Wandering Eyes

Anderson Farms Ontario's homebred Katie Baby, a 4-year-old filly by Curlin, will make her graded stakes debut in Woodbine's June 9 Hendrie Stakes (G3). The 6 1/2-furlong race drew a field of eight older fillies and mares. View the full article

LaPenta owns June 8 Runhappy Metropolitan Mile (G1) contender Coal Front in partnership with Head of Plains Partners, and the two also have June 7 True North Stakes (G2) runner Whitmore. View the full article

The always innovative owner Jim McIngvale announced Thursday that a $100,000 bonus will be paid to the offspring of any son or daughter by his sire Runhappy (Super Saver) that wins an unrestricted maiden race at Saratoga in 2020, when his first crop turns two. McIngvale said that while there are still a few more minor details that need to be ironed out, he expected the same bonus plan will be in effect for the 2020 Del Mar meet. The TDN caught up with McIngvale to learn more about the unique scheme. TDN: You’ve said before that the sport needs more bonuses to help support owners. Can you elaborate on that? JM: Being an owner myself, I know it takes a lot of money to play this game. Fortunately, the purses at a lot of venues are going up. If someone can win our $100,000 bonus, that’s a lot of money and it will hopefully help the breeders and consignors selling the Runhappy yearlings at the upcoming yearling sales and also help put more money into the pockets of the owners and trainers. It’s a tough business and most all of us in horse racing need ways to make more money. TDN: Presumably, this will help his first-crop yearling prices at the upcoming sales. JM: Obviously, we’re going into uncharted territory with this. If it increases the prices of his yearlings, and I think it will, I’ll be thrilled. Maybe on some of the really good ones we’ll see a significant increase in the price they sell for. We might give out zero. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen. We could out also give out $1 million or $2 million. You never know. TDN: If you did have to dig into your pocket and give away $1 million would you be ecstatic or would you think, ‘maybe I overdid it; that’s way too much money to be giving away?’ JM: I do a lot of sports promotions. I did one with the Astros in 2017 when they won the World Series. I had to give $10 million in refunds to our customers as part of the promotion when the Astros won the World Series, but I was happy to do so. If I have to give away a lot of money because of this bonus I will be thrilled because it will mean these are very good horses and they have hit the ground running. TDN: What sort of feedback are you hearing about the Runhappy babies? JM: We’ve got family that work with our horses and they live in Lexington and they talk to people all the time about the Runhappy yearlings. Everyone is excited about them and they say they look really good. He had a lot of traits. Speed, stamina, his lung capacity and his incredible intelligence. Hopefully, he will pass those on to his offspring. TDN: How many do you have yourself? JM: Four yearlings and six weanlings. TDN: In order for a 2-year-old to win at Saratoga or Del Mar they normally have to be on the precocious side as opposed to horses that won’t blossom until later. Do his yearlings look like they will be precocious enough to win in July and August? JM: Runhappy didn’t run until December of his 2-year-old year, but that was more of a case of us not managing him as well as we could have. He could have run in June, July or August. I think a lot of his babies will be ready early. Runhappy was very speedy himself and I think these horses will hit the ground running. I am hoping to make a lot of owners, breeders and trainers very happy and bring more excitement to this great game. The post On Runhappy Met Mile Day, `Mack’ Talks Bonus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Del Mar's first condition book for the 2019 summer season is now out and available online and hard copies will be distributed to horsemen in Southern California June 7. View the full article

There’s a clutch of young Irish apprentices currently combining finishing their Leaving Cert at school with riding winners. If you lined up teenagers Ben Coen, Gavin Ryan and Andrew Slattery alongside their weighing-room colleague Ronan Whelan, it might not be easy to pick out which one has already been working full-time for a decade. Whelan, 26, has been with Jim Bolger since leaving school, and became champion apprentice in 2012, but he looks as fresh-faced today as he did back then. “I might look like a baby, and it’s the old saying, but there are quite a few horses now where I can say I’ve ridden their mothers or their fathers and brothers and sisters,” he says with a grin. That depth of knowledge of a horse’s forebears is one of the invaluable lessons learned from Bolger, who is not just a master trainer but also an extremely successful owner-breeder. Over the years, Bolger has also earned a reputation for being something of a stern headmaster, and some of the two-legged graduates from his stable have gone on to enjoy championship careers of their own, such as Aidan O’Brien and AP McCoy. It’s a thorough grounding, beyond just the art of riding a racehorse, which will stand Whelan in good stead as his career progresses. Clearly astute himself, Whelan is smart enough to realise that the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business is to be grabbed with both hands. He doesn’t restrict his riding out to Bolger’s stable, but the trainer is still “the boss” and an important touchstone. “I do four mornings a week with Jim Bolger and two others with John Oxx, Michael Halford, Tracey Collins, and just anyone else will have me after that. I’ve been with Mr Bolger since the start. I struggle a bit with my weight so I have no other choice but to work hard at that, but I enjoy being busy, it keeps my head right and because I enjoy it, it doesn’t really feel like work to me,” he says. Whelan’s father, Tom, a well-known figure on the sales circuit, consigning through his Church View Stables, has expressed wonder at his son’s dedication to the cause, which goes beyond riding out, to regular gym sessions and running. “My dad’s actually said to me a few times ‘would you just go out and enjoy yourself’,” says the Kildare-born jockey as we chat at the Curragh during the Irish Guineas meeting, at which he rode two winners in the colours of the Aga Khan for regular supporter Michael Halford. “You have to be on the ball and know what’s going on, but at the same time try to enjoy it a bit, too. To get winners here in those colours for Mr Halford, who has been so good to me, well it’s what you get up in the morning for,” he continues, then adds with a laugh, “It’s what people think I work hard for.” Bolger himself has referred to Whelan’s level-headedness and it is clearly a trait which will get him through the sometimes choppy waters of being a jockey. Whelan says, “It’s all about taking steps through your career. When I lost my claim I struggled a bit and Sheila Lavery and Johnny Levins gave me a helping hand, and then Patrick Prendergast came along at the right time for me. I started riding a bit for him and rode a listed winner and some others in my first year with Patrick, and then I was lucky enough that Skitter Scatter came along the following year.” Anthony and Sonia Rogers’s Cartier champion 2-year-old filly Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy) is unlikely to be a horse Whelan will forget in a hurry. She provided him with his first Group 1 winner in last year’s Moyglare Stud S., and then a first ride in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, during which, unfortunately, she sustained a hamstring injury. Whelan, unsurprisingly, retains his enthusiasm for the filly, who is now trained by John Oxx. He says, “She’s a jockey’s dream. She’s so straightforward, she’s rock solid. Last year, she just kept running and running and every time she ran she was underestimated but she kept on winning. Really the first time she got a bit of respect when she went off favourite for the Moyglare, and she won that, and it’s only now that I look back that I realise what a big deal it was. She made it so easy.” He adds, “Nowadays I am more associated with her than anything. I was gutted for Patrick and Mr Oxx and her owners more than anything in the Guineas. I can just get down off her and walk away but they have to go over everything. She’s in good hands and she’ll be well looked after. If we can get her back that will be great but she certainly doesn’t owe me anything.” With Skitter Scatter, Whelan has experienced the ups and downs of racing, and he’s all too aware that they almost always go hand in hand. “One thing I’ve noticed is that while the big days are great, they can come and go, and in this game you can be as high as you want but you can be as low very quickly,” he says. “So to me it is really important to treat every race as it comes. You might be riding in the 1000 Guineas one day, but on that same day there’s someone with a horse in a handicap who means as much to them as winning the Guineas would be to the person with the favourite in that. Different people have different expectations and you have to treat them all the same and just do your best.” Whelan constantly name-checks those who have helped him along the way and is clearly appreciative for all the outside rides he can muster while he remains understudy to the evergreen Kevin Manning. Those trainers who put their faith in him are in turn benefiting from the education he continues to receive at Bolger’s hand. “He treats me no differently now than to when I was an apprentice,” Whelan says. “When I was weighing up how to approach the Guineas and analysing things, it was only really then that it hit home for me that everything the boss has said to me over the years I now use as my approach, especially on a big day like that. “I’ve been placed in the Irish Guineas and the Irish Derby and in a few Group 1s for the boss, but always on the second string, so there is pressure but the buck doesn’t end with me; Kevin was always the one who had the big pressure. But seeing the boss and Kevin, and how they worked on their big Group 1 days when I was a young lad, when the buck ended with me this time [on Skitter Scatter], it was only then that I appreciated how what they had taught me stood me in good stead. Okay, so it didn’t work out that time, but it’s just simple things, like going down to the start. If a horse pulls a shoe with you at home at Bolger’s that’s almost a sackable offence, so it’s just simple things like you make sure that when you are going to the start you don’t let your horse over-reach. You can win or lose races then, so it’s important to keep them together and make sure you’re aware of every little thing that’s going on around you.” He continues, “These are the little things stick with you and you can see how it is that Mr Bolger has taught so many people so well over the years. I ride out every day, so I get to know the horses and how to handle the horses and you can bring those things from home to the races when it comes to how to manage them and know their minds. I think working for Jim Bolger has made me a rider first, before being a jockey, and if you threw me up on one and asked me to pull him together I think I could do that. He teaches you to be a horseman really, that’s what he does.” The other important lesson that can be learned at Coolcullen is one which Whelan can hopefully take with him to his next career when his riding days are over, though the groundwork is already being laid. “Pedigrees are so interesting,” he says. “When I ride one at Mr Bolger’s, I can nearly always tell you what it’s by, what it’s related to. It’s amazing the traits that go through families. Before I would think to myself that pedigree couldn’t be that important, but actually when you are seeing families for so long it’s amazing how on point it is, especially when it comes to temperament.” With his father, whom Whelan used to accompany to Kildaragh Stud as a child during Tom’s days working for the Kavanagah family, the jockey is already taking a hand in the bloodstock business, which can be every bit as unpredictable as life as a rider. He set up his own company, Flash Bloodstock Ltd, with his fellow Bolger employee Gordon Power, to start a pinhooking venture. “I love going to the sales as much as I love going to the races,” he admits. “I have a huge interest in that side of the business and Larry Stratton is a big part of our business, helping dad choose the horses at the sales. Most of the bloodstock that dad has I’m involved in, from mares, foals, yearlings and a couple of 2-year-olds.” He continues, “I love looking at conformation and pedigrees and dad is trying to teach me as much as he can. After this game I see myself going into that side of things. Having an interest in it gives you a different aspect as a jockey. If I win on a horse, I always check to see who has bred it, who consigned it, what he made as a yearling. It broadens your mind a bit.” Applying such disciplined thought to his riding has already helped Whelan to be among the forerunners of the Irish jockey ranks. It would be foolish to underestimate the workings of that mind behind the baby face. The post Hard Work, Study Keeps Whelan On Right Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jeremy Noseda, who on Thursday announced his retirement, will saddle his last runners at Royal Ascot. Charles Fox’s Bomb Proof (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}), a debut winner at York last month, will take in either the Listed Windsor Castle S. or the G2 Norfolk S., while Doreen Tabor’s Cenotaph (War Front) will contest the Wokingham H. on the last day of the Royal meeting. Noseda notably landed the 2010 Wokingham with Laddies Poker Two off a 610-day layoff. “I am thrilled that Michael Tabor and Charles Fox have asked me to prepare Cenotaph and Bomb Proof for Royal Ascot,” Noseda said. “It’s lovely that they want me to train their horses for the meeting as both Michael and Charles are long-standing owners of mine. It’s a nice way for me to finish and now I just want to do the best job I can for them and also for my staff, who have been so supportive.” The post Noseda To Bow Out at Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matt Prior has been named Head of Tattersalls Ascot and Cheltenham Sales. Prior, 34, has been with Tattersalls since 2012 and will remain closely involved with the Tattersalls Bloodstock Sales team as an auctioneer and yearling inspector as well as sourcing entries for Tattersalls sales. Prior will work closely with Richard Pugh, who will continue in his role as Director of Horses in Training at Tattersalls Ireland. Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “The appointment of Matt Prior as Head of Sales at Tattersalls Ascot and Cheltenham reflects the success of sales at both venues and their importance within the Tattersalls group. The administrative teams for both Ascot and Cheltenham are based in Newmarket and Matt’s centralised role will be of benefit to both vendors and purchasers alike.” The post Prior Named Head of Tatts Ascot, Cheltenham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A resilient Alberto Sanna is determined to shake off his recent misfortune and find his way back to the winner’s circle after securing a licence extension from the Jockey Club for the start of next season.The Italian has had a shocking run of injuries this season – starting with a shattered hip in October and then a broken ankle in March – but he returns to the saddle at Sha Tin on Saturday ready to put that all behind him.Sanna received an extra boost ahead of his comeback when the Jockey Club… View the full article

He’s been given windburn by Thanks Forever twice already and Karis Teetan knows he’ll have his work cut out turning the tables in round three, this time with the Tony Cruz-trained Multimillion.Teetan was aboard second-placed Strathallan when Thanks Forever saluted on debut back in June of last year and also felt the wrath of John Moore’s precocious three-year-old when he upset Ricky Yiu Poon-fai’s much-vaunted youngster Voyage Warrior last month.On face value, the chances of Multimillion… View the full article

Guy Dragon impressed when knocking off the talented Band Of Brothers last start and jockey Chad Schofield is confident he can go back-to-back when he steps out in the Class Three Lung Mun Road Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Saturday.The Chris So Wai-yin-trained four-year-old is starting to find his feet and show his potential after being bought for HK$4.2 million at last year’s Hong Kong International Sale in March.Guy Dragon broke his maiden earlier this season and continued his upwards… View the full article

Sponsored by Alex Nichols Agency 2nd-BEL, MSW, $90k, 3yo/up, 1 1/4mT, 12:11 p.m. ET The regally bred BETTER TAPIT (Tapit) makes his debut early on Saturday’s blockbuster Belmont card. The 3-year-old is a son of the group stakes-placed mare Betterbetterbetter (Ire) (Galileo), who sold in foal to War Front to Mandy Pope’s Whisper Hill Farm for a sale-topping $5.2 million at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Betterbetterbetter is a half-sister to European Group I winning fillies Yesterday (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) and Quarter Moon (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells). Better Tapit is owned by Whisper Hill and Three Chimneys. TJCIS PPs 5th-CD, MSW, $95k, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 2:45 p.m. ET A member of her sire’s last crop, the Steve Asmussen-trained CONFESSING (Scat Daddy) blazed an eighth of a mile in :9 4/5 at the 2018 OBS March sale before being purchased for a sale-topping $875,000 by Phoenix Thoroughbreds. Previously a $160,000 KEENOV weanling and a $335,000 KEESEP RNA, the dark bay filly breezed a snappy bullet five-eights in :59 4/5 (1/10) here May 30 in preparation for her debut. Confessing is out of the 19-year-old mare Accusation (Royal Academy),who has produced eight winners from 13 foals, including the Grade III winner and track-record-setting Sharp Sensation (Sharp Humor). TJCIS PPs The post June 8 Insights: Sale Toppers Could Play Role in Saturday Maidens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising apprentice jockey Hazel Schofer had a day to remember at New Plymouth on Thursday, riding home three winners on her home track. Apprenticed to Allan Sharrock, Schofer scored an early double for local trainer Ian Adams with Tarabeebee and Aratoka, before winning for her boss aboard short-priced favourite Come Sei in the Stable Books Supporting NZ Trainers (1400m). Schofer, who has been riding on race day for less than a month, was delighted to pick up a treble so early in her riding car... View the full article

Stephanie Seymour Brant was surrounded by her husband and well-wishers as they celebrated a half-length victory by her 4-year-old filly Significant Form in the $200,000 Intercontinental Stakes (G3T) at Belmont Park. View the full article

Stephanie Seymour Brant was surrounded by her husband and well-wishers as they celebrated a half-length victory by the 4-year-old filly she owns, Significant Form, in the $200,000 Intercontinental Stakes (G3T) at Belmont Park. View the full article

Exciting three-year-old Vigor Winner will attempt to add a second stakes win to his tally when he lines-up in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The Declaration of War gelding finished unplaced in his first-up Australian run in the Gr.3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) last month and while trainer Lauren Brennan said his run was disappointing on face value, it proved to be a lot more pleasing upon review. “Initially we were disappointed with the run, but then looking back... View the full article

Trainer Jeremiah Englehart was likely holding his breath at the start of the $150,000 Astoria Stakes June 6, but by the end of the race his charge Maryanorginger broke her maiden first time out in the stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Belmont Park. View the full article

No Sham there as Mexican son comes up Roses View the full article

Simon Kok shows his polish on Roan Ranger and Augustano View the full article

Van der Merwe Dashes home after long run of outs View the full article

Commando strikes by surprise View the full article

Early scratchings June 9 View the full article

Horses' body weights June 7 View the full article

Track conditions and course scratchings June 7 View the full article

Early scratchings June 7 View the full article

Igraine has proven to be an astute purchase for Brent and Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud. The Taylor’s purchased the Galileo mare as a broodmare proposition for 65,000 Guineas in England through bloodstock agent Paul Moroney and she has quickly added to her value under the care of Robert Priscott. Igraine has won four of her 11 starts for the Te Awamutu trainer, including the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November and she has also finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) and Listed H... View the full article