Wandering Eyes

There is a problem and John Stewart of Resolute Racing wants to be part of the solution. His goal is for the industry to find a way to give every horse that comes off the racetrack a second home. He knows that won't be cheap, which is why he will spend part of his Derby week hosting his Poker For Ponies tournament. His goal is to raise $500,000 that will be divided up among 50 aftercare organizations. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1 at the Omni Hotel in Louisville. Players can buy a seat in the tournament for as much as $5,000 or for as little as $1,000. “I am doing this because we have a huge responsibility,” Stewart said. “These are God's creatures and we have bred them to be reliant on us to care for them. As a breeder, I am a big advocate that if you bring them into the world you are responsible for them. Even if you sell them you should be responsible for them the rest of their lives and provide care for them. When I got into the industry I was shocked when I saw that this was a problem. This is a solvable problem. I'm trying to bring attention to it.” This isn't the first example of Stewart's charitable work to help retired race horses. He's always trying to come up with new ideas to solve the problem. His other current project is to build a farm that can serve as a holding facility for horses coming off the track. “I just bought a 150-acre farm that adjoins ours,” he said. “We're doing renovations on it so we can do aftercare and kind of prep these horses to go into some of these training programs. Some of these places have limited space. We can hold them until they're ready to go there or we can keep them.” While his poker tournament will help 50 aftercare organizations, he says much more needs to be done. “This is a stop-gap measure,” Stewart said. “We've got to do some things to put an end to this. I recognize that if you're running in $5,000 claiming races and if your horse doesn't get claimed, what are you going to do with that horse? I want to have a situation where if you can't afford your horse anymore we will take it off your hands. We're trying to provide options for people. I believe that 95% of the people in world are good people, but there are a few bad people. It's hard to be a trainer and operate with those thin margins. You may not want your horse to wind up in a kill lot, but if you can't afford to feed it and you don't want to sit there and watch it, what do you do? I want to create a stop-gap for those people. There will be no questions asked. No one is going to record your name and tell people that, hey, this trainer dropped a horse with us. It's not about that. It's about being a solution.” Each poker player will be playing for one of the aftercare groups. Each group is guaranteed to receive $5,000. The groups aligned with the top five finishers will earn more. Poker For Ponies raised over $100,000 last year. “We did everything at the last minute,” Stewart said. Stewart said it's unlikely that he will reach the $500,000 goal this year, but will likely earn between $250,000 to $300,000 for the charities. With everyone who pays the $1,000 fee to play, Stewart will double their contribution and donate an additional $1,000 of his own. “It's a community effort and we're trying to be participative when it comes to helping out these smaller independent groups,” he said. “There's a lot of money given to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and all of the organization involved in this have to be accredited by them. But we will give the money directly to the organizations.” For more information and to enter go to pokerforponies.net. The post Play Poker, Have Fun, Help Thoroughbred Aftercare Organizations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stall applications for the July 4th Racing Festival and 40-day summer meet at Saratoga Race Course are now available online, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced in a press release Friday. Typically held at Belmont Park, the July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga is set for Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6. The July 4th Racing Festival, which is highlighted by the GI Belmont Derby Invitational July 4 and the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational July 5, will serve as a prelude to the traditional summer meet and conclude the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet. The 40-day Saratoga summer meet — highlighted by the 156th renewal of the GI DraftKings Travers Aug. 23 and the GI Whitney Aug. 2 — will open Thursday, July 10 and continue through Monday, Sept. 1. The stall application process closes Sunday, May 25. The post Stall Applications for 2025 Saratoga Meet Now Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oaks hopeful Quietside (Malibu Moon), the winner last out of the GII Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn for trainer John Ortiz, and Derby bound Grande (Curlin), who was the runner-up in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes at the Big A, put in their final works at sleepy Keeneland on Friday. Meanwhile under the Twin Spires, a bevy of workers continued to make their preparations for next week's big races. Away from the hubbub of Churchill Downs, Ortiz's plan all along was to keep the 'TDN Rising Star' and Shortleaf homebred at Keeneland, which is near his home in Versailles. The filly was on track at 7:30 a.m. ET after the first renovation and before a quick storm turned the surface from fast to sloppy, Quietside was clocked in :48.20 for the half-mile with her Oaks jockey, Jose Ortiz, in the saddle. The local clockers reported her fractions as :12.20, :23.80 and :36.40 and a gallop out of 1:00 and “a tick” for 5 furlongs. “Jose and I had a plan to give her just a half-mile and easy gallop out just to keep her on her toes from here on out,” Ortiz said. “She worked perfectly. It looks like she is ready.” After her final Keeneland drill, the Fantasy winner was loaded into a trailer for the trip to Louisville along with stable pony Barber Road (Race Day), who knows a thing or two about where they are headed. Quietside in the van and making her way to @ChurchillDowns on the road to the Kentucky Oaks She couldn't travel without her coach Barber Road. #TeamQuietside Edit: @kortiz428 pic.twitter.com/glW8i32MnM — ORTIZ RACING STABLES (@johnnyortiz24) April 25, 2025 As for Grande, Pletcher's plan was to give Repole Stable's Grande his final tune-up at Keeneland for the Derby. With rain in the forecast for several days, the Hall of Famer has had his eye on the weather and opted for Friday at 7:30 a.m. ET to capitalize on the freshly groomed track immediately after the first renovation period. “My instinct told me to bring him to Keeneland,” Pletcher said. “I thought we would have a more reliable surface. As it turns out, the track was muddy and sealed today at Churchill. With more rain in the forecast, I thought this was a safer play.” With John Velazquez in the saddle and working in company with 3-year-old maiden winner Valentinian (Into Mischief), Grande completed five furlongs in 1:01 over a fast track moments before a heavy downpour turned the track sloppy. The colt's fractions were :13, :25, :37.20 and :49 with a gallop out for 6 furlongs in 1:13.40, according to the clockers. The post Quietside, Grande Drill At Sleepy Keeneland As Busy Churchill Ramps Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-SA, 60K, Msw, 3-5yo, 1mT, 4:00 p.m. Zedan Racing Stable went to $550,000 to secure MUTAZ (Nyquist) as a 2-year-old at OBS April last year. Debuting Saturday on the grass for trainer Bob Baffert, the colt is out of GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes winner Acoma (Empire Maker) who has produced four winners from six to race including the dam of GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes runner up Golden Afternoon (Goldencents). Acoma herself is a half-sister to GISW and sire Arch (Kris S.) along with UAE Horse of the Year Festival of Light (A.P. Indy) while another of Acoma's half-sisters produced dual champion Covfefe (Into Mischief) and Japanese MGSW/MG1SP Albiano (Harlan's Holiday). After posting back to back bullet works March 29 and April 7, Mutaz put in his last drill in company from the gate with GISW Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) going five furlongs in :59.80 (6/27). TJCIS PPS Work of the Day from @santaanitapark—Speed Boat Beach (Outside), 59.20, and Mutaz, 59.80, worked 5 Furlongs on April 21st, 2025, for trainer Bob Baffert. pic.twitter.com/y6y3tWcPKP — 1/ST TV (@Watch1ST) April 21, 2025 The post Saturday Insights: Nyquist Colt Debuts On The Grass For Baffert And Zedan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Equibase has enhanced the foreign past performance data with internal points of call information and short comments for the expected Japanese runners in the Kentucky Derby, the company said in a press release on Friday. Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah) has made six career starts in Japan–at Tokyo, Sapporo, and Nakayama racecourses–while Admire Daytona (Jpn) (Drefong) made five starts at Tokyo Racecourse prior to his win in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan. “Our track and field team spent considerable time gathering race footage then charting the points of call and adding short commentary for every race from the Japan-based Derby entrants to create the same style of running lines for programs and past performances as the rest of the field,” said Kyle McDoniel, president and COO for Equibase.” Similar data enhancements were also made for two European-based horses likely to be entered on the Derby undercard program. The post Race Data For Japanese-Based KYD Entrants Now On Equibase appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dew Sweepers LLC's Tough Critic (Caravaggio), who came from well off the pace to graduate at first asking in a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint at Keeneland Apr. 24, is a late addition to tonight's Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, the sales department said via a Friday press release. Paramount Sales, agent, will consign the Apr. 29 foal as hip 89 to the auction, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET. Trained by George Weaver, the dark bay colt attracted the services of top rider Flavien Prat for the debut and settled in the latter third as the hot favorite Longshoreman (Twirling Candy)– whose dam is a half-sister to the G1 King's Stand Stakes-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy)–made the running. Steered out in upper stretch, Tough Critic took aim on the pacesetter passing the eighth pole and grabbed him in the waning strides to take it by 1 1/4 lengths. Weaver sent out Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) to win the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal Meeting in 2023. Bred in New York by Delahanty Stock Farm, Tough Critic was purchased for $47,000 graduate out of the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearling Sale last August. He is out of Thatchit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), whose half-brother Radiohead (GB) (Johannesburg) upset the 2009 G2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and was subsequently third in the G1 Middle Park Stakes at York. Click here to access Keeneland's online catalogue. TOUGH CRITIC ($15.44) rolls down the center of the track to break his maiden in the 2nd race at @KeenelandRacing. Flavien Prat was aboard the juvenile Caravaggio colt for trainer George Weaver. pic.twitter.com/8seT2DAVxY — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 24, 2025 The post Impressive Maiden Winner Tough Critic Supplemented To Keeneland HORA Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Fierceness (City of Light) is pointing to the GII Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard where it's possible he could duel with fellow Todd Pletcher trainee Locked (Gun Runner), according to a tweet by Fierceness owner Mike Repole on Friday. The message on Repole's account said, “Fierceness will be making his 4-year-old debut at Churchill Downs in the Alysheba Stakes. He will square off vs barn mate and super-talented multiple Grade I winner Locked! What a matchup! Racing fans wanted to see more older horses comeback for a 4-year racing campaign and the Commish delivered!!!! Fierceness vs Locked is a heavyweight title fight! Who is going to win??? I think Fierceness is a “Lock” to win!” Last season, Fierceness ended his campaign with a runner-up finish to eventual Eclipse winning 3-Year-Old Colt Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. As for Locked, who is co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, that colt is coming off a score in the GI Santa Anita Handicap Mar. 1. Both colts were named 'TDN Rising Stars' at two. Fierceness will be making his 4 year old debut at @ChurchillDowns in the Alysheba Stakes. He will square off vs barn mate and super talented Multiple Grade 1 winner Locked!!!!! What a matchup!!!!! Racing Fans wanted to see more older horses comeback for a 4 year racing… — Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) April 25, 2025 The post Repole Bills Fierceness V. Locked As ‘Heavyweight Fight’ In Alysheba appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A share in top Australian sire Zoustar (Aus) (lot 255) will be offered during the Inglis Digital April (late) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding and lasts through April 30. One of over 550 lots, the share is offered by Qatar Bloodstock, Ltd. This sale marks only the second time a share in Zoustar has come up for public auction. The Widden Stud resident, who will stand for A$275,000 this year, has sired 65 stakes winners and 117 black-type horses including Sunlight (Aus), Ozzmosis (Aus), Zougotcha (Aus), Schwarz (Aus), Joliestar (Aus), Climbing Star (NZ), Mizzy (Aus), and Zoutori (Aus). To view the complete catalogue, please visit the Inglis website. The post Share In Zoustar Highlights Inglis Digital April (Late) Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ballydoyle's standard had been hoisted just once in Sandown's G3 bet365 Classic Trial during the Aidan O'Brien era and last term's G3 Tyros Stakes runner-up Swagman (Ger) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) doubled that tally with a determined effort in this year's renewal of the 10-furlong feature. Let go at generous odds of 9-2, the €170,000 BBAG September graduate was the only one of five contenders without a ticket to Epsom's Blue Riband and, coming back off a 274-day sabbatical, stalked the leading duo in third for the most part. Easing outside for a clear passage with three furlongs remaining, he was shaken up to launch his main effort passing the quarter-mile marker and stayed on in resolute fashion up the hill to assert superiority by 3/4-of-a-length from the rallying pacesetter Windlord (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Wathnan Racing's hitherto undefeated Damysus (GB) (Frankel {GB}) threatened throughout the final quarter-mile and finished a half-length adrift in third. “He only had three runs last year, but his last one was a very good one behind Hotazhell in the Tyros,” said Ryan Moore. The April-foaled bay had also trailed Hotazhell on debut last June. “He has done well from two to three and when I got on him in the paddock I thought he had got stronger. They went a good even pace and he was a little bit green in places. Coming off the bend, he was travelling very nicely at the two [pole] and showed a very good attitude in the last quarter-mile. He seems to stay well, it doesn't seem to matter how you ride him and he's a straightforward horse. I'm happy with what he did today and he is a nice one to look forward to.” Despite the lack of a Derby nomination, Swagman retains entries for both G1 Prix du Jockey Club and G1 Grand Prix de Paris. He also holds tickets for the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and G1 Irish Derby. However, the June 1 Chantilly Classic remains on the radar, according to O'Brien. “He's run well there and the [G1] French Derby is a definite possible,” the trainer said. “At this stage, we are just trying to get them all started and see where they all fit in. It's nice to have options. We're delighted with him and he's a horse that has done well since last year. We always thought a mile-and-a-quarter would suit him well and we thought he would come forward plenty from the run too. He started growing on us last year and that was why he hadn't run since July. He just kept on growing and he's turned out a much bigger horse this year.” Pedigree Notes Swagman, a half-brother to the stakes-placed Santorini (Ger) (Siyouni {Fr}), is the latest of four live foals and one of two scorers produced by an unraced half-sister to G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud heroine Plumania (GB) (Anabaa), G2 Prix de Royallieu victrix Balladeuse (Fr) (Singspiel {Ire}) and Listed Prix de Liancourt third Dancequest (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). Plumania's descendants include stakes-winning G1 Prix Saint-Alary third Solsticia (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}). Balladeuse's quartet of stakes performers features G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and dual Group 1-placed G2 Prix de Pomone and G3 Prix de Royaumont victrix Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Dancequest is the dam of G1 Prix Royal-Oak hero Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) and G3 Prix de Guiche victor Flop Shot (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}). Sandown Classic Trial @Sandownpark Sandown Park – Groupe 3 – 3-year-old – 2001m – 5 Starters – 83 615 £ Swagman (m) (Ger) Ryan-L Moore Windlord Damysus (Wootton Bassett (Gb) @coolmorestud – Secretina (Gb) par Galileo (Ire))… pic.twitter.com/XNfRudI2oT — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) April 25, 2025 Friday, Sandown, Britain BET365 CLASSIC TRIAL-G3, £85,000, Sandown, 4-25, 3yo, 9f 209yT, 2:10.93, gd. 1–SWAGMAN (GER), 129, c, 3, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Secretina (GB), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Featherquest (GB), by Rainbow Quest 3rd Dam: Featherhill (Fr), by Lyphard 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (€170,000 Ylg '23 BBAGS). O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier; B-Gestut Brummerhof (GER); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore. £48,204. Lifetime Record: GSP-Ire, 4-2-1-1, $88,053. *1/2 to Santorini (Ger) (Siyouni {Fr}), SP-Ger. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Windlord (GB), 129, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Goldika (Ire), by Intello (Ger). O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Andrew Balding. £18,275. 3–Damysus (GB), 129, c, 3, Frankel (GB)–Legerete, by Rahy. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (460,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Newsells Park Stud & Merry Fox Stud (GB); T-John & Thady Gosden. £9,146. Margins: 3/4, HF, 2 1/4. Odds: 4.50, 1.25, 6.50. Also Ran: Sir Dinadan (Ire), I Am I Said (GB). The post Wootton Bassett’s Swagman Strikes for Ballydoyle in the Sandown Classic Trial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Built (Hard Spun), who began his Derby journey by earning 10 points towards the historic race when he netted the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds back in December, is now being pointed to the GII Pat Day Mile, according to a post on X by owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Led by Aron Wellman, the Eclipse message said, “It's a huge honor to have qualified for the Kentucky Derby, but we have opted for the GII $600k Pat Day Mile, a race we believe is better suited for Built. Thanks to our wonderful Eclipse TBP & Cat Racing Stable for always putting our horse's best interest first.” It's a huge honor to have qualified Built for the @KentuckyDerby, but we have opted for the GII, $600k Pat Day Mile, a race we believe is better suited for Built. Thanks to our wonderful @EclipseTBP & @CATRacingStable for always putting our horse's best interest 1st. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/C133NfYoz4 — Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) April 25, 2025 The 3-year-old trained by Wayne Catalano was the runner-up in the GIII Lecomte Stakes in New Orleans Jan. 18 and third in the GII Risen Star Stakes Feb. 15. Last seen finishing fifth in the GII Twinspires Louisiana Derby, Built's spot will now be occupied by Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee Neoequos (Neolithic). In the Pat Day on the Derby undercard, Built could potentially face the likes of MGSP Madaket Road (Quality Road) and SW Clever Again (American Pharoah). A $260,000 OBS April purchase by Eclipse, Built hit Churchill's main track to drill on Thursday and turned in a :59.40 over five furlongs. Built works 5 furlongs this morning in :59.40 for trainer Wayne Catalano pic.twitter.com/eMfRXCGbN2 — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 24, 2025 The post Built To Bypass Derby In Favor Of Pat Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He may not be Charyn, but Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) is doing a passable impression of last year's miling sensation as he completed the same Doncaster Mile-Sandown Mile double on Friday. Always travelling comfortably in the Group 2 feature under Rossa Ryan, the Roger Teal-trained 5-2 favourite took off passing the two pole and hit the line with 1 3/4 lengths to spare over Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), who was returning under a five-pound penalty. Dancing Gemini, who had turned a corner in the Listed contest at Doncaster last month after a winless 2024 campaign which involved a second in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and fourth behind Charyn in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, has either Newbury's G1 Lockinge Stakes or ParisLongchamp's G1 Prix d'Ispahan as options now. “Today shows why we were pitching him into all the top Group races last year, but unfortunately we got a soft summer and I've always said he's not a soft-ground horse,” Teal said. “I was a little worried about the ground here today, as although he goes on it when you see him point his toe like he did at Doncaster it's something else. The d'Ispahan could be an opportunity–we want to get a Group 1 with him–and we have to do best by the horse. I'd love to go to Newbury but we will have to see.” Very smooth from Dancing Gemini to plunder the @bet365 Mile pic.twitter.com/qBYpyV8pqz — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 25, 2025 Pedigree Notes The winner is the first foal out of the owner-breeder's Lady Adelaide (Ire) (Australia {GB}), whose family features the 1978 G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Dancing Maid (Fr) and Rainbow Quest's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud-winning sire Special Quest (Fr). Her 2-year-old filly Dancing Saxon (Ire) is predictably by Saxon Warrior (Jpn). Friday, Sandown, Britain BET365 MILE-G2, £125,000, Sandown, 4-25, 4yo/up, 8fT, 1:43.53, gd. 1–DANCING GEMINI (IRE), 129, c, 4, by Camelot (GB) 1st Dam: Lady Adelaide (Ire), by Australia (GB) 2nd Dam: Confusion (Fr), by Anabaa 3rd Dam: Red Stella (Fr), by Rainbow Quest 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Fishdance Ltd; B-Fishdance (IRE); T-Roger Teal; J-Rossa Ryan. £70,888. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Fr, 12-4-2-0, $488,121. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Tamfana (Ger), 131, f, 4, Soldier Hollow (GB)–Tres Magnifique (Fr), by Zoffany (Ire). (€20,000 Ylg '22 BBAGS). O-Quantum Leap Racing VIII & Friends; B-Gestut Etzean U H H Rodenburg (GER); T-David Menuisier. £26,875. 3–Cicero's Gift (GB), 129, g, 5, Muhaarar (GB)–Terentia (GB), by Diktat (GB). TDN Rising Star. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (32,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT). O-Rosehill Racing; B-Mrs F S Williams (GB); T-Charles Hills. £13,450. Margins: 1 3/4, 1 1/4, HF. Odds: 2.50, 5.50, 16.00. Also Ran: Alcantor (Fr), Haatem (Ire), Cash (Ire), Ice Max (GB), Lead Artist (GB). The post Camelot’s Dancing Gemini Takes The Sandown Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner On current form, Nathan Williamson appeared to have an excruciating call to make ahead of the Group 2 Macca Lodge–Nevele R Stud Southern Oaks on Diamonds Day at Ascot Park on Sunday. Williamson opted for the tried and true in Captains Mistress, who will clash with her exciting and unbeaten stablemate Utah Jazz in Southland’s premier event for three-year-old fillies. Now that it has been made, the trainer-driver won’t lose any sleep if it turns out to be the wrong one. “Obviously training both of them and both being raced by Mick Boots, I am going to be pretty stoked if one of them can beat the other and get the job done.” “I have gone with the proven filly at this stage in Captains Mistress.” “There is no doubting her class and I am really happy with where she is at.” “It is not to say Utah Jazz can’t come out and beat her, because she is very progressive.” “But until she gets out there on Sunday, she’s yet to prove herself in Group company.” Captains Mistress (10) looks to have a slight draw advantage over Utah Jazz (7), who must start wide on the front row for driver Craig Ferguson. “She’s a good filly, but from the draw it could be a little bit tricky for her.” “It will be up to Craig but I can see him having to slot back somewhere, because there looks to be a lot of speed inside her.” “Hopefully they do go hard.” What Utah Jazz has clearly over her star stablemate is recent racing. Captains Mistress has had just one recent start, compared to Utah Jazz’s three. However, a lack of fitness is not something Williamson is expecting to be an issue for his favourite. “She is very well in herself, she will improve with more racing but she is pretty well where she needs to be.” “If she doesn’t have any bad luck and gets a reasonable enough run, I’d expect her to be hard to beat.” Williamson also starts a key contender in the Group 2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Final in Always Dreaming. The three-year-old is similar to Captains Mistress in that he’s only had one run leading into a major event. Similarly, he doesn’t think a lack of fitness will be an issue for his charge. “He has sharpened up off his run last week.” “He has been one of those horses that if you throw in the deep end, he will swim.” “He came home licked the bowl and his work has really sharpened up.” “The draw (10) is the only real issue for him, but I still expect him to be very competitive.” Williamson also starts Duchess Maria in the Group 3 Entain Southern Classic. The debutante looks a genuine winning threat following her strong recent trials. Miraculous and Secret Agent Man are also among the trainer’s powerful Diamonds Day line-up. Jonny Turner’s five to follow on Diamonds Day : Betterthancash The saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” seems to apply perfectly to Betterthancash. The pacer has been brilliant in all his recent outings in the southern country cups, especially with his last-start win at Winton. Previously, Betterthancash had taken full advantage of starting from the front line, but he came off a handicap and did significant mid-race work in his big Winton Cup win. Though he again faces a handicap in the Southern Country Cups Final, 10m looks very workable for Betterthancash, who beat almost all of his key rivals in that last-start victory. All signs point to another strong effort from the four-year-old, and there seem to be even fewer reasons for punters to lose faith in him. To place a bet in this race click here Seaside Rose She’s been absolutely in the zone in her last two starts in Southland, and the timing of Diamonds Day 2025 couldn’t be better for her. Seaside Rose jogged to victory in the Southern Belle Speed Series Final at Winton last weekend, not appearing as though she ran a sharp time as she cruised clear of her rivals. The mare drops in grade on Sunday, and though she starts from a tough draw in barrier 8, she looks well capable of delivering a crushing victory. Secret Agent Man poses the clearest threat to the mare. He was just OK in his last start at Wyndham, but expect trainer Nathan Williamson to have the pacer finely tuned for a bigger Diamonds Day performance. To place a bet in this race click here Jumal How do they beat the red-hot favourite in Diamonds Day’s Group 1 feature? Given he’s comprehensively dealt to many of his rivals leading into Sunday’s clash, it’s a question with few strong answers. Jumal has looked explosive in his short career, and though Group One events are never easy to win, Sunday’s race appears to have come along at the perfect time for this youngster. He’s trained by a master in Steven Reid, who is rarely without a classy horse in his barn. An in-form Samantha Ottley takes the reins from barrier 6, which seems the only slight negative. However, in a field of just seven —with the scratching of D Mac, who has been sold to Perth interests — that draw doesn’t look like a massive hurdle to overcome. To place a bet in this race click here Julie Jaccka Winning her last two starts would ordinarily put Julie Jaccka in an awkward spot on Diamonds Day. But rather than copping the usual 14 rating points for those victories, the mare has only gone up three thanks to the junior concession of driver Dan Anderson. That puts Julie Jaccka on a very workable 10m handicap, where she looks ideally placed against horses she has mostly beaten in recent weeks. Usually beginning smartly and possessing a nice turn of foot, she must again rate a big winning threat if she can stay handy to the speed. Practical Magic — the often tipped and regularly beaten mare who has been written about extensively in this column — is the clear danger to the favourite. She again gets the advantage of the front line and could take some catching, especially if she can put a buffer between herself and Julie Jaccka. To place a bet in this race click here Brewster Baker It concerning enough that Brewster Baker doesn’t bring proven manners to today’s juvenile trotting feature. However, most of his rivals are in the same position, being baby square-gaiters. Brewster Baker produced a brilliant win in his last start, staging a big recovery from an early gallop at Addington. While he’s clearly risky, so too is his main rival and favourite, Who’s Ya Daddy, who broke and then recovered to run third in the same race. While early-season two-year-old trotting features are not for the faint-hearted, those who choose to play into the race can follow Brewster Baker, knowing he’s shown on exposed form that he’s the most talented horse in the field so far. It’s surprising he hasn’t been installed as the early favourite for the Entain Southern Classic, so he may offer more value on Sunday than he possibly will going forward. To place a bet in this race click here View the full article

By Michael Guerin The marker pegs were paved with pacing gold in the Group 1s at Alexandra Park on Friday night. But even for the biggest winners on the star-studded night could be excused for feelings of “what if” after all was said and done. The three big ones for the hoppled heroes were taken out by Republican Party in the Dawson Harford Messenger, Marketplace in the Woodlands Derby and Arafura in the Pascoes the Jewellers Northern Oaks. All were on the marker pegs throughout, as were the two trotting G1 winners for the night, and Arafura was the only G1 winner to not lead. She took out the first of the big ones after trailing Beside Me and breaking the national 2700m fillies record without having to go around another horse. While driver Tony Herlihy didn’t have to make too many decisions he still had to keep Arafura under control as her and Beside Me’s early burn got them both up and about over the Oaks distance, the favourite undoing herself more than Arafura did. “She is a really strong filly and that was a huge help when going that speed,” said Herlihy. “It is lovely to get this win for Amanda and Hayden [Cullen] while they are so early in their careers.” The Cullens have had a wonderful last six months as the stable goes from strength to strength but the Oaks fortunes were reversed later in the night when Republican Party led and settled beautifully for Carter Dalgety and was too strong in the Group 1 while the Cullen-trained Don’t Stop Dreaming stormed for third. While that might have left the Cullens with that “what if” feeling the reality was Republican Party deserved his win after a luckless autumn with poor draws and hard runs. “We set him for this race because he loves the longer distances,” said Dalgety, whose proud parents Cran and Chrissie train Republican Party but of course also Beside Me, their “what if” horse for the night. It was Republican Party’s 20th win in 54 starts and you could make a case he has been our best open class pacer over the last six months when you consider his Auckland and Invercargill Cup wins and close Hunter Cup third. So after the Cullens got the best of the Dalgetys in the first Group 1 they levelled the score at 1-1 in the Messenger and in between the pair came the performance of the night. That was undoubtedly Marketplace who as tough, fast and strong when obliterating the national 2700m three-year-old 2700m record in the Derby. He was asked to use his ace draw by Craig Ferguson and when he refused to relent to Got The Chocolates the latter couldn’t manufacture enough room to slot into the trail so had to sit parked and keep Marketplace running. Run he did and when Got The Chocolates started to drop off Ferguson took his chance and was gone, Marketplace willing as he charged clear for clearly his best performance of 2025. “It was really satisfying to see him lead and do that tonight,” said trainer Regan Todd. “If you keep handing up you will keep getting attacked so tonight will have earned him some more respect so I was thrilled with Craig’s drive and how the horse went.” Marketplace will fly home to Canterbury on Sunday and prepare for his last major of this campaign in the Sires’ Stakes Final at Addington on May 16, with a lead up run the Friday before. He is a very, very good horse and his time and body of work in G1 races suggests he may be the brightest light on our slightly dulled pacing horizon. But, like the other Group 1 winning trainers on the night, Todd had his “what if” moment in the Messenger, when it was Mo’unga storming late at Republican Party. “We almost got two Group 1s for the night,” he laughed. “But he might get his best chance in the Roy Purdon next week when he should get a start over the big name horses,” added Todd. It was the story of the night. Five sets of trainers got the Group 1s they crave but a few of them went home thinking had things been different they could have got another. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Mighty Logan succeeded where so many others have failed when leading throughout in the $100,000 Fisken And Son Anzac Cup at Alexandra Park on Friday. The Dominion runner-up from last November landed some big bets when he was able to take the Group 1 in what was his first start at Alexandra Park. Some great trotters have come to Alexandra Park and been tripped up by their first right handed start but not Mighty Logan, with driver John Dunn saying it was a team stable effort to hone him for his Auckland debut. “We were going to bring him up here last year but we couldn’t get him going right-handed and even though he got in on the last bend tonight he was still too good,” says Dunn. “Some of the credit has to go to Riley Harrison [stable employee] who has done a great job with him.” Dunn suggests Mighty Logan can improve further for the Rowe Cup next Friday and he must be a great chance even if next week’s handicaps won’t suit him quite as perfectly as this week. The two favourites Oscar Bonavena and Muscle Mountain were both off 10m last night and it soon got much worse for them as Oscar galloped and never looked a winning chance and Muscle Mountain was taken out of the race when his own stablemate Midnight Dash swung around and collected him. Add them both back to the same front mark as Mighty Logan next week and hopefully with Bet N Win, who missed the race, returning and the Rowe Cup now looks a very intriguing contest. While two of the Ben and Greg Hope horses took each other out the stable will still have to be happy with the second of Mr Love while One Over All and Queen Elida were good off their 10m handicaps in a race they were always going to struggle to win once Mighty Logan led and got into such a good rhythm. Earlier in the night our best three-year-old trotter Meant To Be confirmed that title but only just in the Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby. The big boy rolled around the field early to take the early lead off stablemate Higher Power but he had to dig very deep in the last 200m to hold that advantage as Higher Power kept coming in the home straight. It was a typical Derby for horses who weren’t used to the 2700m mobile, with all the main players struggling at the business end but the bottom line is Meant To Be still started from the unruly, looped the field and won so is the king of this crop so far. It was the first Northern Trotting Derby win for driver Zachary Butcher after captured the previous two Northern Pacing Derbys for the same winning trainers, Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan. “He got a bit keen and I was worried at the top of the straight but he kept going like a good horse does,” said Butcher. View the full article

For all their success in three-year-old staying features, Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young were yet to win a VRC St Leger, with American Wolf (NZ) (Tivaci) pulling out all the stops to change that record. First run in 1857, the St Leger is one of Australia’s oldest classics, and American Wolf ($12) proved the strongest stayer under John Allen, battling stride for stride with the Danny O’Brien trained filly Litzdeel ($8.50) to win by a long head, the pair clearing out by six lengths back to Kicking King ($12) in third. Co-trainer Natalie Young said it was a thrilling race to watch and an even better one to win. “Got a beautiful run. Just sat out the back, third last, and just relaxed nice and beautifully,” Young said. “John Allen just rode him an absolute treat… he was ridden more forward last start when he won at Ballarat and to come here today and do that, it means next week he’ll be ready to roll.” Young confirmed next week’s Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) is firmly on the agenda for American Wolf, provided the son of Tivaci comes through the St Leger well. “Definitely if he pulls up well, eats up, all the usual things, you might as well, you’re only three once. You don’t have to do much with him, he’s run 28 (hundred metres) today, he’s going to run 25 next week, so you’ve just got to tick him over basically,” Young said. While Young was confident in suggesting American Wolf would be highly competitive in a South Australian Derby, jockey John Allen, who has won the race four times in the past ten years, was a touch more conservative. “You’d like to think so,” Allen said. “He’s a horse on the up, lightly raced, he seems big and strong enough, as long as he comes through that run well enough. But he seems to have a good enough constitution, so I reckon he’ll be certainly there with a fighter’s chance.” View the full article

No Fuss (NZ) (Jon Snow) has delivered his ownership group an emotional victory at Flemington on Anzac Day, as the son of Jon Snow extended his unbeaten run in Australia under John Allen. The exciting four-year-old settled a touch closer than expected over the 1800-metre journey, but always travelled comfortably at a slow pace. Several horses loomed up to challenge at the top of the straight, but Tony and Calvin McEvoy’s galloper kept finding and held off the impressive Hoops ($51) to make it four wins on the spin, and his fourth success from five career starts. It was a gutsy win and one that meant a lot to all involved, with No Fuss’s part-owner Geoff Tucker passing away during the week. “I just want to shout out to Geoff Tucker’s family – Geoff was a great racing man, and a great supporter of my stable,” Tony McEvoy said. “Geoff had 20 percent of this horse and sadly lost his battle this week. He’s been getting great joy out of this horse, and the horse is continuing on for him.” An impressive maiden winner on Australian debut at Ballarat, No Fuss bombed the start first-up at Sandown but was still able to reel in his rivals late. He sat third, but much further from the front, at his next start, and as such, Saturday’s win left McEvoy very impressed with No Fuss’s versatility. “We’re still learning about him… I didn’t see him sitting outside the lead,” McEvoy said. “So, he’s really versatile, this horse. When he gets his craft together, he’s going to take us a long way, I think. “I’ve been doing this here at Flemington for a long time, and when you’re in front that far out, with 61.5kg on your back, he’s done a tremendous job.” At this stage, the team will look to continue No Fuss’s rise through the ratings, with a similar contest in a few weeks the likely target at this stage. “He’s still a horse that’s developing… in three weeks’ time there’s another 1800m here at Flemington,” McEvoy said. “I’ll talk to Terry (Henderson, of OTI) and his team, but if the horse is happy, that would be a lovely target.” View the full article

Owner/breeder Tracy Farmer and trainer Mark Casse have won 12 stakes together, including the 2019 Belmont Stakes (G1) with Sir Winston and this year's Ashland Stakes (G1) with La Cara—both bred and raced by Farmer.View the full article

The Road, sponsored by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

By Jonny Turner Tim Williams made the perfect start to his racing week; now he just hopes his form can continue. Williams and his Stonewall Stud team got Thursday’s Diamonds Day warm-up at Ascot Park underway by producing Mandala for an overdue victory. The stars aligned for the three-year-old, which is hopefully a sign of things to come for the Steve and Amanda Telfer camp when the feature races are up for grabs at Sunday’s Diamonds Day meeting. “It was three years in the making, but she found the perfect race and was able to produce a result,” Williams said. “The 1700m was ideal and back to the mobile – she had been missing away in stands.” “We also tinkered with a bit of gear.” “I wasn’t sure she was going to find the markers early but once she did I was pretty confident she would be hard to catch.” Williams will jet to Auckland on Friday to link up with a Stonewall Stud team that includes Stella Rouge, one of the key contenders in the Group 1 Northern Oaks. After that, the reinsman’s attention will be firmly on Diamonds Day, where the Telfer stable will start a strong line-up. Among them is Group 2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes hopeful C C Arden. The pacer showed his worth when running a gutsy second to hot favourite Five Crowns in a recent heat of the series. “His last start, the grass probably didn’t suit him but his second behind Five Crowns is a fairly good indication of how he will measure up,” Williams said. “He hasn’t raced the better three-year-olds too much and probably doesn’t have their ringcraft yet.” “But the harder they go, the better it will suit him.” Seaside Rose drops back in class on Sunday after her impressive win in the Southern Belle Speed Series Final at Winton. With the mare thriving, Williams is hopeful her excellent recent form can continue. “Drawing eight isn’t ideal but she has proven she can rough it.” “Her confidence is on the up, she seems to be improving with every run and there is no reason she can’t go another nice race.” Double Jeopardy looks another key threat for the Stonewall Stud team in Sunday’s Regent Car Court Country Cups Final. “Initially I was a little bit disappointed with his last start at Winton, but looking at the times he probably couldn’t have gone much better.” “Ascot Park should suit him if he can step away and get handy like he has been.” The Telfer stable also starts Treasure Cove in the Group 2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes, Elektra King in the Group 2 Macca Lodge–Nevele R Stud Southern Oaks, and Slots in the Diamonds Day’s finale. View the full article

As Hong Kong government promotes racing tourism, Champion Circle and Inner Circle improvements can enhance race-going experience for all.View the full article

The Arqana Series returns for its third year in 2025, with €1.2 million in prize-money and bonuses up for grabs across five races, including the Arqana Series des Poulains – won last year by leading Classic contender Maranoa Charlie (Fr).Bred by Haras d'Etreham, Maranoa Charlie was eligible for the Arqana Series after he went under the hammer at the August Yearling Sale. The five races are open to graduates of the four yearling sales held annually at Arqana – August, v.2, October and November – in addition to foals sold at December's Vente d'Elevage and two-year-olds from the breeze-up sale in May.Nominations for the latest installment of the Arqana Series are now open until Monday, June 2, at a cost of €1,000 for two-year-olds and €500 for three-year-olds. When Maranoa Charlie was offered on the sales grounds at Arqana, Laurent Benoit's Broadhurst Agency struck the winning bid at €220,000, on behalf of his Australian owners – Peter Maher, Carl Fitzgerald and John Baxter. Maher would later recount the tale of how the group came by the exciting colt, in conversation with the TDN's sister publication, The Thoroughbred Report. “We've been buying in France pretty regularly for probably the last 20 or so years,” said Maher, speaking a few days after the success of Maranoa Charlie in the Arqana Series des Poulains.”Laurent Benoit, who's a highly regarded French bloodstock agent, looks after our interests in France. We went to the sales last year and decided he [Maranoa Charlie] was the one we wanted. “Quite frankly, we didn't think we'd be able to afford him. So, we literally just walked around to watch him sell and see what he would go for. We were surprised to end up owning him.” Now, having been beaten just once in five career starts, Maranoa Charlie is fast becoming the sort of poster boy that every initiative needs in its formative years, having gone from strength to strength since his striking debut success in the Arqana Series des Poulains, by three and a half lengths. Last seen winning April's G3 Prix Djebel, the son of Wootton Bassett (GB) could make his next appearance in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.Beyond that, only time will tell what the future holds for Maranoa Charlie, with European racing having proved such a fruitful breeding ground for top-level performers in Australia, but Maher is clearly in thrall to what France has to offer. He added, “The facilities at Chantilly are extraordinary. I don't know how many times I've been there, but every time I return, I'm still blown away by the quality of the place – it's just staggering. “That's one of the major attractions. Secondly, it's racing we understand as Australians because they mainly race on flat courses, which is what we're familiar with. Another big factor is the prize-money – it's much better than in the UK and Ireland.” That love for French racing will be music to the ears of the team at Arqana, who introduced the series with the aim of supporting the country's breeding industry, by encouraging buyers to invest in horses born and bred in France, at all levels of the market.Certainly, it's never been more important to incentivise buyers operating at the middle to lower end, many of whom will have taken encouragement from some of the results thrown up by the 2024 edition of the Arqana Series.Take Mojave River (Fr) (Mohaather {GB}), for example, who won the Arqana Series des Pouliches, the fillies' equivalent of the race won by Maranoa Charlie for colts and geldings. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, Mojave River first sold as a foal for just €17,000 at the Vente d'Elevage, before being bought by MC Thoroughbred and Ardglas Stables for €27,000 at the October Yearling Sale.Another €27,000 purchase at the October Yearling Sale was Heybetli (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), the winner of the Arqana Series – Criterium d'Ete on the same card. Heybetli recently finished fourth in the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau and holds Classic entries in both the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club.In 2024, Deauville also played host to the inaugural renewal of the Arqana Series des 3 Ans. It was won by Trafalgar Square (Fr), who later sold for €1,150,000 at the Arqana Arc Sale, just a few hours after he'd filled the runner-up spot in the G2 Prix Chaudenay at ParisLongchamp. That was a significant upturn on the €80,000 it had cost to acquire the son of Kendargent (Fr) at the 2022 August Sale.Less than three hours after Trafalgar Square took to the track in the Prix Chaudenay, the final race of last year's Arqana Series was run at ParisLongchamp, the Arqana Series Haras de Bouquetot Criterium d'Automne. Unlike the previous four races, this contest has been staged under multiple guises since its inception in 2017 – when only horses bought at the October Yearling Sale were eligible – with the subsequent Group winners Jadoomi (Fr) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and Purplepay (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) featuring on the roll of honour in that time.Last year it was Coolmore's Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) who came out on top as he shed his maiden tag in style, before going on to finish second in the G1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud. A €420,000 purchase at the October Yearling Sale, he holds entries in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Prix du Jockey Club, as well as the Derby and Irish Derby.In total, the five Arqana Series races are worth €1.1 million in prize-money, while each contest will also offer vendor bonuses, totalled at 10 per cent of the race's prize fund.The finale at Longchamp, for example, is worth €130,000 to the successful connections, with the vendor of the winner also receiving €13,000. The runner-up earns €49,400, plus a vendor bonus of €4,940, and so on. The three conditions races will each pay down to seventh place, with the two remaining races at Deauville paying down to fifth.See below for the full Arqana Series programme in 2025. €160,000 Arqana Series des Poulains (unraced colts and geldings), 2yo, 7f, Deauville €160,000 Arqana Series des Pouliches (unraced fillies), 2yo, 7f, Deauville €260,000 Arqana Series – Criterium d'Ete (conditions race), 2yo, 6.5f, Deauville €260,000 Arqana Series des 3 ans (conditions race), 3yo, 10f, Deauville €260,000 Arqana Series Haras de Bouquetot Criterium d'Automne (conditions race), 2yo, 8f, Longchamp The post Maranoa Charlie Flying Flag as Arqana Series Enters Third Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On a night that saw Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) take home both Canadian Horse of the Year and Male Sprinter honors, Kevin Attard finally ended the 13-year consecutive streak of dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse when he won Outstanding Trainer by a single vote at the 50th Sovereign Awards presented by The Jockey Club of Canada which was held outside the city of Toronto, the organization said in a press release late Thursday. Besting Casse 135 to 134 in the tally, Attard pushed the outside of the envelope in what amounted to an incredible 2024 where he headed to the winner's circle in Canada 80 times over 412 starts and amassed earnings in excess of $4.8-million with 11 stakes victories. His campaign was capped off when former Champion Moira (Ghostzapper) captured the GI Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar, which made her the seventh Canadian-bred in more than 40 years of the Breeders' Cup to win a race at the World Championships. On Thursday evening, the conditioner also celebrated Moira being honored with a Special Sovereign Award. Other horses from his shedrow who were handed hardware included King's Plate victress Caitlinhergrtness (Omaha Beach) who earned Champion 3-Year-Old Female honors, Full Count Felicia (War Front) who took home Champion Female Turf Horse based on her signature score in the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes and MGSW Fashionably Fab (Silent Name {Jpn}) was named Champion Older Main Track Female. Patches O'Houlihan with Sofia Vives aboard wins the Pink Lloyd | Michael Burns The newly-crowned Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan was a fan favorite throughout the Woodbine season. A Frank Diulio Jr. homebred, 'Patches' exhibited early speed in bunches and notched four wins in five starts, which included the GII Nearctic Stakes, the GIII Bold Venture Stakes, the GIII Vigil Stakes and as a nod to his trainer Robert Tiller, the Pink Lloyd Stakes. In true Casse fashion, the accomplished trainer was connected to his fair share of trophies by the end of the evening. For instance, Champion 2-Year-Old Female went to Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro). The filly ran away with the honor when she was third in both the GI Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes and the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Casse was also connected to three other winners and one of his owners, Gary Barber, took home the prize in that category. As for the Champion 2-Year-Old Male award, the Sovereign went to Josie Carroll trainee He's Not Joking (Practical Joke), the winner of the GIII bet365 Grey Stakes. Finally, one of the highlights of the evening was jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson being recognized with a Special Sovereign Award for her contributions both on and off the racetrack. Last year, Wilson became the leading earner among female riders when she passed Julie Krone on the all-time list. Sovereign Award, Winners, Votes:: Horse of the Year: Patches O'Houlihan (97), Full Count Felicia (49), Filo Di Arianna (Brz) (Karakontie {Jpn}) (48) Champion 2-Year-Old Female: Nitrogen (114), Souper Supreme (Souper Speedy) (62), Aristella (More Than Ready) (39) Champion 2-Year-Old Male: He's Not Joking (86), Scorching (Mo Town) (77), Dream On (Not This Time) (61) Champion 3-Year-Old Female: Caitlinhergrtness (166), Stormcast (Mitole) (76), Avana (Vino Rosso) (28), Kin's Concerto (Mendelssohn) (28) Champion 3-Year-Old Male: Dresden Row (Lord Nelson) (151), My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) (100), August Rain (Sungold) (39) Champion Female Sprinter: Play the Music (Mo Town) (160), Gal in a Rush (Ghostzapper) (47), Stormcast (44) Champion Male Sprinter: Patches O'Houlihan (166), Filo Di Arianna (Brz) (85), My Boy Prince (21) Champion Female Turf Horse: Full Count Felicia (182), Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) (58), Stormcast (30) Champion Male Turf Horse: Filo Di Arianna (Brz) (180), Patches O'Houlihan (65), My Boy Prince (21) Champion Older Main Track Female: Fashionably Fab (161), Elysian Field (Hard Spun) (83), Big Hug (Mr. Big) (24) Champion Older Main Track Male: Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman) (160), Wicked Django (Wicked Strong) (52), Apprehend (Arrogate) (35) Outstanding Broodmare: Platinum Steel (Eddington) (109), Executive Affair (Bold Executive) (80), Dancing Allstar (Millennium Allstar) (35) Outstanding Breeder: Adena Springs (123), Chiefswood Stables Limited (81), Anderson Farms Ont. Inc. (59) Outstanding Apprentice Jockey: Sofia Vives (167), Fraser Aebly (87), Petro Moran (68) Outstanding Jockey: Sahin Civaci (181), Rafael Manuel Hernandez (81), Patrick Husbands (30) Outstanding Trainer: Kevin Attard (135), Mark E. Casse (134), Josie Carroll (18) Outstanding Owner: Gary Barber (147), Chiefswood Stables Limited (61), Bruno Schickedanz (49) Outstanding Off-Track Worker: Ian Dick Outstanding Groom: Victor James E.P. Taylor Award of Merit: Roger Attfield Special Sovereign Award: Moira Special Sovereign Award: Emma-Jayne Wilson Media Awards: Outstanding Writing: Mike McIntyre Resolve and Reinvention at a Gallop Published: Aug.17, 2024 in the Winnipeg Free Press Outstanding Photograph: Mary Jane Sibbitt Right Way/Wrong Way Published: Dec. 8, 2024 on JockeysCanada.com Outstanding Audio Visual/Digital Broadcast: Horse Racing Alberta The Women in Thoroughbred Racing Released on TheHorses.com on Nov. 25, 2024 The top three finalists in each category were determined by voters via online ballots and adminstered by The Jockey Club of Canada. The media category award finalists were determined by professionals within the industry selected from across North America. The post Attard Top Trainer, ‘Patches’ Voted HOY At Canadian Sovereign Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Leek Junior received the confidence booster he was looking for with Affluential (NZ) (Zed) heading towards the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool when he narrowly took out the TAB We’re On (2500m) at Flemington. At his last start Affluential, the younger brother of Melbourne Cup winner and superstar stayer Verry Elleegant, was pulled out of the M.J. Bourke Hurdle and was subsequently found to have suffered cardiac arrythmia. “That was what we wanted to see that he was back in form to confirm he’s back on track for the Galleywood on Wednesday,” Leek Jnr said. “We can now go to Warrnambool knowing he’s right on top of his game. I think he’s a great jumper and hopefully he can give me my first Galleywood. He’ll be going into the race at the top of his game,” he said. Affluential was ridden by Jye McNeil and he got up in the final stride to defeat Fernao in a photo. Perth’s biggest owner Bob Peters sent Affluential to Leek in 2024 and he peeled off six consecutive wins mixing flat and jumps races before he finished second in a flat race at Warrnambool. He then won the 2024 Grand National Hurdle before Peters took him back home to race at the end of the year. That was his fourth start this campaign. Leek Jnr and his wife Andrea are heading to Warrnambool on Monday where they will have several runners in addition to Affluential. “We have three in the maiden hurdles on Tuesday and Heir To The Throne in the Brierly Steeplechase,” Leek Jnr said. “If Heir To The Throne runs well he will back up in the Grand Annual.” View the full article

Hong Kong’s champion jockey Zac Purton plans to employ a familiar plan and use Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) blistering speed against his 12 rivals in Sunday’s (27 April) HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin. Purton said he doesn’t want a slowly run race but, as the world’s highest-rated sprinter, he has the horse to dictate the way the race will be run. Chasing a 12th consecutive victory, Purton said the New Zealand-bred gelding had been a gem from the first time he got off the plane in Hong Kong. “He is a pleasure to do anything with and if you could order a horse, you would order him,” Purton said. “He has got the best attitude, he goes home and he eats and he recovers and he does everything you want. A big teddy bear. “He is eager to get out and do his work. He is excited to do that and once he gets out there, he drops his head, cruises around and does everything right.” Ka Ying Rising has worked in his normal excellent way since having a barrier trial at Sha Tin after his last start victory in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 30 March. “His barrier trial was good and it was exactly what he always does,” Purton said. “His track work since then has been the same and he ticks over. With the schedule here in Hong Kong it is pretty routine – his track work and barrier trials – nothing changes. “He is in good order and is ready to go. Purton admitted it was heartbreaking to miss the ride on Ka Ying Rising in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) when he forfeited the winning ride to Karis Teetan after he was sidelined after being injured in a race fall. “It was exciting to watch him step up to 1400m and win and there was that period or moment at about the 300m mark where he looked as if he was all off balance and looked as if he was empty and they were going to swallow him up,” Purton said. “He changed his leg and found his second wind and went again and was strong through the line and it was a very brave performance and showed that he has got a good will to win and a strong heart. And when he needed to find again, he did so.” Purton said Ka Ying Rising was a versatile galloper who didn’t have to lead but is very effective in fast-run races and loves strong galloping. “He cruises so comfortably on that fast speed and then he can accelerate and put them away off the back of it,” Purton said. “And then he just gaps his rivals when he is placed in that scenario.” Purton said with the speed drawn outside Ka Ying Rising, who will jump from barrier four, he will be positive early and use the gelding’s natural gate speed. “I don’t want a slowly-run race to the first corner where a heap of horses are all in a bunch and I want to try to split the field up a little bit,” Purton said. “I will be using his speed early and make the other horses work a little bit if they want to try and cross him.” Purton said Satono Reve, one of four Japanese runners in the sprint, has good form with victory in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) in Japan after finishing three quarters of a length second to Ka Ying Rising in last December’s HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin. “He has drawn well in six so he is going to get a perfect run once again, just off the speed,” Purton said. “And he is relatively lightly-raced horse as well, so we respect him and Helios Express has been close enough to us a number of times and we respect him as well.” Sunday’s (27 April) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin kicks off at 12.45pm with the Class 4 FWD Insurance ACT Private Handicap (1800m). The HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) and HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) headline the programme. View the full article

As the spotlight turns to Sha Tin for FWD Champions Day, the Hayes family stands on the verge of an extraordinary feat in international racing. With two New Zealand-bred stars entered in Group One contests, the iconic family operation is chasing a unique double that would further cement their place in racing folklore. David Hayes will be represented by star sprinter Ka Ying Rising in the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), while his sons Ben, JD, and Will Hayes send out the formidable Mr Brightside in the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m). Ka Ying Rising has taken Hong Kong racing by storm this season, emerging as one of the world’s elite sprinters with commanding wins in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), and Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m). The four-year-old son of Shamexpress heads into Sunday’s contest with a perfect campaign under his belt. His latest barrier trial only added to the hype, with a commanding three-and-a-half-length win and trainer David Hayes was beaming after drawing barrier four on Thursday. “He’s drawn perfectly,” Hayes said. “It is the first time he has had a single draw for a long time so if he jumps well, it will take the luck out of it and I’d say Zac (Purton, jockey) will be thrilled. “He’s a bit faster than the three drawn inside him, so he should get the rail and there is a bit of speed on his outside, so he has just got to jump and he should be OK. Sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising Photo: HKJC “Having a $1.10 chance is quite rare in our racing at the elite level and you’re anxious before the race, you just want to get it over and done with because with these great horses you don’t want to be making excuses. While David Hayes looks to claim his latest sprinting crown, his sons will be flying the Lindsay Park flag with Mr Brightside, Australia’s most dominant miler since crossing the Tasman from New Zealand. The seven-year-old gelding has amassed nine Group One victories and now prepares for his first Hong Kong assignment. With strong lead-in form and drawn barrier two, Mr Brightside is poised for a positive showing against a high-quality field that includes local favourite Voyage Bubble. “We’re thrilled with where he’s drawn,” Ben Hayes said. “We have won an All-Star Mile from barrier two and a Doncaster from barrier one. Craig (Williams, jockey) will be very happy with that draw. “Inside draws are especially helpful here in Hong Kong with the way they race, so it is a slight advantage to us and some of the main dangers have drawn a bit wide. “It is a very different tempo and at least Mr B has been used to the high-tempo races after racing Pride Of Jenni so many times. I think he will be up on the pace somewhere but it gives us options. A win for either Ka Ying Rising or Mr Brightside would also mark another New Zealand-bred champion to triumph under the Hayes family’s guidance. The roll of honour is nothing short of illustrious: Dulcify, trained by the late Colin Hayes; Zabeel, trained first by Colin and then David Hayes; Mr Brightside, campaigned by Ben, JD, and Will Hayes; and now Ka Ying Rising, potentially the best of them all, under David Hayes’ stewardship. “It’s very unique. We get to have a Group One runner on the same card as our Dad,” Ben Hayes said. “If we’re able to get the dream and they both win, it will probably be the best day Lindsay Park and our Dad have ever had together.” View the full article