Wandering Eyes

Azzopardi appeals, stay of sentence granted View the full article

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. Saturday’s Insights features a son of the high-class Great Heavens (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). 1.30 Haydock, Novice, £15,000, 3yo, 11f 175yT MAKE MY DAY (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}) debuts in the John and Tanya Gunther silks which British racegoers are now familiar with thanks to the exploits of Without Parole (GB) (Frankel {GB}) last term. John Gosden introduces the bay, whose dam is an unraced full-sister to Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), and he faces the Rothschild colour-bearer and Wolverhampton debut winner Great Bear (GB) (Dansili {GB}), a Roger Charlton-trained son of the high-class Great Heavens (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) who was successful in the G1 Irish Oaks after taking this track’s G2 Lancashire Oaks in 2012. 6.15 Doncaster, Mdn, £8,550, 3yo/up, 7f 6yT ALKARAAMA (War Front}) debuts for Shadwell and Sir Michael Stoute 10 days after his 2-year-old full-brother King Neptune made a winning debut for Ballydoyle. The $600,000 KEENOV foal purchase is also a full-sibling to the operation’s smart Faydhan who made such an impact on his racecourse debut at Haydock five years ago. View the full article

Self-service betting terminals at Northern California’s Golden Gate Fields will provide an option for fans and bettors to contribute to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), a national organization focused on providing assistance to those transitioning horses into post-racing careers. The technology, developed by AmTote International, enables users to make a tax-deductible contribution to the TAA during any transaction by employing a pop-up interface. For those who participate, the terminal will issue a receipt with both the donation amount and the TAA’s 501(c)3 number. “The TAA is grateful for the support from Golden Gate Fields, AmTote International, and America’s horseplayers,” said TAA President Mike Meuser. “Funds raised from this technology will continue to allow horseplayers to help support the TAA’s network of 70 accredited organizations in North America, including the current 10 accredited aftercare organizations in California.” View the full article

Writer and broadcaster Steve Byk, host of ‘At the Races with Steve Byk’ on SiriusXM, will receive the Old Hilltop Award May 16 at the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course. The Old Hilltop Award is given annually to an individual who covers Thoroughbred racing with excellence and distinction. “Receiving the Old Hilltop Award is a tremendous honor,” Byk said. “To join a roll call with legends of turf media like Jim McKay, Jack Whitaker, Joe Hirsch and Joe Kelly, as well as the many contemporaries I greatly appreciate and admire, is humbling.” View the full article

After posting a clear victory in an optional-claiming allowance race March 22 at Oaklawn Park, Lookin for Eight will take on an expected five rivals in the $115,000 Champions Day Marathon Overnight Stakes April 30 at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Kentucky Derby weekend will kick off with the 10th annual Taste of Derby, presented by Angry Orchard. Award-winning chefs from America’s racing regions will tantalize guests’ tastebuds with regional specialties and wine. Live music will also be featured, as will the Sullivan University Chef Showdown, where local culinary students compete for a scholarship. The event takes place at the KFC Yum! Center this coming Thursday, May 2, from 7-11 p.m. Taste of Derby raises funds for hunger relief organizations and has donated more than $860,000 locally and in the regions where participating chefs are located. Dare to Care Food Bank is the repeat beneficiary of this year’s Taste of Derby. For tickets and a full list of participating chefs, click here. View the full article

Keeneland and Churchill Downs Incorporated have each committed contributions of $100,000 to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, it was announced Friday. The funds will sponsor Dr. Sue Stover’s project entitled “Training Programs for Prevention of Fetlock Injury” in 2019 and 2020, with projects funded in 2021 and 2022 yet to be determined. “These two iconic racing organizations continue to demonstrate their promotion of equine health and we are thankful for their support of Grayson’s efforts,” said Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation’s chairman, Dell Hancock. Stover, affiliated with the University of California at Davis, is working to predict sesamoid bone fractures in racehorses by developing a calibrated computational model incorporating training programs, track surface properties, and the bone’s reparative processes. According to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the organization is the nation’s leading source of private funding for equine medical research. The foundation has funded $27.5 million to 366 projects since 1983. View the full article

Roadster (Quality Road), impressive winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby, and champion Game Winner (Candy Ride {Arg}), worked at Santa Anita Friday ahead of the upcoming GI Kentucky Derby. Working in company after the 6:45 a.m. renovation break, Roadster went six furlongs in 1:13.80 (1/3), while Game Winner covered seven furlongs in 1:27 (1/1) after the 7:45 a.m. break. Both had jockey Martin Garcia in the irons. Last year’s GIII Los Alamitos Derby winner Once On Whiskey (Bodemeister) worked with Roadster and was clocked in 1:01.20 for five furlongs. Five-year-old winner Show Me Da Lute (Midnight Lute) worked with Game Winner, getting five furlongs in 1:00.60. Both Roadster and Game Winner were inside of their workmates. “I had them inside just to keep the pressure on,” Baffert said. “That way I can control their works.” “I loved the way he went,” Baffert said of Roadster’s breeze. “Martin said he felt great and didn’t take a deep breath. That’s one thing about this horse—he’ll go a mile and a quarter. We just don’t know how fast. He handles a deep track, and the really good ones will do that. After that, I could see a big change in him. He really needed that race. Game Winner placed second in his two starts at three, most recently finishing a half-length behind Roadster in the Santa Anita Derby. “Game Winner looked awesome; it was perfect,” Baffert said. View the full article

A 10th consecutive year of commercial growth highlighted The Jockey Club’s full-year financial results, which were released on Friday. Overall revenues grew by 6.7% to £214.6 million, compared to 5.2% growth and revenues of £201.1 million in 2017. Total turnover growth for the decade is 68.2%, as the revenue from 2009 was only £127.6 million. All of The Jockey Club’s profits are reinvested into the sport, with £27.1 million going towards prize money in 2018, an increase of £4.2 million (+18.3%) compared to 2017’s £22.9 million. In addition, prize money increases were divided between all levels of the sport, with grassroots prize money increasing by 34% in 2018. A new record of total prize money distributed between the 339 racing fixtures staged at Jockey Club Racecourses was also set in 2018 at £53.2 million (+16.4%), with 2017 at £45.7 million. An increase of £157,000 (+18%) in average prize money per fixture was also a record, with 2017 having only £133,000 per fixture. Compared to 2009 (£116,000), it is an increase of 35.3% per raceday. “We have a really clear purpose that’s about supporting the best long-term interests of British Racing,” said The Jockey Club’s Group Chief Executive Simon Bazalgette. “Since 2009, we have grown our commercial revenues consistently and that’s been vital to allowing us to more than double our contribution into British Racing’s prize money, while also investing significantly in improving facilities for customers and participants across our venues, and into initiatives like free food and drink for racing staff. “Contributing to the overall stewardship of our sport is also important, which we see as a true joint venture between racecourses, participants and British Racing’s governing body, and supported by fantastic partners such as ITV and the brands we’ve been able to welcome into the sport.” For the full report, go to www.thejockeyclub.co.uk. View the full article

Trainer George Weaver was pleased with how his somewhat unorthodox plan of shipping Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) winner Vekoma back to South Florida for Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) preparations turned out April 26. View the full article

The OBS April sale has a new top price after bloodstock agent Justin Casse made a final bid of $1.3 million to bring home a colt by Into Mischief. It was the auction’s third seven-figure transaction and the second to come from the de Meric Sales consignment. The de Meric family purchased the bay colt for $300,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. He is out of the unraced Dixie Song (Fusaichi Pegasus), a half-sister to multiple stakes winner By the Light (Malibu Moon). By the Light is the dam of multiple Grade I winner By the Moon (Indian Charlie). View the full article

The historical racing facility at Derby City Gaming in Louisville, Ky., helped drive Churchill Downs Inc. to a successful first quarter in 2019. View the full article

Working with clients in the horse industry for over 35 years, we have been exposed to a great deal of both successful and failed approaches by owners in all areas of their equine business. With this knowledge, we have been able to provide buyers with the tools that best fit their specific needs. If you are new to purchasing horses at auctions, or a veteran at the process, The Green Group can make the process an enjoyable and profitable one. An auction may seem unnerving for a first-time horse buyer. There is so much to consider before taking the leap of faith into such an investment. For instance, when at the auction, most veteran purchasers are constantly running through a checklist that includes: 1. The horse’s conformation 2. The horse’s pedigree 3. Performance at the breeze show 4. The commercial aspects of the horse’s pedigree 5. The vet reports To someone who is new to the process, this list may seem overwhelming so it is extremely important you have an experienced and trustworthy team behind you to help simplify this process. First and foremost, a successful horse owner constructs a team made up of business professionals. This team should be well versed in the above listed checklist as well as the tax laws pertaining to what can be tax deductible when buying a horse. They should also help provide knowledge and add value to the horse owner that makes the process more enjoyable. At the end of the day, any successful business owner must enjoy what they are doing and a great team is integral in this respect. The team should consist of a diverse group of professionals. During the buying process an owner usually has a trustworthy agent or trainer that assists them in selecting all the horses available. This task, in itself, is often overly complicated. It is important you have a knowledgeable person to show you how to simplify it by sorting through the catalogue in a systematic manner that fits with what you’re specifically looking for. It further helps if every horse in the sale is personally examined as well as seen in person at the breeze show or by watching the videos. We recommend the prospective buyer, whether they are new or have previously bought horses at sales, to walk around to the various consignments with their trainer or horse agent. Ask questions of your team as to what they like (or dislike) about the horses including its: A. Walk B. Athleticism C. Shoulder and Hip D. Personality/Demeanor E. Overall Conformation F. Possible Injuries (i.e. bucking shins, previous surgical areas, throat issues, etc.) Some of the above items may be genetically linked to specific family lines. For example, foals from the Storm Cat line may have a genetic predisposition for having poor airways. Look at the pedigree page for things like: A. The consignor that is representing and selling the horse. Like most businesses there are “good guys” and “bad guys.” You need to have a full understanding of which consignors are willing to stand behind their horses. B. Mare’s overall produce record. C. Genetic crosses that have historically been successful within each family line. Remember, the page you are looking at in the sales catalogue is there to help sell/promote the foal. Do further research to see the entire produce record and what the foals, not shown on the page, may have sold for or what they did on the track. If you are going to a 2-year-old sale, check to see what and if the horse sold for as a weanling or yearling. See who bought it– if that person is usually one who is in the business to buy and then sell (called a pinhooker) because that is a plus. If the buyer is someone who usually buys to race, look hard at the horse’s conformation. It is okay to ask the consignor if there is a “reserve on the horse.” That is the price the owner of the horse will not sell the horse for unless the bidding is higher than that number. One final note, have a game plan. It should include: 1. Do you want to buy a sprinter? This horse should race earlier than a distance horse and probably more often. Breeze times may give you an indication of speed. 2. Do you want fillies or colts? Historically colts cost more than their female counterparts. 3. Do you want a horse who runs well on the turf? 4. Do you have a budget so you have an idea how much you want to spend? Believe us, you will run out of money before they run out of horses. Gaining a Competitive Advantage… One of the ways to do so is to look at sires whose offspring have not raced but will do so in 2019. Everyone knows about American Pharoah, but we have been to several sales and noted some very good 2-year-olds from these “first year sires,” including Bayern, Carpe Diem, Commissioner, Constitution, Daredevil, Fast Anna, Honor Code, Liam’s Map, Palace Malice and The Big Beast. Vet out the horse: aside from looking at the vet reports provided by the consignor, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you hire a veterinarian to review the X-rays and scope the horse for potential air/throat issues. In every catalogue, there are pages and pages of “legalese” that basically advise you that the auction is a “buyer beware” situation. Therefore, you need to conduct your own due diligence prior to bidding on a horse. By hiring a veterinarian to inspect each horse, you are providing yourself with additional information that may either encourage you to bid or keep you out of harm’s way. No horse is perfect so a veterinarian with race track experience is helpful in advising you as to what conditions you can live with and which horses to reject! Summary… In general, getting into the horse industry is not something you can become an expert at overnight. Patience and asking the right questions to the right people are key in this world. As stated above, creating a sturdy team is integral but how to start such a team is difficult in itself. Utilizing contacts and sources such as TDN is a great first step. Visits to the depositories are recommended as well. The Green Group is also happy to serve as a source of connecting you to the right people in the industry. There is a lot to learn in this complicated industry but you can speed up that process all through good and trustworthy connections. View the full article

The G1 Qipco 2000 Guineas status of G3 Greenham S. winner Mohaather (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) is in doubt after the Marcus Tregoning pupil displayed lameness on Friday. The trainer said a decision on next Saturday’s Newmarket Classic would be made on Monday. “He was lame on his off-fore after exercise this morning,” the trainer said of the Shadwell representative. “We’re not quite sure where the problem lies, but a decision will be made on his participation some time on Monday.” Mohaather has won three of his four starts and is a general 9-1 chance for the Guineas. View the full article

Sandown’s 10-furlong fillies’ novice contest that graces Friday’s card was formerly a maiden traditionally targeted by the big yards, with names such as User Friendly (GB) (Slip Anchor {GB}), and Dar Re Mi (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) first bandied about here. The latter went on to group 1 glory for the John Gosden yard and the same cannot be ruled out for Sparkle Roll (Fr) (Kingman {GB}) after the grey comfortably defied a seven-pound penalty in the Nordoff Robbins Sir George Martin Memorial Fillies’ Novice S. Off the mark on her second start over a mile on good-to-soft ground at Haydock in September, Kin Hung Kei, Qatar Racing and Laurent Dassault’s half-sister to the G1 Epsom Derby hero Wings of Eagles (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}) had different underfoot conditions to deal with here as well as the extra burden of weight taking on some well-regarded maidens. Attracting support nonetheless as the 13-8 favourite, she quickly recovered from a slightly tardy break to sit in third under Oisin Murphy before being eased to the front with 2 1/2 furlongs remaining. Not forced out of her comfort zone from there, the second highest-priced filly of the 2017 Arqana August Yearling Sale at €750,000 held a snug two-length margin at the line over King Power Racing’s 2.5million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate King Power (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Bearing in mind that Gosden’s 2018 runner in this, Highgarden (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), was sent to York’s G3 Musidora S. after finishing third it would be no surprise to see Sparkle Roll tackle that May 15 premier Epsom Oaks trial. Despite being by Juddmonte’s burgeoning sensation Kingman, she looks likely on racing style to stay the mile-and-a-half trip of that Classic as the aforementioned Wings of Eagles did so well before his career was ended by an injury sustained when a close third in the G1 Irish Derby, G1SW-Eng & G1SP-Ire, $1,376,832. Interestingly, the dam Ysoldina (Fr) (Kendor {Fr}) had the pace to finish third in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches but was later runner-up over 10 1/2 furlongs in the G2 Prix Corrida. Like the dam, her two other black-type siblings both by Oasis Dream (GB), Torentosa (Fr) and Gyrella (Ire), were trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre and turned out to be faster types with the former runner-up in the five-furlong Listed Criterium de Vitesse and Gyrella third in the seven-furlong Listed Prix Ceres. Four of Ysoldina’s five black-type half-siblings were group winners with the multiple Scandinavian champion Appel Au Maitre (Fr) (Starborough {GB}), the G2 Prix Jean Romanet and G2 Premio Lydia Tesio scorer Whortleberry (Fr) (Starborough {GB}) and G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Belle et Celebre (Fr) (Peintre Celebre) doing their best work at around 12 furlongs. Ysoldina’s 2018 offering is a filly by the red-hot Siyouni (Fr) named Orendina (Fr). 6th-Sandown, £10,000, Novice, 4-26, 3yo, f, 9f 209yT, 2:11.27, g/f. SPARKLE ROLL (FR), f, 3, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Ysoldina (Fr) (G1SP-Fr, $174,441), by Kendor (Fr) 2nd Dam: Rotina (Fr), by Crystal Glitters 3rd Dam: Rudolfina (Ire), by Pharly (Fr) Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $14,581. Sales history: €750,000 Ylg ’17 ARAUG. O-Kin Hung Kei, Qatar Racing & Laurent Dassault; B-Aliette & Gilles Forien (FR); T-John Gosden. Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

The TDN has polled some of the top riders in the history of the sport and asked them to answer this simple question: If given a choice of any of the 20 starters in the GI Kentucky Derby who would you choose to ride? We kick off the series with Hall of Famer and three-time Kentucky Derby winner Gary Stevens. Stevens: “I’ve never been so confused. There are eight, nine, 10 horses that if I were still riding and didn’t have a mount and they called me up and asked if I wanted to ride this horse I’d say, ‘Hell, yes.’ Off of what I have seen, it would either be Omaha Beach (War Front) or Game Winner (Candy Ride {Arg}), but I am going to go with Game Winner. Though, I reserve the right to change my mind after seeing his latest work. He’s the 2-year-old champion and he reminds me a lot of Silver Charm in 1997. He took a couple of races to get to his peak and he peaked on Derby Day. That’s what I’m seeing with Game Winner. I think he needed a couple of wake up calls and he’ll stay the mile-and-a-quarter. Yes, Omaha Beach beat him in the Rebel, but I think Bob [Baffert] had Joel [Rosario] chase after the lead horse because they were worried about him. That’s what reminded me so much of Silver Charm. Bob had me chase after the filly [Sharp Cat] in the Santa Anita Derby and we ran second in the Santa Anita Derby, but I came back with a big smile on my face. I knew that the race had gotten him to fitness peak that he needed to be. That race really served its purpose. I think Game Winner will move up off his preps more than any other horse.” View the full article

The OBS April sale almost had its third seven-figure lot, with bloodstock agent Steve Young going to $975,000 to acquire a colt by Candy Ride (Arg) Friday in Ocala. The juvenile was consigned by Wavertree Stables and was bred by Whitehall Lane Farm. Whitehall Lane claimed his dam, multiple stakes winning Citizen Advocate (Proud Citizen), for $40,000 in 2011. Wavertree is responsible for the sale’s current topper, a $1.2-million son of Liam’s Map. View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Kyoto and Niigata Racecourses: Saturday, April 27, 2019 9th-NII, ¥19,580,000 ($175k), Allowance, 3yo, 1200mT POMPEII WORM (c, 3, Itsmyluckyday–Briecat, by Adcat) got his career off on a winning note, scoring impressively over the Kyoto main track last October (video, gate 14). Unplaced in two subsequent dirt tries, he switched to the grass and gave an excellent account of himself, finishing runner-up at Hanshin Apr. 13. A $525K OBS March breezer, Pompeii Worm is out of a dual graded stakes-winning dam who was also placed at Grade I level. B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY) Sunday, April 28, 2019 10th-KYO, ¥34,200,000 ($306k), Allowance, 3yo, 1400m MONT PERDU (f, 3, Cairo Prince–Spanish Post, by Flatter), a $115K FTNAUG yearling turned $325K FTFMAR juvenile, could scarcely have been more impressive in her first two career outings, winning by five on debut at this track last November (video, gate 4) before adding a 3 1/2-length allowance tally at Kyoto Jan. 13. Produced by an unraced half-sister to five-time SW and GSP Spanish Decree (War Deputy), Mont Perdu is joined in the field by fellow US-breds Timing Now (Tapit–Her Smile) and Boston Tesoro (Temple City). B-Bluewater Sales LLC & Three Diamonds Farm (NY) View the full article

For Master Fencer's first track experience in Kentucky, he joined about a half-dozen other Thoroughbreds on the Keeneland training track April 26 for a leisurely gallop and walk before returning to the quiet quarantine barn. View the full article

Trainer Karl Burke is the unanimous selection for the 2018 Willie Stephenson Memorial Trophy, Goffs UK announced on Friday. The award, which commemorates the co-founder of DBS, now Goffs UK, is given on a yearly basis to the person or persons whom the Goffs UK Board feel have made the biggest contribution to the success of the company during the year. Burke has celebrated recent top-level success with Goffs UK graduates Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), who was the 2016 Cartier Champion Sprinter and Classic heroine and five-time Group 1 winner Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). “Karl has been a huge supporter of our sales, both as a horses-in-training vendor and a purchaser, and we are delighted to present him with the Willie Stephenson Memorial Trophy,” said Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “Karl’s dedication to his craft has deservedly seen him reap big rewards, more recently with Quiet Reflection providing him with his first Royal Ascot winner in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup and Laurens giving him his first Classic victory in the Group 1 Prix de Diane last season. Both horses have been a resounding success, Laurens in particular being probably the best horse to come from our Premier Yearling Sale, and are a testament to his ability as a trainer. We will see more of Laurens this season and we wish Karl and his team all the best for the season ahead.” View the full article

The historical racing facility at Derby City Gaming in Louisville, Ky. helped drive Churchill Downs Inc. to a successful first quarter in 2019. View the full article

At the conclusion of the one-day Tattersalls Cheltenham April Sale, double-digit gains had been made in several categories. The gross of £2,851,000 saw nine horses sell for £100,000 or higher, including the sale topper, Coconut Splash (Ire) (Stowaway {GB}) (lot 17) for £180,000 on the bid of Evan Williams. Consigned by Monbeg Stables’ Cormac Doyle, the winning 4-year-old gelding helped boost the average by 28% to £64,795, while the median was £57,500 (+22%). Overall, 44 horses sold for a clearance rate of 83%. “The strong demand witnessed at today’s sale has resulted in a positive increased clearance rate of 83%,” said Tattersalls Director of Horse in Training Sales Richard Pugh. “The sale has showed real strength and depth at every level of the market. It was particularly pleasing to see British Point to Pointer Switch Hitter make £120,000 which highlights the increased quality of young pointers in the UK.” View the full article

Pre-Derby Saturday offers a rather light stakes schedule, as the richest race in North America is the $250,000 San Francisco Mile (G3T) at Golden Gate Fields, and the only other graded event is the $200,000 Santa Margarita (G2) at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

A new two-day Pick 6 that features six Grade I races, including the $3 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks, highlights a spectacular wagering menu for the 2019 Spring Meet at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Arqana and the Television Games Network (TVG) have become partners, with the French sales company sponsoring the international racing broadcast, the duo announced Friday. Arqana will also provide content such as interviews and sales reviews. TVG covers the transmission of approximately 100 racetracks Stateside, including exclusive rights to Keeneland Racecourse. Besides broadcasting, TVG also transmits international racing from several countries including France, England, Australia, Japan and Ireland and covers big race days like the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the G1 Melbourne Cup, the G1 Irish Derby and Royal Ascot. “We are delighted to partner with the leading racing channel in North America to sponsor international racing shown in the USA,” said Arqana Director Freddy Powell. “Arqana is always in search to reach new people and strengthen our brand image with racing actors globally and this is a great opportunity to connect with professionals and owners on the other side of the Atlantic.” View the full article