Wandering Eyes

Harness racing on a Friday doesn’t get much bigger than today, with the Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup meeting starting at 2.55pm, followed by 10 $100,000 Golden Gait Finals at Alexandra Park from 5.16pm. Star stable set to shine in Golden Gait By Michael Guerin The best harness racing stable of the year is set to dominate the code’s newest glamour race night. Tonight’s Alexandra Park meeting sees the first running of the Golden Gait finals, 10 races worth $100,000 each to reward those horses who have graced The Park often enough to be eligible. While it is not the final Alexandra Park meeting of 2024, the Auckland Cup is still to come on New Year’s Eve, tonight’s meeting best symbolises the huge strides harness racing had made this year. And no stable looms larger than the Barry Purdon/Scott Phelan partnership, who have been the undoubted stars of this new harness racing renaissance. They have won plenty of major races including the $1m Race by Grins with Merlin which helped them earn over $3m in domestic stakes, remarkably a domestic record for Hall Of Fame trainer Barry Purdon in his storied career. Purdon has had bigger seasons before if you count his Australian exploits but this year stands above all others at home, even dating back to when he and his late father Roy completely ruled the code. The numbers are stunning: Purdon and Phelan have trained a winner every 3.7 starters including Group 1s with everything from veteran open class pacer Mach Shard to juvenile trotter Meant To Be. Both race tonight and while the stable only has starters in four of the $100,000 races, their horses being too good for the lower grade races, they are favoured to win all four. Their night starts in Race 3, the TAB Golden Gait 2YO Mobile Trot with Meant To Be (R3, No.8), our best two-year-old trotter but one still prone to letting his concentration drift. “He seems to have come back from Christchurch really well so we expect him to race up to his peak,” says Phelan. They may have the most talented horse in the next, the TAB 2YO Mobile Pace, in filly Youretheonethatiwant (R4, No.3) along with I Got Chills and Confederate but the filly can be tricky and awkward at times, something she overcomes with brilliant late surges. Tonight she has barrier 3 under the preferential draw and if she shows gate speed she is the one to beat but her male rivals won’t make it easy on her, with the emerging Chase Me her greatest danger. There should be no such concerns about Duchess Megxit using her draw (3) in the stacked three-year-old pace because while she has been most dazzling when driven with a sit she has reeled off a ballistic 53.8 second last 800m when leading over a sprint trip. “She can do it either way and she is holding her form great, as well all saw last Friday,” says Phelan in reference to her Queen Of Hearts stunner. If the race does get run upside down and suit the swoopers the stable are still the ones to beat with Better Knuckle Up and Jeremiah their next two best chances. The race with the most moving parts for the stable is Race 7, the Aged R63-R99 Mobile Pace, in which they have Invisible, shock Taylor Mile/Messenger winner Mach Shard and most importantly Sooner The Bettor. The latter is a super sprinter and finished second to Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile in March so if he can cross to the lead early from barrier 6 he should win. But there is plenty of gate speed on the front line and it is a race that quickly could become more complicated than it looks. Wallis/Hackett have huge team in at Alexandra Park By Michael Guerin Michelle Wallis says the Golden Gait series is a winner even before the first race has been run. Wallis and husband Bernie Hackett will have a remarkable 18 starters on the first ever Golden Gait Finals night, where horses who have competed in enough qualifying races at Alexandra Park get to run for $100,000 in every race, regardless of grade. “We love the fact the series rewards horses who turn up at Alexandra Park a lot, which ours do,” said Wallis. “Obviously the stakes are great and I think the fields reflect that, there is some really even racing.” While having 18 horses throughout the night and five in one race, the main aged trot, will mean all hands on deck Wallis says the logistics aren’t as bad as they could be. “Some of our drivers like to use their own carts so we don’t need five of our own for that main race and a few of the horses race in owners’ colours so we don’t have to worry about that as much either,” she says. Pressed for the stable’s best winning chances tonight Wallis says she likes the first race, the TAB Golden Gait Aged R49-R60 Mobile Trot, but says not in the exact same way the bookies do. “Shesgold loves the sprint distances so she will be hard to beat but I really can’t split her and Five O’Clock Gerry. “Gerry might actually have more gate speed and if he can find the front he will be hard to beat,” she says of the $13 chance. The stable has five in the main trot including favourite Faith In Manchester but while she is in great form she comes with a warning. “She is racing really well but I am not convinced she is an ideal mobile mile horse,” says Wallis. “I think there is a fair bit of gate speed around her so I don’t see her leading and that could make it tough. “I think all five of ours can win and the best of them on ability is All Cashed Up. “He has had a few wee hoof issues but we are getting on top of them but that is why Crystal (daughter, driver) chose Iron Love, who she said gave her a really good feel last start.” HOW TO TACKLE GOLDEN GAIT NIGHT 1: Duchess Megxit (R6, No.3): Draw suggests she should lead and be too fast so is your multi anchor. 2: Meant To Be (R3, No.8): Big brute still learning but if he behaves if the other multi anchor. 3: Pantani (R5, No.11): Has been really hit and miss but if he trots throughout his $7 price will be overs. 4: Diamonds Are Forever (R2, No.4): Hasn’t won for a long time but has gate speed and perfect drawn in the beautiful battler’s race. 5: Sans Au Revoir (R10, No.8): No form but has been in far stronger fields and big driver change with Greg Sugars on board. Republican Party “won’t die wondering” in Invercargill Cup By Jonny Turner Republican Party’s cracking third in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup means there is only one way for his team to play today’s Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup (7.25pm). The pacer heads south for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety in the hope he can follow in the footsteps of his former stablemate Krug who took out the Southland feature in its first running at Group 1 level two years ago. Republican Party returns to a staying distance in Friday’s 2700m event, with driver Carter Dalgety, on the back of two sprints. His previous run over a comparable distance came in his barnstorming New Zealand Cup effort, where he charged home from well off the pace to run a meritorious third. With the five-year-old thriving under the pressure of a quickly run Group 1 over the extreme 3200m trip, the Dalgety camp knows exactly what they want to see in the Invercargill Cup. “I think we would like to see a genuinely run, testing 2700m more than most camps,” Cran Dalgety said. “Everybody saw our horse’s New Zealand Cup run, the sectionals he ran were quite extraordinary and even though they don’t pay out on what splits you run we were thrilled.” “Being a Bettor’s Delight stallion it is logical he would thrive under a good staying test and if things turned that way in Invercargill it would suit us.” “It might be us that has to inject that speed into the race, we will see how things pan out.” “But I think it is safe to say they will know we are there, we won’t die wondering.” Republican Party warmed up for his trip south with a third placing behind race rival Mo’unga over 1980m at Addington last week. While the effort was solid without being flashy, Dalgety expects much more on Friday. “That run was a good hit-out before the big dance this week.” “Being a stallion he was in need of an outing and he has taken a lot of benefit for it.” “And obviously the step up in distance this week is a big plus.” “In terms of his overall health, he’s very bright and we couldn’t really be happier with him.” Republican Party wasn’t the only Invercargill Cup candidate to shine in the New Zealand Cup. Mo’unga produced an excellent sixth in the Addington feature, charging home late after galloping away and putting himself in a hopeless spot. The only sighting of the Regan Todd trained pacer since has been at Addington last week where he looked in the zone beating several of his Invercargill Cup rivals, from a mobile beginning. Mo’unga made a brilliant standing start beginning to win the Kaikoura Cup earlier in the spring and Todd is hopeful his horse can get away similarly at Invercargill. “It doesn’t really matter where he settles, so long as he gets away that is the more important part,” Todd said. Both Republican Party and Mo’unga are the only two Invercargill Cup starters on a handicap, starting from 10m behind the front-markers on Friday. Those front-markers are headed by last start Group 1 winner and rising star Rakero Rebel. Todd aiming for “special” win with Mo’unga By Jonny Turner Regan Todd would love to see a stoic, Southland approach when Mo’unga tackles the Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup today. Todd heads back to his home province hoping his incredible spring and summer can continue, having already bagged two Group 1 titles with his star two-year-old Marketplace. “It would be special to be able to come home and win this race,” Todd said. “I saw Krug win when it was first run as a Group 1 and the whole atmosphere on track was incredible.” “There was a great crowd and they clapped the horse as he came back into the birdcage.” “The club and everyone has done a great job with this day and it’s important for the game down here that it’s a success.” “Hopefully there is another great crowd this year and the weather plays ball.” Mo’unga is as flashy and brilliant as any of today’s Invercargill Cup aspirants. While Todd is hopeful his pacer can show his brilliance in winning the race, he’s also hopeful the pacer can take a steady approach, especially early in the event. Mo’unga galloped away in his last standing start in the New Zealand Cup before recovering to run sixth. So, his first mission is to get away cleanly from his 10m Invercargill Cup handicap for driver Robbie Close. “He doesn’t need to go out there and begin like a rocket, if he could get away slowly but safely that would be enough,” Todd said, “it is all about getting it right and I think he can.” Todd is more concerned about what happens after the start of Friday’s feature. From 10m, the tactics used with those horses off the front line will have a big impact on Mo’unga. “It is not going to be easy from the 10m because no matter how well you get away you are going to be at the back of the field.” “You would think one or two of the better front-makers would want to run them along a bit.” “Hopefully that could play into our hands, it will depend on how the race is run, but it definitely won’t be easy.” While Todd can’t control the race tempo or the start of the Invercargill Cup, he couldn’t be happier with the factors within his reach. “The horse is very well, he has actually come on since his win at Addington last week.” “I couldn’t be happier with him really.” Todd also brings Lakelsa south for Invercargill Cup Day to compete in the Diamond Creek Farm/ SBSR Robin Dundee Crown for mares. The trainer has also been thrilled with the horse’s work leading into her trip south. “She has been working super, she’s got a wide draw but she has got gate speed so she should have a few options.” Robbie Close will also link up with Lakelsa. Nathan Williamson has chances galore on Invercargill Cup day By Jonny Turner He’s done it there, now he’s going to try to do it here. Again. With his maiden Group 1 win secured at Addington, Nathan Williamson will attempt to dominate another of Southland’s biggest days in harness racing. With his Group 1 winning filly Captains Mistress heading his powerful line up, punters will be queuing up to put their faith in the trainer in Race 10, the Forklifts NZ Ltd 2YO Fillies Mobile Pace (7.57pm). She is drawn the outside of the front line. “She is very classy and I am sure she could do it the hard way and still win,” Williamson said. “She is at her best if she is able to use her speed and this is her last run of a big campaign before she gets a freshen up.” “Hopefully she can tuck in somewhere at some stage of the race, but either way her class should take her a long way.” Always Dreaming also faces starting from the outside of the gate in Race 1, the McKnight and Brown Mobile Pace for the 2Yo Colts and Geldings (2.55pm). “This is only his fourth run this time in, he had that last start in the Group 1 at Addington and since then he seems to have thrived.” “I have been really happy with his work and with the drop back in grade and the smaller field he should be hard to beat.” Ruby Roe is another royal winning hope for Williamson in Friday’s Canada Stakes. The filly has performed with real merit in recent Group 1 assignments at Addington and she deserves to start a warm favourite. “She’s been going great races in the best company and I have been really pleased with her.” “There are a couple of slight concerns in that she hasn’t performed at Ascot Park before and the 1700m there can be tricky.” “She is obviously going to have to be put in the race at some stage and if she gets a half-decent run I am sure she will go a great race.” The 1700m sprint trip is also a slight concern for Williamson ahead of Secret Agent Man returning in Friday’s SBSR Sires Stakes Southern Solstice. “The 1700m is the only slight query because he isn’t a horse I have pushed early.” “Being that distance, he will need to hold a forward position and more than likely he will be fine.” “He is a nice horse and I have been really happy with him, I think he will be hard to beat.” Miraculous undoubtedly cops the worst draw of the Williamson hopefuls, wearing saddlecloth 14 in the Rob McEwan Memorial Mobile Pace (8.51pm). But his trainer thinks he can overcome it. “The draw obviously makes things tough for him, but he’s a classy horse and if he gets the right sort of run into it he should be right there.” The winning chances don’t stop there for Williamson, with Hidden Talent and Flying Without Wings in the Group 3 Brendan Franks Farrier David Moss Stakes, as well as Sweet Sue and Ultimate Weapon also stepping out at Ascot Park. View the full article

Light Up Racing has launched a Spanish translation feature on their website with the intent to make resources even more accessible to the entire horse racing community, the organization said on Thursday in a press release. The Spanish version can be accessed by clicking the flag icon located in the top right corner of the screen on the website. By offering this option, Light Up aims to bridge language barriers across the industry. “At Light Up Racing, we're focused on empowering industry members to confidently engage in tough conversations,” said Vicky Leonard, founder of Kick Collective. “The Spanish translation ensures the Hispanic community has equal access to the resources needed to navigate these discussions and foster a unified, informed voice in horse racing.” “Our hope with Light Up Racing is to empower our industry from a grassroots level,” said Chair of the Light Up Racing Board of Directors Price Bell. The Hispanic community is an active participant at all levels of our industry. We hope by translating our site into Spanish we encourage more participation and a unified voice across our industry. We are proud of what we have accomplished in our first year and look forward to 2025.” Click here to learn more about Light Up Racing. The post Light Up Racing Expands Accessibility With Spanish Website Translation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The one-mile G3 Asociación Uruguaya de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera Stakes, to be held June 29 at Hipodromo Nacional de Maroñas in Montevideo, has been designated as a 'Win and You're In' automatic qualifier for the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, according to a press release on Thursday from the Breeders' Cup. Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders' Cup Limited Dora Delgado said, “Breeders' Cup Limited is pleased to bring our international Breeders' Cup Challenge Series to Uruguay with the addition of the Asociación Uruguaya de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera, a qualifying race for the Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. “Winners of designated Breeders' Cup Challenge races receive an automatic berth to the race of their applicable division at the Breeders' Cup World Championships, with entry fees paid and a travel stipend provided,” she said. “We appreciate the many individuals who have collaborated to make this partnership a reality and look forward to celebrating the first Breeders' Cup Challenge winner from Uruguay in June.” The winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 20, 2025, to receive the rewards. Stallions standing in Uruguay may participate in the Breeders' Cup International Stallion Nomination program, which conveys automatic nomination to their progeny. “It is with great pleasure and gratitude to the Breeders' Cup authorities that we received the news of having a race of the “Win and You're In” series in 2025, more specifically for the Dirt Mile version,” said CEO of Codere Uruguay Guido Parrella, which owns Maroñas. The post Uruguay Gains Breeders’ Cup Challenge ‘Win And You’re In’ Qualifier For Dirt Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lemon Pop, who recently became the first dual winner of the G1 Champions Cup for over a decade, has been introduced at a fee of ¥5 million (€30,615) for 2025, identifying him as the most expensive stallion on the Darley Japan roster. The six-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid, who was crowned the JRA Best Dirt Horse in 2023, will embark on his first season in Hokkaido following his Chukyo swansong which saw him retire as the winner of 13 of his 18 career starts. Trained by Hiroyasu Tanaka, he also won last year's G1 February Stakes at Tokyo. Lemon Pop will stand alongside the proven dirt sire Pyro, who will stand for an unchanged fee of ¥4 million (€24,492), and Palace Malice, the sire of this year's G1 NHK Mile Cup hero Jantar Mantar (Jpn). Previously based at Three Chimneys Farm, Palace Malice remains at a fee of ¥3.5 million (€21,430), having been the busiest stallion in Japan this year after relocating to Hokkaido. Adayar (Ire) and Hukum (Ire), both top-class performers over middle-distances in Europe, also kicked off their second careers at Darley Japan this season. Derby hero Adayar will command an unchanged fee of ¥1.8 million (€11,021), while Hukum, who gained his biggest success in the 2023 G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, remains at ¥1.2 million (€7,347). Among the notable increases is that earned by Tower Of London (Jpn), who will stand for a fee of ¥2 million (€12,246) in 2025, up from ¥1.5 million this season. The son of Raven's Pass has enjoyed a successful year with his first crop of two-year-old runners, headed by the G2 Keio Hai Nisai Stakes winner Panja Tower (Jpn). Shotaro Kajiya, nominations manager, said, “In addition to Palace Malice, who had the largest number of coverings this year, and Tower Of London, whose first runners gained so much attention, we now have Lemon Pop, who achieved unparalleled success on dirt tracks, joining the stallion roster to make it even stronger than before. “We will continue to strive to support owners and breeders by standing the best stallions from around the world while offering attractive terms. We look forward to your continued generous support.” Darley Japan's full list of fees: Lemon Pop, ¥5 million Pyro, ¥4 million Palace Malice, ¥3.5 million Tower Of London (Jpn), ¥2 million Adayar (Ire), ¥1.8 million Fine Needle (Jpn), ¥1.5 million Thunder Snow (Ire), ¥1.5 million Yoshida (Jpn), ¥1.5 million American Patriot, ¥1.2 million Hukum (Ire), ¥1.2 million Will Take Charge, ¥1.2 million Talismanic (GB), ¥1 million The post Newcomer Lemon Pop Heads Darley Japan Roster at ¥5 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are nine horse racing meetings set for Australia on Friday, December 20. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Canterbury & Gold Coast. Friday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 20, 2024 Canterbury Racing Tips Gold Coast Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 20, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

In September of 2022, an Ontario-bred by the name of Patches O'Houlihan kicked off his career at Woodbine, winning a 5 1/2-furlong test by 4 1/2 lengths. Less than two months later, 20-year-old Sofia Vives launched her career as a jockey while recording her first victory aboard Bodacious Miss (Bodemeister), also in a 5 1/2-furlong race at the Etobicoke oval. While over a year removed from joining forces, the son of Reload and the South Carolina native both rode the wave of 2023, capping off their respective seasons with a pair of divisional titles under their belts. For Patches O'Houlihan, a 2023 campaign saw him win six of seven starts, including four stakes headed by the GIII Bold Venture Stakes and GIII Vigil Stakes. Trained by Robert Tiller on behalf of Frank Di Giulio Jr., the homebred ultimately earned the Sovereign Award as Canada's Champion Male Sprinter for his 3-year-old campaign. Also on an ascendent trajectory last year, Vives won 122 races from 764 starts, including 88 victories at her Woodbine base before concluding 2023 with $3,569,901 in earnings. Her performance during her first full year in the saddle was good enough to earn her a Sovereign Award as the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey, also stamping her one of the finalists in that season's Eclipse Awards. While each competitor hardly struggled without the help of the other, it is clear that the duo found something in each other over the course of this past season that has forged a meaningful, not to mention lucrative, connection. “I am so grateful we got the opportunity on him and that I have gotten along with him so well is pretty amazing,” said Vives. Vives and Patches O'Houlihan's intersection point occurred at Woodbine last spring when introduced via Vives's agent at the time, Jordan Miller. Sofia Vives guides Patches O'Houlihan to victory in the 2024 Pink Lloyd Stakes / Michael Burns Photo “In the mornings, it was just a job,” she recalled. “But I learned that he's a completely different horse in the mornings to the afternoons. I was told not to worry about [the morning works] because in the afternoon he will give 110%.” The duo debuted facing Ontario-breds in the six-furlong Pink Lloyd July 28. “On race day, he is a beast,” she affirmed. “He shows up and knows what to do.” Sent off second choice in the Pink Lloyd, named after another champion trained by Tiller, the gelding went to the front and never looked back, rolling home a six-length winner. Having to work harder defending his title in the Aug. 23 Bold Venture, the champion had to dig deep to score by a neck in the 6 1/2-furlong contest. The pair also repeated in the Vigil ahead of an eyebrow raising score in the GII Nearctic over the Woodbine turf Oct. 5. “He kind of took me to the outside rail and drifted pretty noticeably,” she recalled. Despite giving up all that ground, the gelding was able to overcome his transgression, proving he was much the best. “Everyone is scared to run against him and he deserves the respect because he's earned it.” Favored in the Nov. 16 GII Kennedy Road, the team finished second, 3/4 of a length behind by 3-1 second choice Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}), winner of last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. “We drew an inside post, but he broke a half a millisecond slow,” he said. “I had to kind of rush him to get position.” Despite his latest defeat, Patches O'Houlihan remains likely to garner another title as top Canada's sprinter in 2024. “[Nobals] was just a better horse in the Kennedy Road, but that takes nothing away from Patches,” she said. “He just got a little outdone that day. It took a Breeders' Cup winner to beat him that day. He's still amazing, no matter what.” 'This is what I've always dreamed of doing' In a concerted effort to extend her five-pound weight allowance, Vives registered only four wins from 16 starts in 2022 before pressing the pause button. However, that didn't mean that the rider was about to hang out on the beach working on her tan and sipping Margaritas over the winter. “Last year [2022-23], when I had stopped and got into a gym [in Ocala], the coaches really helped me out–strength wise and to help me gain some weight. I was very motivated to get back to racing,” she explained. She continued, “At the beginning of [2024], I knew I was going to lose the bug but you have to take advantage of all the opportunities that you can get along the way and just go day-by-day with it.” Despite all her success during her title-earning campaign in 2023, there was one thing that had escaped her–win at the black-type level. However, that void didn't take long to fill, courtesy of the Josie Carroll-trained Sabatini (Uncle Mo) in Woodbine's Star Shoot Stakes last April. Vives added eight more races at the stakes level in 2024, including the Woodbine Oaks with Kin's Concerto (Mendelssohn) and the GII Connaught Cup Stakes, courtesy of Cruden Bay (Big Screen). In addition to a quartet of stakes wins with Patches O'Houlihan, she also reconnected with Sabatini last summer to take the GIII Selene. “Even after I lost the bug [in August], I would show up with a smile on my face and be nice and polite,” she said. “The road is never clear up ahead. You don't always know which path to take and you always want to take the right one, but you have to go with your gut feeling.” Vives in an enviable position where she could potentially win another Sovereign Award as the leading Canadian apprentice rider in 2024, largely due to her decision to curtail her 2022 season immediately after recording her fourth win. A total of nine riders have accomplished the repeat, including Kazushi Kimura in 2018-19. With less than a month remaining in 2024, the rider has remained on pace with her 2023 stats, winning 85 races at a 16% clip while amassing over $3.2 million. Principally riding in Canada, she also ventured south of the border to ride in New York and Pennsylvania. She currently ranks fourth overall at Woodbine with 66 wins and over $2.9 million in earnings. “Numbers is not a big thing for me because I don't like to set numbers as goals just because if you don't meet them, you feel very let down,” she explained. “I just want to stay positive and be happy. Also, continue to do right by the horses, owners and trainers. That's a pretty good goal for me.” The 22-year-old has moved her tack to Aqueduct this winter, a move that appears to be the most logical for the young rider looking to branch out at this juncture in her young career. Her fiancee, jockey Keiber Coa, is also stationed in New York. “I'll take it day-by-day and see what doors and opportunities open up and go on from there,” she said. “Maybe I'll get a chance today that will completely change plans for years. I don't know. Right now my brain is a sponge. I want to learn as much as I can from the colony [in New York] and see what happens in the springtime.” She added, “I would like to maintain what I have built and learn as much as I can. I am new to the New York circuit so I'd like to make some new connections here.” Highlighting her incoming connections, Vives recently switched her book to John Panagot, also the agent for New York-based Manny Franco. “I would love to be able to ride in New York, ride at Belmont when that opens up and go to Saratoga in the summer,” she said. “I would love to learn as much as I can from the guys up here. To be able to learn from them is pretty cool.” 'Be an inspiration' Armed with the pedigree to be a rider, her father Lazaro Vives rode along the Midlantic circuit as a jockey before serving a 20-year-stint at Mark Casse's Ocala farm. The horseman currently works for OBS in Ocala, Florida, where Vives grew up. Sofia Vives with her parents Lazaro and Marie | Courtesy Sofia Vives “My dad always told me 'keep your ears and eyes open and your mouth closed,” she said. “You can learn so much from watching and listening. Growing up, whenever I could I would go out to the farm and the track and watch them.” It was at the Hall of Famer's training center where she received much of her early education as a rider. “Once I got going, [Lazaro] was breezing a lot of horses for Mark and breaking babies,” she recalled. “It was actually cool to ride right alongside him and learn all the fundamentals from him. He's amazing on a horse and can get the horse to do whatever he wants them to do.” She added with a laugh, “To be able to see that is both good and bad. It's good because you get to see it close up but it's bad because he makes it look so easy. And it's not easy! He does everything so effortlessly and the horses respond to him so well.” What was one of the most valuable lessons she learned from her father? “He had shown me how to break horses out of the gate and I think my dad is one of the quickest riders out of the gate,” she explained. “The race is often won or lost at the gate, so it's nice to have that background with him.” According to Vives, Casse also played a big part in helping mould her career. “Mark always said that I could ride races if I would finish school. That was my mom [Marie']s rule too,” she conceded. “[Mark] has always been alongside me and has helped me find my footing at the track. He introduced me to Woodbine and gave me a shot.” “Mark and Miss Tina [Casse] are always rooting for me and cheering me on. They have been along the whole journey with me. If I ever have questions, I know I can reach out and they'll pick up right away. They are family to me.” Vives also points to other notable racing figures who influenced her career path. “Growing up, I wanted to be like Johnny Velazquez and Mike Smith,” she said. “Just to ride next to them is an honor.” “I really love watching Johnny ride. He always has himself in a good spot and he always gives the horse the best chance to win. He makes them all look good and he looks good on all of them. That's what I aspire to be like one day.” While following the path and success of the legends of the game, Vives hopes that she too might one day be in the position to make a difference to a young up-and-coming rider. “I believe you should be the person that you would want other people to want to be like as they got older. Be an inspiration. Do right by the animals. Thank God for all your blessings and carry on with the day.” The post Lady and the Champ: Vives Poised for Another Canadian Riding Title in 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The recently concluded Thoroughbred racing season at Woodbine saw jockey Sahin Civaci, trainer Mark Casse and owner Bruno Schickedanz take top honors.View the full article

The Texas Thoroughbred Association has announced that Tracy Sheffield will take the executive director position effective January 1, replacing Mary Ruyle, who will remain with the TTA through July to help with the transition. View the full article

Horse Racing Alberta is gearing up for even greater success in 2025 with significant enhancements to its Breed Improvement Programs. The programs are set for an impressive expansion.View the full article

The Charlie Appleby-trained Measured Time (GB) faces eight rivals on the Festive Friday card at Meydan when he attempts to repeat his 2023 success in the AED850,000 G2 Al Rashidiya Sponsored by Emaar. No horse has ever won back-to-back renewals of the Al Rashidiya, but Measured Time is likely to be a warm order as the sole previous Group 1 winner in the line-up. He followed last year's victory in this race with a first Group 1 triumph in the Jebel Hatta and a fourth-place finish in the G1 Dubai Turf, both run over the same course and distance as Friday's race. He later doubled his tally at the top level when beating stable-mate Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) in the GI Manhattan Stakes at Saratoga in June. “Measured Time has had a nice break and goes in stronger to this year's Al Rashidiya,” Appleby said of the son of Frankel (GB), who was last seen filling the runner-up spot in the GI Sword Dancer Stakes, also at Saratoga, in August. “We're looking forward to him starting his Dubai campaign on Friday.” Among his rivals is Royal Dubai (Fr) (Seahenge), a three-time Meydan winner, who returns after a summer campaign in Britain. “He did really well in Dubai last season, improving 15lbs and winning two races,” said trainer Lucie Botti. “He's proved he belongs in this company, but he's had a little break so it's going to be stepping stones to bigger things.” The international contingent is bolstered by Sean (Ger) (Excelebration {Ire}), trained by Jamie Osborne. He was a consistent performer in Dubai last season when finishing fourth in the G2 Zabeel Mile, second in the G3 Dubai Millennium and third in the G2 Singspiel Stakes. “Sean is back again in an attempt to avenge last year's unlucky defeats,” said Osborne. “It's not going to be easy for him but we are hopeful he can have a fruitful Meydan campaign this year. “Measured Time should be in a league of his own and it's likely Sean will tighten up for the run. We are probably all playing for second. This race will tell us whether his next run should be the [G2] Zabeel Mile or the Lord North [Handicap].” US Imports Clash in Maktoum Mile The official feature on the Festive Friday card is the G2 Al Maktoum Mile Sponsored by Emaar, which offers total prize-money of AED1,000,000 and is an early pointer towards the G1 Dubai World Cup and G2 Godolphin Mile. It has attracted a field of six, including Bhupat Seemar's exciting new recruit Artorius (Arrogate). “Artorius won the Curlin Stakes in America but hasn't been here that long, so we're still finding out about him,” said Seemar. “He's by a Grade I winner and out of a Grade I winner [Paulassilverlining] so he's certainly bred for the job.” Another US import who could provide the stiffest opposition to Artorius is the Chief Stipe Watson trainee Clapton (Brethren). Formerly trained by Chad Summers, Clapton finished third in both the G1 Maktoum Challenge and G2 Maktoum Classic last season, before an eleventh-place finish in the Dubai World Cup. “He had a busy schedule for three years,” said Watson. “He's had some time off and he's fresh and well with us. I don't think the drop back in trip is a problem. We're just going to let him run where he's happy.” The post Measured Time the Class Act on Festive Friday Card at Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The one-mile Asociación Uruguaya de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera (G3), to be held June 29 at Hipodromo Nacional de Maroñas in Montevideo, has been designated as an automatic qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).View the full article

According to a tweet by Mike Repole on X and post on the Coolmore America website, Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and impactful sire Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie–Playa Maya, by Arch) was euthanized at Ashford Stud on Thursday morning after suffering a left foreleg injury. Surgery was performed on Wednesday. He was 16-years-old. “I am devastated and saddened to share with you that Uncle Mo was euthanized earlier today following a left foreleg injury,” said Repole. “He had surgery yesterday. Unfortunately, this morning the recovery process was too much for him to endure. “The Repole Stable family, Todd Pletcher family and the entire Coolmore family are heartbroken,” he said. “Uncle Mo was so much more to me than a champion and iconic stallion–he was and always will be a part of my family. Uncle Mo is the patriarch of Repole Stable. There will never be another horse that makes me feel or will impact my life the way that Uncle Mo has. “I want to thank Todd Pletcher and his barn, Johnny Velazquez, the Coolmore Family, especially Uncle Mo's personal groom, Rene, and for everyone who loved Uncle Mo, for all the love and support they gave Uncle Mo,” Repole said. I am so grateful for the time that Uncle Mo and I spent together this May. Thank you Uncle Mo for fulfilling my childhood dreams of owning a special racehorse. “I love you Uncle Mo,” he said. Rest In Peace.” I am devastated and saddened to share with you that Uncle Mo was euthanized earlier today following a left foreleg injury. He had surgery yesterday. Unfortunately, this morning the recovery process was too much for him to endure. The Repole Stable family, Todd Pletcher… pic.twitter.com/ZHIo0yJGn8 — Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) December 19, 2024 Coolmore added their own post on their website and paid homage to the sire. “We're all still in shock,” said Coolmore America's Dermot Ryan. “He will be greatly missed by everyone here in particular by his personal groom Rene. He was an exceptional sire both on the racetrack and in the sales ring. I would like to thank Mike Repole for giving us the opportunity to stand him in the first instance and for being a truly fantastic partner, Todd Pletcher for training him to perfection, the Coolmore partners for placing such faith in him and our loyal clients for their unwavering support over the years. Ryan added, “I would also like to thank Dr. Barry David, Dr. Bob Hunt and Dr. Cole Sandow of Hagyards for their efforts to save him along with all the team here at Ashford for the excellent care they afforded him throughout his time here.” Uncle Mo (2008 – 2024). Hugely successful Ashford stallion and brilliant racehorse Uncle Mo was euthanised earlier today on veterinary advice following an… https://t.co/aK19V87W47 pic.twitter.com/BG6Ti3wnez — Coolmore America (@coolmoreamerica) December 19, 2024 Bred by D. Michael Cavey DVM, Repole purchased Uncle Mo as a yearling during Keeneland September in 2009 for $220,000. The Todd Pletcher trainee broke his maiden on debut at Saratoga in late August and earned a 'TDN Rising Star' for his effort. Uncle Mo then caputured the GI Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park and won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. The undefeated colt received the Eclipse Award as the top 2-year-old. Uncle Mo's 3-year-old campaign began with a score in the Timley Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park in March and he finished third in the GI Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. After nearly five months off, the colt was the runner-up in the GI King's Bishop Stakes at the Spa and took home the GII Kelso Handicap at Belmont. Top performers include Grade I winners Nyquist (Kentucky Derby, Florida Derby, Breeders Cup Juvenile, Frontrunner Stakes & Del Mar Futurity), Bast (Del Mar Debutante Stakes, Chandelier Stakes & Starlet Stakes), Golden Pal (Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint), Mo Donegal (Belmont Stakes), Mo Town (Hollywood Derby), Dream Tree (Starlet Stakes), Mo Forza (Hollywood Derby), Yaupon (Forego Stakes), Adare Manor (Clement L Hirsch Stakes (x2) & Apple Blossom Handicap), Arabian Knight (Pacific Classic Stakes), Kingsbarns (Stephen Foster Stakes), Gomo (Darley Alcibiades Stakes), A Mo Reay (Beholder Mile Stakes), Outwork (Wood Memorial Stakes), Unbridled Mo (Apple Blossom Handicap). The post Impactful Generational Sire Uncle Mo Passes Away Following Injury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Like any vibrant metropolis, Haras d'Etreham is somewhere that embraces the diversity of its inhabitants. At one time the roster featured everything from a dual Group 1-winning sprinter in Hello Youmzain (Fr), now one of the most expensive Flat stallions in France, to the leading National Hunt sire Saint des Saints (Fr), who in October this year was pensioned from stud duties. “We just need as many options as possible,” says Etreham's Nicolas de Chambure, speaking more generally about the evolving stallion scene domestically which, in his words, had a strong demand for a horse like Hello Youmzain, France's leading first-season sire of 2024. “I feel like it's filling a gap, something that we didn't have before,” he continues. “We were missing a few options to breed a good two-year-old or to breed a good sprinter. We've seen some of those stallions retiring in France recently, but then we've also retired a son of Frankel in Onesto last year. So, there are still those Classic horses, those 10- or 12-furlong horses, but now it's a more diverse pool of stallions, which is good.” De Chambure certainly knows a thing or two about Classic horses. In 2025, Etreham supporters will be able to choose from three of the last six winners of the Poule d'Essai des Poulains in Persian King (Ire) and Victor Ludorum (GB), successful in consecutive years in 2019 and 2020, plus Metropolitan (Fr), who retires to the farm near Bayeux after his Longchamp success back in May for owners Peter Bradley and Scuderia Scolari. If you're going to corner one area of the market, then Classic-winning milers would appear as good as any. And, in the shape of Metropolitan, de Chambure is adamant that breeders have a totally unique opportunity on their hands, in keeping with the spirit of diversity. “Obviously, what was a big plus for us in his profile was that Metropolitan was the only Classic-winning son of Zarak, and he's probably the one that has shown the most precocity and speed,” de Chambure sums up. “He was unbeaten at two. He was probably capable of being a Group winner at two, but Mario [Baratti, trainer] decided to give him time. Mario always said he had enough speed, natural speed, to be at his best at three over a mile. “He ran him in the [G3 Prix de] Fontainebleau, a traditional trial for the French Guineas. He needed the race, Mario said, and then he came back three weeks later and he won the French Guineas. That was a great performance and he really established himself as a strong stallion prospect after that race.” Though Metropolitan failed to add to his Group 1 tally after his Poulains win, he confirmed himself a miler out of the top drawer with a third-place finish in the St James's Palace Stakes and a runner-up effort in the Prix Jacques le Marois. Said to be “ready for a break” when finishing eighth on what proved to be his swansong in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Metropolitan never raced beyond a mile, which remains a cause of regret for de Chambure, who reveals that it hadn't always been the intention to retire him at the end of his three-year-old campaign. He explains, “Obviously, the option was to go for the French Derby over 10 and a half furlongs [after the Poulains], but Mario wanted to keep the horse at a mile with the view of stretching him in distance at four. We came in and bought into the horse after the St James's Palace, so we were involved with him when he ran in the Jacques le Marois. At this point we were really keen to keep him in training next year. “That's a little bit of my regret, that we didn't see him over 10. He was so good at a mile but I think there was maybe something else to see over 10 because he was finishing his races so strongly, and his pedigree says that he would have been suited for 10 furlongs. But he did enough at two, and he did enough this year, for us to retire him. He's a great addition for us and a great addition for the French breeders. “The Dubawi line is still not very well represented in France,” de Chambure adds of Metropolitan's place in the French market. “Obviously, we have Zarak, but we haven't had many sons of Dubawi in France. It's important to have that sire line in France, and he's an outcross to a lot of the Galileo lines, so it makes him very easy to use and open to a lot of different mares.” Bred by Stuart McPhee, Metropolitan is the second winner from four runners out of his unraced dam, Alianza (GB) (Halling), a half-sister to the Listed-placed Boater (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}). Also unraced was his second dam, Cercle d'Amour (Storm Cat), a full-sister to the Listed-winning Royal Tigress (Storm Cat) and a half-sister to the G3 Norfolk Stakes winner and G1 Prix Morny runner-up Warm Heart (Diesis {GB}). Etreham and their associates have been busy recruiting suitable mates for the three-year-old at the recent breeding stock sales, both in Europe and the US. Their acquisitions include black-type performers such as the Listed scorer Turn Cartwheels (Fr) (Dream Ahead), bought for €130,000 at Arqana, and the G3 Prix Miesque second Lady Mia (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}), who fetched $80,000 at Keeneland. “In a competitive and selective market, it is essential to support one's stallions and Metropolitan will benefit from strong backing from his connections,” says de Chambure. “A number of shares have been sold to some of the leading breeders in France and abroad. They have reserved a quality broodmare band for him and we are delighted with the welcome he has received since the announcement of his arrival at stud and following visits. “We warmly invite breeders to come and see him at stud in order to finalise their crosses.” And what will breeders find when they come to see Metropolitan in the flesh? “He has a bit of size, without being too tall, and he's got a lovely attitude about him,” de Chambure adds. “For a Zarak he's got great strength and depth and he's built like a miler. He's got that balance and he walks well–he's very correct. I think he's going to suit loads of mares physically. “He's such a good-looking horse. I think when you see him, you really want to breed to him.” The post Poulains Winner Metropolitan Joins Diverse Pool of Stallions at Etreham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland has supplemented six horses–including MSW Kloepatra, who is carrying her first foal by Life Is Good–to the 2025 January Horses of All Ages Sale, the auction wing of the organization said in a Thursday press release. Now with an offering of 1,312, the sale will cover three sessions from Jan. 13-15. The catalogue includes broodmare prospects, yearlings, horses of racing age and stallions and stallion prospects. The two in-foal broodmares among the supplements are: Kloepatra, a dual stakes-winning daughter of Cairo Prince out of Kaiserin, by Tiznow, who will be turning 6. Bred by Emory A. Hamilton and consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent, she is reported as in foal to Life Is Good. Meadow Dance, a stakes-winning mare by Jimmy Creed who was third in the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes and the runner-up in the GIII Sugar Swirl Stakes, is in foal to Instagrand. Meadow Dance, who will be 9 in 2025, is carrying her fourth pregnancy. She is consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. The racing or stallion prospect who is supplemented is: Shot in the Dark, a soon-to-be 3-year-old colt by Uncle Mo out of the winning Bernardini mare Spare Change. From the family of Horse of the Year Flightline, Shot in the Dark was runner-up in maiden special weight company at Gulfstream Park in November. He is offered as a racing or stallion prospect by consignor Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Also supplemented are three fillies who will be newly turned yearlings at the January Sale: A daughter of Maxfield who is the second foal out of Face Paint, by Candy Ride (Arg). From the family of GISW Game Face, the filly is consigned by Buckland Sales (Zach Madden), agent. A filly from the first crop of GI Belmont Stakes hero Mo Donegal out of Forever Loyal, a winner by Malibu Moon. She is consigned by Ashview Farm, agent. A filly from the first crop of MGISW Cyberknife who is a half-sister to three stakes performers, she is consigned by Ashview Farm, agent. Click here to access the catalogue. The post Keeneland Adds Half Dozen To 2025 January Horses Of All Ages Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's been nearly a year-and-a-half since Chantal Sutherland last rode. Her career was sidelined May 6, 2023 after a freak accident at Gulfstream when she pulled her mount up when the horse was frightened by geese crossing the track. Sutherland was thrown from the saddle and suffered a very serious injury. She snapped the humerus bone right off the shoulder and with her arm hanging grotesquely it was no longer attached to any part of her body. At time, the 48-year old rider grew so despondent that she feared that she would never ride again. But she never gave up and she persisted. The reward, after a lot of hard work and soul-searching, is that she is now back. She will have her first mount back Friday evening in Dubai, where she will ride the debuting Pocket Phone (Ire) (Almanzor {Fr}) for trainer Bhupat Semar. “I feel really good,” she said. “I feel positive about it. It's time to make the move and jump back in. I always feel like I could be more perfect. You don't get super racing fit until you've had a few rides. As far as nerves, I'm good. I feel like I've done this a lot, a million times. I want to give the filly a really good race, get out of the gate and get good position. I want to focus on the small things and hopefully it will work out.” Sutherland accepted the offer to ride for Semar rather than returning to Gulfstream. “I'll be here until Apr. 15,” she said. “I chose Dubai because if I came back to Gulfstream off an injury and had to compete against Irad and Tyler Gaffalione and the rest, that was going to be tough. There are some fabulous riders at Gulfstream. These guys are no joke and they are really good jockeys. You have to have bring your 'A game.' I'm not saying I don't have my 'A game' but those guys have most of the business locked up. The injury could have not come at a worse time for Sutherland. After some lean years, she was once again riding five or six a day and winning races. One of the big differences is that trainer Jorge Delgado started giving her a lot of live mounts. She won 83 races in 2021–the most since she had 152 wins in 2010. Then came the accident, which occurred in the English Channel Stakes aboard Haruki (Karakontie {(Jpn)}. Chantal Sutherland | Ryan Thompson “I picked up that horse in the stakes and was riding seven or eight a day,” she said. “I was rolling, doing very well in my career. I was really happy to be riding at Gulfstream and living in Florida. Unfortunately, that horse really freaked out, which is normal for a horse because they are flight animals. There was nothing I could do to stop him or help myself. He pivoted really hard to the right. I fell off to the left. He also banged into winner of race and that jockey fell off as well.” Sutherland feels that accident was avoidable and that Gulfstream should have taken measures to keep the geese from crossing the track. “It was so weird to see something like that,” Sutherland said. “It was a moment of real shock and horror. After that nothing else went well. The ambulance was not great and they didn't come to get me. I had to crawl over three tracks to get to the ambulance. Over all, it was a really bad experience. I feel that accident was avoidable. Every racetrack has a responsibility to make it safe for the jockeys and respect us and care about us. I felt like I got thrown to the curb.” She admits that she had trouble coming to grips over what had happened to her, which is that her life was turned upside down. Not only was she not riding, but she was earning no income and didn't any family members close by to help her with her recovery. “There was a dark place I went to,” she said. “About three months after the incident, there was pain and suffering and I was worried my body would never look the same. It was real. I was alone, not having family here for me. I had to do things like get someone to wash my hair for me. I went through some really tough times. “For the last year and a half, things have not been easy financially,” she said. “I still have property taxes and bills to pay and I had no one to help me. I don't have a husband to help. You dip into your savings and your retirement plan is untouchable. I feel happy now. I feel like I'm in the right place, where I need t be. I love racing. It's in my heart. I feel like this is my calling and passion. I know I can't do it forever, but as long as I have this opportunity, I am going for it and hope it works out. I'm on a mission.” She is looking forward to riding in Dubai and calls it “the coolest place on Earth.” But she knows her future is back in the U.S. She said she will be based at Monmouth this summer, but plans to go anywhere Delgado needs her to go. “I am going to go back to Monmouth to ride for Jorge Delgado,” she said. “We talk regularly. I'll do New Jersey, Saratoga, Delaware Park, Parx. I am ready to work. I have to get back to where I was. I've gone through a tough process. I've definitely built more character. I don't know how much more character I need, but I got it anyway.” She doesn't know when that first win will come, which will be her first since Apr. 30, 2023. She does know that it's going to feel very good. “I can't wait, are you kidding?” Sutherland said. “It will be magical. I hope it's for Christmas because I love Santa. But whenever it happens, it happens. I'm just so glad to be back.” The post On A Mission, Chantal Sutherland Returns To Riding Friday In Dubai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has named 16 regulatory and private practice veterinarians from across the country to serve as members on its Veterinary Advisory Committee, according to a press release from the organization on Thursday morning. The committee will commence regular meetings in early 2025 to provide feedback to HISA's executive team and standing committees. Advisement on topics would include the implementation and evolution of HISA's rules and protocols related to veterinary care, medication, racetrack safety, equine research and other relevant issues. Committee members will serve staggered terms of 18 to 30 months to ensure a dynamic, evolving group and maximize opportunities for future participation. “I would like to express my gratitude to each of the highly qualified veterinarians who have generously agreed to contribute their time and expertise to the advancement of our sport,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Their collective knowledge of and commitment to matters relating to equine health and welfare will be instrumental in guiding our efforts to foster a safer and more sustainable future for horse racing.” “I am honored to welcome to the committee such a talented and dedicated group of veterinarians,” said HISA Director of Equine Safety and Welfare Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, who will chair the committee. “Both clinical and regulatory veterinary knowledge and experience are essential to HISA's mission of enhancing safety and integrity in the sport. We look forward to collaborating with our new committee members to advance horse welfare and drive scientific progress.” Members of HISA's Veterinary Advisory Committee are: Kathleen Anderson Ada Caruthers Ashley Daniel Horace (“Sam”) O. Ferguson Peter Hannigan Andrew Hirschy Kathleen Kivi Michael Manno Justin McCormick Martha Misheff Amy Narotsky Nolton Pattio Kathy Picciano Lindsey Porubovich Lisa Santa-Emma Nick Smith Click here to read a full biography for each member. The post HISA Names 16 Vets To Serve On Advisory Committee appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The What's Going on Here column from the December 2024 issue of BloodHorse Magazine.View the full article

More than four decades after his first experience as a winning owner, David Ellis has been recognised for his contribution to racing with induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Ellis is best known as the founder and principal of Te Akau Racing, New Zealand's most successful racehorse syndication model and in whose colours the 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) raced, among others. “I was in my early twenties when I won that race at Paeroa all those years ago and I thought it was the biggest thrill you could have in life,” Ellis told Loveracing.nz. “My trainer Bill Ford came with me into the winner's room, but he had another horse in the next race that he had to saddle up and I ended up celebrating my first ever win by myself. “That made me think there's got to be a better way to do this. I realised that I'd rather celebrate together with other people and that was the beginning of my idea to syndicate horses, bringing people together to enjoy the thrill of winning.” He added, “It's quite incredible to think that when Captured By Love won the New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton last month, that was the 98th Group 1 winner by horses that I've either bought, bred or managed under the Te Akau umbrella. “Any award, whether you're recognised by your peers or by a higher body, is very humbling and this is certainly no different. “It's an absolute honour to think that I'm being acknowledged alongside people who I have admired massively over the years–people like my great late friend Colin Jillings, other hugely successful trainers like Dave O'Sullivan and Jim Gibbs, and industry icons such as Sir Patrick Hogan and Sir Peter Vela.” The post David Ellis Inducted into New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There aren’t too many accolades missing from expat Kiwi jockey James McDonald’s mantle, but recognition from his home country’s sporting industry has been one, and that has finally been rectified with his announcement as a finalist for the ISPS HANDA Halberg Sportsman of the Year. McDonald, who will end a short-term riding contract in Hong Kong this weekend, has had a year to remember in the saddle, culminating with securing his second LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award in Hong Kong earlier this month, having won the title for the first time in 2022. He won nine of the world’s top 100 Group One features from December 2023 until November 30, 2024, including the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (Romantic Warrior), Stewards’ Cup (Voyage Bubble), Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (Romantic Warrior), Ranvet Stakes (Via Sistina), FWD QEII Cup (Romantic Warrior), Yasuda Kinen (Romantic Warrior), W.S. Cox Plate (Via Sistina), VRC Champions Sprint (Sunshine in Paris) and VRC Champions Stakes (Via Sistina). The 32-year-old held on to win the award by just 10 points from four-time winner, Englishman Ryan Moore (150), with William Buick third with 105 points. McDonald has become a household name in world racing, making his mark in his homeland before moving to Sydney more than 10 years ago where he has left an impression on the Australian racing landscape, and he has become one the most revered jockeys in the world. For his deeds, McDonald became the youngest inductee to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in 2021 as a 29-year-old, and he has continued his ascent in world racing, subsequently adding two LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Awards to his name. McDonald commenced raceday riding in August 2007 and scored his first victory aboard Johnnie The Sand at Te Rapa later that month for his father Brett and training partner Alan Jones. In April the following year he recorded his first Group One victory aboard Special Mission for trainer Peter McKay in the New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha, and he has gone on to win a further 105 elite-level races around the world, including Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. To be recognised by New Zealand’s sporting industry, in an Olympic year, has been a massive feat for McDonald, who was humbled by the announcement. “I am extremely proud to be recognised as one of New Zealand’s top sportsmen,” he said. “This means as much personally as it does for our racing industry, to be recognised alongside other mainstream professional sports.” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Bruce Sharrock said it was a momentous day for New Zealand racing. “It is a significant day for racing to be recognised alongside our country’s best athletes at our premier sporting awards,” Sharrock said. “James is a genuine World Champion, and we are all proud of what he has achieved on the track as an ambassador for both racing in New Zealand and across the globe.” The ISPS HANDA Halberg Sportsman of the Year category has eight finalists, including Olympic Gold medallists Hamish Kerr (athletics-field) and Finn Butcher (canoe slalom), Hayden Wilde (triathlon), Chris Wood (football), Ben Richards (snow sports), Fergus Eadie (surf lifesaving), Rocco Jamieson (snow sports), and James McDonald (horse racing), with the winner also eligible for the Supreme Halberg Award. The winners will be announced during a prestigious black-tie evening at Spark Arena, Auckland, on Tuesday 18 February 2025. The event will also crown the inaugural Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, Sport New Zealand’s Leadership Award and the only publicly voted Award – New Zealand’s Favourite Sporting Moment. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and free-to-air on Sky Open from 8pm. View the full article

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, December 21, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Royal Randwick is the destination for metro racing in NSW on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set to get underway at 12:30pm local time. The rail moves out +3m after racing in the true position last Saturday, and with no significant rainfall predicted in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Good 4 surface come race-day. Best Bet at Randwick: Gilded Water Gilded Water couldn’t have made a better impression first-up at Kembla Grange on November 23, going on to score by a half-length despite his 156-day absence. The European import went through the gears impressively and only seemed to be going better as they approached the winning post, suggesting the 2400m is a major positive for the son of Fastnet Rock. Dylan Browne McMonagle will do the steering from barrier eight, and provided he can manage to find some cover, Gilded Water should simply prove too classy for BM78 company. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 Gilded Water (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Dylan Browne McMonagle (57kg) +140 with Neds Next Best at Randwick: Yorkshire Yorkshire proved a model of consistency in his first preparation, securing three victories across his four starts. The Snitzel gelding will seek to continue his winning ways, resuming from a 122-day spell, and based off his recent barrier trial victory on the Kensington circuit on December 9, the progressive four-year-old appears set to maintain his high standard of work. Kerrin McEvoy has the option to lead or take a sit behind the tempo from barrier five, but regardless of how this race unfolds, expect Yorkshire to be right in this when the whips are cracking. Next Best Race 10 – #13 Yorkshire (5) 4yo Gelding | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Kerrin McEvoy (57.5kg) +200 with BlondeBet Best Value at Randwick: The Bopper The Bopper represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers as he returns after 75 days off the scene. The son of Nicconi caught the eye in a recent barrier trial at Newcastle on December 4, pushed out to claim victory over Altercation in the concluding stages. The pair cleared out on their respective rivals, suggesting it’s a piece of work punters can follow with trust. He does have a habit of missing the start; however, provided Benjamin Osmond can get The Bopper to jump with them, the $19.00 available with Picklebet is too juicy to ignore. Best Value Race 9 – #3 The Bopper (5) 7yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Benjamin Osmond (a3kg) (59.5kg) +1800 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections December 21, 2024 6-7-9-10-12 1-4-9-10 1-2-3-5 9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Star Australian jockey will reunite with Pierre Ng’s gun galloper in Group One on January 19.View the full article

Update from Te Akau Stud David Ellis CNZM to be inducted to the NZ Racing Hall of Fame We are very proud to share the wonderful news that was confirmed today - our own David Ellis CNZM has been recognised for well over four decades of contribution to our industry with induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Please enjoy the full story that was released today: Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM is a man who has dedicated a lifetime of passion and commitment to the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, and is being honoured as an inductee into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Ellis had his first winner as an owner in 1978 at Paeroa, while Cosmetique, which he purchased and raced, provided his first Group One win in the 1986 Easter Handicap. Since first selling shares in horses he had purchased in 80’s, Ellis has grown Te Akau Racing to become the most successful syndicator of horses globally – no small feat from an island country in the Southwest Pacific. Having established Te Akau Stud from an original 500 acres to over 4000 acres, which predominantly farms sheep and cattle, with an interior 800 acres post and railed for horses, Ellis has become known as the “King of Karaka” or “King of the Ring” having been the leading buyer at the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales Series for the past 19 consecutive years. He has also been the leading buyer six times at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, and in 2024, replicated that status at the Magic Millions’ Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast of Australia. In 2024, David Ellis has signed for/syndicated 76 horses for $25 million from sales throughout Australasia, and Europe, and privately. He has bought and syndicated yearlings and two-year-olds from New Zealand and Australia, from as far away as Europe, traded and syndicated older racehorses, and bred horses, all to be shared in ownership by family, friends, and owners across the world. From the main stables at Matamata, and now with a permanent base at Riccarton Racecourse in Christchurch, Te Akau has trained over 2700 winners, nearly 400 stakes’ winners, including 99 Group One wins – the most recent being Captured By Love winning the Group One NZ 1000 Guineas in November at Riccarton. Te Akau has won 15 training premiership titles, including four in Singapore, and last season established a new, state of the art operation at the first-class facilities in Cranbourne (Victoria). Te Akau set a benchmark 203 domestic wins in 2022/23, surpassing its previous national record (160) in 2020/21, and last season trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson established the second highest national tally ever with 169 wins. David Ellis is quick to acknowledge that this immense honour is very much shared with the people around him. Te Akau’s proud history of the world class administrative and horse people, whose dedication, skill and talent has seen the business flourish. Top of the ladder is trainer and business partner Mark Walker, who this season recorded his 2000th career win, while former apprentice and stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM recently rode his 99th Group One winner. Another vital team member is Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM, whose key role is managing the day-to-day business and strategic matters and in particular bringing together the many scopes of te Akau’s hugely successful syndication operation. “There are so many people who, without them, Te Akau could never have achieved what it has,” says Ellis. Te Akau currently employs approximately 100 people and in the past has provided apprentices, trainers, stable-hands, office personnel, even school children, all with a platform from which to develop their skills. For David Ellis, the development of young talent has always been a priority as he guides the through an industry career path. Among the best champion racehorses that Ellis has purchased and Te Akau has trained, Melody Belle, a dual Horse of the Year, NZ record holder of 14 Group One wins, and Hall of Fame inductee, leads the way. Purchased for $57,500 as a yearling at Karaka, Melody Belle became the first of seven consecutive $1 million Karaka Million 2YO winners purchased by Ellis, was named Champion Two-Year-Old, equalled the domestic Group One record (13) of mighty mare Sunline when winning the Group One Thorndon Mile and set a new mark (14) when winning the Group One Bonecrusher NZ Stakes in 2021. She retired the winner of 14 Group One races (19 from 41 in total) and $4.3 million in prize money, before selling as a broodmare for $2.6 million. The most recent stable star has been Imperatriz, reigning NZ Horse of the Year and Champion Sprinter in Australia. Bought for A$360,000 by Ellis at the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Imperatriz was owned by Te Akau Invincible Empress Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). Retired and sold in June this year for A$6.6 million, becoming the highest priced filly or mare ever sold in the Southern Hemisphere, Imperatriz recorded 10 Group One wins, from 1000m – 1600m, among 19 victories from 27 starts, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prize money. But it certainly does not end there. Ellis also purchased Probabeel for $380,000 as a yearling at Karaka. Owned by Brendan Lindsay MNZM & Jo Lindsay (Cambridge Stud), she is the only horse to claim the Karaka Million 2YO and Karaka Million 3YO Classic double. Like Melody Belle, she too was a dual Horse of the Year, winning 13 of 29 starts, including four Group One wins in Australia, placed eight times, and topped NZ$4.6 million prize money. There are so many other champion horses that have been identified by, and purchased through, the expert eye of David Ellis. Champion Two-Year-Old Avantage, remains the highest (9) ever Group One winner for her Champion Sire Fastnet Rock. Ellis purchased her for $210,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale. She recorded 16 wins from 28 starts, amassed $2.1 million prize money for Te Akau Avantage Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and created a global online sales record when selling for $4.1 million. In January this year, Ellis purchased her first foal for $2.1 million at the 2024 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, out of the Coolmore draft, and named Avantaggia (Wootton Bassett) she is in the jump out and trials’ stage in the stable at Matamata. Holding a special place in the hearts of Ellis and Mark Walker, Darci Brahma was purchased for $1.1 million as a yearling at Karaka. The winner of five Group One races trans-Tasman, he went on to be named Champion Two-Year-Old, Champion Three-Year-Old and Champion Sprinter/Miler as a Four -Year-Old. He went on to become a multiple Champion Sire, and remains a dominant player in the pedigrees of NZ-bred thoroughbreds. Horses Ellis has purchased that have stood at stud include Darci Brahma, King’s Chapel, Rock ‘n’ Pop, Minstrel Court, Saperavi, Burgundy, Cool Aza Beel, Xtravagant, Embellish, Heroic Valour, Noverre, and Sword of State. Te Akau has won 79 titles at the New Zealand Horses of the Year awards, headed by 11 Champion Two-Year-Olds, eight NZB Filly of the Year, seven Horse of the Year, as well as the NZTR Outstanding Contribution to Racing Award; NZTR Media Award; NZTR Contribution to Media, Digital & Content, Award, and NZTR Owner of the Year, while this year Imperatriz became the first horse to win the NZTR Outstanding Global Achievement Award. Ellis is a great ambassador for New Zealand bred horses, and its people, and is deeply committed to supporting and promoting the industry, including through sponsorship and advocacy. He has dedicated years of his life to voluntary leadership roles within the industry, especially through racing industry administration. He started as a steward for the Waikato Racing Club, and developed from there to cover every spectrum of leadership through to national level. His roles included Chairman of the Waikato Racing Club for which he is a Life Member; Chairman of the Waikato District Committee, and he served on the Boards of the New Zealand Racing Conference, then NZ Thoroughbred Racing, and also NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. For his own dedication and vision, Ellis was rewarded with the Gallagher Agriculture and Primary Production Award in 2010, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Outstanding Contribution to Racing Excellence in 2017, and was appointed as Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Royal Honours’ List. The New Zealand racing industry has benefited greatly by having David Ellis CNZM involved and dedicated to its progress and well-being - he deserves his place in the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, alongside other leading contributors and performers, an honour which he is humbled to have been accorded. TE AKAU RACING Te Akau Road R.D.1 Ngaruawahia 3793 New Zealand P + 64 7 825 4701 F + 64 7 825 4822

NZ Racing Hall of Fame Update from Te Akau Stud David Ellis CNZM to be inducted to the NZ Racing Hall of Fame We are very proud to share the wonderful news that was confirmed today - our own David Ellis CNZM has been recognised for well over four decades of contribution to our industry with induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Please enjoy the full story that was released today: Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM is a man who has dedicated a lifetime of passion and commitment to the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, and is being honoured as an inductee into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. Ellis had his first winner as an owner in 1978 at Paeroa, while Cosmetique, which he purchased and raced, provided his first Group One win in the 1986 Easter Handicap. Since first selling shares in horses he had purchased in 80’s, Ellis has grown Te Akau Racing to become the most successful syndicator of horses globally – no small feat from an island country in the Southwest Pacific. Having established Te Akau Stud from an original 500 acres to over 4000 acres, which predominantly farms sheep and cattle, with an interior 800 acres post and railed for horses, Ellis has become known as the “King of Karaka” or “King of the Ring” having been the leading buyer at the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales Series for the past 19 consecutive years. He has also been the leading buyer six times at the NZB Ready to Run Sale, and in 2024, replicated that status at the Magic Millions’ Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast of Australia. In 2024, David Ellis has signed for/syndicated 76 horses for $25 million from sales throughout Australasia, and Europe, and privately. He has bought and syndicated yearlings and two-year-olds from New Zealand and Australia, from as far away as Europe, traded and syndicated older racehorses, and bred horses, all to be shared in ownership by family, friends, and owners across the world. From the main stables at Matamata, and now with a permanent base at Riccarton Racecourse in Christchurch, Te Akau has trained over 2700 winners, nearly 400 stakes’ winners, including 99 Group One wins – the most recent being Captured By Love winning the Group One NZ 1000 Guineas in November at Riccarton. Te Akau has won 15 training premiership titles, including four in Singapore, and last season established a new, state of the art operation at the first-class facilities in Cranbourne (Victoria). Te Akau set a benchmark 203 domestic wins in 2022/23, surpassing its previous national record (160) in 2020/21, and last season trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson established the second highest national tally ever with 169 wins. David Ellis is quick to acknowledge that this immense honour is very much shared with the people around him. Te Akau’s proud history of the world class administrative and horse people, whose dedication, skill and talent has seen the business flourish. Top of the ladder is trainer and business partner Mark Walker, who this season recorded his 2000th career win, while former apprentice and stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM recently rode his 99th Group One winner. Another vital team member is Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM, whose key role is managing the day-to-day business and strategic matters and in particular bringing together the many scopes of te Akau’s hugely successful syndication operation. “There are so many people who, without them, Te Akau could never have achieved what it has,” says Ellis. Te Akau currently employs approximately 100 people and in the past has provided apprentices, trainers, stable-hands, office personnel, even school children, all with a platform from which to develop their skills. For David Ellis, the development of young talent has always been a priority as he guides the through an industry career path. Among the best champion racehorses that Ellis has purchased and Te Akau has trained, Melody Belle, a dual Horse of the Year, NZ record holder of 14 Group One wins, and Hall of Fame inductee, leads the way. Purchased for $57,500 as a yearling at Karaka, Melody Belle became the first of seven consecutive $1 million Karaka Million 2YO winners purchased by Ellis, was named Champion Two-Year-Old, equalled the domestic Group One record (13) of mighty mare Sunline when winning the Group One Thorndon Mile and set a new mark (14) when winning the Group One Bonecrusher NZ Stakes in 2021. She retired the winner of 14 Group One races (19 from 41 in total) and $4.3 million in prize money, before selling as a broodmare for $2.6 million. The most recent stable star has been Imperatriz, reigning NZ Horse of the Year and Champion Sprinter in Australia. Bought for A$360,000 by Ellis at the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Imperatriz was owned by Te Akau Invincible Empress Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). Retired and sold in June this year for A$6.6 million, becoming the highest priced filly or mare ever sold in the Southern Hemisphere, Imperatriz recorded 10 Group One wins, from 1000m – 1600m, among 19 victories from 27 starts, and nearly NZ$7.6 million in prize money. But it certainly does not end there. Ellis also purchased Probabeel for $380,000 as a yearling at Karaka. Owned by Brendan Lindsay MNZM & Jo Lindsay (Cambridge Stud), she is the only horse to claim the Karaka Million 2YO and Karaka Million 3YO Classic double. Like Melody Belle, she too was a dual Horse of the Year, winning 13 of 29 starts, including four Group One wins in Australia, placed eight times, and topped NZ$4.6 million prize money. There are so many other champion horses that have been identified by, and purchased through, the expert eye of David Ellis. Champion Two-Year-Old Avantage, remains the highest (9) ever Group One winner for her Champion Sire Fastnet Rock. Ellis purchased her for $210,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale. She recorded 16 wins from 28 starts, amassed $2.1 million prize money for Te Akau Avantage Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and created a global online sales record when selling for $4.1 million. In January this year, Ellis purchased her first foal for $2.1 million at the 2024 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, out of the Coolmore draft, and named Avantaggia (Wootton Bassett) she is in the jump out and trials’ stage in the stable at Matamata. Holding a special place in the hearts of Ellis and Mark Walker, Darci Brahma was purchased for $1.1 million as a yearling at Karaka. The winner of five Group One races trans-Tasman, he went on to be named Champion Two-Year-Old, Champion Three-Year-Old and Champion Sprinter/Miler as a Four -Year-Old. He went on to become a multiple Champion Sire, and remains a dominant player in the pedigrees of NZ-bred thoroughbreds. Horses Ellis has purchased that have stood at stud include Darci Brahma, King’s Chapel, Rock ‘n’ Pop, Minstrel Court, Saperavi, Burgundy, Cool Aza Beel, Xtravagant, Embellish, Heroic Valour, Noverre, and Sword of State. Te Akau has won 79 titles at the New Zealand Horses of the Year awards, headed by 11 Champion Two-Year-Olds, eight NZB Filly of the Year, seven Horse of the Year, as well as the NZTR Outstanding Contribution to Racing Award; NZTR Media Award; NZTR Contribution to Media, Digital & Content, Award, and NZTR Owner of the Year, while this year Imperatriz became the first horse to win the NZTR Outstanding Global Achievement Award. Ellis is a great ambassador for New Zealand bred horses, and its people, and is deeply committed to supporting and promoting the industry, including through sponsorship and advocacy. He has dedicated years of his life to voluntary leadership roles within the industry, especially through racing industry administration. He started as a steward for the Waikato Racing Club, and developed from there to cover every spectrum of leadership through to national level. His roles included Chairman of the Waikato Racing Club for which he is a Life Member; Chairman of the Waikato District Committee, and he served on the Boards of the New Zealand Racing Conference, then NZ Thoroughbred Racing, and also NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. For his own dedication and vision, Ellis was rewarded with the Gallagher Agriculture and Primary Production Award in 2010, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Outstanding Contribution to Racing Excellence in 2017, and was appointed as Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Royal Honours’ List. The New Zealand racing industry has benefited greatly by having David Ellis CNZM involved and dedicated to its progress and well-being - he deserves his place in the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, alongside other leading contributors and performers, an honour which he is humbled to have been accorded.

Smokin’ Romans(NZ) (Ghibellines), Herman Hesse and Strawberry Rock will aim to give Ciaron Maher a third Pakenham Cup success. The Ciaron Maher stable will saddle three hopes at it chases back-to-back victories in the Pakenham Cup. Maher won the 2500m Listed race with Ashrun back in March after the race was not run in 2023 as Racing Victoria tinkered with race dates. But with the Cranbourne Turf Club and Pakenham Racing Club merging to form Southside Racing and their desire to have a two-day Carnival, the Pakenham Cup is back to a December date, although later than it had been previously. While Maher won with Ashrun earlier in the year, he also won the race when in a training partnership with David Eustace, preparing Smokin’ Romans to win in 2021. Smokin’ Romans is back again this time around with Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull saying the stayer is in, arguably, as good form as he has been throughout his career. “You can’t say he’s in career-best form because he’s a Group 1 winner, but I’d say he’s just starting to push the ceiling a bit and has found his groove again,” Turnbull said. “He” very fit, his form speaks for himself, so hopefully he runs accordingly.” Turnbull said after Smokin’ Romans won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington on November 9, the wet track when second to Arapaho in the Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield last time did not play into his hands. “We got beaten by a decent galloper last time and we’ll find a field of 10 on Saturday, so he should get it pretty comfortable in front, and it looks a good set up for him,” Turnbull said. View the full article

Waikato filly Island Life(NZ) (Vadamos) will return to the Central Districts on Saturday, aiming to go one better than her last Group Three attempt in the Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. Straight out of maiden company, Island Life fought valiantly to be denied only at the line by Tuxedo in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki in late November, a pleasing performance for her trainers Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie. “She was very brave, she was probably just travelling a bit too well and got there a bit too easily, which left her a sitting duck,” Ritchie said. “Tuxedo is obviously a very smart horse, and I know that Shaune (Ritchie) and Colm (Murray, trainers) have a lot of time for him, so it’ll be nice to get her back against to her own sex and hopefully she can pull it off.” The daughter of Vadamos will head south from their Matamata base on Friday, having drawn an outside barrier (11) under Sam Weatherley. “Steven will travel down with her tomorrow, we always stay at Palmerston North and then do the rest of the journey on Saturday,” Ritchie said. “She had her final workout on Tuesday morning at Matamata and worked nicely, then she’s just been doing quiet work for the rest of the week. We’re very happy with her.” Ramsay and Ritchie have had plenty of success at Trentham with a Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) and a Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) to their credit, and they have submitted a pair of future nominations at the course for Island Life in the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m) and $1 million Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m). An option such as the Oaks is largely dependent on her on her ability to settle in the running, and a relaxed showing in transit on Saturday could warrant a start in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m), which looms at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. “They are still options for her, she did travel a bit keenly over the mile last time, so we’ll stick to that distance for now,” Ritchie said. “If she happened to come out and run really well on Saturday, as well as relaxing well, we may look at the Royal Stakes (Sir Patrick Hogan). “There are plenty of good fillies races around in the next while, so as long as she’s happy and tracking well, we will head for those.” View the full article