Wandering Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marc Lerner had to wait longer than expected to get his New Zealand riding career underway, but the well-travelled jockey made up for lost time with a winning debut at Otaki on Thursday. Based in Singapore until racing ended there in October, the 33-year-old has arrived in New Zealand for an open-ended stay. He had his first raceday rides on Thursday and hit the ground running, landing an upset win with $13 outsider Blue Rata Boldness in the Racing This Time TV on Facebook Handicap (1600m). Lerner got the very best out of the Trudy and Vaughan Keegan-trained gelding in a tough battle down the straight, edging out Knickerless and Lemaitre by a long neck and a half-head. “It was super to start off with a win on my first day,” said Lerner, whose other four rides on the eight-race Otaki card finished second, second, fourth and sixth. “I can’t be any happier with that. It’s been quite frustrating, because I’ve had quite a lot of delays getting a visa. I hadn’t ridden in a race since Singapore racing ended in October. I was hoping to get started here much sooner, but it’s good to be here now and to get that early win.” New Zealand is the latest stamp in the passport of the French jockey, who rode more than 100 winners in his homeland and has also ridden in Germany, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Singapore. Lerner enjoyed the most successful phase of his career in Singapore, where he rode over 200 winners at Kranji including numerous big-race successes aboard the likes of the Trelawney Stud-bred superstar Lim’s Kosciuszko and his quality Kiwi-bred stablemate Lim’s Saltoro. He guided Lim’s Kosciuszko to victories in the Singapore Gold Cup (2000m), Kranji Mile (1600m), Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m), Lion City Cup (1200m) and EW Barker Trophy (1400m), while his partnership with Lim’s Saltoro produced wins in the Singapore Derby (1800m), Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and Silver Bowl (1400m). Lerner also won the Singapore Derby with Hard Too Think, whose Kiwi trainer Stephen Gray has himself returned to New Zealand this season after two decades at Kranji. Gray played a big role in bringing Lerner to these shores. “I had a very good association with Stephen Gray in Singapore, we had a lot of wins together over the years,” Lerner said. “When racing finished there, he suggested to me that I should try coming to New Zealand and seeing how I go here. I really have to thank Stephen and his wife Bridget, they have been a big help in getting my visa sorted out and getting me here. I’m very grateful.” Lerner is basing himself in the Central Districts, and he has two rides booked at Trentham on Saturday – the Kevin and Stephen Gray-trained Cosentino in The Breeze Wellington 3YO (1200m) and the Suzy Gordon-trained Prioress in the Roydon Bergerson Racing (1200m). “I’m not sure yet how long I’m going to be riding here, I’ll keep an open mind on that and see how it goes,” he said. “I just want to enjoy as much as I can. “The more success you have, the longer you want to stay, so I’m hoping to have a bit of luck over the next few weeks and months. We’ll see what happens.” View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Ohaupo trainer Jason Teaz was rapt to train a winning double for owner and breeder Bill Hickey at Cambridge Raceway last night. “It was really nice to get a double and so great that they were for Bill,” said Teaz, “he’s in his 80’s now and his health hasn’t been the best lately but he’s still breeding horses and putting them in training, and he really deserves any success he gets, he just lives for his horses.” “Unfortunately, he couldn’t be there last night, and he was sad to miss it, but he was still thrilled to get two winners.” Both of Teaz’s winners were driven by Peter Ferguson, and the pair didn’t have to wait long to get on the board with Veronica Jane taking out the first race, the Haras Des Trotteurs Monte Trot Noms Now Open Trot over 2200m. The four-year-old Majestic Son mare stepped away well and with several horses going off stride throughout the race, Ferguson settled Veronica Jane behind the leading Skee Princess for a cosy trip. The pair weren’t joined by other runners until the 800 metre mark and Ferguson remained tucked away until the home straight where he elected to take an outside run to move alongside the leader, but it wasn’t until she was challenged by the second placed Ivanka that Veronica Jane really let down to win by half a length. “We had tried her right handed at Auckland but she didn’t really cop that, so we went back to Cambridge,” said Teaz, “she went well at workouts here last week which was promising and she did everything right tonight which was great and she’ll be backing up here again next week.” “She’s really taken some time and hasn’t been an easy horse to get going, after educating her as a two-year-old I actually said to Bill that I don’t think she’s worth continuing with and that she’ll need a lot of time, but to his credit he took her home, gave her time and now he’s been rewarded with her winning at just her third start.” Always B Charlie was Teaz’s second winner of the night with the entire taking out the Summer Outdoor Movie Series At The Raceway Mobile Pace over 2200 metres. From barrier four Always B Charlie was driven conservatively off the starting gate but with a slow tempo up front Ferguson allowed the horse to stride round to lead from the 1800 metre mark. With no pressure throughout, Ferguson dictated terms and got away with a soft lead time allowing his horse to travel comfortably until the home straight where Always B Charlie dug deep to hold off late challenges by Colonel Lincoln (2nd) and Potter (3rd). The lightly-raced five-year-old by Always B Miki has now had two wins and one placing from just 10 starts. “He has a bit of ability but has had multiple injuries and issues along the way so to have won a couple of races now is a great achievement for him,” said Teaz, “he’s injured a tendon, a suspensory, fractured a pastern, and has a few hoof issues that I’m managing.” “Luckily he is a lovely horse to deal with and while he’s sound and going well we’ll continue to race him and maybe look at some of the grass tracks for him which should suit him.” View the full article

What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, December 21, 2024 First Race 12:33pm AWST Visit Dabble The Ascot Summer Carnival continues on Saturday, when the Group 3 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) is the feature event on a nine-race program. The track is rated a Good 4 and the rail comes out 4m, and with clear skies forecast, it should be a perfect day for racing. The Ascot races are set to jump at 12:33pm AWST. Ted Van Heemst Stakes tip: Numerian Numerian is back to defend his crown in the Ted Van Heemst after a sneaky-good run in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m). Having travelled wide with no cover throughout, the son of Holy Roman Emperor did well to finish three lengths off the winner. He has two wins and a third to his name at the trip and, from barrier three, will have the sit on the leaders throughout. Ted Van Heemst Stakes Race 6 – #1 Numerian (3) 9yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Bet at Ascot: Devine Belief The David Harrison-trained Devine Belief was a smart all-the-way victor at the Ascot 1000m on December 7 after gaining a soft lead. The five-year-old mare looks set for a similar run in transit as she steps up to the 1200m for the first time. From barrier four, Luke Campbell should not have any issue in finding the rail, and if Devine Belief runs to her prior form, the 60kg should not be too much of an impost. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Devine Belief (4) 5yo Mare | T: David Harrison | J: Luke Campbell (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Rocking Society Rocking Society has been quite impressive in three runs this campaign, culminating in a narrow win at the Ascot 1800m last time out. The four-year-old gelding had to do all of the chasing behind a tearaway leader and was entitled to be vulnerable inside the final 200m when hitting the front. He should get a cosy run in transit from barrier four in this 2100m affair, and with a similar effort, Rocking Society should prove too tough late. Next Best Race 3 – #6 Rocking Society (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Miller | J: Lucy Warwick (55.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Ascot: Ruler Rocket If Ruler Rocket is anywhere near his best, then the $15 on offer with BlondeBet is simply the wrong price. The five-year-old gelding was massive in defeat last time out over 1000m in a race that was run to suit Devine Belief. If Troy Turner can find a back to follow from barrier 17, Ruler Rocket’s turn of foot will have him fighting out the finish at big odds. Best Value Race 9 – #3 Ruler Rocket (17) 5yo Gelding | T: Bruce Watkins | J: Troy Turner (58.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, December 21, 2024 1-8 2-3-9-12 1-4-8-10-16 2-3-7-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan is not the only grade 1-winning 3-year-old sent west for an opening-day stakes race at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26. So, too, is She Feels Pretty in the American Oaks (G1T).View the full article

Manawatu’s Josh Herd has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship. The son of leading Central Districts trainer Lisa Latta and former top jockey Bruce Herd was inspired to apply for the scholarship after seeing the success of previous recipients, particularly fellow Palmerston North product Sam Bergerson, New Zealand’s leading trainer, alongside Te Akau training partner Mark Walker. “I have seen how successful some of the past recipients have been in the industry and thought it would be a pretty good pathway forward,” Herd said. “I have worked with Te Akau Racing’s Sam Bergerson and know what the scholarship has done for him, and so many others. “Just to be able to go overseas and learn different ways of doing things and explore the opportunities the scholarship can offer is pretty exciting.” The Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship, originally established by the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) and now administered by the Sunline Educational Trust, offers the successful candidate an all-expenses paid, bonded trip of 30 weeks, to experience the operational infrastructure, systems and management of the world’s best in the thoroughbred industry. Growing up, Herd spent a lot of time around the stables learning the everyday care of horses and the general duties of a stable hand. While at university he took on the communications role for Lisa Latta’s stable and is currently back working for his mother where he is taking on more of the programming and planning duties as well. Herd has always aspired to work in the industry, and while studying for a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, at Otago University, he worked with the yearling team at Haunui Farm. He has also worked for Bhima Thoroughbreds in New South Wales and for Riversley Park in the Waikato. Prior to Herd embarking on the Sunline Scholarship experience, he will have a busy few months working for Bhima Thoroughbreds at Gold Coast’s Magic Millions and the Sydney Classic sales, along with the Karaka sales working for Haunui Farm. The first port of call on his scholarship journey will be Coolmore Stud in Ireland where he will be immersed in all the facets of the stud and gain some exposure to the famous Ballydoyle Stables. From there he will move to the United Kingdom where he will shadow bloodstock agent Johnny McKeever, before spending time at Wetherby’s and Goffs. That time is followed by a stint in Hong Kong, a place Herd is eager to visit. “Hong Kong is the toughest racing jurisdiction in the world,” he said. “I am really looking forward to spending time there. “But really I am basically looking forward to getting overseas to meet some pretty amazing people and to broaden my skills.” The last port of call is Australia where he will be working with Vicky Leonard and her Kick Collective team. Herd admits to being quite keen to eventually end up as a trainer and believes then his Bachelor of Commerce degree will be of use. “At least I will be able to do my own accounts,” he quipped. View the full article

Te Akau Racing will be well-represented in each of the four stakes races at Trentham’s LawnMaster Christmas At The Races meeting on Saturday. A pair of exciting juveniles in Cool Aza Rene and Marokopa Falls will kick off stakes proceedings when they meet for the first time in the Gr.2 Happy Hire Wakefiled Challenge Stakes (1100m), and like TAB bookmakers, trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are struggling to split the pair. Both fillies are undefeated to date, with Cool Aza Rene winning on debut over 800m at Otaki in October before winning over 1000m at Riccarton last month, while Marokopa Falls was eye-catching when winning over 1000m when on debut at Trentham earlier this month. Off the back of that performance, jockey Craig Grylls has elected to stick with Marokopa Falls, and TAB bookmakers have duly responded, installing her a $2.40 favourite for Saturday ahead of her stablemate at $2.60, with Andrew Carston’s Riccarton raider, Miss Ziggy, on the third line of betting at $6.50. “It was good seeing Marokopa Falls win like that on debut off only one trial where she actually ran last,” Bergerson said. “It was a bit of a throw at the stumps, but she has got a fantastic constitution and a great racing brain. She hasn’t put a foot wrong since her trial, she was very good for Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) that day (debut win) and we gave him the choice and he has elected to ride Marokopa Falls. “She has stayed on at Dad’s (Roydon Bergerson, Awapuni) following the run at Trentham. We didn’t want to bring her all the way back north. Dad has been really happy with her. He took her to Foxton on Tuesday for a quiet gallop and she is ticking all the boxes down there in Palmerston North. “Cool Aza Rene is a gutsy filly who just seems to really thrive on the racing and stable life. She hasn’t put a foot wrong either and we gave her a freshen-up. “We took her to Ashburton to gallop last Tuesday and she had a nice piece of work on Tuesday morning. She will have a quiet day at Dad’s (after arriving on Thursday afternoon) and then onto Trentham. She brings in really good form, we can’t fault her. “They are two very nice chances who are hard to split.” Stakes performer Ocean Mist will be the stable’s sole representative in the Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m), and Bergerson is expecting a bold showing against her own sex after competing against the boys when third in the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki last month. “She just keeps raising the bar,” Bergerson said. “She has surprised us a bit. From her debut run to winning next time and then sneaking some black-type against the boys last time in the Wellington Stakes. “She is back to her own sex now, but she is in very good form. It looks a pretty even race on paper. Hopefully she can get a softer time in front this time, she got to the front last time and another one came around, and she never really got a break. “We will look to be positive again, and if she gets a kinder run in transit, we think she can hopefully figure in the finish and get some more valuable black-type for a really good ladies ownership group.” Seven-year-old stablemate Perfect Scenario has been in a purple patch of form this preparation, which he will be looking to continue when he lines-up in the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) on Saturday. The son of Iffraaj has won two and placed in three of his five starts this preparation, including running third in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) in his last two starts. “He’s in grand form. He is in almost career-best form as a seven-year-old, he is absolutely flying,” Bergerson said. “He is an old marvel, I thought he was so game in the very good Group One mile at Trentham. He is another one that has stayed on at Dad’s, we didn’t want to travel him all the way back to Riccarton or back north. “We have kept him very fresh and back to 1400m where he has got a very good record, and Opie (Bosson, jockey) jumps on as well, which is always a massive plus.” Rounding out the stable’s stakes contenders on Saturday will be Cognito in the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m). The five-year-old son of So You Think has placed in his last three outings, and Bergerson is hoping he can recapture the form that helped him land the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at the track as a three-year-old. “He is running well without winning,” Bergerson said. “I thought his run in the Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m) was very good. He was the widest on the corner and kept finding. “We are still not sure if he is an out-and-out stayer, but this looks a nice race for him. Trentham really suits him, he is a stakes winner there as a three-year-old in the Wellington Guineas. We think the big, long, roomy straight really suits him to wind up. “We will look to be neutral again from the barrier (8) and we are confident he can run a race, he seems really well at home and his work has been very good since Counties. We took him to Te Aroha in-between times for an exhibition gallop and he followed Skew Wiff around and his work was very good.” View the full article

Oaks-bound filly Leica Lucy will have her first taste of Group racing at Trentham on Saturday, taking her place in the Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m). Robbie Patterson, who trains Leica Lucy at New Plymouth, identified right from her debut success that the middle-distance of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) would be the perfect fit. The filly showed she has plenty of short-range talent to work with before the $1 million feature in March, going down a head to Wingman over 1400m at Trentham a fortnight ago. “She’s come through that run very well, she never lifts her head out of the feed bin and was the same after she raced,” Patterson said. “She’s going to love a mile, any easing of the track will be in her favour as well and the further she goes, the better I think she’ll be. She’s a lovely horse, she jumps, puts herself into the race and tries hard. We’re up a grade again on Saturday, but I think she’ll be up to the task. “We’ll just keep stepping her up in trip, I don’t want to overtax her going into the Oaks because she’s a very straightforward and clean-winded horse.” The daughter of Derryn is the youngest of Patterson’s stakes representatives at Trentham, with The Underbelly taking on the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m), and Puntura and Conor O’Ceirin both engaged in the Gr.2 Bramco Granite and Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m). The Underbelly was a rising star in the staying ranks last term and after returning well in a couple of starts, Patterson has his sights set on the Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation And Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) next month for the son of The Bold One. “It was a good run at Wanganui, he’d had quite a bit of time between races after going fresh-up into a mile then missing the race in between,” he said. “Naturally, he just blew out a little bit in the finish, but he’s going to improve from this run again with the Wellington Cup as his main goal. He’ll go a nice race on Saturday, then into the Queen Elizabeth (Gr.3, 2400m), then onto the Cup. “I’m expecting a good run, he may still be a fraction short of his fitness levels, but he can go a bold race.” Patterson was admittedly surprised with the fourth-placed effort of Puntura in the Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m), a pleasing return to form after a slow start to his preparation. The Vespa gelding has often put his best foot forward at the Upper Hutt track, winning the Manawatu Challenge Stakes last year before going on to win the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). “He surprised me a little bit in the Group One, I thought he may be on his last legs,” Patterson said. “I think the trick is riding him a bit colder, which was hard to do fresh-up over a mile and Mereana (Hudson, jockey) did a fantastic job doing that. It’ll be the same again on Saturday, we’ll try to ride him cold in behind the speed and get over the top of them we hope. “He’s come through the race very well, I can’t fault him. He’s going as well as he could be.” Regular rider Craig Grylls will take the reins about Puntura in the feature, while fellow stable stalwart Conor O’Ceirin has the services of Joe Doyle, fresh off an impressive first-up victory at the course on Mufhasa Classic Day. “He had been working and jumping out nicely, his form tapered right off last prep so I gave him a good break and he’s come back well,” Patterson said. “He looks like he may be better off when he’s really fresh and the two-week back-up may be a bit tricky for him, as well as going up a grade, but he’ll roll forward and be in the race for a fair way I think.” On the undercard, consistent mare Belladonna Lily will step-up in distance in the Japac Homes 1600, with the short back-up from last Sunday being Patterson’s only query. “I don’t normally back her up but she came through the race really well,” he said. “Any rain hanging around will suit her massively, she ran a good race the other day after getting back. She found the line strongly which suggests the mile will suit. “We’ll just ride her cold again and hopefully she turns up.” View the full article