Wandering Eyes

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday’s Insights features a half-brother to GSW Gravitation (GB). 1.40 Salisbury, Novice, £7,900, 2yo, 8fT GINISTRELLI (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) represents Bjorn Nielsen and Eastwind Racing Ltd and the Ed Walker stable on this racecourse bow, having cost 475,000gns at the Tattersalls October Book 1 Sale. A half-brother to the G3 Lillie Langtry S. winner Gravitation (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) from the immediate family of Fame and Glory (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}), the March-foaled bay has the credentials to go where Nielsen’s star stayer Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) has gone. 2.45 Salisbury, Novice, £7,900, 2yo, 6f 213yT COPAL (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is a half-brother to Juddmonte’s smart Monarchs Glen (GB) (Frankel {GB}) whose GIII Churchill Downs Distaff Turf Mile-winning dam Mirabilis (Lear Fan) was also third in the G1 Prix de la Foret. Ralph Beckett introduces the March-foaled bay against Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s Monsieur Noir (GB) (Shamardal), a 500,000gns TATOCT half-brother to Bonfire (GB) (Manduro {Ger}) and Joviality (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) who was third for the Roger Varian stable in a decent maiden at Doncaster last month. View the full article

The Breeders’ Cup is partnering with the Retired Racehorse Project ahead of their upcoming Thoroughbred Makeover, beginning Oct. 5. In addition to prize money and other merchandise, the rider of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred from the Thoroughbred Makeover will receive two tickets to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, where the recipient will be honored in the winner’s circle Friday, Nov. 2 between races. RRP will also be promoting Breeders’ Cup weekend to off-track Thoroughbred enthusiasts. “We are delighted to partner with the Retired Racehorse Project in support of the Thoroughbred Makeover and to honor the winning rider of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred at this year’s World Championships,” said Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup President and CEO. “In just a short time, the RRP has become a remarkable success story in not only expanding the market for retired racehorses, but increasing value and demand for them at the conclusion of their racing careers.” View the full article

The Darley Alcibiades Stakes (G1) kicks off Keeneland's stakes-studded fall meet Oct. 5 with a full field of 2-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles. The likely favorite will Three Chimneys Farm and Fern Circle Stables' stakes-winning Restless Rider. View the full article

The Darley Alcibiades Stakes (G1) kicks off Keeneland's stakes-studded fall meet Oct. 5 with a full field of 2-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles. The likely favorite will Three Chimneys Farm and Fern Circle Stables' stakes-winning Restless Rider. View the full article

During the upcoming fall meet to be held Oct. 5-27, Keeneland will unveil BETology 101 and 201 sessions, a new fan education program for beginner- and intermediate-level fans, and will expand outreach to patrons on the ground/ “These initiatives build on our signature BETology program to provide short-form betting content to the thousands of enthusiastic fans who visit Keeneland each,” Christa Marrillia, Keeneland Chief Marketing Officer, said. “True to its founding mission, Keeneland is committed to investing in the growth and development of the sport of racing and we believe our new offerings can help us engage these fans responsibly and create lifelong fans of the sport.” Daily BETology 101 and 201 at Wagering Central on the first-floor grandstand will offer short-form educational sessions for beginning handicappers at 12:05 p.m. ET and intermediate handicappers at 12:20 p.m., with content varying daily. Topics for the beginner will include “The Vocabulary of Betting” and “Understanding Odds,” while intermediate fans may enjoy such topics as “The Art of Configuring a Ticket” or “Play Like a Player” sessions on Saturdays that teach fans how to handicap. BETologists will also have new education materials to appeal to the intermediate bettor, including instruction on how to read and understand past performances in the Daily Racing Form and how to use key indicators to guide a betting strategy. BETologists will do betting demonstrations among large tailgating groups and highly congregated areas on the campus roam The Hill and parking lots in a specially branded BETmobile golf cart. In select dining areas at the track, large groups will have the option to Book a BETologist for their table during the race day to teach betting basics, offer selections and provide additional wagering information. View the full article

KILL, Ireland—It was always likely to be a head-to-head contest between two extremely well-related Galileo (Ire) fillies to take top billing at Goffs and the first to take to the stage, the sister to Coolmore’s treble Group 1 winner Alice Springs (Ire), duly holds that honour—for now—as the dust settles on a buoyant first day of trade at the Orby Sale. A bid of €2 million from Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ principal Amer Abdulaziz was what it took to ensure that the chestnut daughter of Aleagueoftheirown (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) (lot 165) would one day be part of the team’s broodmare band, which is currently under construction. First, though, the racecourse beckons and Abdulaziz, at the Orby Sale for the first time, had to outbid MV Magnier and Laurent Benoit to ensure that the filly will race in the silks which have been carried to Group 1 glory this season by Advertise (GB) (Showcasing {GB}). He said, “The mare has already produced a Group 1 winner and this is the kind of filly we need to be buying. As well as being so well bred she was very athletic, a good walker, and we liked her right from the start. We’ll get her home and let her be a horse again before deciding on who will train her.” Bred by Lynch-Bages and Longfield Stud and consigned through Glenvale Stud, the filly’s dam has been mated consistently with Coolmore’s champion sire and, along with Alice Springs, four more of her offspring have earned black type, including current 3-year-old Hence (Ire), who has been highly tried this season with 15 starts and was recently third in the G3 Snow Fairy Fillies’ S. The top lot was one of five yearlings added to the Phoenix Thoroughbreds roster on Tuesday for a total of €2,790,000. The quintet included a full-brother to G3 Hackwood S. winner and young stallion Heeraat (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) (lot 125), a bold €340,000 foal pinhook by the High Valley Equine syndicate who sold for €360,000 through Anna Sundstrom’s Coulonces Sales on his second visit to the Goffs ring. Sell, Sleep, Repeat “Now we need to do it all again tomorrow,” said Henry Beeby as he delivered the day’s statistics to the press room at the end of an extremely lively opening session, but he could be forgiven if he drove home with a hint of a contented smile on his face. The Goffs Managing Director had noted the increased range of international buyers in position on Monday along with his company’s decision to focus on quality and keep a tight hold on numbers at the Orby Sale. Both factors contributed to an impressive set of first-day figures. Most important was the clearance rate of 88% for 167 yearlings sold of the 190 offered. This led to a 14% increase in aggregate to €24,085,000, with the average improving by 33% to €144,222 and the median by 27% to €85,000. Backing up the day’s millionairess were 77 yearlings who sold for six-figure sums. King For A Day The profile of Juddmonte’s Kingman (GB) among this year’s first-season sires has risen swiftly in recent weeks and his son out of Mountarmstrong Stud’s Alexander Queen (Ire) (King’s Best) did not go unnoticed as he followed the session’s top lot into the ring as lot 166 to become the most expensive colt of the day at €850,000. David Redvers bought the half-brother to listed winner Alkasser (Ire) (Shamardal) on behalf of Qatar Racing, part-owner of Kingman’s recent winner Sparkle Roll (Fr), the half-sister to last year’s Derby winner Wings Of Eagles (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}). “The sire has made a good start and we have a very nice filly by him as well as a couple of others that we like,” Redvers said. “We are delighted as in our opinion this was the nicest colt in the sale.” The colt’s dam, a juvenile winner herself, is a half-sister to Dandy Man (Ire) (Mozart {Ire}) and to G2 Queen Mary S. winner Anthem Alexander (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), all of whom were bred at Mountarmstrong by Noel O’Callaghan. Earlier in the session, Redvers also signed for lot 35, Croom House Stud’s filly by Iffraaj (GB) out of the G3 Prix Miesque runner-up Pussycat Lips (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), a half-sister to the dual winner and Group 3-placed Special Purpose (Ire) (Scat Daddy), at €110,000. Player’s Pleased With Tasleet’s Sister An outlay of €220,000 for a foal is not for the fainthearted when the aim is to resell at a profit less than a year later. Mick Flanagan’s purchase of a Whitsbury Manor Stud-bred filly by one of the most in-demand stallions around in Showcasing (GB), whose full-brother is a multiple Group-winning sprinter, may have looked bold but the agent, with his partners David Cox and David Myerscough, was rewarded when Mark Player went to €850,000 to buy the Baroda & Colbinstown Studs-consigned sister to Shadwell’s Tasleet (GB) (lot 203). Kerri Radcliffe, David Redvers and Laurent Benoit were among those in pursuit of the filly who also has another top sprinter, Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), under her second dam, but Player, acting on behalf of an unnamed “international client” prevailed. He said, “We know that Showcasing works well in both hemispheres and this filly’s full-brother is a terrific horse who will be retiring to Nunnery Stud next year. She looks like she could be quite an early type and there’s such a good programme for sprinters here now. She’s a horse who will be a lovely addition to a broodmare band in time.” No Flash In The Pan Kingman wasn’t the only freshman sire to get his name on the day’s leader board. No Nay Never, who currently leads the first season sires’ table and notched his first Group 1 winner at the weekend following the victory of Ten Sovereigns in the Juddmonte Middle Park S., provided an early session topper when another filly from the Glenvale Stud draft (lot 100) experienced a massive increase from her foal price to sell for €700,000 to MV Magnier. Flash Conroy selected the second foal of the 3-year-old winner Starlet (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) for €52,000 at the November Sale from breeder Springbank Way Stud. Her deeper family is one well known to Coolmore as the filly’s third dam Kasora (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) has provided them not only with dual Derby winner High Chaparral (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) but also his brother, the G2 Dante S. winner Black Bear Island (Ire). Furthermore, Kasora’s unraced daughter Mora Bai (Ire) (Indian Ridge {GB}) is responsible for this season’s G3 Hampton Court S. winner Hunting Horn (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). “She was a great mover with a lot of quality and Flash Conroy had a very high opinion of her,” said Magnier of his purchase. “Ten Sovereigns should be a pretty special horse next year and No Nay Never is flying, thank God.” Glenvale Stud is currently the leading Orby consignor with 11 yearlings sold for €3,968,000. Stars Out For Mount Coote Nine years after Sea The Stars (Ire) won the Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe, he has an excellent chance of being represented as the winning sire on Sunday via his dual Oaks-winning daughter Sea Of Class (Ire), but prior to that, another of his daughters played a leading role at Goffs on Tuesday when selling to Godolphin for €750,000. Sold as lot 140 for breeder Ling Tsui, who owns Sea Of Class, the filly is the second foal of juvenile winner Valais Girl (GB) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), herself a great grand-daughter of Alidiva (GB) (Chief Singer {GB}) whose three Group 1 winners include Valais Girl’s grandam Sleepytime (Ire) (Royal Academy). “She was just one of those horses who was naturally athletic. I don’t think I’ve ever shown a yearling more times at a sale and she put on the same show at 5pm as she did at 8am,” said consignor Luke Lillingston, whose Mount Coote Stud enjoyed a banner day at Goffs with four yearlings sold for an average price of €301,750. “The filly was raised at Gilltown Stud and the mare was bought by John Clarke for Mrs Tsui. We’ve had other members of the Alligatrix family at Mount Coote over the years—Sleepytime and her dam Alidiva—so it was nice to be involved with this filly. I hope she goes on to be very lucky for Sheikh Mohammed.” Another good return for Mount Coote Stud came five lots later when the Frankel (GB) colt out of listed winner Vital Statistics (GB) (Indian Ridge {GB}) brought €400,000 to a bid from Stephen Hillen. Lot 145, whose 4-year-old brother Golden Hooves (GB) has won twice this year in France for Nicolas Clement, will be trained by Kevin Ryan. Godolphin’s High Five In addition to the Sea The Stars filly, Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin team signed for another four yearlings during the session and was second only to Phoenix Thoroughbreds on the buyers’ sheet for total outlay. Lot 37, a Siyouni (Fr) colt from the high-achieving Meon Valley Stud family of Reprocolor, was the first purchase of the day, with Sheikh Mohammed standing alongside Anthony Stroud as he signed for the colt at €350,000. The third foal of the unraced Queen Arbella (GB) (Medicean {GB}), a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Poet (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) had been bought at Arqana last December for €72,000 by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock on behalf of Tally-Ho Stud, which consigned the half-brother to Garden Oasis (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), a winner this year for Robert Ng and Sir Michael Stoute. Godolphin Japan’s Harry Sweeney also figured among the first-day purchasers, going to €240,000 for lot 16, Lodge Park Stud’s Lope De Vega (Ire) filly out of the Italian Group 3 winner Palanca (GB) (Inchinor {GB}). Off To A Flyer Early signs that the session would be strong came as the sale started on a positive note when American-based agent Shawn Dugan stepped in to buy the second horse through the ring, a Frankel (GB) half-sister to crack sprinter Kingsgate Native (Ire) (Mujadil) for €500,000. Bred by Coolmore, lot 2 was consigned by Baroda & Colbinstown Studs. The Frankel filly was followed by the first yearling by the freshman Free Eagle (Ire) to sell at the Orby and he was given a big vote of confidence by Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell team, which went to €400,000 for the half-brother to G3 Concorde S. winner Yellow Rosebud (Ire) (Jeremy), who was bred and consigned by the Irish National Stud, where his young sire stands. The colt (lot 3), who hails from the further family of Shadwell’s Group 3 winner Heeraat (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), is a son of the unraced Nebraas (GB) (Green Desert), whose seven runners are all winners, including listed victrix Seeharn (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). “It’s great that he’s going to Shadwell and to have had Ross Doyle as the underbidder,” said the Irish National Stud Manager Cathal Beale. “Ger Lyons also bought a Free Eagle yearling early today so that’s really positive from our perspective.” He added, “Nebraas has been a remarkable mare for the stud, a real top producer, and she has a Siyouni colt at foot and is in foal to another of our young stallions, Decorated Knight.” Muhaarar Colt For Shadwell Beach Bunny (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), a 25,000gns yearling purchase, did her owner Lady O’Reilly proud in her racing days, winning a listed race and being touched off by a short-head in the G1 Pretty Polly S. by Dar Re Mi (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), and she has continued her success story at stud. Two of her offspring—Naadirr (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Beach Belle (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire})—are now listed winners and the mare’s latest yearling (lot 198), a first-crop son of Muhaarar (GB), brought Skymarc Farm a bid of €500,000 from Shadwell’s Stephen Collins. Latrobe’s Brother To Hong Kong A Zoffany (Ire) half-brother to G1 Irish Derby winner Latrobe (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) will eventually race in Hong Kong after being bought by agent Suzanne Roberts for €325,000. Lot 42 was bred by Sweetmans Bloodstock and sold by Joe Hernon’s Castletown Stud. “He’s been bought for Ben Wong and will go to Hong Kong after starting off here,” said Roberts. “The same owner has this colt’s half-brother Entangling, who I bought here a few years ago and he will be returning from Hong Kong to be trained by Davis Elsworth in the UK.” She added, “The mare tends to throw to the sire, which in my experience is usually a sign that they’re good. She’s a young Shamardal mare who has done nothing wrong so far.” In addition to his Classic-winning half-sibling, the colt is also a half-brother to the G3 Gladness S. winner Diamond Fields (Ire), who, like the aforementioned dual winner Entangling (Ire), is by Fastnet Rock (Aus). The second and final part of the Orby Sale begins at the earlier time of 10am. View the full article

The Churchill Downs Racing Club has been chosen as the 2018 Owner of the Year, presented by Fasig-Tipton, Owner View announced Tuesday. The award, which honors a new owner who has been successful in the sport and made a positive impact on the industry, will be presented at the Thoroughbred Owner Conference Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Louisville, KY. The Churchill Downs Racing Club was founded in 2016 through the creation of two racing clubs of 200 members each. Since its inception, the club has campaigned eight different horses from six different groups. Overall, more than 1,000 individual members have participated in the Churchill Downs Racing Club, and more than 50 of those individuals have gone on to own horses on their own or by joining other syndicates. To date, the club’s most successful horse is GSW & GISP Warrior’s Club (Warrior’s Reward). “We are extremely proud and thankful for the honor of being awarded ‘New Owner of the Year,'” said Gary Palmisano Jr., VIP Player Services Manager, Churchill Downs. “It has been an amazing journey for all of our members, and it is extremely exciting to be able to bring so many new people into Thoroughbred ownership. It has been extremely rewarding knowing that over 50 of our members have made the next step in ownership in some form.” The New Owner of the Year Award has been previously presented to Charles and Susan Chu, Sol Kumin, and LNJ Foxwoods. The conference will offer three days of presentations, trips to farms in the Lexington area, a reception at the Kentucky Derby Museum, networking opportunities and the option to attend the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. View the full article

I enjoyed reading Bill Finley’s article about Tony Black. Amazing! There is a comment that the oldest jockey to win a race was 69. The Chilean, Emeterio Guzmán, who recently died in a racing accident, was 72 when he won his last race. He was a friend of mine and much loved in the Chilean racing community. He even had a brief stint with Richard Mandella in California. Bill might have been referring to just in the USA. Guzmán was born in 1945 and died in a training accident on July 22, 2018. He won his first race on January 17, 1965 and his last on the 5th of March of 2018 at 72 years of age. He spent seven months in California in 1971 and won some races there also. I’m including a video that was made in his honor after he passed away and also one of his last win. He was loved by everyone and never missed a day of morning workouts. I knew that he would be there waiting with a big smile on his face whenever I went to the stables at the Club Hípico de Santiago. —John Fulton View the full article

Keeneland has cataloged 4,509 horses for its 2018 November Breeding Stock Sale, which will run Nov. 5-16. The catalogue is available online and the print version will be mailed out the week of Oct. 15. The 4,509 horses in the November Sale catalog include 2,257 broodmares and racing or broodmare prospects, 1,788 weanlings, 453 horses of racing age and 11 stallions. Two horses are late entries to the auction. “The strong global appeal of the November Sale sets it apart from all other breeding stock sales,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing and Sales Bob Elliston said. “This auction is the primary source for domestic and international buyers for stakes-winning fillies and stakes-producing mares in foal to the world’s most exciting stallions while being a key market for weanlings and horses of racing age. We look forward to the November Sale building on the strength of the recent September Sale and the excitement of the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs.” In a change of format for 2018, the November Sale will open Monday, Nov. 5 at 12p.m., with an exclusive Book 1 session featuring 247 horses. The remaining sessions will begin at 10a.m. Book 1 highlights include champion Lady Eli (Divine Park), who is carrying her first foal by War Front; and Grade I winners Dream Tree (Uncle Mo), Lady Ivanka (Tiz Wonderful), Sailor’s Valentine (Mizzen Mast) and Vasilika (Skipshot). The weanling portion is headlined by half-sister to champions Arrogate and Honor Code. The November Sale also includes the dispersal of Edward A. Cox, for whom Claiborne Farm will serve as agent. The Cox dispersal has cataloged 22 horses, including broodmares and weanlings. View the full article

John Oxley’s Grade I winners Pretty City Dancer (Tapit–Pretty City, by Carson City) and La Coronel (Colonel John–Listen, by Chester House) will be offered through the Taylor Made consignment at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale Nov. 4. “I’ve had so much fun at the yearling auctions the past few years that I felt it was time to generate some revenue to reinvest in the yearling market,” Oxley said. “It was not an easy decision for me, but I am very excited about the future of our stable.” The 4-year-old Pretty City Dancer, an $825,000 KEESEP buy and half-sister to GISW Lear’s Princess (Lear Fan), is carrying her first foal by Medaglia d’Oro. The Mark Casse pupil captured the 2016 Debutante S. at Churchill Downs and dead-heated in that year’s GI Spinaway S. at Saratoga. The gray retired at the end of last term with a record of 11-3-1-1 and earnings of $286,344. La Coronel, also trained by Casse, was quite a force on the turf, winning the 2016 GIII Jessamine S. off an impressive graduation at Saratoga. The $375,000 KEESEP took it to the next level in 2017, capturing the GIII Appalachian S. and GIII Edgewood S. and scoring a career in the GI QEII Challenge Cup. The 4-year-old made her last start in June and her record stands at 17-5-3-1 with earnings of $838,344. View the full article

Silvestre de Sousa has been booked to ride Withhold (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) in the G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup as long as the gelding makes the field for the ‘race that stops a nation’ on Nov. 6. The champion jockey comes in for the mount as Robert Winston, who steered the Roger Charlton-trained 5-year-old to victory in the Northumberland Plate, would be unable to do the weight. Withhold has been given 8st 5lb in the two-mile showpiece, which is within De Sousa’s range, and he was successful on the gelding in the Cesarewitch last autumn. “It’s very exciting,” said De Sousa’s agent, Shelley Dwyer. “Hopefully everything goes ok and he gets in the race. Reports are good. I’m not sure what the plans are. The horses got held up flying over. Obviously because he rode him in the Cesarewitch and he was going to have a lower weight that Robert Winston couldn’t do, Silvestre was offered the ride.” View the full article

The unique open stretch of the renovated ParisLongchamp will not be utilised during the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Tromphe weekend on Oct. 6-7, France Galop announced on Tuesday. The decision was made due to concerns that the ground conditions would be affected for Sunday’s card by Saturday’s racing action. The rail will be set at 16 metres on Oct. 6, with the true rail being used the day after, which will see six Group 1 races contested on a six-metre wide strip of fresh ground. “It is our duty to provide the best possible ground for all competitors so that they can all give their best,” said France Galop’s Managing Director Olivier Delloye. “The introduction of the open stretch, even without an widened rail, would not allow us to take full advantage of a portion of ground completely new next to the rail. The open stretch naturally leads the horses to a section of the track that has been used intensively since the spring. We have decided to give up the open stretch the day before too. The open stretch has considerably improved the regularity of the races but the top priority is the quality of the course we offer. When the two do not prove compatible, the choice imposes itself. “ View the full article

The Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) victory went to Discreet Lover, a 45-1 shot purchased for $10,000 by Uriah St. Lewis, a Parx Racing-based, 60-year-old owner/trainer born in Trinidad. View the full article

Umberto Rispoli feels the weight is off his shoulders after notching his first victory of the season on Monday and he’s hoping to keep the good form rolling when he partners Glorious Artist at Happy Valley. The Italian jockey had to wait until the seventh meeting of the season to get off the mark, guiding Benno Yung Tin-pang’s Full Of Chances to victory at Sha Tin, and he is out to build some momentum with fives rides on Wednesday night. “This place is tough,” Rispoli,... View the full article

A stint at Conghua may prove to be just what is needed for the Chris So Wai-yin-trained galloper Thou Shall Sing after the gelding failed to breakthrough for a win last season despite coming close on two occasions. So said the four-year-old was typically a “nervous” horse, but has since matured after spending two months at the new state-of-the-art training facility in mainland China. Depending on Wednesday night’s result, So said he would be happy to continue to commute his... View the full article

A runaway horse disturbed French punters after bursting into a sports bar in Chantilly last month. The PMU bar, which is the state tote, is more used to the horses being on the screens but that changed after a horse from a local racing stable made the mile long journey to the bar after throwing off its rider. Security footage captured the moment that the runaway decided to make the old joke about a horse walking into a bar a reality. Thankfully there were no long faces as the horse was safely... View the full article

TIMONIUM, MD. – Fasig-Tipton’s 2018 Midlantic Fall Yearlings Sale began its two-day run in Timonium Monday evening, with 103 horses selling for a total of $2,384,700. A Maryland-bred Uncle Mo colt (Hip 12) topped the action, hammering for $200,000 to bloodstock agent Jimmy Crupi, anchoring a session which saw an average of $23,152 and a median of $15,000. With the sale entering its second year of a two-day format in which the first 150 lots are offered on Monday evening, the 2018 renewal saw a marked decrease in RNAs, with just a 20.16% buy-back rate–compared to 36.72% during last year’s opening session. A more robust session featuring the final 350 lots will be held Tuesday, with action resuming in Timonium at 10 a.m. Uncle Mo Colt Catches Crupi’s Eye Jimmy Crupi purchased the mighty Uncle Mo for $220,000 on behalf of Repole Stables as a Keeneland September yearling in 2009, so it came as little surprise that Hip 12–a son of the 2010 champion juvenile–was on the Florida horseman’s radar. Crupi helped get the Midlantic sale off to a flying start Monday afternoon when securing the colt, a half-brother to MSW Who’s in Town (Speightstown), for $200,000 on behalf of owner Albert Frassetto. “I bought Uncle Mo, so I look for the Uncle Mos,” Crupi said, joking that he was fortunate to secure the Maryland-bred at a price just above his reserve out of the Northview Stallion Station consignment. “For an Uncle Mo, he’s well worth that money. He stuck out, and he looks like he can run.” Frassetto enjoyed considerable success in recent years with veteran turf campaigner Can’thelpbelieving (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}), who captured the GII Sky Classic S. and GIII Cliff Hanger S. and placed in two Grade I events for trainer Graham Motion. Hip 12’s dam Who’s Cozy (Cozzene) was graded stakes-placed, while his second dam is MGSW Who Did It and Run (Polish Numbers), herself the dam of MSW and MGSP Giant Run (Giant’s Causeway). “He’ll go straight to the farm and he’ll be a racehorse–no doubt about it,” Crupi concluded. Timely Update for Declaration of War Filly Hip 144, a Declaration of War filly from a deep Juddmonte family of Grade I performers, received a further boost when Qabala, her 2-year-old half-sister by Scat Daddy, won her debut in a maiden event at Newmarket for trainer Roger Varian Saturday. That update proved to be well-timed, as the Declaration of War filly was purchased for $102,000 over the phone late Monday by Ocala horseman Ciaran Dunne. Newtown Anner Stud acquired the Scat Daddy filly alongside her dam Entwine–herself a half-sister to GSW and MGISP Filimbi (Mizzen Mast) out of GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Alabama S. winner Flute (Seattle Slew)–and parted ways with her for $300,000 at Fasig-Tipton’s 2016 November Sale. Entwine, who was carrying Hip 144 in utero when Newtown Anner snagged her for $170,000 at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton July Sale, has quickly proven to be a promising acquisition. “It’s a filly from a beautiful female family, and I think they did great,” said Nick Sallusto, who along with Hanzly Albina manages the U.S. bloodstock of the Regan family’s Newtown Anner. “The update was very timely. That Scat Daddy filly was absolutely a star when we had her. We bought the mare with the Scat Daddy by her side, and she really sold the mare to us. She was spectacular. It looks like things are playing out in the right direction. There’s a beautiful Mineshaft filly on the ground. Hopefully we can keep one of these one day and keep developing them ourselves.” Dunne, speaking shortly after placing the winning bid, said the filly was purchased to pinhook and will possibly go to the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale next March. “She’s a really attractive, racy filly,” Dunne said. “Her half-sister won a good maiden at Newmarket first-out on Saturday and is highly thought of.” View the full article

Mertens looking to make the most of two Kranji meetings View the full article

Silkino faces big test in Sunday's 1000m dash View the full article

The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred stakeholders are invested in educating others on the nuances of the equine industry. They are committed to the future of the industry and giving the next generation opportunities to learn about the possibilities a career working with these majestic animals has to offer. At PA Day at the Races, which was held Sept. 1 at Parx Racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) showcased the best Thoroughbreds in PA to 4-H members from across the state. The event was coordinated by the State Horse Racing Commission and Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association (PHRA), in conjunction with Parx Racing, PHBA, Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA), Turning for Home, and other industry professionals. It included a tour of the backside of Parx racetrack, presentations from industry professionals, and the thrill of watching a live race named for 4-H. It concluded with a group picture taken with the winning jockey. This was the first event of its kind at Parx Racing, and 4-H members responded with enthusiasm. Available spots were filled within 24 hours, and there was a wait list for additional members interested in attending. The day began with an introduction and warm welcome from the Pennsylvania Horse Breeder Association’s Executive Secretary Brian Sanfratello and PHRA Marketing Director Ashley Eisenbeil. The 4-H’s Andrea Kocher was also on hand and expressed how special an opportunity like this was, “The youth have a chance to learn about the equine industry as well as the Thoroughbred aspect of the industry, so this is a very unique experience.” From there, the attendees got to learn all about Parx Racing’s Turning for Home from program administrator Danielle Montgomery. Turning for Home, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which has provided over 2,300 retired racehorses with a safe environment. The program, created by Executive Director Mike Ballezzi and the PTHA, has revolutionized the model for horse racing retirement. The PTHA had the foresight to recognize the need within the industry to care for retired racehorses who would have otherwise faced an uncertain future. The 4-H members learned that being part of the horse racing industry means caring for their own, and ensuring the safety of these amazing animals before, during, and after their racing careers. Kate DeMasi, first female Parx Hall of Fame trainer and member of the PTHA board, was on hand to educate 4-H youth on the organization and ways that the Pennsylvania horse racing industry is committed to caring for all of their Thoroughbreds. Dr. Tom Lurito provided an educational demonstration of how racehorses are microchipped and explained, “Eventually all of our horses will be microchipped, helping us to identify them in the paddock and coming in and out of the track.” Not only does microchipping aid in tracking horses while at a race, but it also helps in cases of disease outbreaks by allowing veterinarians to quickly identify any horses that were in attendance at an event, thus allowing for quicker treatment. Continuing on the theme of horse safety, farrier John Homa gave a demonstration and explanation on the need for properly-fitted horseshoes. As he stated, a very popular expression on the track is “no feet, no horse.” Similar to humans, if a horse can’t walk well, then it can’t run well. Therefore, it is crucial that horses are properly fitted for shoes to maintain their health and safety on the track.” Veterinarian Dr. Art Stitzer from Thoroughbred Veterinary Services was also on hand to give the 4-H members information on the role a vet plays in the safety and welfare of the Thoroughbreds throughout their lives. After the morning events, the members were given an amazing opportunity to attend a presentation by Hall of Fame jockey Tony Black who discussed his career and the equipment used by jockeys. Black’s 43-year career includes 5,218 winners in an incredible 33,876 rides. Meeting this inspiring jockey was a highlight of the day as he is a legend in the horse racing industry with a highly celebrated career. The event concluded with the 4-H members watching a thrilling live race and having a group photo taken with jockey Mychel J. Sanchez. After all the excitement of the day, the members and their families were free to enjoy the rest of the race day at Parx Racing. The goal of this event was to “give an inside look at what happens on the backstretch here at Parx Racing, educate 4-H members, and hopefully start growing the industry with future trainers, jockeys, veterinarians and owners. Judging by the success of PA Day at the Races, it seems the future of horse racing is in good hands. View the full article

Thoroughbred Women’s Network will present Women: Racing Ahead, a Ted Talk-like discussion with prominent female professionals, as part of this year’s Breeders Cup Festival. The event will take place Nov. 1 at the Kentucky Derby Museum beginning at 1 p.m. and will feature Laura Schwab, President of Aston Martin the Americas, and Neeli Bendapudi, President of the University of Louisville. The Thoroughbred Women’s Network was founded with the goal of encouraging mentorship and developing a network for aspiring women in the Thoroughbred industry. Registration for the event, which includes beverages and refreshments, is open with tickets available on TWN’s website or at: buytickets.at/thoroughbredwomensnetwork. View the full article

Sunday would have been the perfect occasion for Tony Black to retire, and he knows it. The 67-year-old jockey won his 5,210th race and won it for one of his best friends in the business, trainer Richie Vega. His son wants him to quit. His mother wants him to quit. And his career win total ends in an even number, which he says is important to him because of what he admits is some strange obsession he has against odd numbers. “Just an OCD thing, I guess,” Black said. Black thought about retiring after winning Sunday’s ninth race at Parx aboard Popizar (Tapizar)…for about three seconds. He was told to retire by doctors after he broke his back in 2007. He announced his retirement after he won his 5,200th race in 2013 on a horse trained by another son. He did walk away for a bit and did not ride in 2016, but returned in July, 2017. He told everybody that time he would retire for real once he won one more race. He got his winner. He didn’t retire. “I guess it’s hard to turn loose of something you love so much,” he said. What now? “I want to win a race when I’m 70,” he said. Black is not the first jockey to continue to ride when they should be home collecting social security checks and watching Wheel of Fortune, but he seems to have actually figured out how to make this work. “After his “retirement” in 2013 he continued to exercise horses most mornings at Parx and trainers, seeing that he still looked fine on a horse would ask him to accept rides in the afternoon. He couldn’t say no in 2014 when trainer Michael Aro asked him to ride the filly Winning Image (Southern Image). Black rode her seven times, winning three stakes aboard her. That made him realize that his age really wasn’t an impediment, if he did things right. By working out regularly at home and by galloping horses, Black always stayed in shape. “I think there’s no one in all of America who is 67 years old who is as fit as he is,” Vega said. “This guy is amazing.” He couldn’t ride 300 horses a year, but why couldn’t he ride 20? He also figured out how to get the best out of a horse without overtaxing himself. “Of course it’s harder to do things when you are 67, especially when you have broken just about every bone in your body,” he said. “But it’s about learning how to really relax, and utilize yourself efficiently. You leave the gate, you’re not pumping and scrubbing, you’re letting the horse do the work in the early stages of the race and you’re sitting there relaxed, breathing good, biding time until you have to get into that hard physical drive.” Black rode his first race on June 16, 1970 at Liberty Bell. It didn’t take long to show he had talent. His first mount won and paid $106.40. Over the ensuing years, he won numerous riding titles at Garden State and Parx, which was formerly known as Keystone and Philadelphia Park. He is the leading rider in the history of Parx. His last full year of riding was in 2010 when he won 37 races. He was winless in 2015, didn’t ride in 2016 and then rode one winner last year from 12 mounts. Black has also ridden in 12 races this year. The one thing that does give him pause about continuing is the death of Jose Flores, who was killed in a spill at Parx in March. “What has caused a lot of anxiety for everybody is the situation that occurred here earlier in the year where a good, older rider was killed, Jose Flores,” he said. “It puts a thought in your mind, that this could happen to anybody. It was a horrible experience that we all endured and will never get over it. You go past the part of the racetrack where he hit the ground and you think about him. There aren’t many days that go by where you don’t think about Jose.” He doesn’t know when his next mount will be. Oftentimes, he’ll just tell Vega he’d like to ride a particular horse in his barn that he’s been working. But there’s little doubt that there will be another mount. It is believed that the oldest jockey to ever win a race is Willie Clark, who had a winner at age 69 in 1991 at Charles Town. It’s very possible that no one 70 or older has ever ridden a winner. “That’s my next goal,” Black said. “I’m going to win a race at 70. Absolutely. I’m 67, and it’s going to be a long three years, but I’ll still be getting on horses in the morning, which I really enjoy, and I’ll stay fit. When I’m 70, I’m going to win a race. If you just looked at me and didn’t know my age or look at my birth certificate, you’d say that guy looks really good on a horse, he gets them around there the way you’re supposed to get them around there.” If so, if he wins as a 70-year-old, will he retire then? With Black, there’s never any way to tell. View the full article

The Breeders’ Cup and Univeristy of Louisville are collaborating on a new communications course designed to provide students with practical experience and industry-level knowledge of the social media and public relations fields. The course tasks 16 undergraduate and graduate students with marketing the upcoming 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, taking place at Churchill Downs Nov. 2 and 3. Students will be presenting recommendations for social media coverage early in October and will play a key role in implementing their strategy both onsite at Churchill Downs and remotely. They will also present a final report demonstrating how successfully goals were reached and providing key takeaways for future Breeders’ Cup World Championships at the end of the course. “We are excited to collaborate with the University of Louisville to provide this unique opportunity for students looking to build their practical knowledge and experience in the competitive field of communications,” said Bryan Pettigrew, Chief Marketing Officer of Breeders’ Cup. “Every year we seek out interesting ways to collaborate with the local community, and together with our social media agency, Grand Slam Social, we are particularly excited to engage with local students. We look forward to seeing what they come up with to help promote this world-class event.” View the full article

In a division that has been searching for a clear-cut leader since the year started, Adam Wachtel believes he has a candidate in Channel Maker poised to take charge among older turf males. View the full article

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America will collectively honor the heroes of the San Luis Rey Training Center fire with its White Horse Award during a luncheon at Churchill Downs Nov. 1. Established in 2003, the White Horse Awards recognizes individuals within the horse racing industry for their acts of selflessness and bravery. The RTCA will also present its Community Service Award to All American Ruidoso Downs ownership and management, which constructed a chapel on the grounds of Ruidoso earlier this year. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will be the featured guest speaker at the luncheon, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Triple Crown Room. For tickets, visit www.rtcanational.org/events. View the full article