Wandering Eyes

Oaklawn will dramatically alter its 2025-2026 racing schedule, moving to more four-day weeks while greatly reducing its January footprint, after its request for 64 racing dates (Dec. 12-May 2), was unanimously approved by the Arkansas Racing Commission Thursday morning in Little Rock, the track said in a press release on Thursday. Oaklawn will open a week later and again close Kentucky Derby Day. The Hot Springs oval is scheduled to race nine days in December–Friday, Saturday and Sunday–before its first of 10 scheduled four-day race weeks (Jan. 1-4). Expanded race weeks are the result of the track returning Thursdays to its schedule. The racing calendar evolved into a mostly Friday-Sunday format after the track extended its season into May in 2019 and began opening in December in 2021. Under Arkansas law, Oaklawn is capped at 68 live racing dates each year. The new racing schedule was endorsed by the Arkansas division of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. After racing Jan. 1-4, Oaklawn will be dark until Jan. 30, the last of six scheduled dates for the month. The track will then shift to mostly four-day race weeks (Thursday-Sunday) for the remainder of the season. The post January Mostly Dark As Oaklawn’s New ’25-’26 Schedule Approved appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Trainer Brendon Hill has no concerns about Arthur Shelby stepping up in grade at Addington tonight. Because he knows where the exciting pacer is heading. Arthur Shelby has won three of his four starts and was brave beating Trump Card in a R50-60 race at Addington last Friday. He moves into R58-69 grade in the Share The Dream With Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace (8.35pm) against the likes of Xlendi and Radha tonight but Hill says the son of Bettor’s Delight isn’t finished winning yet. “I am not saying he will win this week but he is definitely heading to a better grade than this,” he told HRNZ. “I have had horses like Dalton Bromac, who won 10 races, and I think this horse is in his class. “He may have to try something different this week as he has barrier 1 and while he won his maiden from that draw trying to lead all the way in this grade could be harder. “Whether he can do that I don’t know, or whether he even trails then re-takes.” That decision will ultimately lie with Hill’s 19-year-old son Seth, who has driven Arthur Shelby in all three of his wins and with 13 victories this season is already ahead of the total he won for the whole of last term. “Seth is driving really well and we are proud of him,” says Hill. “He has been a big part of this horse’s success with those wins earning him four ratings points instead of eight.” Even with the discounts Arthur Shelby, named after the character in Peaky Blinders, looks headed to the verge of open class so punters could do worse than take his $2.10 tonight. “He is getting better all the time. Last week I gave him his first serious heat training over a mile and he worked like a good horse.” Meanwhile, Hill says his stable star Renegade will contest the Superstars at Addington next Friday and he is working back from New Zealand Cup day with the big pacer. “We gave him his chances in those country cups races so he could tell us whether he is going to mature into a good standing start stayer in time for something like the Cup. “Hopefully in the spring we will know whether we have a Cup horse of a Free-For-All horse.” Tonight’s trotting feature is the TK Plastering About Now Handicap for the female trotters and after her easy last start win in Sires’ Stakes Aged Classic, Nellie Doyle has to be the one to beat. She downed Rowe Cup contender Mighty Logan that night and her improvement curve still appears to be on the up for trainer Tim Trathen. View the full article

Friday Night Lights will be stacked with Group racing at Alexandra park tonight, highlighted by the Rowe Cup and the Roy Purdon Memorial. Mighty Logan “can win” Rowe Cup By Michael Guerin The man who knows how to win Rowe Cups is starting to believe his next one might come sooner than expected – like at Alexandra Park just after 9.30pm tonight with Mighty Logan. John Dunn reined Sundees Son to win Auckland’s biggest trotting race in 2019 and 2021, only Covid canning the 2020 Cup costing him a likely treble. Tonight he returns to Alexandra Park with Mighty Logan, who is no Sundees Son just yet but probably won’t have to be. The heavily-backed trotter led and won the Anzac Cup last Friday when gifted a front line advantage over key rivals Oscar Bonavena and Muscle Mountain and he gets the same tonight as the big two fared poorly in the random draw. Add to that the potential fitness doubts over Bet N Win, who missed that lead-up race last Friday, and all of a sudden Mighty Logan becomes the horse to beat in the Rowe Cup. “It is getting to the stage where he has to have a good chance,” says Dunn. “He has the manners and if he settles handy that gives him a big advantage over Oscar and Muscle Mountain. “We all know how good Bet N Win is but he missed a race last week which isn’t easy when you are racing over 3200m so a lot has gone right for us that hasn’t for other horses.” Dunn says Mighty Logan always had the potential to be a Cup winner but his improvement coupled with others disadvantages means his time may come sooner than expected. Still, he is a nine-win horse up against some more proven stars so will need to produce the same level of performance as last Friday to complete the double. Either Oscar Bonavena or Muscle Mountain could win without surprising while Bet N Win is talented enough and could sit handy on the markers doing no work, the usual path to 3200m glory at Alexandra Park. Earlier in the night Dunn will partner Ya Rite Darl (R7, No.6) in the Woodlands Trotting Oaks against her own stablemate Frazzled and favourite Habibti Pat. Habibti Pat was the best of the three in the Derby last Friday but if Ya Rite Darl can use her gate speed to cross to the lead that will be a huge help. The stable also has a handy filly in Cool For Cats (R8, No.1) in the Delightful Lady Final and her tactics could be crucial as if she leads then Australian visitor Ripples could get the race-winning trail but if she doesn’t hold the lead it becomes advantage to Alecto. Good draw enhances We Walk By Faith’s chances in the Roy Purdon Memorial By Michael Guerin Don’t let We Walk By Faith’s lack of standing start form put you off taking the best odds in tonight’s $100,000 Roy Purdon Memorial at Alexandra Park tonight (8.55pm). Because dig a bit deeper and there is more to his one start, one miss record from behind the tapes as he goes into a race where standing start manners will be crucial. Tonight’s race, named in honour of the Godfather of New Zealand harness racing, is a 2200m stand but with four of the biggest names starting off 10m, which could prove extremely difficult if the front markers step and run hard. The toughest to catch would be We Walk By Faith, who came from near last to win the Taylor Mile two starts ago starting off level marks with tonight’s rivals so he is beautifully placed starting in barrier 1 on the front line. Whether that proves a gift or a curse will depend on if he can begin safely or quickly, and get a marker pegs run while others like Republican Party, Chase A Dream or stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming have to come wide. “I think he can begin quickly,” says co-trainer Hayden Cullen, who with wife Amanda is in the best form of his career. “He has only had the one stand and I know he only finished fifth but he was off a 30m handicap by himself at Cambridge and once they began he had nothing to race so just mucked around. “He was safe but not fast and ended uo being last most of the way and never really got into it. “But it wasn’t his manners that cost him and being a good pacer I think he can use his draw this week so the stand doesn’t bother me.” On his Taylor Mile win and fourth as the only horse coming wide in last Friday’s Messenger, if We Walk By Faith leads or trails free-goers like Sooner The Bettor or Rakero Rocket, he will be the horse to beat. The Cullens also have the enigmatic Don’t Stop Dreaming in the race and while Hayden opts for We Walk By Faith as their better hope Don’t Stop Dreaming, like all those on the 10m mark, could win if the race gets turned on its head at the start. “He was good last week and didn’t have a hard run, which should suit him this time, and he can go close but of course that might depend how the race is run.” Republican Party looks the best placed of the pacers on the 10m mark as he is a great beginner and has been in wonderful form so he if can step quick enough to gain an advantage over some of the front markers, then the complexion of the race might change. That will also be the case for Mo’unga, although he is the horse who looks unluckiest to be back on the 10m mark while what Chase A Dream does tonight is anybody’s guess. On a night with so many big trot races the juvenile pacers have their autumn finals with Alecto (R8, No.2) looking to have a major advantage in the draws over unbeaten Australian filly Ripples (9), who beat her last Friday but raced erratically. In the boys’ final Fugitive (R6, No.6) looks the most advanced but Andretti (4) should be a big improver on last Friday. The Cullen team also have high class filly General Jen taking on the older horses in Race 2 and she prepares for the Sires’ Stakes Final next Friday. View the full article

2nd-Churchill Downs, $108,750, Msw, 5-1, 2yo, 4 1/2f, :52.59, ft, 1 3/4 lengths. MERCILESANIHILATOR (c, 2, Audible–Gadabout, by Bodemeister) looked in all sorts of trouble heading for home, but got his second wind in the final furlong to give this owner, trainer and jockey Jareth Loveberry their second straight success in as many days with a debuting 2-year-old beneath the Twin Spires. Sassy C W (Yaupon) became a new 'TDN Rising Star' in the fillies' equivalent exactly 24 hours prior. Sent off at odds just shy of 6-5, the April foal was hard-ridden and locked up early with chief market rival Moonlight Beauty (Hootenanny) and the two raced away from their rivals through a quarter in :22.22. The early exertions appeared to exact a toll, as Captain Gabe (Instagrand) and Distorted Song (Maclean's Music) were zeroing in three and four wide, respectively, as Moonlight Beauty began to retreat. Captain Gabe edged in front approaching the eighth pole, but Loveberry kept after the rail-skimming Mercilesanihilator and they re-rallied to score by 1 3/4 lengths. Blinging It Back (Volatile) raced far back to the stretch, but flashed home while racing greenly to just miss second money, then flew past the leading duo on the gallop out. A $40,000 acquisition as a short yearling at Keeneland January in 2024, the winner was hammered down to these connections for $330,000 at this year's OBS March Sale after breezing a furlong in :10 flat. Like Sassy C V, Mercilesanihilator was consigned to the sale by Jimbo and Torie Gladwell's Top Line Sales as agent. Tommy Wente's St. Simon Place acquired Gadabout, a half-sister to GIII Virginia Oaks winner Blind Date (Not For Love) and MSW Sales Tax (High Yield), for $82,000 in foal to McKinzie at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. The mare is also responsible for a yearling full-sister to Thursday's winner and she was most recently covered by Into Mischief's son Life Is Good. Sales history: $40,000 Ylg '24 KEEJAN; $330,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Patricia's Hope LLC; B-St Simon Place LLC & Brandon Stocks (KY); T-Larry Rivelli. #7 MERCILESANIHILATOR ($4.34) wins a lively Race 2 at Churchill Downs. @jareth16 up for Larry Rivelli on the juvenile son of @WinStarFarm Audible. pic.twitter.com/HyFh5ckMXQ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 1, 2025 The post Audible Colt Mercilesanihilator Fights Back Bravely To Debut a Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

VALENTINIAN (Into Mischief) marks his return following a third-place effort going 8 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 9. A solid3 1/4-length victor in his career debut at Tampa Mar. 1, the $1.5 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select yearling graduate is reunited with Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who was also in two last time out. Todd Pletcher trains the son of GI Spinaway heroine Rachel's Valentina (Bernardini), herself a daughter of Classic winner and champion Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). Also trying to bounce back from a last-out loss, Tiz Secure (Maximum Security) earned TDN Rising Star status when winning his debut by 4 3/4 lengths in a six-furlong text at Santa Anita Feb. 22 before having to settle for fourth going a mile in the grassy Pasadena Stakes at that venue Mar. 9. Trained by Bob Baffert, the son of MGISW Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow) gets blinkers on for this return to the main track. Baffert is also represented by fellow TDN Rising Star Goal Oriented (Not This Time), who took his career debut by 3 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita Apr. 6. A $425,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, the dark bay is out of MGSW Bizzy Caroline (Afleet Alex). Flavien Prat gets the call. Sorcerer's Silver (Good Magic) beat up on fellow Florida-breds in both prior starts, including the most recent a seven-length score sprinting at Gulfstream Mar. 27 and will face open company and a route of ground for the first time here. Irad ortiz Jr., aboard for both prior starts, returns on the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic graduate. The post Friday’s Insights: Into Mischief’s Son Out of Rachel’s Valentina Returns on Derby Undercard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Princess Attitude in Lexington. Frankel Filly Graduates At Keeneland Watts Humphrey, Jr.'s Princess Attitude (Frankel {GB}) ran out a one-length winner at Keeneland for trainer Victoria Oliver on April 24 (video). Making her fifth start, the filly was bred by Bryant H. Pursuit of Success III in Kentucky. Out of multiple graded winner and multiple Grade I-placed Keertana, herself by GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Johar, the filly was a $400,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Humphrey. A half-sister to GIII Palm Beach Stakes hero Ticonderoga (Tapit), Princess Attitude has a yearling half-sister by Into Mischief and a weanling half-brother by Charlatan. A $1 million Keeneland January graduate, Keertana is a half-sister to the similarly classy Snow Top Mountain (Najran), and the late GII Buena Vista Stakes heroine Diversy Harbor (Curlin), who was second in the GI American Oaks. Juddmonte's Frankel has now sired 34 winners from 68 U.S. runners (50%). A baker's dozen have won stakes, with four Grade I winners sprinkled among them, including Lake Victoria (Ire), who runs in the G1 Betfred 1000 Guineas on Sunday. (13) Princess Attitude victorious in the ninth at Keeneland! (5) Halstyn Rose checks in second and (11) Scarletta Carpetta gets third. pic.twitter.com/73AZJtXhOc — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 24, 2025 Kentucky Flavour To California Kentucky Gal (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) won at Santa Anita for trainer Phil D'Amato on April 27 (video). The 4-year-old filly is owned by CYBT, Anthony Gemignani, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig and Ray Pagano. The €8,500 buy-back at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale in 2022, the dark bay also did not meet her reserve when passing through that ring again for €10,000 during the Sapphire Sale later that year. She made six starts in Ireland, good for two wins, with the final victory for trainer Anthony Mullins in the colours of Olive Walsh last July. The first winner for her dam, the unraced Hold Me Now (Bernstein), Kentucky Gal has a 3-year-old half-brother by Camelot (GB). Hold Me Now is a half-sister to Grade II winner and three-time Grade/Group 1-placed sire Antonius Pius (Danzig), the duo out of G1 Yorkshire Oaks winner Catchascatchcan (GB) (Pursuit Of Love {GB}). Coolmore's Churchill is responsible for 10 winners from 22 runners (45%). His best in the States is GII Valley View Stakes heroine Poolside With Slim (Ire). Repeat Winners Jungle Peace (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) eked out a narrow win in the GIII Senorita Stakes at Santa Anita on April 27 (video). Trained by Phil D'Amato, the 3-year-old filly is owned by CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, Jerry McClanahan, Michael Nentwig and Jeremy Peskoff. Newstead Stables' Laurelin (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) captured the Memories Of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct on Sunday for trainer Graham Motion (video). She won her debut during the Belmont at the Big A meeting in October and currently holds an entry for the G1 Coronation Stakes during Royal Ascot. Cheyenne Stables' Ozara (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) added the Monroe Stakes to her ledger at Gulfstream Park on April 26 (video). The Christophe Clement trainee was winning for the fifth time in 10 starts. Kelsey Danner saddled Brindi (Ire) (No Nay Never), who won Woodbine's Star Shoot Stakes on April 26 (video). It was the first stakes victory for the Robert Evans runner. Rispoli Returns To Santa Anita And Guides Jungle Peace To Victory In Sunday's Grade III Senorita Stakes For 3-Year-Old Fillies Sprinting About 6 ½ Furlongs On The Hillside Turf Course pic.twitter.com/y6Galv6qnp — Santa Anita Park (@santaanitapark) April 28, 2025 The post Making Waves: Princess Reigns At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Mohegan Sun have agreed on a multi-year partnership resulting in the return of Mohegan Sun as an official casino partner of Saratoga Race Course and the presenting sponsor of the GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, the track said via a release on Thursday. The Jim Dandy is a nine-furlong route for sophomores scheduled on Saturday, July 26. The race is the traditional local prep for the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes set for Aug. 23. In addition to their continued sponsorship of the Jim Dandy, the Mohegan Sun brand will be displayed prominently on-track during the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, the July 4th Racing Festival as well as throughout the 40-day summer meet. Mohegan Sun will also be featured within the FOX Sports show Saratoga Live. “While many casino and entertainment destinations no longer feature a Race Book, Mohegan Sun is proud to still have a dedicated venue of our own with the latest betting tech and top-notch guest service, “said GM of Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook & Race Book Brad Bryant. “That's a big reason why we're so grateful for our partnership with NYRA and to once again and to be a major sponsor for the upcoming $500,000 Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun! Live horse racing consistently features excellent competition and were thrilled to be a part of Belmont at Saratoga June 7!” The post NYRA And Mohegan Sun Renew Deal Along With Jim Dandy Sponsorship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NBC Sports coverage of Kentucky Derby weekend will kick off Friday, at 1 p.m. with their Kentucky Oaks show on USA Network and Peacock. Saturday, the races on the early Derby Day card will also be televised on NBC and Peacock, starting at noon. At 2:30, coverage switches to NBC. The 2025 “Run for the Roses” marks NBC Sports' milestone 25th presentation of the Kentucky Derby –a show which has grown markedly since NBC's initial 90-minute broadcast in 2001. NBC Sports' Derby Day coverage features 10 races across 7.5 hours–five hours on NBC and Peacock on Saturday. Over the two days, NBC Sports will present 17 live races from Churchill Downs. Telemundo Deportes will present live coverage of the 151st Kentucky Derby, beginning Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Universo, and streaming on the Telemundo app. The on-air talent for the show includes Mike Tirico, Randy Moss, Jerry Bailey, Steve Kornacki, and Nick Luck. Donna Brothers returns as the only member of the team to cover all 25 of NBC's Kentucky Derbies. Features are planned on D. Wayne Lukas, Mike McCarthy, Martin Garcia, and Tirico will interview Bob Baffert, who is going for a record seventh Derby win. Eleven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles will give the iconic 'Riders Up' call for the Kentucky Derby. Click here for the complete schedule and more details. The post Kentucky Derby Day Highlighted by 7.5 Hours of Coverage on NBC, Peacock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Five G saw her path to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) come up a day short May 1 when she was scratched from Friday's 1 1/8-mile test for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs.View the full article

The final installment of the annual ABR series features Umberto Rispoli, who will get a leg up from trainer Michael McCarthy on Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner and expected Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Journalism.View the full article

Haras d'Etreham resident Victor Ludorum (GB) (Shamardal) became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Adam West-trained daughter Viva La Skids (Fr) pounced late in the Thursday's six-furlong Prix Royal Hampton at Saint-Cloud to defeat 11 rivals on debut. Occupying a position off the tempo towards the rear for the most part, the 77-2 outsider made relentless headway under pressure out wide inside the final quarter-mile and inched ahead in the dying strides to defeat Kalkara (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) by a neck. Prix Royal Hampton Saint Cloud – Classe 3 – 2 ans – 1200m – Bon Souple (3.3) – 12 Pts – 30 000 € Viva La Skids (f) Fabrice Veron (Victor Ludorum (gb) @DarleyAus – Mandoline (Ire) par Muhaarar (Gb) Adam West R.Deacon Ecurie Biraben pic.twitter.com/Jrym1eU0Fi — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) May 1, 2025 The post Freshman Sire Victor Ludorum Off the Mark With Viva La Skids at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Five G (Vekoma) will not contest Friday's GI Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, according to Daily Racing Form. Trainer George Weaver told DRF's Dave Grening, “This is the type of race where you've got to be 110% and we don't feel like she is.” A four-length winner in her second career start while facing New York breds at the Big A last fall, the Gatsas Stables-owned filly won this season's Cash Run Stakes in addition to finishing second behind fellow Oaks contender Quietside (Malibu Moon) in Oaklawn's GIII Honeybee Stakes Feb. 23. The post Five G Scratched From Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A year after recording a historic double with Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Kentucky Oaks and Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GI Kentucky Derby, jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. is coming back for more. The native of Lafayette, Louisiana will pilot the stretch-running GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square (Liam's Map), a live contender for trainer Ian Wilkes in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, and the Kenny McPeek-trained GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes runner-up Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) in Friday's Kentucky Oaks. The aforementioned reigning Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna will also be in action with Hernandez, Jr. in the irons, headlining the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne on the Oaks undercard. Just one of eight jockeys to sweep the Oaks and Derby and the first since Calvin Borel did so with Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird in 2009, the nation's 2004 outstanding apprentice jockey and 2024 Mike Venezia Memorial Award winner chatted with TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack as the first Saturday in May approaches. Q: A year has passed now since your monumental weekend winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Has it begun to sink in yet? BH: We stay so busy traveling and riding all over the place that we never really took the time for it to sink in. But with Derby week coming back around–you're doing all these interviews and everything–it's starting to sink in now. After the Derby, we got back real late that night. Neither my wife or I could sleep because we were just so excited about what happened in the 24-hour span. You always dream of winning a race like the Derby–we've been fortunate enough to win big races in the past–but winning the Oaks and the Derby was a completely different elevation. Between having the toast with the Governor right after the race in the Derby Museum and all that stuff, it's definitely gonna be memorable, that's for sure. Q: What were your expectations heading into this weekend with Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan last year? BH: We were really confident in Thorpedo Anna. When she went in and won like she did on Friday, I think it just kinda made going into Derby Day just that much easier. It made it to where everything was real nice and smooth and that's a testament to Kenny (McPeek) as well. There was no pressure in the Derby and that makes all the difference in the world being a rider when there's not that pressure on you. We were able to let Mystik Dan find his way and give him the right trip. It was all meant to be just the way things developed from the post-position draw all the way to him winning. Q: How much did winning the Derby and Oaks change your life? BH: I don't think it changed our lives that greatly. The next morning, I still had to get up and go help (wife) Jamie clean stalls at the barn (at our farm) and do all that stuff (laughs). I guess if it's changed anything, we're just a little more recognized now (Editor's Note: Hernandez, Jr. was featured in the popular new Netflix series 'Race for the Crown'). It opened up a few different opportunities. And we've gained some better horses. I think that's the only thing that's changed about us. Q: Is there any way to top that now? You've already won a Breeders' Cup Classic with Fort Larned for the same connections of Burnham Square. How does this impact your goals and outlook moving forward? BH: Once you win races like the Oaks and Derby, it tends to put it in the back of your mind, you want to do it every year. We're just trying to hope for a repeat and hopefully give these horses two good trips and go from there. It would be really awesome to be able to win the Derby for the Whithams and Ian (Wilkes) just because they were the people that gave me my first opportunity in Grade I races. To be able get them a Derby, that would be the ultimate goal. Q: What were your impressions of Burnham Square after riding him for the first time in the Blue Grass? Burnham Square, with Brian Hernandez, Jr. up, working for the Kentucky Derby | Horsephotos BH: He impressed me because he was able to make such a long, sustained run. I got him in the clear midway down the backside, and, just past the five-eighths pole, he started to make up ground and pick up those horses. For him to make that long of a run and run down East Avenue–a Grade I winner–it showed that he's looking to become an even better horse. He's not the type of horse that we can force into doing something early in the race. He's gonna have to leave there and travel and get his legs under him, then come with his run. I was fortunate enough to ride his mother and a few others of the family as well. Q: Trainer Ken McPeek announced on Twitter that Take Charge Milady's foot abscess has healed. You rode her for the first time in the Ashland, a very good second. What were your impressions of her? BH: She was impressive in the Ashland. I had worked her a couple of weeks before that down in New Orleans. She was training at Oaklawn all winter, then he sent her to New Orleans to train. She worked really well and we were going into the Ashland thinking she had a big chance. Even in the Ashland, if we'd been able to get a little better trip around the second turn, I think we would've made it a whole lot closer on La Cara. Q: It will be a real treat for the Oaks crowd to see Thorpedo Anna race in the La Troienne. What's this ride been like with her? BH: She's that once-in-a-lifetime racehorse. Especially now, each race that she goes into, she's 1-9, or she's the heavy favorite. So, there's always that added pressure of people having the target on your back. She just goes out there and does what she needs to and puts them away. She goes out there and shows her dominance is the best way to put it. She runs the heart out of horses. It's been a fun ride, that's for sure. Brian Hernandez, Jr. celebrates as Thorpedo Anna captures the 2024 Kentucky Oaks | Horsephotos Q: It's obviously a huge weekend coming up now. What does it mean to you to be in the spotlight on these big days? BH: That's what we worked so hard for all these years. You want the opportunities in these Grade I races and these big weekends. That's why 20 years ago I left Louisiana and moved here to Kentucky hoping for that chance to ride these big horses in big races. It's what we get up for every morning. Right after this year's Derby, the 2-year-olds will start coming in and we'll start looking for horses for next year's Oaks and Derby. The post Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.: ‘Once You Win Races Like the Oaks and Derby, You Want to Do it Every Year’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thirty-five years after Carl Nafzger won the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Unbridled, his former assistant Ian Wilkes has Burnham Square primed to shine on the First Saturday in May. View the full article

Francis Graffard trainee Vadinska (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) delivered an impressive debut performance in Thursday's Prix Fourire at Saint-Cloud and earned a TDN Rising Star badge after registering a 10-length success in the one-mile debutantes' heat. The January-foaled bay, who lined up as the 4-5 favourite here, broke from the outside stall and tracked the leading duo from a position three lengths off the tempo through the initial fractions. Inching closer rounding the home turn, she cruised to the front on the bridle in early straight and lengthened clear in style inside the final quarter-mile to easily outclass Ampola (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) by 10 lengths. The further they went, the further she went clear! Vadinska is out of a half-sister to the high-class Vadeni and runs out a super impressive winner on debut at Saint-Cloud! pic.twitter.com/iuZgUPYLjO — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 1, 2025 The post Aga Khan Studs Blueblood Vadinska Routs Rivals in TDN Rising Star Display at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He’s won Caulfield Cups, a Cox Plate and a Melbourne Cup, and now Ciaron Maher has won his hometown Cup thanks to Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) staving off the late charge from Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino) to land the 2350-metre Warrnambool feature on Thursday. The 2022 Turnbull Stakes winner lumped the topweight of 59kg to victory, leading throughout for star jockey Ben Melham. “It’s fantastic,” Maher said. “What a fantastic ride by Ben, he really understands this horse really well, he’s had some nice wins on him.” A rising nine-year-old, Smokin’ Romans has now won 11 of his 47 race starts and earned more than $2.3 million in prizemoney. “He’s been phenomenal,” Maher said. “He’s getting on a bit now; we change it up a bit for him. I can’t thank the team enough, he goes everywhere, he’s been hanging out at Ballarat the last couple of days but he’s normally down at Cranbourne, so a big thanks to them.” Melham was celebrating his second win in the Warrnambool Cup, 15 years after capturing the race on Hissing Sid. It was also the second leg of a double for him on Day 3 of the May Racing Carnival. “I wanted to lead on him because of the big weight,” Melham revealed. “It was just the weight that brought him back to the field going over the line. He had to go a nice-enough gallop just to make sure that nothing whipped around him mid-race. “It was a good, tough win in the end, he’s obviously a Group 1 winner, he’s got a bit of class. He mixes his form a little bit, but he does tend to go well for me.” View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — Galopin Des Champs, you say? He was yesterday's news. Today, and for the next few days at least, it's all about the Guineas. And what better way to start a day bursting with warmth and shiny promise from dawn than by watching the favourite for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas stride up Warren Hill not once but twice. Field Of Gold (Ire), in partnership with John and Thady Gosden's talented apprentice Luke Catton, had two short, easy canters on Thursday morning. His main work is done, a lot of those finishing touches for his appearance in the Classic line-up having been made during his convincing win in the G3 Craven Stakes a fortnight ago. “He's tightened up from the Craven and he's woken up a bit too; he's sharp in his work,” says Thady Gosden, after keeping close tabs on the colt through his binoculars from the top of the hill. Field Of Gold's sire Kingman (GB) was once a member of the powerful Gosden string. His sole defeat in eight starts came, narrowly, in the 2,000 Guineas of 2014 when he was second to Night Of Thunder (Ire). What a vintage renewal that turned out to be, and those two old sparring partners loom large this year, with Night Of Thunder being responsible for Godolphin's 1,000 Guineas favourite Desert Flower (Ire). Kingman, of course, would go on to atone for that one reversal in spectacular fashion by rolling through the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Prix Jacques Le Marois. Those are big shoes to fill. Gosden continues, “Last year as a two-year-old he was still quite unfurnished and he looked like he would mature into a lovely three-year-old, which he has done. Of course he ran fourth in the Lagardere on Arc day when the ground was a bit soft for him, but he's really matured as you want to see this year. He's a strong colt now and he has a wonderful mind. He's such a laidback character and he's not really too worried about much.” Field Of Gold won't have to worry about finding the ground too soft on the Rowley Mile this weekend as Newmarket has not had even a hint of rain since the overnight deluge just before the Craven meeting. As Saturday's declarations closed at 10am, only 10 colts were confirmed to stand their ground against the favourite. Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the sole Ballydoyle representative and also making the trip across the Irish Sea will be Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) for Joseph O'Brien, and the Jessica Harrington-trained Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Godolphin will be represented by last season's champion two-year-old Shadow Of Light (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Ruling Court (Justify), both trained by Charlie Appleby, and by Saaeed Bin Suroor's Tornado Alert (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Their fellow Newmarket trainees Benevento (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko) will become the first Guineas runners for trainers Raphael Freire and James Owen respectively, both of whom were out on Warren Hill overseeing their strings as Field Of Gold was in action. We heard about the colourful Guineas history of Phil Cunningham in yesterday's TDN, and his Yah Mo Be There (GB) (Mohaather {GB}) carries the hopes of Richard Spencer, while Hugo Palmer, a Newmarket trainer when he won the 2,000 Guineas back in 2016, returns to his old stomping ground from Cheshire with Seagulls Eleven (Ire), a son of that winner of nine years ago, Galileo Gold (GB). Thady Gosden continues, “Obviously it's a very deep race. It's the Guineas and it's always going to be. There are some pretty serious contenders coming over from Ireland and also from down the road at Charlie's. They are horses with exceptional form, some of them have run already this year and some haven't. It's going to be a tough one, for sure.” He adds of Field Of Gold, a foal purchase by Juddmonte from his breeders Bobby and Honora Donworth of Roundhill Stud, “He's got a good miling pedigree but he relaxes so well that you think that he might be able to stay further possibly. It's fantastic to have a Juddmonte-owned colt, by Kingman, back here at Newmarket for the Guineas and hopefully he can run a good race for the family.” Harry Davies will remember the days of Hugo Palmer's Galileo Gold all too well. He may have been only 11 years old at the time, but his mother Angie Shea was a long time lieutenant at the Palmer stable and Davies was riding out there before he was even tall enough to tack up a racehorse. He's grown a bit now, and is being given the chances his talent and dedication deserve, including a first ride in the 2,000 Guineas aboard the Gredley family's Wimbledon Hawkeye. The pair finished second to Field Of Gold in the Craven. For Davies, Newmarket born-and-bred, this is a big deal. “I always grew up watching the Guineas and I think I have been to every meeting since I was very young, so to have a ride is a big thing,” he admits. “It's very exciting to pick up the ride on Wimbledon Hawkeye. When I found out that I was riding him in the Craven it was very exciting and he ran a nice race to finish second. The winner is leading the market, so he's got to find three lengths on form. He feels really well. He doesn't really do that much at home, he's quite lazy in his work, but he's feeling amazing.” Harry Davies, 20, has his first Classic ride | Emma Berry Davies adds of the colt, who is also entered in the Derby, “The mile is probably his minimum now and at Newmarket in the Craven he probably got a little bit outpaced at one stage but stayed on well up the hill. A mile and a quarter is probably where I see him, but a mile and a half is the question that we will be asking him at some stage.” Davies has already ridden a stakes winner for the Gredleys and Owen this season, having won the Listed Nottinghamshire Oaks aboard Ambiente Amigo (GB) ) (Postponed {Ire}) on Tuesday. He also had a taste of Epsom when winning the Blue Riband Trial for his regular stable of Simon and Ed Crisford with Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). “I always wanted to be a jockey but it was apparent very early that I was getting tall, so I have had to work hard to keep my weight down. I am very lucky to be in the position I'm in, to have some good support and to have a ride in the Guineas,” he says. “It's all a little bit of a whirlwind sometimes but I'm just trying to keep my head down.” The post Juddmonte’s Field Of Gold to Face Ten in 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A rare star that emerged from Evangeline Downs, Coal Battle has the support of the Louisiana Industry behind him when he runs in the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3.View the full article

Horse Country, Ireland's premier immersive equine tourism experience, was launched at the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday. Supported by Fáilte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, Horse Country offers 15 visitor experiences that immerse guests in the world of Thoroughbred horses, including access to the yards and training operations of Aidan O'Brien (Tipperary), Johnny Murtagh (Kildare) and Jessica Harrington (Kildare). These globally-recognised trainers are opening their yards exclusively to Horse Country visitors, offering behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to see the training regimes and facilities for the equine athletes in their care. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive access to renowned stud farms like Kildangan in County Kildare and Coolmore in County Tipperary to explore the very beginning of a Thoroughbred's journey and witness firsthand the life cycle of these incredible animals, from newborn foals to future champions. Cathal Beale, Horse Country chairman and CEO of the Irish National Stud & Gardens, said, “Through my role in the Irish National Stud & Gardens, I see firsthand how the interest in Thoroughbred horses and racing significantly drives tourism in Kildare. “We are delighted to launch Horse Country today and excited to see this unique immersive equine tourism product further increasing domestic and international tourism while showcasing our world-renowned racing and breeding industry.” For more information on the various experiences available, visit www.horsecountry.ie. The post Horse Country to Offer Tours of World-Renowned Yards and Studs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

More than a quarter of this year’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) field line up this Sunday.View the full article

Kiwi-bred jumper Duke Of Bedford (NZ) (Tavistock) scored a memorable double at Warrnambool on Thursday when taking out the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) for trainer Andrew Bobbin. The son of Tavistock was a popular four-length winner of the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) at the Victoria track just two days prior, and was duly backed into $3.60 favouritism by punters. Jockey Arron Lynch replaced William McCarthy aboard the six-year-old gelding in the Grand Annual, and he rode him like he stole him, opening up several lengths early on against his rivals, which he maintained throughout, earning a comfortable 12-length victory in the finish. Post-race Bobbin admitted to feeling a bit nervous throughout the running, fearing Lynch may have pushed the button too early on his charge, but he needn’t have worried, and he hailed the gutsy ride. “I was watching him go around and I thought, ‘gee Lynchy, what are you doing?’ But he just kept finding and finding,” Bobbin said. “I thought ‘we are going to stop here soon’, but when they came down the hill that second time, he only had to get over them. What a ride? And what a confident ride? “Every jockey tells me that he might look like he is doing too much, but he’s just cruising, he is doing it so well. “This was a bonus today, the Brierly was the goal, and the way he did that today he might have undersold his ability.” With victory, Duke Of Bedford became the 23rd horse to complete the Brierly-Grand Annual double. He was bred by Blandford Lodge’s Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax, and is out of winning Fastnet Rock mare Miralago, a half-sister to the dam of Group One winner Danzdanzdance. “I have had that family for years and it goes way back to an English mare called Polly Soleil that I bought more than 30 years ago,” Graham Bax said. “I have bred a lot of good mares out of that family, including (multiple Group One winner) Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), (Group Two winner) Silky Red Boxer (NZ) (Casual Lies), Danzdanzdance, (stakes winner) Le Gai Soleil (NZ) (Tavistock), there’s a lot of good horses from that family. “It is a super family that has been performing for Blandford Lodge for a long time.” Duke Of Bedford was offered as at Inglis’ 2020 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale where he was purchased by STC Syndications for A$45,000. He went on to win one race for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young before he transferred to Andrew Bobbin’s Stawell barn, for whom he has added another seven victories to his tally, culminating in his Brierly-Grand Annual double. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Gold Cup Day Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Saturday, May 3, 2025 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble The $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) is one of a trio of Group 3 features on Saturday’s 10-race program on the northwestern fringe of Sydney. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with more scattered showers forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to maintain its Heavy rating. The Hawkesbury races on May 3 are set to commence at 11:20am local time. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Tip: My Oberon It was a non-event for My Oberon first-up in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 19. He worked through the line alright, however, and brings some elite form into this Group 3 contest. He got to within a half-length of Fangirl second-up last preparation, and if he can do something similar here, My Oberon will seem a big price at the $15 with Neds as they turn for the judge. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race 8 – #1 My Oberon (9) 8yo Gelding | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Joshua Parr (60kg) Hawkesbury Crown Tip: Belclare Belclare made a smart return for the Bjorn Baker barn in the 2025 All Aged Stakes, leading throughout the journey before tapping out in the final furlong to go down by three lengths. It was a definite pass mark for the seven-year-old, leaving the suggestion she can win something slightly easier. The Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) fits that billing perfectly, and with a clean jump from barrier 14, Belclare will give this lot something to chase down. Hawkesbury Crown Race 7 – #1 Belclare (14) 7yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Nash Rawiller (60kg) Hawkesbury Guineas Tip: Pisces Pisces has been hampered by poor barriers in back-to-back starts. The son of Frosted was the flashing light on both occasions, however, and appears set to peak third-up in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m). Expect Kerrin McEvoy to sit handier to the speed from gate five, and with Pisces set to gain the run of the race, this guy represents terrific each-way value at $19 with horse racing bookmakers. Hawkesbury Guineas Race 6 – #1 Pisces (5) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58kg) Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Aerodrome Aerodrome impressed on debut at Warwick Farm on April 16, showing a good turn of foot to hold out Hidden Motive as the pair cleared out by five lengths. Punters can follow the top two with trust, and with the way Aerodrome kicked late, the 1400m should be no issue. Expect Regan Bayliss to take luck out of the equation and lead throughout the journey, and provided nothing wants to get involved in a speed battle early, this guy should take plenty of chasing late. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Aerodrome (5) 2yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Regan Bayliss (58.5kg) Next Best at Hawkesbury: Black Run Black Run did enough on his Australian debut to suggest he’s worth following into this second-up assignment. The French import whacked away to get within 2.5 lengths of Poppin’ Champagne at Warwick Farm on April 16 but was outsprinted over the 1600m. The 1800m should be ideal second-up, and provided they make this a genuine staying contest, expect Black Run to be fighting out the finish this time around. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Black Run (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Braith Nock (a2kg) (58kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections Saturday, May 3, 2025 1-2-6-12-16 1-2-3-4-12 1-2-4-9-10 3-4-6-7-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk For many reasons last night’s win by Big Al on a wet and punishing Addington night was special. Trained by the father-daughter combo of Steve Clarke and Hayley Stewart, the What The Hill five-year-old, driven by Clarke, capped off a good run of recent form to secure his breakthrough win at start number 12 in the Mid Winter Xmas on Sale Now Trot. First and foremost it marked Stewart’s first ever training success, at start number 117. She’d previously had two placings with Nadira Franco. And three with Big Al “It was very exciting, we were quietly confident though you never know,” says Stewart. Big Al trotted off the mark like a pro and was in front early before handing up to Stuart’s Buller Boy and Blair Orange. “After he led up and then trailed my husband Joe said halfway through the race ‘if he doesn’t win today there’s something wrong’.” Steve Clarke then popped out before the passing lane to grab the leader on the home turn. He went on to win by a length. It was his eighth win in the sulky, and his 12th as a trainer. He trained on his own account between 1984 and 2019, with his daughter joining the partnership from the 2020 season. “We just train a small team and we are hobby trainers who work our horses at 6am and go to our day jobs so it’s never easy against the ‘professionals’, says Stewart, “and that’s one of the good things about these midweek meetings at Addington, they give everyone a chance.” Making it even better is the fact that the horse is named after Steve’s brother Alan, who died around five years ago. “Alan was known as Clarkee and he was at Addington every Friday night working at the start so Addington was a special place for him so it was cool to win a race there,” says Stewart. “And his wife and three daughters are all in Big Al’s ownership with us and they love racing as much as we do.” And the family connection doesn’t end there, with Big Al’s win coming just hours after they heard about the death of Steve and Alan’s godmother Janice Alford. His modest whip flourish at the finishing line was a tribute to both of them. Ordinarily Stewart would have been in the sulky too, though she is currently on light duties as she awaits the arrival of her first child due in October. Her first ever driving win is now firmly on the to-do list. “It would have been nice training and driving and ticking both of them off at the same time but that will have to wait till next year,” she laughs. In the meantime Big Al will be back next Wednesday before contesting the Anne Thompson Graduation Final on May 18 at Rangiora after he gained automatic entry with his third in the heat at Rangiora last week. Buddy reigns supreme at Addington By Mike Love Buddy Reign made the frequent trips down from Nelson to Christchurch a whole lot more worthwhile for Richmond Park trainer Kevin Musso. In a meeting run in testing weather at Addington yesterday, Buddy Reign was not deterred when winning Race 3, the Peninsular Beachfront Resort, Mooloolaba pace over 2600m with driver Tim Williams. “He did well to hold on and win. Kevin’s always provided me with a couple of drives so it’s nice to be able to get them a win,” said driver Tim Williams. Buddy Reign began well from the stand to settle mid field early. The eight-year-old Mach Three gelding was then left parked before regaining cover from the 850m. Williams then peeled at the top of the straight and was able to out muscle a strong challenge from runner up Festus Haggen to win by half a head at the line with a credible 28.4 final quarter under the weather and track conditions. “It was a bit unknown with a standing start. His gait is not the best because he gets a bit rough early,” said Kevin Musso. Musso also lined up Melando Chief in the same race, and finished only 4.3 lengths off the winner in seventh place. “They’ve both had their problems. This one (Buddy Reign) hurt himself as a two year old but I persevered because I knew he’d be alright. They get us out of Nelson so we can travel a bit.” Musso has had a lifetime interest in horses and with wife Bev have bred many over the years. “We breed all of our horses. I don’t think I’ve ever brought one. “We’ve had the Reign breed for a number of years now. Sonic Reign actually broke Starship’s record at Nelson.” Sonic Reign won five races and over $60,000 in stakes and is the older full brother to Buddy Reign who has now won two races and over $35,000 in stakes. View the full article

Jockey Jareth Loveberry has not scored in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but he knows almost what it feels like to win it, having just missed in the 2023 race with Two Phil's with his first Derby mount. This year, Loveberry returns, riding Chunk of Gold.View the full article

Zac Purton, Andrea Atzeni and John Size continue their hot form, while Matthew Poon and Pierre Ng fail to fire.View the full article