the next level with a number of his progeny holding leading claims for Classic races next season. One for next year: Cosmic Year Cosmic Year (GB) created a lasting impression when brushing aside the well-regarded Rock d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro) to win by over six lengths on debut for Juddmonte and Harry Charlton earlier this year. Not only was the margin of victory impressive, but it's safe to assume there was plenty of substance to the performance given Rock d'Oro had the benefit of a run under his belt. And what a run that was. Rock d'Oro gave Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) an almighty fright on his respective debut at Chelmsford, ultimately going down by less than a length, and we all know how good that form has proved to be given George Scott's stable star went on to land the G2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster. For whatever reason, Cosmic Year did not run again after posting that impressive debut success at Sandown, but the Kingman (GB) half-brother to Time Test (GB) could well be up to Guineas standard in 2025. Stallion to follow: Sioux Nation Sioux Nation could be about the chart a similar path to Mehmas. That might seem a big statement but, given what Sioux Nation has achieved with lesser books of mares, one can only assume that he is ready to kick off and go to the next level in 2025 given that this will be his best crop of runners, on paper at least. It would be a surprise if he didn't come up with a proper juvenile next season. The post Horse Of The Year; One For Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If a Saturday of racing under palm trees and warm, sunny skies sounds just like something on your holiday wish list, look no further than Gulfstream Park's Pegasus Preview Day with three graded stakes on offer ahead of January's main event, the Pegasus World Cup Invitational held Jan. 25. On the dirt, a trio of 3-year-olds will face older horses in the 1 1/16-mile GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes. Spendthrift Farm's Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso), who won three of his first five starts including a 6 3/4-length romp in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth before going to the sidelines after the GI Haskell Stakes, returned at Aqueduct to just miss in the Discovery Stakes at 1 1/8 miles Nov. 3 in his first start off the layoff. Trainer Todd Pletcher's sole runner in the field, 5-2 morning-line favorite has certainly signaled his readiness with a pair of bullet works at Palm Beach Downs, going four furlongs in :47 1/5 (1/30) Nov. 29 before going the same distance in :47 4/5 (1/24) just last week Dec. 14. Gulfstream's perennial leading trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. comes into Saturday's card heavy handed with no fewer than three runners in the Harlan's Holiday alone: Cape Trafalgar (Lord Nelson), Digital Ops (Nyquist) and Super Corinto (Arg) (Super Saver). The group all breaks outside of the Brian Lynch runner Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), the sole Breeders' Cup runner in the field (fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile). On the grass, the boys prep for the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational by going 1 1/8 miles in the GII Ft. Lauderdale Stakes. Again loaded here, Joseph, Jr. brings in 6-year-old Cash Equity (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}), Saratoga Flash (Laoban) and Lorenz (Brz) (Forestry). Of Cash Equity, who drew the rail Saturday, Joseph said: “He's a horse that seems to run decent enough each time but never win, though he's picked up some big checks. A mile and an eighth is probably the perfect distance. He's drawn well. Maybe he can not be as far back this time and hopefully he can break through and get the win. I think he'll like the firmer turf at Gulfstream because he ran well at Kentucky Downs. It's a different course but it's a very firm turf also.” Joseph also admitted that, while Cash Equity has already proven his form towards the Pegasus Turf, his other runners had something left to run for. “It's a trial for them. It's an exhibition to see if they're good enough.” Pletcher also wields a pair here in Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro) and Whisper Hill's Grand Sonata (Medaglia d'Oro) who gains blinkers off a Breeders' Cup run when 11th in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf. Closing out Saturday's card, the fillies and mares go the flat mile in the GIII Suwannee River Stakes ahead of the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational with a pair of runners making their first starts in the United States following careers overseas. Pletcher has the outside runner in South African-import Bless My Stars (Saf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}) who last ran in February but is a Group 1 winner in her native country. To the inside, French runner Ribaltagaia (Blame) last contested the G1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp in October and comes over for trainer Gianluca Bietolini. The rail draw went to Glen Hill Farm homebred Ocean Club (Curlin) who comes in off a short break dating back to her win in the GIII Noble Damsel going this distance at Aqueduct Sept. 21 for Jack Sisterson. Closer Papilio (Ire)'s (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) last trip over the mile was a strong win at Keeneland in the GII Appalachian Stakes but that was over 20 months ago and she's only gone longer distances since for trainer Mark Casse and D J Stable. The post Pegasus Preview Day An Early Present From Gulfstream Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In those days, everything on the waterfront was done by hand. John Gunther especially remembers the 120lbs sacks of flour he had to haul onto Russian ships, month after month. But then the one thing he could always do was work. Back in Alberta, on the farm where he was raised, he would shift 10,000 bales of hay every summer. Yet he has only ever been wiry in build. There has plainly always been some other source of strength. In the Latin phrase, multum in parvo: he condenses “much into little.” Nobody should be surprised, then, if the program he has since developed at Glennwood Farm should have punched so far above weight; nor if its latest project, Crestwood rookie Stage Raider, now does exactly the same. Back on the Vancouver docks, however, horses were doing him no good at all. Diligent as he was, he could never save any money; not with Exhibition Park right across from the pier. Growing up, he had always adored horses. Following the death of his father, he'd been brought up by an uncle and aunt out on the prairies. He didn't dare ask for one himself, there wasn't the money, but would gaze longingly at any horse glimpsed when the school bus stopped at other farms. The daydreaming had to end, though, when he left school and joined the many relatives he had working quayside. “And I'd go over and blow my pay check every weekend, gambling on those horses,” he recalls. “I just loved racing so much. Until one day I met these stock promoters in a beer parlor, and they talked me into investing. So now I was instead putting all the money I could into this one stock. And it tanked. I lost it all.” Stage Raider | Katie Petrunyak And here's the bit that makes his daughter Tanya chuckle. Because John's reaction to this disaster was not to retreat, chastened or embittered, but to recognize the cue to his fortune. “Having lost all that money, I thought, I've got to get into this!” he says. “Got to figure this out. So I left the waterfront that I loved and took the Canadian Securities Course.” “And, actually, this explains my dad to a T,'” says Tanya. “The stock had nose-dived. It was a miserable failure. That would put most people off, right? Not him. It was, 'No, now I got to conquer this thing.'” John gives a shrug. “Anyway that's how I got into the brokerage business,” he says. “And then I got lucky in the stock market and made some money.” Pure luck, plainly. Nothing to do with a stubborn persistence, nor self-belief, courage, enterprise, acuity. But whichever of these assets may have contributed to John's rise from longshoreman to corporate financier, a surplus remained to make Glennwood arguably the most influential farm of its size on the Turf today. From around a couple of dozen mares, across 2018-19 the Gunthers famously produced winners of the U.S. Triple Crown, G1 St James's Palace Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Classic from the same crop. And now their footprint is expanding again, towards a potentially historic legacy. Glennwood's impact at stud in Europe extends between Justify's champion City Of Troy, to the very promising Without Parole at Newsells Park; and the half-brother to Justify now starting in Kentucky duly demands far more attention than a single stakes success at Ellis Park might imply. Stage Raider was delivered by Stage Magic (Ghostzapper) 12 days after her sophomore son claimed leadership of his crop in the GI Santa Anita Derby. After Justify proceeded to the Triple Crown, the Gunthers retained his sibling at $950,000 as a yearling–and that looked another smart decision when he won his second start at Keeneland by over 10 lengths, making himself an automatic 'TDN Rising Star.' “It was quite exciting,” Tanya recalls. “Stage Raider was the talk of the talk of the town after that. Of course, he was by Pioneerof the Nile, who'd sired American Pharoah; and meanwhile his dam had come up with Justify. So you had Triple Crown on both sides of the equation.” But while Stage Raider followed up in a Belmont allowance, and only failed narrowly to follow up his Ellis success the following year in graded company, he never quite lived up to that early potential. Hence a restrained opening fee of $6,500. “But the days he put it out there and ran, he showed that he had a lot of talent,” Tanya insists. “On his day, he was very good. And if he had some quirks, he was very game. He didn't mind going inside or between horses, and could fight to the wire. You like to see that type of gutsiness in a racehorse. So it's not just his genes. It's not like he's one of those well-bred horses that never make it. He won almost half a million dollars. You don't do that without talent. “He's not too big, for a 'Pioneer,' which I like: between 16 and 16.1. He was always really balanced, as a foal and all the way through. That's something we've seen in all our best horses. He's very correct too. So you can breed mares with a lot of different physicals to him.” Crestwood has carved an astute niche in the fiercely competitive Kentucky stallion market, lately achieving notable traction with Caracaro. “They're good at getting those sorts of horses off the ground, that might not be so obvious,” Tanya says. “They really appreciate pedigree, and the right kind of matings, so we're excited to be working with a great group of guys.” Stage Raider's appeal, at a budget fee, can only be heightened by the unmissable functionality of the genes now being so expensively recycled by his half-brother. John & Tanya Gunther | Tattersalls “Justify is producing horses of all kinds, all over the world: Australia, England, America; dirt, turf; short, long,” Tanya observes. “I haven't seen an American-bred horse do it quite like that, in my experience. And I'd like to think Stage Raider could be a real crossover stallion, too. When Justify went to stud, I remember wondering whether he could get turf horses? I figured yes, because you've got Scat Daddy, Ghostzapper, Pulpit. And here you've got Pioneer/Empire Maker, which we've seen work on different surfaces, and of course still Ghostzapper and Pulpit. So you've got real crossover scenarios there.” Tanya is also heartened by the impact made by the inexpensive first crop of Thousand Words, corroborating the impression made by other sons of Pioneerof The Nile that his premature loss is being redressed by his legacy as a sire of sires. But the real lure for breeders will be the nearly mechanical replication of genetic excellence achieved by this extraordinary program. Though his stock has been divided either side of the ocean, potentially diluting his profile, Without Parole has already had a dozen winners from 45 named foals, including one that just missed a Breeders' Cup podium. “We've been super-pleased how early some of them have been,” Tanya remarks. “I was expecting them to be a little later, and I feel like the consensus is that he's improving the mares. Again, he has that balance, and a good keen mind. He always liked to do the job and wanted to do it well. And while this may sound crazy, sometimes I look at his offspring and see something in their eye, just an expression, that reminds me of him.” As will now be the case with Stage Raider, the Gunthers' own support has helped to establish Without Parole. That's challenging, when your horizons are broader than your numbers. But Glennwood, by departing from parochial conventions of commercialism, has reliably ended up creating demand for something different. That has required much patience, and no less imagination. John has been going to Tattersalls for 30 years, and in the 1990s sent a filly over to Dermot Weld in Ireland to win a stakes race on debut. Then, having been present for that astounding exhibition in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes, they shipped a young Lemon Drop Kid mare to England in the hope that she might get to Frankel. Though her first foal by Speightstown had just won a couple of minor races for Shadwell in England, that hardly seemed likely to suffice. “But that was Frankel's second year, and people were knocking his foals,” John recalls. “People were saying he wasn't stamping them,” agrees Tanya. “So actually it was a moment where you could get to him, if you were keeping faith. And then the Speightstown went to Dubai and won the [G2] Godolphin Mile, and later the [GI Breeders' Cup] Dirt Mile. Because that was Tamarkuz. So the page proved up, just not at the time we were signing the contract.” When the resulting colt went to Tattersalls, John set a steep reserve after having allowed a Scat Daddy colt to slip through his grasp at Keeneland a few weeks previously. “When we took Justify to the ring, we thought for sure we were going to RNA him,” Tanya says. “Because he had failed, like, 10 or 12 vets. He'd had an OCD removed from his stifle. And Dad had a $499,000 reserve so I was like, 'For sure, he's coming home.'” “And I wanted him to,” John confirms. “That's why I put a high number on him. But then he sells for $500,000.” So John, determined to avoid a repetition, raised his original 600,000gns reserve on the Frankel colt to 675,000gns. Sure enough, he stalled at 650,000gns. As a result, 10 days after watching Justify win the GI Belmont Stakes, father and daughter were able to watch Without Parole carry their own colors to success at Ascot. And, of course, there was more to come: Vino Rosso, the only other colt they'd sold alongside Justify in Book 1, came through at four to win the biggest prize in America. Little wonder if people often ask for their secret. But Tanya, who has always done the matings, has never believed in short cuts: she isn't into nicks or genetic testing or heart scans. (It still tickles her that one predictive service declared Justify to be a sprinter.) Instead she delves deep into family; deep enough, for instance, that you find Without Parole's ninth dam is a sister to Man o' War. People ask her derisively how genetic material can penetrate six or seven generations? “They just want a silver bullet,” Tanya says. “But there never is one. First of all, you got to keep them alive. That's what I always say. And that's not as easy as people think, who haven't bred their own. Then you have to raise them right, so their bones grow, they're healthy, all of that. And then you've got to get them through prep, without them running through a fence, and finally hope they get into good hands. But yes, obviously before all that is trying to make the match right.” Nor does that ever reduce to any simple formula. “I mean, it's like a ball and you look at all sides of it: pedigree, physicality, temperament, distance,” Tanya continues. “You'd kind of have to get in my brain to understand how I look at matings. But you do start to understand your own families, and what they're producing.” Lessons for us all, then, in the way a generational force has been ignited in the breed. Tanya takes due pride in Justify, but stresses that her own input only paid off because of her father's vision. “Dad doesn't really have any limitations on his imagination,” she says. “He's always thought out-of-the-box, always set lofty goals. After Justify won the Triple Crown, he said, 'Well, now we have to do it in England.' And I'm like, 'Can we just enjoy it for a minute?!'” But that, of course, is how a young longshoreman became one of the most respected breeders on the planet. “My uncles and cousins on the waterfront probably thought I was crazy when I left,” John ponders. “Probably still do,” his daughter replies. But nobody should find anything crazy in the idea that Justify's half-brother might now rise in his slipstream. “The mare's thrown very good physicals all along, so I like to think that Stage Raider will pass that along too,” Tanya says. “Fingers crossed, he'll end up working for people who can't access Justify's genes. All anyone can ever do is work with these great pedigrees, here and in Europe, and figure out some sort of tapestry, some ways to blend things. “I mean, you never imagine you could shape the breed or whatever. But it's kind of cool, one horse at a time, to try to do something special; to get the magic to happen again.” The post Stage is Set For Another Gunther Masterclass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Already a Grade I winner of the Manhattan Stakes in the U.S. earlier this year, Godolphin homebred MEASURED TIME (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Minidress {GB}, by Street Cry {Ire}) set a new course record when defending his title in the G2 Al Rashidiya at Meydan on Friday. Making his first start since a runner-up effort in the GI Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga in August, the Charlie Appleby trainee zipped straight to the head of affairs under William Buick. Always going easily, the colt's speed was deceptive, and he sailed across the line 7 1/2 lengths to the good of Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road) in a new course record of 1:45.11 for the 1800 metres over good turf. The 4-year-old broke the record set by Just A Way (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in the 2014 G1 Dubai Duty Free of 1:45.52. It was the third win for Buick on the night and second for Appleby. Lifetime Record: 10-7-1-0. O/B-Godolphin (GB). T-Charlie Appleby. “It's sensational!” breaks the track record with a lethal success in the Group Two Al Rashidiya, sponsored by @emaardubai #DubaiCarnival | #RacingDubai | #FestiveFriday pic.twitter.com/opxeVYJ6Hu — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 20, 2024 The post Frankel’s Measured Time Breaks Course Record In Al Rashidiya Defence appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Saturday running at Kyoto Racecourse: Saturday, December 21, 2024 5th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600mT STIR HEART (JPN) (f, 2, Gun Runner–Speech, by Pulpit) is the first foal to race from her dam, who caused a mild upset in taking out the 2020 GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes at Keeneland ahead of a third-place effort behind Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) in the GI Kentucky Oaks that September and was privately acquired thereafter by Shadai Farm. The cross of Gun Runner over Pulpit has accounted for four winners from five runners, including MSW Optionality, while mares by Pulpit's son Tapit have produced 25 winners when bred to Gun Runner, nine in black-type company. B-Shadai Farm HIT THE NOTE (JPN) (f, 2, Authentic–Desert Ride, by Candy Ride {Arg}) is also the first produce for her dam, the Sovereign Award-winning 3-year-old filly of 2019 and victorious in that year's Woodbine Oaks and Wonder Where Stakes. The filly's third dam is fellow champion Eye of the Sphynx (Smart Strike), whose seven winners include 2009 Queen's Plate winner and champion Eye of the Leopard (A.P. Indy), MSW/MGSP Hotep (A.P. Indy) and MGSW/GISP Deceptive Vision (A.P. Indy), the dam of MGSP Ancient Peace (War Front). Desert Ride fetched $725,000 from Shimokobe Farm at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. B-Shimokobe Farm 6th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($88k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400m JE T'AIME D'ACCORD (JPN) (f, 2, Tapit) is a daughter of Irish Group 3 winner and 2018 G1 Investec Oaks third Bye Bye Baby (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was hammered down to Narvick International for $3.1 million with this filly in utero at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The dam is a full-sister to 2020 G1 Investec Derby and Australian Group 3 winner Serpentine (Ire) and to GSW & G1SP Wedding Vow (Ire), herself responsible for this year's Listed Dee Stakes winner Capulet (Justify). This is also the family of champion Dylan Thomas (Ire) (Danehill). The filly's 3-year-old half-brother Fort Thomas (War Front) was a maiden winner on the turf at Churchill Downs Nov. 3 and her weanling half-sister by Contrail (Jpn) was sold for $1.025 million at this year's JRHA Select Sale. B-Grand Stud RIDDLE TRIGGER (f, 2, American Pharoah–Rubina {Ire}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}), a $325,000 Keeneland September acquisition, is a half-sister to the dual stakes-winning Rubilinda (Frankel {GB}) and to the Chilean Group 2-placed US-bred Ruffina (Street Cry {Ire}). Don Alberto Corporation paid 475,000gns ($815,706) for the stakes-placed Rubina with Rubilinda in utero at the 2013 Tattersalls December Mares Sale and bought her back on a bid of 400,000gns when offered back in foal to Frankel at TATDEM in 2018. B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY) The post First Runner For Grade I Winner Speech Set For Kyoto Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Facing some stiff competition, the lightly raced MESHTRI (Medaglia d'Oro–Cloths Fall Off, by Daaher) prevailed in the G2 Al Maktoum in the colours of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Friday. In charge once the gates flew, the Michael Costa trainee set the pace while pressed by Desert Wisdom (Dubawi {Ire}). Qareeb (Speightstown) emerged as the main threat leaving the bend, but he was never able to catch the fleet pacesetter, finishing three lengths behind. Talking horse Artorius (Arrogate), flying the Juddmonte flag, got going eventually, but settled for third, another 4 1/2 lengths behind. The final time was 1:36.21. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-0, AED1,027,200. O-Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. B-Candy Meadows (KY). T-Michael Costa. *1ST GROUP WIN. Front-running and @BenCoen2 scorch to victory in the Group Two Al Maktoum Mile, sponsored by @emaardubai @mcosta_racing's inmate adds to his C&D-winning gains last month and looks a serious machine #DubaiCarnival | #RacingDubai | #FestiveFriday pic.twitter.com/e0DRGdj0Nh — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 20, 2024 The post Medaglia d’Oro’s Meshtri Surprises In The Al Maktoum Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club has rolled out a new pilot project, the Mare Incentive Program, that waives registration fees for certain 2026 foals of mares that meet certain criteria in order to assist breeders with their mating plans, the organization said in a press release early Friday. “The Jockey Club is waiving registration fees for any 2026 foals of mares that are listed and that are introduced or returned to the breeding population in 2025 in an effort to stimulate interest in this group that appear to have left production,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “We believe the complimentary software tool developed by TJC Innovations that prepares the report of these mares provides an invaluable asset for breeders as they consider potential matings.” Each December, The Jockey Club will provide a list of the mares identified in the Mare Incentive Program through Interactive Registration (IR). The list for the 2025 breeding season is available now, and The Jockey Club Registry will waive the registration application fee for 2026 foals out of these mares. “The Mare Incentive Program is an incredibly useful resource for the industry,” said Walker Hancock, president, Claiborne Farm. “We are excited to see where this may lead and hopefully some of these mares will re-enter breeders' broodmare bands.” “We are delighted to learn of The Jockey Club's initiative to waive the registration fees for foals from those mares that are not currently in the system,” said MV Magnier of Coolmore. “Anything we can do to bring these mares back into production is a positive for American breeding and racing. You never know from where the next champion will come.” The criteria are for mares divided into two age groups. The first are for mares from 6 to 9 years old as of January 1, 2025: A registered Thoroughbred Name registered with The Jockey Club No race starts in the past two years (2023 and 2024) Not reported as the dam of a foal in the past two years Not reported as covered by a stallion in the past two years Not exported to a foreign country from the USA, Canada, or Puerto Rico with the export as the last movement of record Not reported dead The second are for mares from 10 to 19 years old as of January 1, 2025. These mares must meet the criteria above and must have produced a registered foal in 2021 and/or 2022. “When including both sets of mares, approximately 23,000 mares have been identified that could be introduced or returned to the breeding population,” said Jamie Haydon, deputy executive director, The Jockey Club. “We hope state breeding associations consider adding other incentives to get these mares into production and to get their foals registered.” “With the current incentives, awards, and purse structure available to New York-breds, we are excited to have more participation in our program by everyone who will take advantage of the quality mares available to be found and covered using this tool,” said Najja Thompson, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders. The report of Mare Incentive Program mares is available to anyone with an IR account and is filterable by 12 data elements, including sire, dam sire, age, money earned, and class of race achieved. Users can also search by mare name. The list includes all mares that meet the criteria for their age group. Click here to learn more. The post Jockey Club Mare Incentive Program Assists Breeders With Mating Plans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Melbourne Racing Club has announced the appointment of Tom Reilly to the position of CEO. Reilly comes to the role from Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse, where he has been a key figure in breeding and racing for 10 years. While at the Australian breeding marketing arm, Aushorse, he oversaw the repositioning of the brand of Australian bloodstock, which has seen global investment into Australia more than treble during the decade. Through TBA, Reilly worked closely with governments to deliver across a number of areas, including access to skilled foreign workers, tax reform and the response to COVID. He also developed strategies to address the challenge of staffing, education and training in the thoroughbred industry. MRC Chairman John Kanga commented, “The committee is very excited to have Tom lead the team at the MRC. We wanted someone with deep racing knowledge and experience and Tom will bring that to the Club. He is well respected throughout the racing industry and with his extensive contacts and knowledge, both in Australia and internationally, he will be hitting the ground running. “Tom will also bring real strength and energy to the role and, as a true racing person, has a genuine love and passion for the industry. He shares the vision of the committee to make the MRC more efficient and properly accountable to members, customers and participants, with an overarching aim of putting on better racing programmes and events and benefitting racing in general.” Reilly added, “It's a great honour to be given this opportunity. The MRC is one of the great race clubs, not just in Australia, but globally. For anyone passionate about the future of racing, then running the MRC is a wonderful opportunity. The Club ran more race meetings than any other in Victoria last season and has three great racecourses, as well as some of the major Group One races in the Australian racing calendar, including the Caulfield Cup, the Caulfield Guineas and the Blue Diamond. “Having met with the committee, I'm excited by their shared vision to make sure racing is at the heart of the MRC's endeavours and to ensure that we are maximising the potential of our three racecourses and other assets.” The post Tom Reilly Appointed CEO Of Melbourne Racing Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Meydan, AED210,000, Cond., 12-20, NH 2yo & SH 3yo, f, 1400m, 1:25.50, ft. FLAMA SUNSHINE (f, 2, Flameaway–Charming Emmy, by Sky Mesa) second to the scratched Arigatou Gozaimasu (Honest Mischief) on her debut in November, led from flagfall en route to a two-length victory in the Shahama Stakes Sponsored by Emaar. Queen Azteca (Sharp Azteca) unleashed a furious rally to take second, 2 1/2 lengths to the good of Taswaheen (Mendelssohn). A $25,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic yearling turned Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile acquisition by trainer Bhupat Seemar, the chestnut is the second foal and second winner for her dam, who won at three. Charming Emmy's latest is a weanling filly by Enticed and she was covered by Basin this spring. This is the family of GII Remsen Stakes hero The Silver Move (Silver Buck). Sales history: $25,000 Ylg '23 FTIOCT; $40,000 2yo '24 FTIMAY. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, AED159,000. O-Negar Burke & Mary Rose Connolly. B-Monhill Farm, LLC (NY). T-Bhupat Seemar. @BhupatSeemar's young filly (Flameaway) dazzles under @OsheaTadhg in the @emaardubai-sponsored Shahama Stakes#DubaiCarnival | #RacingDubai | #FestiveFriday pic.twitter.com/cqSqaPbm7M — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 20, 2024 The post Flameaway Filly Brings The Sunshine To Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Prize-money for Listed and Group 3 races will return to pre-Covid levels in 2025 as Horse Racing Ireland announced details of the budget for the new year on Friday. The total prize-money budget for 2025 is €70.9m, up €1m on the overall prize-money that will be paid out in 2024. On the Flat, Listed races will see an increased minimum from €37,500 to €45,000 (+20%), while Group 3 races will see a rise from €50,000 to €60,000 (+20%). This sees Listed and Group 3 races return to their pre-covid, 2019 minimum levels. The 2025 budget will also see investment in key strategic areas within HRI's capital allocation. Equine and people welfare are being prioritised through the planned redevelopment of the Irish Equine Centre in Kill and the People Campus at RACE in Kildare, while the spring of 2025 will see the start of the all-weather track project at Tipperary, subject to government approval. Sustainability initiatives and digital transformation were also put forward as important areas which are also being resourced in line with the priorities identified in HRI's Strategic Plan. Suzanne Eade, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “Resources have been allocated in budget 2025 to deliver against the three key goals as outlined in HRI's strategic plan and its aim to protect, strengthen and sustain our global leading industry. “In order to provide consistent and responsible care of our people, horses and our environment there has been targeted and enhanced expenditure across equuip, integrity, welfare, and sustainability in both activity and capital related costs. Inspiring and attracting future participation both nationally and internationally has been addressed through continued support of the IRE Incentive Scheme for breeders, marketing and communication campaigns targeting engagement, growing interest in our sport coupled with a further focus on attracting racegoers to Flat racing, as well as continued investment into technology.” She added, “Our third goal is to nurture success at all levels throughout the industry. Budget 2025 has significant capital investment set aside for the first phase of our dedicated people campus which sees HRI and the Irish Injured Jockeys develop a high-performance unit and rehabilitation facilities to support the mental and physical wellbeing of industry participants. “Further investment into our racecourse facilities including the Tipperary all-weather development is also priority for 2025. HRI have consulted with key stakeholders in determining both prize money strategy and funding the handicap band changes for 2025 including optimising the impact of racecourse contributions to prize money. These changes are seen as crucial to the attraction of inward investment into Irish racing, the widening of the ownership base, and the retention of both owners and horses.” The post Cash Injection For Listed And Group 3 Races In HRI’s Budget For 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion and Classic winner Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) has sustained a right foreleg injury and has been retired. The news was reported by Idol Horse on Friday. The bay was due to defend his title in the G1 Arima Kinen on Sunday before beginning his stallion career next year at Shadai Stallion Station. Raced by Kieffers Co., Ltd., the 5-year-old entire was an undefeated champion at two in three starts with victories in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes and in the Listed Ivy Stakes. At three, the Northern Farm-bred was second in the G2 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Deep Impact Kinen and third in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) prior to landing the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). After a fruitless trip to ParisLongchamp for two starts to end his sophomore year, he claimed the G2 Kyoto Kinen at four, and later that year added the Arima Kinen on Christmas Eve. This term, Do Deuce traveled to the UAE without finding the winner's circle for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, but redeemed himself in his final two starts–victories in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and in the G1 Japan Cup in October and November, respectively. He retires with a mark of 16-8-1-1 and $12,554,242 in earnings. “Any other accident could have happened to him, we decided to scratch from the Arima Kinen,” Tomomichi told Netkeiba of his charge, who was the fan favourite in the Arima Kinen. “I apologize to all the fans.” A retirement ceremony for Do Deuce, to be held after the Arima Kinen, was cancelled. The sixth foal out of GII Gallant Bloom Handicap and GIII Sugar Swirl Stakes heroine Dust And Diamonds (Vindication) who was second in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Do Deuce is a half-brother to multiple graded-placed Much Better (Pioneerof The Nile). His dam sold for $1 million carrying a full-sibling to Much Better to Katsumi Yoshida during the 2016 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The post Injury Derails Arima Kinen Defence For Do Deuce, Stallion Career Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ASCOT, UK — Six months ago David Howden was in the winner's enclosure celebrating success at Royal Ascot with his G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion). On Friday the owner-breeder was back at the racecourse to espouse his passion for sport horses, and more specifically how racehorses can be retrained for other disciplines. Howden's principal interest in horses came through eventing. He hosts Cornbury Horse Trials at his Oxfordshire home every September and his daughter Jemima is one of the rising stars of the young rider ranks having represented Great Britain at the European Championships. Through his family's charity The Howden Way, Howden launched at Ascot on Friday the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) which is aimed at helping to educate riders interested in taking on an ex-racehorse and guiding them through the retraining process from the basics and beyond. “I'm passionate about equine sport and, as we know, there is an issue around how we get racehorses into other equine sports,” Howden said. “There are lots of great initiatives going on, with the RoR and BHA, but having had my experience from eventing, where I had a daughter who wanted to get involved but knowing nothing about eventing myself, it's not always easy to understand how you go about it. So I wanted to provide something that was properly practical and that fits around all the other initiatives that are going on.” A noted enthusiast for the racing game since his entree, via David Redvers of Tweenhills, back in 2018, Howden's Howden Group is now a key brand partner at Ascot and is sponsoring the two-day Christmas jumps meeting this week. He continued, “All of us involved in racing are passionate about it and want to support it, and we want everyone outside to support it. We want to promote it as something that is good for the country and good for the horses. One of the issues is the social issue around what happens to racehorses afterwards. For me, it was obvious to put some of my energy and effort – and money – into something like this.” Howden added, “I've kickstarted this but I am a big believer in collaboration, so if anyone else wants to help me by getting behind this we'd really love to open it up to other people.” Justine Parker, director of the TAP, outlined how the programme is tailored towards complementing existing work being undertaken by the BHA's official charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), which in 2025 celebrates its 25th anniversary. “We are hoping that with our combined efforts we can continue to raise the profile of the Thoroughbred amongst the general public and equestrian industry as a tangible riding horse option,” she said. “Raising their profile and singing about their great attributes will help educate people to be able to understand them more in the transition into their new career, whatever that may look like, whether it's an evening career or just having a lovely time doing some fun rides. If we as an industry can work together collaboratively hopefully it will give more Thoroughbreds the opportunity to have a successful career post-racing.” The TAP will offer online content to help owners of Thoroughbreds with every facet of their care, from feeding to farriery, and will also be providing 190 subsidised clinics in 2025 with a range of coaches across the country, including international eventers Laura Collett and Izzy Taylor. Parker continued, “The regional training opportunities are available at a reduced rate for anyone who has a Thoroughbred. We have a team of coaches running training sessions throughout the country starting in January and that's really trying to help with face-to-face practical support on the ground. All of our coaches have practical knowledge of and a passion for the Thoroughbred.” Grand National-winning jockey and racing broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald joined the panel at Ascot, and he has his own rather special ex-racehorse at home in the form of ten-time Grade 1 winner Altior (Ire). He said, “When I started in horses I wanted to be a show jumper but then I rode a Thoroughbred when I was 13 and it changed everything. Being in control of something that powerful was something I wanted to harness and that's what inspired me to be a jockey. But, that's the scary part of it, it is powerful, it is something that has a mind of its own, and often people say 'you should have a Thoroughbred' but that could be scary thought for someone who doesn't know or understand a Thoroughbred. “But if you can have someone to speak to you throughout the process and teach you a few basic things, you will have an unbelievable time. Because Thoroughbreds, they are powerful, but what they give you back is something very special.” As a racehorse owner, Howden is all too aware of the importance of decent levels of prize-money and he is transferring that experience into backing a class at Cornbury Horse Trials next year. He has teamed up with fellow owner-breeder and eventing enthusiast Jayne McGivern to stage a contest solely for former racehorses with a prize fund of £50,000. He said, “[Racing] is now getting more people from the outside looking in and asking if what we are doing in the industry is right or wrong, and I think we need to make sure we have a positive message.” The post ‘We Need to Have a Positive Message’: Howden Launches Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matamata specialist Khafre took his career to a new level with a dominant front-running performance in Friday’s Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m). The $80,000 feature was the fifth start at Matamata for the American Pharoah gelding, who has won two of those races and placed in all of the other three. He scored an all-the-way win by more than two lengths in maiden three-year-old company at the 2022 edition of this popular pre-Christmas twilight meeting, and his subsequent runs at the track have included close-up placings behind quality mares Skew Wiff and Lux Libertas. Close up in fourth and fifth in Rating 75 company his two most recent starts, Khafre stepped up to open class on Friday and produced the performance of his career. Khafre was driven straight to the lead by jockey Jasmine Fawcett and dominated the race from the front. He led the field up to the point of the home turn and then kicked hard at the top of the straight, rapidly opening up a three-length lead. Hot favourite Mary Shan emerged from the pack and chased hard through the final 200m, closing the gap with every stride, but Khafre was hanging tough in front. He kept kicking and held on, denying Mary Shan by half a length. Topweight Mali Ston carried 59kg into a gallant third, 2-1/2 lengths behind the first pair. The 1600m were run in 1:35.50, which is just over a second outside Tyne Cot’s race record of 1:34.36, set in 2015. It was a first hometown Cup win for local jockey Fawcett, who had previously finished third in last year’s edition of the race with La Crique. Her cousin Kylie trained and part-owned the 2019 winner Polly Grey. “It’s always been a goal of mine to win the Matamata Cup, so it means a lot to tick that one off the list,” said Fawcett, who has now won 11 Group and Listed races among a career total of 321 wins. “I placed in it last year, so it was great to get the win today. “I was pretty confident that he was going to be a good chance today with 53kg. He won his maiden at Matamata as a three-year-old and he obviously knows his way around the course here, and whenever you’re riding one of Ralph Manning’s horses, you can be confident that they’re trained to the minute. “He got to the lead easily and we were able to get some quite soft sectionals from the 800m to the 600m. Then he kicked really hard off the corner and he was always going to be hard to run down.” Khafre was offered by Phoenix Park during the Book 1 session of Karaka 2021, where trainer Ralph Manning bought him for $155,000. He was born in Australia but bred by New Zealander Terry Archer. The dam of the Matamata Cup winner is the Kiwi-bred High Chaparral mare La Dama, whose three-quarter-sister La Diosa won the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Sydney’s Gr.2 Surround Stakes (1400m). Khafre’s sire American Pharoah has spent time in the Australasian spotlight in recent times with his back-to-back Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winners Riff Rocket and Goldrush Guru. From 24 starts, Khafre has recorded five wins and five placings, earning $142,315 in stakes for his owner Tony Coombe. View the full article

Eight Group One performers were put through their paces in a star-studded 1100m trial before the eight-race twilight card at Matamata on Friday, and it was standout three-year-old Savaglee who came out on top. Making his first public appearance since romping to victory by almost three lengths in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9, the Savabeel colt settled in third through the early stages of Friday’s trial as speedy mare Babylon Berlin opened up a big lead over Luberon. Savaglee quickened stylishly through an opening in between Babylon Berlin and Luberon at the top of the straight, striding to the lead under a hands-and-heels ride from Sam Spratt. Skew Wiff stormed home in the final 75m and got to within a nose, but the Pam Gerard-trained Savaglee held on for a narrow win. Luberon finished another short head away in third, followed by Babylon Berlin and the strong-finishing Grail Seeker. Qali Al Farrasha, Trobriand and Move To Strike completed the finishing order. The 1100m were run in 1:05.31 in a Soft5 track that was upgraded to Good4 not long afterwards. Savaglee’s 12-start career has produced six wins, two placings and $744,975 in stakes for owners The Oaks Stud, whose general manager Rick Williams was delighted with the trial. “I was thrilled,” he said. “I probably didn’t really expect him to win against such a high-quality group of older horses, but he did, and Sam got off him and said she didn’t really extend him at all. So we got the result we wanted, and then some. “It’s a great way to start off a campaign that’s probably going to tell us where his ceiling is. He’s continuing to strengthen and please us with everything that he’s doing. It’s exciting. Our next stop is going to be the Levin Classic (Gr.2, 1400m) at Trentham on January 11, and we’ll take it from there.” Skew Wiff’s connections were similarly enthusiastic about the Savabeel mare’s powerful late burst. Off the scene since finishing second in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) on October 2, Skew Wiff is primed for a fresh-up tilt at the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 4. “We’re really pleased,” co-trainer Sam Bergerson said. “Opie (Bosson, jockey) couldn’t have been any more complimentary when he got off her. She seems to be coming up very well as we build her towards the Telegraph, which is just over two weeks away.” The TAB rates Skew Wiff an $8 chance in a Telegraph market that is headed by Grail Seeker at $4.50, while Crocetti, Luberon and Waitak share second favouritism at $6. View the full article

Magic Millions Sunlight contender Arabian Summer. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Arabian Summer delivered an electrifying performance in the $125,000 GC1000 3YO Plate (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday, showcasing her class and reaffirming her credentials as a top threat for the Magic Millions Sunlight slot race. Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the filly stormed to a commanding three-length victory under jockey Harry Coffey, stopping the clock at 56.42 seconds—just shy of the track record set by Mitanni at 55.67 in 2004. Breaking cleanly from barrier two, the $2.05 BlondeBet favourite, Arabian Summer, settled just behind the early speed, waiting for an opening as the field approached the home turn. Coffey displayed patience and precision, finding a gap at the 250-metre mark. The filly surged through and bolted clear of her rivals, leaving Cosmic Fire and Petticoat to round out the placings. Gold Coast 1000 3YO Plate Replay- Arabian Summer https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Gold-Coast-20122024-GC1000-3YO-Plate-Race6-Arabian-Summer-Tony-Calvin-McEvoy-Harry-Coffey.mp4 Trainer Tony McEvoy was thrilled to see Arabian Summer back to her best, especially after an earlier setback. “That was very exciting,” McEvoy said. “Lovely to see her back. We went to Adelaide and had a mishap at the barriers, which was very frustrating. So to have her back now in that form a couple of weeks out from her grand final was lovely.” McEvoy praised Coffey’s ride and the filly’s professionalism, saying, “Harry got her into a brilliant spot. He just had to wait for a run to appear. Once she got through that gap, she was fabulous. He gets paid the big money for a reason, and he’s good at it. He’s got a lot of confidence in this filly, and they’re a good team.” Jockey Harry Coffey echoed McEvoy’s sentiments, describing the filly as a dream ride. “Good barriers help good horses,” Coffey said. “She’s just gotten into a little bit of a habit recently of not being the most patient in the gates, but today we had her in a really nice mode, and she broke nicely. The horses inside and outside of me made the speed, and that allowed me to drop in instantly, switch her off, and get her in a nice rhythm.” Coffey explained his decision-making as the race unfolded. “I was going to stick hard inside, but I noticed they weren’t really rolling off, so I had a look. A nice gap presented, and I thought, ‘Oh, this will make me look even better,’ so I shot in there,” he said with a smile. “When they travel like she does and are better than their opposition, they make your job very easy.” Arabian Summer now turns her focus to the $1 million Sunlight 3YO Classic, representing the Wheaton and RMA Bloodstock slot as a $3.50 second favourite with top online bookmakers. McEvoy is excited about the opportunity, saying, “I really am. Sunlight was one of our all-time greats, and for Anthony to get on board early and grab hold of this filly shows he’s got very good judgment. Wouldn’t it be a lovely result if we could win the race named after her? Quite a fairy tale, isn’t it?” With her calm demeanor and explosive ability, Arabian Summer has become a star of the McEvoy stable. “She’s got her feistiness about her, but she handled herself beautifully today,” McEvoy said. “She loves it up here on the coast, and Toby Edmonds and his team have done a fantastic job looking after her.” Cosmic Fire produced a bold run from a wide draw to claim second, with Petticoat flashing home late to secure third. However, Arabian Summer’s brilliance left no doubt about her supremacy, as she scorched the turf with a performance that had the crowd in awe. Arabian Summer’s rising star continues to shine as she heads towards her grand final, poised to add another chapter to the legacy of the McEvoy stable on Queensland’s grandest stage. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Chris Munce wins the Magic Millions The Debut with Vein Girl Vein Girl announced her arrival on the racing scene in emphatic fashion, securing victory in the $250,000 Magic Millions The Debut (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday. Trained by Chris and Corey Munce and ridden by Cejay Graham, the two-year-old filly lived up to her pre-race $3.60 favouritism with Neds, holding off a late charge from Torque to Be Sure to win by 0.2 lengths, with Forgotten Spirit rounding out the placings. Jumping from barrier two, Vein Girl quickly established herself near the pace, slipping through on the inside to share the lead with Life After Love. As the field approached the home turn, Graham guided the filly to the rail, where she surged to the front, gaining a crucial advantage. Despite a fast-finishing effort from Torque to Be Sure, Vein Girl’s professionalism and determination saw her claim the victory in a slick time of 57.56 seconds on a Good 4 surface. Magic Millions The Debut Replay – Vein Girl https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Gold-Coast-20122024-Race5-Vein-Girl-Chris-Corey-Munce-Ms-Cejay-Graham.mp4 Graham, thrilled with the win, said: “We had a good opinion of her prior to coming here tonight, and they still have to step out and do it, and that she did. It’s such a privilege to get an opportunity like this for such a good team in Chris and Corey Munce. They just fill you with such confidence coming here. I knew she was prepared; she couldn’t have been prepared any better.” Reflecting on her strategy, Graham added, “I was a little bit worried early in the night that the fence may not have been playing favourable, but I was happy to see that horse win up the fence in the race prior. The rail for two-year-olds is like gold—it’s worth two lengths. She’s very smart and not one-dimensional, so there’s a lot to look forward to.” Trainer Corey Munce echoed Graham’s praise for the filly, saying, “She’s a lovely filly by Blue Point. Didn’t cost much at the sales—$60,000—and she’s picked up a nice prize tonight. We would have been happy with a nice first, second, or third, but we knew we had a smart filly on our hands. She’s only going to improve.” Munce also credited the ride and Vein Girl’s professionalism. “She was assisted by a good draw and a good ride by CJ. She had to absorb a little bit of pressure early, but credit to the horse. Finding the fence tonight was certainly key, and we’re looking forward to being back here very soon.” Vein Girl’s triumph added $152,500 to her earnings and positioned her as a key contender for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Munce confirmed that her next target would be the $2 million race in January, which she is currently a $21 with the top Australian bookmakers<?a>. “She’ll probably go straight into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. We’ll assess her over the coming days, but she doesn’t need another run to prove herself.” With her impeccable debut and a strong foundation, Vein Girl is poised to make a bold statement on Queensland’s biggest stage. Horse racing news View the full article

Blake Shinn guides Ostraka to victory in the Golden Eagle. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Blake Shinn, Victoria’s leading jockey for the season, is set for a busy return to the track this weekend after a short break following his recent suspension. Shinn, who has 65 wins this season, will take on nine rides at Pakenham on Saturday and another eight at Sale on Sunday before flying to New Zealand for the Zabeel Classic meeting on Boxing Day. In New Zealand, Shinn is booked to ride Te Akau Racing’s Campionessa in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m), currently paying $10 with the top bookmakers, and Damask Rose in the Group 1 Auckland Guineas (1400m). He will then shift his focus to the Gold Coast for two major weekends of racing, including the $2 million Magic Millions Sunlight on January 4, where he will partner Lady Of Camelot, his Golden Slipper Stakes-winning mount. After his Magic Millions commitments, Shinn will travel to Hong Kong to compete in the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup aboard Galaxy Patch before returning to Melbourne to prepare for the lucrative autumn racing season. Shinn has enjoyed a brief period of rest following his trip to Hong Kong earlier this month, where he participated in the international meeting. He acknowledged the value of taking time off to recharge after a demanding year. Shinn began the season with the ambitious goal of riding 200 winners during the 2024/2025 season and has already amassed 68 victories across Australia since August 1. Horse racing news View the full article

Race 6 NIGEL ROBERTSON BUILDING SOUTHLAND CRYSTALS 2200m LEAVE IT TO ME (D Montes de Oca) – Trainer Ms. J Dalton reported to Stewards, that on Wednesday 18 December, LEAVE IT TO ME, underwent a veterinary examination which included blood tests with no abnormalities being detected. J Dalton further advised it is her intention to continue on with LEAVE IT TO ME’S current preparation. The post Southland Racing Club @ Ascot Park, Invercargill, Saturday 14 December 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The punters came for him late and Republican Party delivered with a powerhouse performance in today’s $100,000 Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup. Trained by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety and driven by son Carter, Republican Party, who was a fast finishing third in last month’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup, was backed in from $6 to $3.50. After starting off 10m, Republican Party was put into the race by Dalgety, heading to the front with two laps to go. From there he was just far too strong, giving Dalgety his second Invercargill Cup, following on from Krug two years ago. “They are pinch myself moments,” Dalgety said post race, “we had a plan and it paid off.” “We got to the front and happy days.” It was Dalgety’s fourth win of the day, following on from Magician, Wallflower and Ebury Street, taking him to the lead in the junior drivers’ premiership. The Robert and Jenna-trained Dalton Shard, who sat parked for driver Blair Orange, stuck on well for second, with stablemate Charlie Brown third. Two of the favoured contenders Mo’unga and Rakero Rocket were inconvenienced at the start and settled at the tail of the field. They came wide at the home turn but couldn’t make up much ground on the leaders. Earlier the champion trotter Muscle Mountain was back in winning form in the Group 3 Brendan Franks Farrier David Moss Handicap Trot. He started off 30m and bided his time early, getting into the running line before making a three wide move and racing to the front. The $1.80 favourite held on for the win ahead of a late closing Midnight Dash. It was a Greg and Nine Hope-trained quinella. Driven by Ben Hope it was Muscle Mountain’s 34th win in 59 starts. View the full article

Jimmysstar was an impressive winner of the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Tom Reilly is set to take the reins as the new chief executive officer of the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) at the start of the new year. Reilly, who brings extensive experience from his roles at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse, expressed excitement about this significant opportunity. “The MRC is one of the great race clubs, not just in Australia, but globally,” Reilly told Racing.com. “For anyone passionate about the future of racing, then running the MRC is a wonderful opportunity. The Club ran more race meetings than any other in Victoria last season and has three great racecourses, as well as some of the major Group 1 races in the Australian racing calendar, including the Caulfield Cup, the Caulfield Guineas, and the Blue Diamond.” MRC Chairman John Kanga also expressed enthusiasm about Reilly’s appointment. “We wanted someone with deep racing knowledge and experience, and Tom will bring that to the Club. He is well-respected throughout the racing industry and with his extensive contacts and knowledge, both in Australia and internationally, he will be hitting the ground running,” Kanga said. “He shares the vision of the committee to make the MRC more efficient and properly accountable to members, customers, and participants, with an overarching aim of putting on better racing programmes and events and benefiting racing in general.” Reilly further highlighted his alignment with the club’s goals, stating, “Having met with the committee, I’m excited by their shared vision to make sure racing is at the heart of the MRC’s endeavours and to ensure that we are maximising the potential of our three racecourses (Caulfield, Sandown and Mornington) and other assets.” Reilly will officially begin his new role at the end of January, succeeding Josh Blanksby, who resigned as chief executive in June. Horse racing news View the full article

Former professional punter Noah Brash has been banned for 10 years by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) following his admission of breaching AR 236 regulations, which prohibit betting with or for a jockey. The charges related to bets placed on behalf of jockey Michael Poy during races in August 2022. Brash, 29, pleaded guilty earlier this month to five counts of the offence. The tribunal found that Brash, acting as an intermediary for Poy, placed bets totaling over $172,000 through two Betfair sub-accounts operated by associates known as “bowlers.” In one instance at Swan Hill on August 7, 2022, Brash received a message reportedly from Poy stating, “Race 3 lay the 1 for 70/80 (thousand).” Brash followed the instruction, placing a lay bet of $67,890.84 against American Russ, earning $6,366.59. Additionally, he bet $7,534.10 on Poy’s mount, Mr. Scorefield, to beat American Russ in a head-to-head wager, resulting in an $8,068.44 win. Other significant bets included a $5,000.26 wager on Bonjour in Race 5, which was unsuccessful, and an $84,572.48 lay bet on Pill Box in Race 8, yielding $12,738.18 in profit. Delivering the tribunal’s decision, Judge John Bowman highlighted the severity of Brash’s actions, saying, “The amounts involved were large, the total in excess of $172,000. Each bet, or group of bets, was placed at the request of a jockey, and a profit was obtained. This type of behaviour attacks the very essence of our horse racing industry and its integrity. It can do untold damage. The penalty imposed on you should reflect that.” Brash’s relationship with Poy dates back to 2018 when they first met, with Brash later volunteering to create speed maps for the jockey free of charge. These betting activities occurred after their relationship deepened. Poy and another jockey, Lewis German, were also charged in connection with the case earlier this year. Horse racing news View the full article

Racing WA has implemented significant changes to upcoming race meetings, including Saturday’s Ascot meeting, in response to extreme heat conditions forecasted for Western Australia, prioritising the safety and welfare of animals and participants. The adjustments come as temperatures are expected to soar above 40°C in some regions, as advised by the Bureau of Meteorology. Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter emphasised the organization’s commitment to welfare, stating, “Our hot weather policies are based on the principle that animal and participant welfare always comes first.” “When the forecast is 38°C or higher, officials consider racing earlier or later to avoid the hottest time of day, re-locating to a racecourse where the weather is cooler and rescheduling races to other days, times or venues,” Hunter said. “The aim is to alleviate the hot weather risk, but we won’t hesitate to abandon a race meeting if it’s not safe to go ahead.” “It’s normal for some summer race meetings to be cancelled each year due to hot weather,” he added. Under Racing WA’s policies, stewards and veterinarians must confirm that conditions have eased from peak temperatures before racing proceeds. The following race meetings have been adjusted to address the heat concerns: Ascot Racecourse, Saturday, 21 December: Racing will now begin at 9:04 a.m. and conclude by 1:44 p.m. to avoid the higher temperatures forecasted for the afternoon. Pinjarra (thoroughbreds), Sunday, 22 December: This meeting has been relocated to Bunbury Racecourse, where cooler conditions are expected. Pinjarra (harness), Monday, 23 December: This event has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 24 December. Horse racing news View the full article