Wandering Eyes

Always Dreaming (Bodemeister–Above Perfection, by In Excess {Ire}), the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner, died of colic Tuesday, December 10 at River Oaks Farm in Oklahoma, according to Chad Schumer, who brokered the deal to send the stallion from WinStar Farm where he originally stood to River Oaks. “The horse was sick,” said Schumer. “He had a very typical colic, and they brought him to the clinic. He was there for four days. They didn't do any surgery on him. Everything was fine. He seemed to be okay. He turned the corner. They sent him back to the farm, and I think it was the cecum in his stomach, it just burst.” The cecum is a large, muscular part of a horse's large intestine that digests fiber and other food. “It was very unexpected in the sense that they thought they were over the hurdle of him having the colic,” said Schumer. “So it was particularly devastating, because they thought, `oh, God, this horse is sick, they went through the whole four days of him getting better, thinking everything is going to be okay, and he just went downhill very quickly.” “The passing of Always Dreaming is a profound loss. He was a remarkable horse—on and off the racetrack—and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege to work with him, including all of us here at WinStar,” said Elliot Walden. “He will always be remembered as a brilliantly fast horse who won the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Florida Derby (G1). Our thoughts go out to everyone at River Oaks Farm, where Always Dreaming was going to become the first Kentucky Derby winner in history to stand in the state of Oklahoma.” Always Dreaming sired five crops with three at racing age. He claimed one graded winner, five black type winners, and four who placed in black type races. His most successful offspring has been GI Pennsylvania Derby hero Saudi Crown, who went on to run third in the G1 Saudi Cup this year. That grey also claimed the GIII Louisiana Stakes in 2024. Other Listed winners include Tocayo; Bricklayer in Canada; Brittany's Dream; and the late Grand Isle. The post 2017 Kentucky Derby Winner Always Dreaming Dies of Colic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Set-Hut's Touchuponastar looks to solidify his place as a Louisiana-bred legend Dec. 14 when he targets a third victory in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

A competitive field entered for the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1) Dec. 15 at Kyoto Racecourse starts the serious winnowing of 2-year-old candidates for the 2025 Japanese classics.View the full article

A galaxy of racing's stars–Davy Russell, Joseph O'Brien, Kevin Manning, Nina Carberry and more–turned out to support the fourth running of the Treo Eile Christmas Show on Thursday. It was former champion jockey Russell, who, competing alongside his son Finn, who won the HRI Thoroughbred Classic Cup. He was riding former staying chaser Our Father, who ran 17 times for trainers David Pipe and Gordon Elliott respectively. Director of Welfare at Horse Racing Ireland, John Osborne, commented, “This event brings all equestrian industries together and shows how versatile the thoroughbred is in terms of adjusting to a different lifestyle after racing and it's wonderful to see these horses still going strong ten years later. “Everyone commented on the high standards on show, with so many double-clears and such an exciting finale, where the last fence for the last rider was going to decide the outcome. This is partly due to the clinics, instruction and support that Anne O'Connor and the Treo Eile team has provided to this growing area.” Supporting the evening were some major industry leaders including Godolphin, the Aga Khan, Coolmore and the IEBF and Foal Levy Fund. Horse Racing Ireland were title sponsors while Weatherbys Ireland GSB, Ltd., Connolly's RED MILLS and Equuip all sponsored individual classes earlier in the day. Harry McCalmont, Director of Treo Eile commented, concluded, “Once again we are so proud to see the ex-racehorse in all their glory, this night is the perfect showcase of their talents, their versatility and their trainability. It's wonderful to see the standard of thoroughbreds improving year on year, which reflects the efforts of the Treo Eile supported initiatives. A huge thank you must go out to our wonderful show committee, all of our volunteers, riders, those who provide horses and to all our amazing sponsors.” The post Racing’s Stars Support Fourth Running Of The Treo Eile Christmas Show appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Led by multiple group 1 winners El Kodigo and Don Feres, 20 horses have been entered in the 1 1/2-mile Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional (G1) Dec. 14 at Hipodromo de San Isidro outside Buenos Aires. View the full article

No Nay Never's Arizona (Ire), a winner of the G2 Coventry Stakes, will stand at Yigit Stud in Turkey through a deal brokered by Michael Shefflin. A fee will be announced later. The Racing Post first reported the news. The European first-crop sire is credited with a total of 10 winners worldwide from 38 runners. His best is Listed Star Appeal Stakes hero Right And True (Ire). The 7-year-old G1 Dewhurst Stakes runner-up stood under the Coolmore banner in Ireland from 2021 to 2024. His 2024 fee was €5,000, and he covered 129 mares at Castlehyde Stud. The post Arizona Latest Stallion On The Move To Turkey appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Menangle trainer Jason Grimson is trying to cap an amazing finish to the year by doing what only harness racing royalty have done in the Inter Dominion. Grimson, just 29, won his second successive NZ Cup last month with Swayzee and is chasing his third Inter Dominion pacing final in the space of four years when he lines up Curly James and Nerano in tonight’s $500,000 feature at his home track. If successful, Grimson will join Hall of Famers, Kiwi Mark Purdon and Brian Hancock as the only trainers to win Inter Dominion pacing finals with three different horses. Grimson won with Boncel Benjamin at Menangle in 2021 and I Cast No Shadow at Melton in 2022. Hancock’s first win came with Thorate in Adelaide (1990), followed by Weona Warrior at Harold Park (1994) and then his greatest pacer, Our Sir Vancelot created history with three successive final wins (1997 Adelaide, 1998 Hobart and 1999 Auckland). Purdon won back-to-back Perth finals with Smolda (2016) and Lazarus (2017) and then trained Ultimate Sniper in partnership with Natalie Rasmussen to win the 2019 Auckland final. The odds say Grimson has a huge task ahead with Curly James ($12) and Nerano ($26) both outsiders, but that hasn’t worried him in the past. Boncel Benjamin was a $41 outsider when won on protest and I Cast No Shadow caused an upset at $17. The eight-year-old gelding will be having his 190th start. He ran sixth in the 2022 final, eighth last year and is a $151 outsider from an awful draw (gate 12) on Saturday. The strongest Kiwi flavour in the pacing final is the largely NZ-owned Minstrel, while star trotting mare Queen Elida, who recently topped $NZ1 million in earnings, will command most NZ interest in the trotting final. 10.55PM – TROTTING FINAL What will driver Jason Lee do on KEAYANG CHUCKY? That’s the million dollar question of this final. There’s no doubt he’s got the speed to lead and hold the front, but the team seem to think he’s better with a sit. If they opt to trail again, the next question is whether hot favourite THE LOCOMOTIVE (4) or a desperately driven QUEEN ELIDA (5) will be first to try and wrest the lead away. The Locomotive has been the star of the series, seemingly improving with each run and he’s most likely to find the lead, which makes him the one to beat. Queen Elida was fantastic on the first two nights, but not as good last Saturday. She’s got a full week to bounce back and has run third in stronger finals the past two years. Keayang Chucky couldn’t stalk and rundown The Locomotive last week, but more pressure early and through the middle stages could give him a better hope this time (if he takes the trail). PARISIAN ARTISTE (12) was terrific last week. He’s strong and can make a midrace move if needed. Can upset them. The best roughie is KEAYANG STUKA (9), who ran a terrific race at Bathurst then smashed the clock from a mile back last Saturday. Drawn for a cosy peg run and will give cheek. SUMMARY: The Locomotive is a deserved favourite, but looks way too short at $1.65. I would play Keayang Chucky at $6.50 or better and have something small each-way Keayang Stuka at $71 a win and $10 a place. 11.45pm – PACING FINAL So much depend on two things, if and how hard NERANO (8) blasts out from gate eight at the start and how WA young gun Deni Roberts drives star MINSTREL (11). Those two factors play a huge role in whether hot favourite DON HUGO (3) adds the Inter Dominion to his TAB Eureka win from September. Don Hugo is also racing to give champion horseman Luke McCarthy his first Inter Dominion win at his 11th attempt in a pacing final. I can’t see Don Hugo getting his own way this time and the $2.50 looks very skinny odds. Minstrel is a tough, seasoned veteran who was huge in defeat last week. He’s the one to beat with a lovely Roberts drive. CAPTAINS KNOCK (9) is flying and will be dangerous if the race is run truly and when he sees daylight. Old MAX DELIGHT (10), the emerging DANGEROUS (2) and CURLY JAMES (5) are the other late swoopers with claims. SUMMARY: Minstrel the one to beat at value around $6. Max Delight and Curly James are worth small plays around $18 and $14 respectively. View the full article

The Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance (ITA) is celebrating its Fifth Annual Stallions & Services Auction–beginning Dec. 18–by partnering with platform BidXSell, the organization said in a press release on Friday. The auction focuses on uniting the Midwest horse racing community through the funding of scholarships, educational programs and the promotion of the industry. Featuring over 50 stallion seasons from Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, the event goes live on BidXSell's site at 8:00 a.m. (all times eastern) Dec. 18 and concludes at 4:00 p.m. Dec. 20. The catalogue review is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. Dec. 13. Seasons were donated by Kentucky farms such as, Airdrie, Darby Dan, Gainesway, Spendthrift, Taylor Made and Walmac. Indiana farms like Midwest Equine and Clearview Equine Services are represented, along with Poplar Creek Farms of Ohio. “We achieved our largest revenue gross during our 2023 auction, helping to raise more than $130,000 over the past four years for our mission,” says Christine Cagle, the auction coordinator and ITA board member. “We can't wait to see what lies ahead for our fifth annual auction working alongside BidXSell.” Click here to register and here to contact the ITA for more information. The post Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance Stallion Season Fundraiser Debuts On BidXSell.com appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The final installment in the 2024 OwnerView webinar series was held on Dec. 10 and covered condylar fractures, a common injury in racehorses.View the full article

With less than three weeks remaining for stallions to make their mark on the General Sires list this year, Into Mischief and Gun Runner have the 1-2 spots solidly secured for the leading North American sires by earnings. In 2025, Three Chimneys Farm will add two sons of those top sires to their roster as Newgate and Gun Pilot become the first stallions by both Into Mischief and the farm's own Gun Runner to stand at Three Chimneys. Gun Pilot, a homebred for Three Chimneys out of their unraced Smart Strike mare Bush Pilot, is the only son of Gun Runner to join the stallion ranks in Kentucky this coming year after three sons of the sire sensation were added in 2024. “It's very exciting for us to have a homebred by Gun Runner joining our stallion roster,” said Three Chimney's Director of Stallion Nominations Rebecca Nicholson. “Gun Pilot is a great physical. He does have a lot of the personality and physical traits of Gun Runner, but I would say he's a bit of a bigger, scopier version of him. He's also got that huge, loose walk that you see in so many of the Gun Runners.” A debut-winning juvenile going seven furlongs for Steve Asmussen, Gun Pilot went on to race at three and four and he earned his first stakes win in this year's GI Churchill Downs Stakes when he drew away by 2 ½ lengths. That victory came on Kentucky Derby Saturday, a day when Gun Runner couldn't seem to stay out of the headlines. Just before Gun Pilot's score, Gun Runner's daughter Vahva got her first Grade I in the Derby City Distaff Stakes and later that day Sierra Leona, also by Gun Runner, was runner-up in the GI Kentucky Derby. “It was a huge day for Gun Runner,” Nicholson recalled. “Gun Pilot won the Churchill Downs Stakes going seven furlongs and that's a race that I think has proven to be such an important stallion-making race. You've had horses like Distorted Humor and Speightstown who have won that race in the past and gone on to be important stallions.” In more recent years, young sires Cody's Wish, Jackie's Warrior and Mitole claimed the Churchill Downs. Also during his 4-year-old season, Gun Pilot was runner-up to Mullikin (Violence) in the GI Forego Stakes. Nicholson said that Gun Pilot, who will stand for $17,500 in his debut season, has attracted a wide variety of mares and she added that A.P. Indy-line mares in particular might make for an interesting cross. GI Breeders' Cup Classic champ Sierra Leone, recent GII Cigar Mile Handicap victor and GISW Locked, and other Grade I winners Taiba and Society are all Gun Runner progeny hailing from A.P. Indy-line mares. “Gun Pilot is out of a Smart Strike mare and he's completely free of A.P. Indy, so there's going to be a lot that suits him,” she said. “We look forward to supporting both him and Newgate with our own broodmare band.” Newgate, another Grade I-winning millionaire, will stand for $20,000 in 2025. Newgate will stand for $20,000 in 2025 | Sara Gordon The son of Into Mischief was an $850,000 Keeneland September yearling and at 1-2 odds, he became the 32nd 'TDN Rising Star' for his sire the following July when he won by 3 ½ lengths at Del Mar, completing 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.89. Trained by Bob Baffert and campaigned by the partnership of SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, the colt went on to claim the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes at three and the GI Santa Anita Handicap at four. He also was a head behind the winner in his third-place finish in the GI California Crown Stakes this year. “He's a horse that had so much speed and precocity and he was able to carry it a long distance,” noted Nicholson. “To win on debut as a 2-year-old and then also win a Grade I at a longer distance as a 4-year-old, it takes a lot of versatility.” A son of the graded stakes-placed Majestic Warrior mare Majestic Presence, Newgate is a full-sister to Denim and Pearls, who won this year's GII Beaumont Stakes and later sold to Spendthrift Farm for $2.8 million. “He has a lovely female family and an absolutely tremendous physical,” said Nicholson. “I think he's one of the best-looking sons of Into Mischief. He's a horse that has a ton of size, scope and substance. He's a great mover and has all the qualities physically that you look for in a stallion.” With the additions of Gun Pilot and Newgate, Three Chimneys has a roster of six stallions for 2025. Gun Runner, who was listed privately this year, will stand for $250,000. Meanwhile Volatile, who has produced 23 winners including five stakes horses from his first crop this year, will stand for $12,500. “He's a horse that I think has a lot of upside right now because there are a lot of good horses who are pointing to stakes races next,” noted Nicholson. “He will be another popular stallion here next year.” The post New Grade I-Winning Pair at Three Chimneys appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion Lemon Drop Kid (Kingmambo) has died of an undisclosed cause at the age of 28 at Lane's End, the farm said via a press release on Friday morning. Foaled at Lane's End and bred by W. S. Farish and W. S. Kilroy, Lemon Drop Kid is out of Charming Lassie (Seattle Slew), a half-sister to Broodmare of the Year Weekend Surprise (Secretariat). The Lane's End sire was closely-related to the impactful A.P. Indy. Lemon Drop Kid was sold for $200,000 at the 1997 Keeneland September Sale to Mr. & Mrs. M.J. Dance, Jr. and was raced by Jeanne G. Vance (Mrs. M.J. Dance, Jr.). The colt, who was trained by Flint S. “Scotty” Schulhofer, showed promise at Belmont Park after winning the GI Futurity Stakes and placing in the GI Champagne Stakes as a juvenile. In his sophomore season, he won the GI Belmont Stakes and captured the GI Travers Stakes at Saratoga. As a 4-year-old, he swept the GI Whitney Handicap, GI Woodward Stakes, GII Suburban Handicap and GII Brooklyn Handicap and earned Eclipse Award honors as Champion Older Horse. All told across 24 starts, Lemon Drop Kid amassed over $3.2 million in earnings over the course of his racing career. Following his championship season, Lemon Drop Kid returned to Lane's End to begin his career at stud where he served on stallion roster from 2001 to 2020. He was retired from stud duty at age 24. Lemon Drop Kid is responsible for 109 stakes winners both on the dirt and turf, including 10 Grade I winners and 52 graded stakes winners. He has sired two champions and his progeny earnings stand at over $115 million. Lemon Drop Kid's top runners include Lemon Pop, current runner in Japan; winner of the G1 Champions Dirt Cup and champion dirt horse in Japan with over $5 million in earnings; Lemons Forever, winner of the GI Kentucky Oaks; Beach Patrol, multiple Grade I stakes winner of over $2.5 million; Richard's Kid, winner of two editions of the GI Pacific Classic etc., Somali Lemonade, winner of the GI Diana Stakes; multiple GSW Da Big Hoss and multiple GSW Cosmonaut. “Many of us at Lane's End were here at the farm when Lemon Drop Kid was foaled in May of 1996,” said Lane's End Farm President Bill Farish. “We are profoundly blessed to have been associated with this exceptional horse for his entire life, watching him develop into a champion racehorse and then a top sire of over 100 stakes winners. He will be greatly missed, and we will forever honor his legacy.” Lemon Drop Kid will be buried in the stallion cemetery at the farm. The post Lemon Drop Kid Passes Away Aged 28 At Lane’s End appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fresh off his Arma Veloce (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB})'s tally in the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies last Sunday, owner Teruo Ono has a chance to bag a Japanese juvenile Group 1 double with the undefeated Arte Veloce (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes at Kyoto on Nov. 15. A winner at Sapporo in July and again in Tokyo's G3 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup besting Taisei Current (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) on Oct. 5, the colt carries the mantle of ante-post favourite. Japanese legend Yutaka Take will be perched in the irons. with the duo leaving from stall eight. Take said, “He's moving well and seems stronger than before. The distance of a mile really seems to suit him.” Another horse who has yet to taste defeat, Total Clarity (Jpn) already boasts a score over course and distance when unveiled in June. Kept at the same trip when switched to Niigata, the son of Bago (Fr) won the G3 Niigata Nisai Stakes on Aug. 25. Fifth in the markets before Sunday is Panja Tower (Jpn) (Tower Of London {Jpn}). The undefeated G2 Keio Hai Nisai Stakes hero will be trying the mile distance for the first time, after putting his stamp on a newcomers' affair at Chukyo in September. The Keio Hai Nisai Stakes was accomplished over good ground on Nov. 2, with the re-opposing G3 Kokura Nisai Stakes victor A Shin Wand (Jpn) (Discreet Cat) back in eighth. Trainer Shinsuke Hashiguchi said, “He's been as expected in his recent work. He's chased down his training partners well, and there's no change with the way he's moving. The jockey thinks a mile will suit him, and that he could have done even better in his last race if the ground had been better.” Another entry with two wins is Museum Mile (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}). The son of the listed-placed Museum Hill (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) was third on debut, before taking Kyoto contests over 1800 metres in October and stepped up to 2000 metres on Nov. 10. “He looked a little heavy in his first piece of work since returning, but that was the same last time, and as he picks up in training, he doesn't seem heavy after being back for a while now,” said trainer Daisuke Takayanagi. Nitamonodoshi (Jpn) (Dee Majesty {Jpn}) won over six furlongs on debut at Fukushima in June, and set a new record of 1:28.60 at Sapporo in the 1500-metre Clover Sho when last seen on Aug. 18. Arlecchino (Jpn) (Bricks And Mortar), a winning half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), will leave from gate six in the 16-horse field. He ran fifth to Arte Veloce on rain-soaked ground in October. The second and third from the G2 Daiy Hai Nisai Stakes are also signed on in Dragon Boost (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) and Daishin Ra (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}). The post Group 1 Double A Possibility For Teruo Ono In Asahi Hai Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GSW West Saratoga (Exaggerator) was sold privately to Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi's RRR Racing for $375,000 following the Inglis Digital USA December Sale, according to a Friday press release issued by the auction company. The gray will be sent to the Dubai barn of trainer Chief Stipe Watson, where he will undergo an evaluation to determine his future racing plans. “I'm very excited with the purchase of West Saratoga,” Watson said. “He looks like a horse with a really nice future in the upcoming years in the UAE. He has had a very promising start to his career in America and looks like a nice prospect for the mile races at Meydan both at the end of this season and future seasons.” RRR Racing has been a prominent owner in Dubai this decade, with notable runners including G1 Golden Shaheen Stakes hero Switzerland (Speightstown). Domestically, Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi's runners have been led by Clapton (Brethern), winner of the GII Lukas Classic Stakes last year. West Saratoga previously raced for owner Harry Veruchi and trainer Larry Demeritte. The colt broke his maiden as a juvenile in front-running fashion at Ellis Park in August, and he followed up with a score in the GIII Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs in his next start. The 3-year-old posted in-the-money efforts in the Pasco Stakes, the GIII Sam F. Davis Stakes, and the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks, leading into a start in this year's Kentucky Derby, where he finished 12th. “This sale highlights the global reach and versatility of the Inglis Digital USA platform,” said Liza Hendriks, CEO of Inglis Digital USA. “We're proud to see West Saratoga find such an exciting new chapter through our December Sale.” Entries are now open for the Inglis Digital USA February Sale, and they will be taken through Monday, Feb. 3. The catalog will be released Friday, Feb. 7, and the horses will sell Wednesday, Feb. 12. Click here to enter your horse for the February Sale, or to register as a bidder. The post West Saratoga Sold To RRR Racing After Inglis Digital USA December Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On a morning which only the Scottish word dreich could properly describe, it would be easy to opt for the indoor life, a nine-to-five salaried job in a centrally-heated office. But where's the fun in that, eh? Instead, as the days tick by until the winter solstice, racehorse trainers around the isles are out in the slate grey mizzle which a lethargic sunrise can't hope to shake off. The veterans among them could be forgiven for dragging their wellington boots a little at this time of year, but that is not something which Jack Morland is even contemplating. The amiable 29-year-old is the newest recruit to the training ranks in Newmarket and is brimming with optimism as he embarks on the career path of which he has dreamed for half his life. “I have wanted to train racehorses since I was about 15. It's my passion,” he says simply as we follow two members of his string out to Warren Hill. “Every year that I've been in racing, and especially since I've been back working in England, I've thought to myself how everyone says it's doom and gloom, but you only need to look at the record year at Tattersalls Book 1 and there are still plenty of people who want to have horses trained in the UK.” The week before the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale kicked off with its jaw-dropping skirmishes throughout Books 1 and 2, Morland officially launched his training business. On the first day of October he had two horses in the 17 boxes he rents from Charlie McBride at Exeter House Stables in the heart of Newmarket. Now he has 13. “I've been very lucky and I have been supported by some very nice clients, such as Derek [Lovatt] and Colin [Bacon], as well as Charlie Rosier and Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds and plenty more,” he says. “We have some older horses to run over the winter who will hopefully get a few wins on the board and get my name noticed. I like to think of this first year of training as a period to try to prove myself, and if I can do that, hopefully we will get a few more in.” He will be going well to get close to the level of support enjoyed by his former bosses in Australia, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. The latter is a former Newmarket boy himself who is now training independently in Hong Kong. “I ran a barn for Ciaron and David in their training base at Caulfield, which no longer exists,” he says. “It was a very good place to learn about how to train horses on a big scale – there were about 700 on the books when I left there.” Prior to that, Morland, after deciding his previous job in London was not for him, worked his way up at Manton in Brian Meehan's stable as pupil assistant prior to his departure for Australia. He has been back in the UK for five years, during which time he has been employed as assistant trainer to Ed Dunlop. “Ed let me get involved in all aspects of the business which was a big help to me when I set up training on my own,” he says. “Ciaron was fantastic at training two-year-olds, and stayers as well, but we never trained up hills as we do in Newmarket, and every horse trialled two or three times before they ran. There it was a lot more steady work and short breezes, whereas here it's more about progressive canters and building up their fitness through conditioning work. Ed is a very classical trainer and is very patient. He always gave the horse time to progress and often his horses' best years are their four- or five-year-old season.” Having grown up in Oxfordshire, Morland has now made Britain's largest training centre his home. “It's competitive but fun at the same time,” he says of life in Newmarket. “I love the camaraderie here. James Ferguson has been phenomenally good to me. Ollie Sangster used to work in town and I've taken a lot of advice from him, the same with George Scott. [Next-door neighbour] Ben Brookhouse lent me his Champagne City as a lead horse and everyone has been so helpful. The facilities are second to none and it's fun talking to all my comrades on Warren Hill in the morning. I especially love it around springtime when everyone is talking about their two-year-olds.” Angel Of Antrim (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) became the trainer's first runner when finishing fourth at Newcastle on November 8 and he has subsequently run two more horses, with Serenity Rose (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}) recently finishing second at Lingfield. “Now we're just waiting for that first winner,” says Morland. “I'm really excited to start running a few more horses now and seeing where it goes. Being a young trainer, people are attracted to you, so hopefully it will go well and we can grow the business from there.” He does, however, have his feet firmly on the ground. “I know that you can be today's hero and tomorrow's zero,” says Morland, who was found helping with the mucking out on TDN's arrival in his yard. “People have been very good to me in offering their advice and help. I don't want to grow too quickly as I think that is when things can get missed.” In addition to the backing of the aforementioned Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds, run by the Allen brothers Thomas, Charlie and George, Morland has also attracted Nick Bradley Racing to his yard in these initial months, and with his father Giles, a longtime racing fan and owner, has devised the syndicate Maxwell Thoroughbreds. “I think that really is the way forward,” he says. “And if we can get that right, like the Australians have, then that could be a big seller for our industry. I really want to open it up to as many people as I can.” The post ‘It’s My Passion’: Jack Morland Joins Training Ranks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dr. Alan Ruggles–a partner at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital who specializes in orthopedic surgery and lameness–made a presentation on condylar fractures, a common injury in racehorses, during the final installment of the 2024 OwnerView webinar series which was held Dec. 10, the resource said in a press release on Friday morning. With a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. Ruggles covered how the injury occurs and its treatment through surgery. He also discussed bone bruising and the advantages of different diagnostic tools. The presentation was followed by a video showing the specialist performing surgery on a condylar fracture. After which he explained that horses usually recover within an hour and need at least 12 to 16 weeks off from training. The conference is hosted by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and presented by Bessemer Trust, Stoll Keenon Ogden and The Green Group. The panel was sponsored by Daily Racing Form. A Q&A was sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, and attendees were able to ask questions through a link, which were posted at the conclusion of the event. Click here to access this video and others in the series. The post OwnerView Webinar Covers Condylar Fractures With Dr. Alan Ruggles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk A clearly overcome Zev Meredith was all but lost for his words after winning his first Group 1 as a trainer at Alexandra Park tonight. He’d just watched his six-year-old mare One More Moment win the TAB $100,000 Queen of Diamonds, the first ever Group 1 for trotting mares. Driven by visiting Australian Greg Sugars, of Just Believe and Better Eclipse fame, One More Moment was three back the fence before overhauling the favourite Con Grazia Love in the shadows of the post. She paid $41 on the fixed odds. Post race Meredith looked shocked by the upset win. “One More Moment has just created a moment I’ll never forget,” he told Trackside post race. It was One More Moment’s fourth win in 17 starts, and clearly the biggest moment in the 22-year-old’s career. After finishing a close up second with Con Grazia Love Maurice McKendry made amends with Miki Shand in the $60,000 Group 2 Franklin Cup. McKendry took the trail behind The Big Lewboski and then shot up the passing lane, paying $46. The Big Lebowski was second, with Jolimont third. Further south it was Mo’unga who dominated the night’s feature pace at Addington, the Group 3 East West Fencing Summer Cup. Driver Robbie Close hunted him out at the start and once he got the lead he never looked like being beaten. Arch rival Republican Party was nursed back to last before circling the field to sit parked. But he had no answer to Mo’unga as he won his 10th race in 23 starts. In the last of the night’s Group 1s Duchess Megxit produced all the qualities of a champion to win the $100,000 Queen of Hearts at Alexandra Park. Princess Meritaten produced the early fireworks to take the lead and at the 800 Duchess Megxit was eight lengths off her, only to storm around the field three wide. Zachary Butcher then ran down Princess Meritaten with a storming finish. Duchess Megxit paid just $2.10 for the win. It was her 11th win in just 17 starts and follows her win in the Group 1 New Zealand Pacing Oaks at Addington a fortnight ago. View the full article

Waikato-Bay of Plenty Harness Racing Incorporated’s two slot races, The Race and TAB Trot have been confirmed for 2025. The races will headline the renowned Night Of Champions meeting at Cambridge Raceway on Friday April 4. “We’re excited to confirm both races will be run again,” Cambridge Raceway CEO Dave Branch said. “It will be the fourth edition of The Race and the second running of the TAB Trot. “This meeting has become a highlight of the Australasian Harness Racing calendar and New Zealand racing calendar. We’re immensely proud of what we have achieved so far in this space and we’re looking forward to developing the event further in 2025.” With the initial three year slot holder contracts for The Race now completed there is an opportunity for new slot holders to come on board for both races. “Each race has 10 slots available,” Branch said. “It’s a one year commitment for both races and existing slot holders will have first right of renewal for the following year.” The original slot holders for both races have first right of renewal for next year’s races too, with expressions of interest now been taken. Thanks to the support of Harness Racing New Zealand, Branch said slot fees have reduced this year to $60,000 for The Race (previously $75,000) and $40,000 for the TAB Trot (previously $50,000). “Slot races are a very important part of racing today,” Harness Racing New Zealand CEO Brad Steele said. “They attract excitement from new punters and audiences. There is a very strong element of something new, something very special and something dramatic. “Waikato-Bay of Plenty Harness is to be congratulated on developing these two premier races over the last three years: our richest trotting race and a $1 million pace now matched by the NZ Cup. “Harness Racing NZ has increased its support for these races. “The races will attract the best from Australia and New Zealand. Last year we saw Merlin win the $1 million The Race and Just Believe the Australian champion and recent Dominion Trot winner win the TAB Trot. “Who knows, we live in hope that we may see the magnificent Keayang Zahara back as a four-year-old! Her three wins at Addington in the last month put her in world class.” The Race will carry a $1 million purse for the third consecutive year, while the TAB Trot rises to $650,000 (previously $600,000), providing all 10 slots are sold. There has also been changes to distribution of the prize money for both races. The winner of The Race will take home $420,000, $230,000 for second, $100,000 for third, $85,000 for fourth and $65,000 for fifth with also rans receiving $40,000. The TAB trot follows the same structure $273,000 (first), $84,500 (second), $65,000 (third), $55,250 (fourth), $42,250 (fifth) and $26,000 to the rest of the field. To express interest in a slot, interested parties should contact Branch directly or visit www.nightofchampions.nz/slots. Applications close January 22, with the 2025 slot holders to be announced on January 23. View the full article

With six Group races, a host of country racing and a range of bonuses and other incentives, the Southern Region is gearing up for a bumper summer. In December and January there will be nine meetings at southern venues, including at holiday hotspots like Omakau, Roxburgh and Cromwell. There will also be what is being billed the “Southern Summer Triple”. The Invercargill HRC, Central Otago TC and Northern Southland TC will host six Group races, starting with Invercargill Cup day at Ascot Park on December 20. The total stakes for all races at all three race meetings is in excess of $300,000. The Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup is shaping up as the strongest yet and will be worth $100,000, with the feature trot on the day being the Group 3 $50,000 Brendan Franks Farrier David Moss Stakes. The Club will give every trainer who has a horse in the Cup a $300 Ascot Park Hotel voucher. HRNZ has committed a $10,000 Bonus to the owners if a mare wins the Cup. Also a $10,000 (HRNZ) Bonus will be given if a 4YO who raced in the $200k The Christian Cullen on December 6 runs in the first three placings in the Cup. This is limited to the first one past the post in the first three placings. Leg two will be the ever popular Central Otago Trotting Club meeting at Omakau on Thursday, January 2. It will feature two Group 3s for the trotters and placers, both worth $40,000 and sponsored by the Gallagher Family and Ranfurly Transport respectively. It’s the first time the feature trot has been accorded Group status. The 60th anniversary meeting for the Central Otago TC will celebrate the Gallagher family’s contribution to the club going back to the inaugural meeting in 1965. Paul, a much loved local character, and successful trainer/driver, died earlier this year, aged 87. Action will then return to Ascot Park for the third and final leg, with the Northern Southland Trotting Club hosting the Macca Lodge Northern Southland Pacing Cup and the Prydes Easifeed Southern Lights Trot. Both will be at Group 3 level and worth $40,000. The full list of southern meetings over the holiday period is : December 20 Invercargill HRC @ Ascot Park December 27 Gore HRC @ Gore January 2 Central Otago TC @ Omakau January 4 Roxburgh TC @ Roxburgh January 6 Wyndham HRC @ Cromwell (grass) January 16 Northern Southland TC @ Ascot Park January 22 Forbury Park TC @ Oamaru January 26 Riverton TC @ Riverton (grass) January 30 Invercargill HRC @ Ascot Park To encourage especially Canterbury trainers to head south with their horses a number of incentives have now been finalised. FREE SITES AT OMAKAU Horses and owners/trainers with self-contained caravans can stay free at Omakau during the circuit provided their horse/s race at Omakau. This includes paddocks and all tracks on site. Paddocks, camping and track usage are also available at Roxburgh and Cromwell. $1000 IN BONUSES FOR ‘NORTH OF THE WAITAKI’ TRAINERS A total of $300 will be paid to the trainer based ‘north of the Waitaki River’ who starts the most horses at Omakau 2/1/25. With $200 to the trainer who travels the furthest and five $100 prizes drawn randomly to any of five other trainers who start at the meeting. One $100 prize from this group will be drawn specifically to a trainer who gives a junior driver a drive on the day. The $1000 package has been generously sponsored by Joan and Paul Davies and RD Petroleum. Omakau, Roxburgh and Cromwell will all have a Junior Driver penalty free race programmed. Southern Harness is happy to assist with any stabling requirements or any other queries related to the race days. For more information contact jason@southernharnes.co.nz – 021 127 2912 julie@southernharness.co.nz – 0274 390 660 For more information specifically regarding Omakau contact Graham Sinnamon – 027 681 7594. View the full article

Goffs is set to offer something different to the National Hunt sphere by adding two-year-old store horses to the historic Arkle Sale in 2025. Traditionally, the sale has been dominated by three-year-old unbroken stores-including the odd smattering of four-year-olds-but Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby says that the addition of two-year-olds is a reaction to market demands. Beeby said, “We pride ourselves on being flexible and progressive in meeting market demands whilst taking a measured approach and the introduction of two-year-old stores to the Arkle Sale comes in response to long running discussions on the subject that has included our vendors, buyers, the Goffs National Hunt team and the wider National Hunt community. “From pinhookers seeking a shorter turnaround to buyers looking to get horses going a year earlier, we recognise the changing market trends so believe this move to be in line with the broader industry's aspirations and initiatives such as Horse Racing Ireland's introduction of three-year-old National Hunt Academy Hurdle races next year.” He added, “Goffs is extremely ambitious for Arkle 2025 and remains committed to building on the factors that have made it the first choice for elite stores. Our inspection team, led by Gerry Hogan, Neil Walsh, Peter Molony, Kevin Ross and Harry Fowler, will start the New Year in search of the best three-year-olds available, whilst also hand picking a small but quality selection of two-year-olds to ensure that every buyer finds the horse they are looking for at Goffs. “It should be remembered that this is not an entirely new concept as two-year-old stores have previously featured at our Doncaster Spring Store Sale including when a son of Dalakhani topped the sale in 2014.” The post Goffs Set Revamp Historic Arkle Sale With The Addition Of Two-Year-Olds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Kim Reid pictured with Hi Yo Sass Bomb. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb already has a Group 1 placing next to her name, and owner-trainer Kim Reid is hoping to improve on that in the coming months. The daughter of Complacent was runner-up to Snazzytavi in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa in October, and she will return to the Hamilton venue on Saturday to try and turn the tables on her nemesis in the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1400m). In-between runs, Hi Yo Sass Bomb finished a creditable fourth in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last month, and has had an easy time of it since following a health scare. “Off the back of that (Pukekohe run) she had a bit of gunk come out of her nose and had a swab taken,” Reid said. “They (vets) put it down to allergies, so I have just eased off a little bit for a week there, but she seems to have bounced back okay.” The six-year-old mare readied for her weekend assignment with a jumpout earlier this week, and Reid said she is on song for the Cal Isuzu, which she finished fifth in last year to Saturday race rival Campionessa. “We had a jumpout on Tuesday and she came home really nicely. She is very well,” Reid said. Hi Yo Sass Bomb will jump from the ace barrier this weekend, which isn’t ideal for the mare, but Reid is confident jockey Joe Doyle can work his magic. “It is not ideal,” Reid said. “We would prefer to have drawn three or four, but it is what it is, Joe will have to bring some tricks because I am sure Opie (Bosson, jockey) will try and box us in from there (aboard Campionessa), but I am sure Joe will have it sorted.” Following Saturday, Group 1 assignments await Hi Yo Sass Bomb, which could come as soon as Boxing Day at Ellerslie. “We will see how she goes tomorrow and also the following week,” Reid said. “I have got thoughts of possibly the Zabeel (Group 1, 2000m) on Boxing Day and/or the Thorndon Mile (Group 1, 1600m), and the Herbie Dyke (Group 1, 2000m) later on.” Following Saturday, Reid will make the long trek down to Trentham on Sunday to line-up stablemate and close relation Hi Yo Legacy in the Grant Plumbing 1600. The five-year-old son of Per Incanto won on debut over a mile at New Plymouth, and while confident of a bold showing this weekend, Reid said he still has a lot of developing to do. “He is such a big, rangy horse, and he is a bit goofy,” she said. “I know he is five, but he has still got a lot of strengthening up to do. I think he has come on a little bit stronger (from his win) but he has still got a long way to go.” Hi Yo Legacy is out of a half-sister to the dam of Hi Yo Sass Bomb, and while closely related to the Group 1 performer, Reid said they are nothing alike. “They are completely opposite, you wouldn’t pick them being related at all,” she said. “She is smart and sassy and very intelligent, and he is a big, lanky, goofy horse.” Reid is looking forward to testing Hi Yo Legacy on Trentham’s big, roomy track on Sunday, believing it will suit his big frame. “I thought Trentham might suit him with the big, long straight,” she said. “It will be interesting to see how he goes there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Taranaki mare Hi Yo Sass Bomb already has a Group One placing next to her name, and owner-trainer Kim Reid is hoping to improve on that in the coming months. The daughter of Complacent was runner-up to Snazzytavi in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa in October, and she will return to the Hamilton venue on Saturday to try and turn the tables on her nemesis in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1400m). In-between runs, Hi Yo Sass Bomb finished a creditable fourth in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last month, and has had an easy time of it since following a health scare. “Off the back of that (Pukekohe run) she had a bit of gunk come out of her nose and had a swab taken,” Reid said. “They (vets) put it down to allergies, so I have just eased off a little bit for a week there, but she seems to have bounced back okay.” The six-year-old mare readied for her weekend assignment with a jumpout earlier this week, and Reid said she is on song for the Cal Isuzu, which she finished fifth in last year to Saturday race rival Campionessa. “We had a jumpout on Tuesday and she came home really nicely. She is very well,” Reid said. Hi Yo Sass Bomb will jump from the ace barrier this weekend, which isn’t ideal for the mare, but Reid is confident jockey Joe Doyle can work his magic. “It is not ideal,” Reid said. “We would prefer to have drawn three or four, but it is what it is, Joe will have to bring some tricks because I am sure Opie (Bosson, jockey) will try and box us in from there (aboard Campionessa), but I am sure Joe will have it sorted.” Following Saturday, Group One assignments await Hi Yo Sass Bomb, which could come as soon as Boxing Day at Ellerslie. “We will see how she goes tomorrow and also the following week,” Reid said. “I have got thoughts of possibly the Zabeel (Gr.1, 2000m) on Boxing Day and/or the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m), and the Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) later on.” Following Saturday, Reid will make the long trek down to Trentham on Sunday to line-up stablemate and close relation Hi Yo Legacy in the Grant Plumbing 1600. The five-year-old son of Per Incanto won on debut over a mile at New Plymouth, and while confident of a bold showing this weekend, Reid said he still has a lot of developing to do. “He is such a big, rangy horse, and he is a bit goofy,” she said. “I know he is five, but he has still got a lot of strengthening up to do. I think he has come on a little bit stronger (from his win) but he has still got a long way to go.” Hi Yo Legacy is out of a half-sister to the dam of Hi Yo Sass Bomb, and while closely related to the Group One performer, Reid said they are nothing alike. “They are completely opposite, you wouldn’t pick them being related at all,” she said. “She is smart and sassy and very intelligent, and he is a big, lanky, goofy horse.” Reid is looking forward to testing Hi Yo Legacy on Trentham’s big, roomy track on Sunday, believing it will suit his big frame. “I thought Trentham might suit him with the big, long straight,” she said. “It will be interesting to see how he goes there.” View the full article

The rise of Gr.2 The Ingham (1600m) favourite Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) hasn’t come as a surprise to jockey Tommy Berry, but he admits the manner in which the gelding has been achieving it has been a welcome revelation. Gringotts has captured the Listed Big Dance (1600m) and Gr.3 The Gong (1600m) at his past two starts, both times carting big weights and overcoming outside barriers. Berry has been impressed by the nature of both performances, and evidently, so has Gringotts. “I think he has surprised everyone because he is winning with plenty of authority and he has gained a lot of confidence out of his wins, especially out of the Big Dance,” Berry said. “The way he came through the Big Dance into The Gong, it was like he’d gone home, knew he was the man and puffed out his chest. “He went into The Gong just a different horse. Hopefully that’s the case again on Saturday.” Gringotts will again have to shoulder a hefty weight in The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick, his 60.5kg impost just a half-kilo less than topweight and Group One winner Private Eye (Al Maher). However, he has a much kinder draw in barrier seven and Berry hopes that will offer some flexibility after being all but forced to ride him for speed at his past two starts. “It hasn’t been the way we have wanted to ride him at his last couple but it has been the way we’ve had to,” he said. “I’m not saying that’s not going to be the way he is ridden on Saturday. I don’t want to take that speed away from him, but it would be nice to have something do the work for him and let him have the last crack at a few of the others.” View the full article

The countdown to the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) will move up a notch at Te Rapa on Saturday when Waikato Stud’s runner Sought After lines up in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m). Sought After scored a highly impressive two-length win on debut at Taupo in September, and a month later he was selected to represent his owner-breeders Waikato Stud’s slot in the NZB Kiwi on Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 8. The Tivaci gelding earned himself a place in New Zealand racing history as the first confirmed runner in the eagerly anticipated new slot race. In two appearances since his stylish debut, Sought After was blocked in the straight when fifth at Te Rapa on October 12, then was tripped up by a Heavy8 track when sixth in the Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Aroha on October 30. Sought After will return from a freshen-up in Saturday’s $65,000 race, which will be his first raceday appearance in 45 days. “He won very well on debut and hasn’t really had things go his way in his couple of starts since then,” O’Sullivan said. “He had a bit of a freshen up in the paddock after the Sarten. He looks very well and we’ve been happy with how he’s been working leading into his return to racing on Saturday. He’s certainly going to be an interesting runner at Te Rapa. “With Waikato Stud having selected him for their slot in the NZB Kiwi, his season has very much become a matter of trying to get him to that day in the best shape we possibly can. We still need to make a plan for some of the other races he’ll run in between now and then, but we’ll get Saturday out of the way first and then figure out the next steps from there.” The TAB rates Sought After a $14 chance for the NZB Kiwi, with the second confirmed runner, Canterbury Jockey Club’s representative Domain Ace, sitting on a quote of $18. Notably, Wexford Stables have their own slot for the NZB Kiwi, and their smart recent Ellerslie winners Checkmate and Sethito currently share $8 favouritism alongside Aeliana and Savaglee. O’Sullivan and Scott also have Prosegur and Hankee Alpha in prominent positions in the market at $10 and $14 respectively. “It’s exciting to think that we’re going to have multiple runners in the race,” O’Sullivan said. “A few of our three-year-olds have put their hands up with good performances in recent weeks, which has been great to see, and now we just have to hope they hold their form.” O’Sullivan and Scott won 66 races last season, which was a new record for their decade-long partnership, and they are well on track to set another new benchmark with 30 winners from just 136 runners so far in 2024-25. They will have representation in two of Saturday’s three black-type features at Te Rapa, with Sassy Lass lining up in the Gr.3 Skycity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) while Karman Line, Kelly Coe, Little Bit Of Love and Uderzo contest the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m). “Sassy Lass got caught up in a bit of that interference in the Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m) last start, and probably raced a bit fresh that day as well, with it being her first start in six weeks,” O’Sullivan said. “She’s been in work for quite a long time now, but you wouldn’t know it when you look at her. She’s drawn well on Saturday, she likes Te Rapa, and we think she’ll get her chance. “Karman Line is getting up to her preferred distance on Saturday, but we are taking her on trust a little bit. She has worked better in the past than she has been lately. In saying that, she has shown a bit of a tendency to mix her work a little bit. We know what she’s capable of when she brings her best form to the races, so we’re just trusting that she’ll do that. “We considered the Cal Isuzu Stakes (Gr.2, 1600m) for Kelly Coe, but she’s had a bit of a gap between races, so we decided to stick to the 1400m. She’s going into this race in good order and has drawn the inside gate. “Uderzo has also drawn nicely in gate four, which will be a big assist to his chances, while Little Bit Of Love is probably going to need some luck from out there in gate 12.” View the full article

Otaki trainer Howie Mathews is in high spirits ahead of heading to Trentham on Sunday where he will be represented by stable stalwart Free Spirit and newcomer Gee Force. Eight-year-old mare Free Spirit has been a consistent performer for Mathews, particularly in the latter stages of her current preparation, with the seven-win mare having finished runner-up in three of her last four starts. Despite performing on all surfaces, Mathews said Free Spirit prefers rain-affected going but has elected to continue racing her into summer because of her pleasing run of form and lucrative prizemoney on offer, with Sunday’s Taylor Property Plus 2100 carrying a $50,000 purse. “I was probably going to turn her out because she is really more of a mare that likes her toe in the ground, but I have left her in work because she has been racing so well and I always thought there may be the chance that you get a race like this that only has very moderate numbers for pretty good stake money,” he said. “The way she has been racing, I thought it was a perfect race for her, with 54kg and three (kg) off with Toni Davies (apprentice jockey) on. We are taking a throw at the stumps and seeing how things go.” Mathews said Free Spirit is a beneficiary of the ratings system, which has helped extend her racing career. “In the old days, before the ratings system, seven-win horses would have to race in open company all day long, but she is pretty lucky, she has won seven and she is back in 65 grade,” he said. “We are just taking advantage of the stronger class, and she does race well with lesser weight on her back.” Mathews is leaning towards spelling his mare post Sunday, however, he hasn’t ruled out pressing on with her if she performs beyond expectations. “At this stage, she has had quite a long season, she isn’t telling me that she needs to go out, but she probably needs to go out now after this one,” he said. “But if she wins and runs a slasher, who knows, we are always looking for that unseasonable bit of rain at this time of the year and it brings a horse like her into contention quite strongly. Never say never.” Mathews is also looking forward to lining up Gee Force in the Rothley 1300. The four-year-old son of U S Navy Flag will have his second start for the stable, having been purchased off gavelhouse.com, with a deal brokered after he failed to reach his $10,000 reserve. Previously trained by Johno Benner and Holli Wynyard, Gee Force had four starts for the former Otaki training partnership, for a placing. He ran fourth over 1200m for Mathews at Otaki last month, and his trainer is excited about his prospects. “He is a bit of a hobby horse,” Mathews said. “I bought him with a very good friend of mine, Nayton Mitchell, who started training in the South Island. “We have had a lot of success with horses from Gavelhouse and I like him. He was trained by our good friends Hollie Wynyard and Johno Benner, and he just needed time. I spoke with Hollie and she said he will win races but just be patient with him. “Now he has turned four, he has had a break after he had been in work up north. We are happy with his trials, and his jumpouts have been great. We are taking him on trust, but he will probably end up in the South Island. “I said to Nayton that I will give him two or three runs up here, assess how he is going, and when he is cherry ripe, he can go down there. He has had three runs on the synthetic, so he may be a good horse for the synthetic in Christchurch – a nice, big, roomy synthetic track. That could be his future.” View the full article