Wandering Eyes

Trainer Wayne Catalano spoke with the media following Built's April 24 breeze at Churchill Downs in which he recorded a bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5. Both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Pat Day Mile (G2) remain as options.View the full article

Jockey Ben Curtis was aboard Built April 24 for a bullet five-furlong breeze in :59 2/5 at Churchill Downs and is hopeful to get the call to ride should the horse enter the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Brian Lynch's assistant trainer and son, Nic, discusses what the team thought of Owen Almighty's April 24 breeze at Churchill Downs.View the full article

As connections debate whether to run Built in the Kentucky Derby (G1) or Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs May 3, the son of Hard Spun fired a bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5 April 24.View the full article

The Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale will cap closing day of the Spring Meet Friday in Lexington. Held following the conclusion of the 10-race card, the sale begins at 6:30pm and features a catalog of 88 hips (with supplements accepted through Friday) set to sell during the one-session auction. Notable hips to pass through the ring Friday include: Chandigarh (Speightstown) (hip 37, consigned by EliTE, agent), a 4-year-old gelding who in his second start won a maiden special weight race on the turf Apr. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs; Graffiti Writer (Into Mischief) (hip 58, consigned by EliTE, agent), a 3-year-old colt who is coming off a win in a maiden special weight race at Tampa Bay; Instant Coffee (Bolt d'Oro) (hip 77, consigned by Greenfield Farms), a 5-year-old MGSW who finished third in the GIII Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in March in his most recent start; PA-bred 2-year-old Happyhappyboy (Runhappy) (hip 82, consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent), a last-out second in his maiden special weight debut at Keeneland behind impressive winner Pinky Finger (Army Mule); and Normandy Coast (Omaha Beach) (hip 80, consigned by Kenneally Racing, agent), a 3-year-old colt who won Keeneland's Palisades Stakes Apr. 6. Supplements continued to come in Thursday with a pair of winning fillies joining the fold: Purloin (Arrogate) (hip 87, consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent), who is out of a half-sister to the undefeated Taraz (Into Mischief) and last week's $1.4m OBSAPR colt, and GSP Faith Understood (Catholic Boy) (hip 88, consigned by EliTE, agent). Last year's sale was topped by a pair of runners both purchased by John Stewart's Resolute Racing for $450,000. Dana's Beauty (Not This Time), already a stakes winner at the time of sale, has since added four more stakes wins for Resolute while Cheval de Guerre (Caravaggio) was supplemented the morning of the sale after just missing in a maiden special weight at Keeneland and was last well off-the-board in last year's Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. Last year, Keeneland sold 54 horses for $3,940,000, for an average of $72,963 and a median of $38,500. With sales of $1.544 million for 16 horses, ELiTE was the sale's leading consignor. Click here for the full enhanced digital catalogue. The post Keeneland’s April Horses Of Racing Age Sale Set To Follow Racing On Friday’s Closing Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Keeneland, $72,737, Msw, 4-24, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:04.73, fm, 1 1/4 lengths. TOUGH CRITIC (c, 2, Caravaggio–Thatchit {Ire}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}), one of a handful of first-time starters in the field, took his time into stride and had only one rival beat as a pair of runners dueled for the lead into the far turn. Still well beaten at the half-mile pole as 4-5 favorite Longshoreman (Twirling Candy) began to open up a sizable advantage up front, the 6-1 shot picked up the bridle with a wide, sweeping move off the far turn and gobbled up the ground down the outside to surge past that leader late and graduate by 1 1/4 lengths. Out of a half-sister to GSW/MG1SP Radiohead (GB) (Johannesburg), Tough Critic's only younger sibling is a yearling half-sister by Lexitonian. Sales History: $47,000 Ylg '24 SARAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $35,049. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Dew Sweepers LLC; B-Delehanty Stock Farm (NY); T-George Weaver. 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 Tough Critic A First-Out Winner For Caravaggio At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin It is hard to believe it has almost been a year since Who’s Delight won a race but that could change at Addington tonight. The rugged pacer has been one of our bravest intermediate and even top grade performers since he last visited the winner’s circle last May but looks to be in the right race at today’s day meeting which dovetails into the massive card at Alexandra Park tonight or the Warriors’ clash with Newcastle if you live in Christchurch and are doing the local Anzac Day double. Plenty of our harness people probably wouldn’t mind being at Addington today, then chucking the horses on the transporter and heading next door to the NRL game but many of them will be at Alexandra Park instead. Among them, John Dunn, the most public face of Diamond Racing. “We will only have the two at Addington,” Dunn tells HRNZ. That will leave red, black and white colours to be carried by Who’s Delight and Dalton Shard in the $20,000 The Last Post Free-For-All, over the 1980m mobile. Dunn says whichever of the stable’s two runners gets the better trip could decide their chances but he likes the effort he has been seeing from Who’s Delight. “He has still been hanging a bit but he is going huge races,” says Dunn. “He gets a good enough draw this week and I can see him going forward and getting his chance. “He is very well and I think he could be hard to beat.” The pressure in the race with the hard-running Beach Ball and Vessem, who has been in great form, could see a strong tempo which would suit Dalton Shard, who is best saved for one run and will need to be from a wide draw. Looking further North to Alexandra Park, Dunn says the stable has strong chances but in incredibly hard races. “I would have loved to have drawn inside Marketplace with Got The Chocolates in the Derby,” he says. “Marketplace drawing the ace gives them all the options and while he took a trail on us in the Harness Million I am not sure whether they will do that again. “But obviously getting to the markers would really help us.” The stable has Ya Rite Darl and Tyrons Strapping Lad in the $100,000 Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby and the former strode into calculations with an effortless win last Friday. “She went great and has a perfect draw but we all know how hard Meant To Be is going to be to beat after he won like that fresh up without a trial.” Dunn likes the sneaky each way chances of Mighty Logan in the $100,000 Fiskens and Son Anzac Cup in which he starts on the front line with the big names off 10m. “I think he has a chance if he can step fast and run hard,” says Dunn View the full article

By Michael Guerin Young driving star Carter Dalgety doesn’t believe in taking short cuts but he is willing to make an exception if it helps him land a couple of Group 1s at Alexandra Park tonight. Dalgety is leading the charge for the army of talented youngsters in harness racing, up for any challenge with a smile on his face. A talented First 15 rugby player when he was at school he started his own fashion line while still at university, drove a couple of Group 1 winners and then jetted off to North America last year to hang with mentor Dexter Dunn and drive at the highest level. But while the son of trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety usually takes the road less travelled, tonight he will be happy to be taking the shortest way home. Dalgety will drive exceptional pacing filly Beside Me in the $100,000 Pascoes the Jewellers Northern Oaks and Republican Party in the $100,000 Dawson Harford Messenger and the initial plan with both is simple: be on the markers. That looks certain with Republican Party (barrier 1) who finally gets a good draw in the 2700m mobile and has options to lead but more likely trail either Rakero Rocket or Chase A Dream. “It is so good to get a good draw with him because he has been going great races but covering so much ground,” says Dalgety. “In these big staying races being on the markers is so crucial and he is going well enough to win. “He might have had a busy summer and autumn but he is so relaxed and cruisy in training he takes nothing out of himself and I think that really helps.” Trailing Rakero Rocket, who in turn could make favourite Chase A Dream work, would be the ideal scenario for Republican Party but if Chase A Dream can work to the lead and put him three back on the markers his task becomes far more difficult but not impossible. It probably matters a lot less what happens to Beside Me in the Oaks as she looks a wonderful staying filly who is perfectly suited by the step up to 2700m tonight. She showed good gate speed for catch driver Tony Herlihy last Saturday and our most successful ever reinsman says the filly is the real deal. “It is cool hearing Tony talk about her like that and I’d like to go forward and lead on her,” says Dalgety. “I don’t think she has to lead to win but being on the markers would be way better.” While Arafura is a smart front runner drawn the ace she does have Without You on her back so if she leads and gets attacked early she would be better relenting than leading with enemies all around. Stella Rouge has looked a very, very good filly and in any normal Oaks would be the favourite but drawn outside Beside Me and the other favourites she is going to need to do something special to win. Dalgety is looking at another ground-saving run with The Queens Gambit (R3, No.1) in the two-year-old fillies races tonight but says with the Delightful Lady Final next week he might prefer to trail Australian visitor Ripples as she heads forward at the start. Ripples was a brilliant winner of the Bathurst Gold Tiara in a 1:53.9 mile rate last start and will be the first New Zealand start for Victorian training superstar Emma Stewart. If she leads only a failure to handle the right-handed Alexandra Park would seem a danger to her. What they said about the Group 1s tonight : R5, Pascoes Northern Oaks: “She is a really good filly, she doesn’t feel like she is going fast when she is,” last Saturday’s catch driver Tony Herlihy on Beside Me. R6, Breckons Trotting Derby: “Our filly went great last week but Meant To Be has to be the one to beat on his last start win,” John Dunn on Ya Rite Darl. R7, Woodlands Northern Derby: “He will be back to his Harness Million [winning] fitness levels this week,” Marketplace’s trainer Regan Todd. R8: Fiskens Anzac Cup: “They will run so hard how all those good horses step and where they end up will be crucial,” Oscar Bonavena’s trainer Mark Purdon. R9: Dawson Harford Messenger: “I’d love it if we could trail Rakero Rocket and he stayed in front,” Carter Dalgety on Republican Party. View the full article

The 2025 “Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In” television schedule, consisting of five live programs across NBC, FOX, Peacock, and CNBC, was revealed Thursday. Now in its 12th year of programming, the “Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In” spotlights North America's top horses as they compete for an automatic starting position, and free entry, into a corresponding divisional race at the Breeders' Cup World Championships. Thoroughbred racing's year-end international festival of racing will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar. “The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series provides fans a way to connect the major summer and fall races with the season-ending World Championships on NBC Sports platforms,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “We look forward to continuing our great relationships with NBC and FOX to ensure widespread visibility for our Challenge races this year. These network partners provide excellent coverage of our sport, and we are proud to collaborate with them to give viewers across the nation ample opportunities to follow the road to the Breeders' Cup World Championships.” NBC and Peacock kick off the action July 19 at 5:00 p.m. ET at Monmouth Park with the GI Haskell Stakes, a Breeders' Cup Challenge event for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. On Aug. 2 at 5:00 p.m. ET, Breeders' Cup and NYRA will partner to provide special coverage on FOX of the GI FanDuel Fourstardave Stakes at Saratoga, an automatic qualifier for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. On Aug. 30, new to television for 2025, the GII Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs, an automatic qualifier for the GI Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, will be featured on NBC during a two-hour broadcast starting at 4:00 p.m. ET. A blockbuster weekend of final Challenge Series races will be presented Oct 4-5, across NBC and CNBC. Starting on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4:00 p.m. ET, a two-hour CNBC broadcast will provide coverage from Santa Anita Park and Keeneland. The excitement continues live from Keeneland on Oct. 5 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET, when NBC will feature the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes, an automatic qualifier for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff, and the GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes, which awards a free spot in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. The complete Challenge Series schedule, including television coverage, can be viewed at BreedersCup.com/races/challenge-series. The post With Live Programming Across NBC, FOX, Peacock & CNBC, Television Schedule for Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

9th-KEE, $140K, OC100K/N3X, 4yo/up, 1 1/8m, 4:38 p.m. ET. UNMATCHED WISDOM (Into Mischief) posted a 98 Beyer figure after a muddy debut score during the Belmont At The Big meet last summer and was promptly pinned with a 'TDN Rising Star.' The colt's year also included a win in the Curlin Stakes at the Spa in mid-July. Finishing off the board in both the GI DK Travers and in the GI Pennsylvania Derby, now the Klaravich-owned dark bay is set to make his 4-year-old debut. Out of unraced dam Glide On By (Pure Prize), the Chad Brown trainee's extended female family includes GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes hero Bandini (Fusaichi Pegasus) and pensioned sire Stormy Atlantic (Storm Cat). TJCIS PPS 7th-KEE, $110K, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 3:36 p.m. ET. Gary and Mary West homebred Lifes Reward (Into Mischief) is a full-brother to current sire Life Is Good. Their dam Beach Walk (Distorted Humor) also produced GSW Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}). Brad Cox conditions the debuting colt. Il Cavallino (Into Mischief) was taken home by John Stewart for $800,000 during Keeneland September and sent to trainer Michael Maker. The 3-year-old's dam, GSW Daisy (Blame), is also responsible MSW Botantical (Medaglia d'Oro) and she handed this first time starter a full-brother who is currently a juvenile. Hope Jones homebred and Graham Motion trainee Cruise the Nile (Cairo Price) is out of MSW Party Boat (Into Mischief). TJCIS PPS 10th-KEE, $110K, Msw, 3yo/up, 1 1/16mT, 5:09 p.m. ET. The debuting Operation Sunrise (War Front)–a Godolphin homebred–counts as a half-sister GSW & MGISP Antoinette (Hard Spun). Trained by Bill Mott, the colt is out of UAE MGSW Shuruq (Elusive Quality), who herself is a half-sister to current sire Space Blues (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: ‘TDN Rising Star’ Unmatched Wisdom Returns To The Races At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Derby hopefuls Owen Almighty (Speightstown) and Built (Hard Spun) turned in five-furlong workouts Thursday morning over a fast track at Churchill Downs in preparation for the GI Kentucky Derby. Working during the 7:15-7:30 a.m. ET training window reserved for Kentucky Derby and GI Longines Kentucky Oaks horses, Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing's Owen Almighty breezed five furlongs in 1:01.60 in company with Antonio Orellana aboard for trainer Brian Lynch. Working in company with the maiden 3-year-old filly Nosleeptilbrooklyn (Ghostzapper), Owen Almighty started two lengths behind his workmate and posted fractions of :26, :37.60, 1:01.60 and galloped out well in front with six furlongs in 1:14 and seven-eighths in 1:27. “I didn't want to take a chance on the weather,” Lynch said of working this morning as opposed to Friday as initially planned. “The work couldn't have been any better.” Owen Almighty works 5 furlongs in 1:01.60 for trainer Brian Lynch pic.twitter.com/Ggd3DmMUpk — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 24, 2025 Working during the same period, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Built covered the distance in a morning-best :59.40 under jockey Ben Curtis for trainer Wayne Catalano. Built began his move with a :24 quarter mile and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.40, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols. Trainer Wayne Catalano said he'd talk to the ownership group and make a decision to enter the Kentucky Derby or the GII Pat Day Mile S. 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 Owen Almighty, Built Work Five Furlongs for Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A pair of fillies is among the horses supplemented for Friday's Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale. Keeneland's supplements is led by Faith Understood (Catholic Boy), a 4-year-old who won her first race at three at Keeneland and went on to finish second in the Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct and third in the GIII Honeymoon at Santa Anita. Consigned by ELiTE, agent, Faith Understood is out of the stakes-placed winner Zia, by Munnings, and from the family of Grade 3 winner River Seven. Additionally, 4-year-old Purloin (Arrogate) is consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent. A winner of her career debut at Belmont at the Big A, she is out of Smooth Path, by Scat Daddy, and from the family of European champions Commander in Chief and Warning (GB). A total of 88 horses have been cataloged to Friday's Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale. The auction, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, follows 10 races on closing day of the Spring Meet. Click here for the online catalog and here for full-sale form figures. The April Sale will be livestreamed on www.Keeneland.com The post GSP Faith Understood, Winner Purloin Supplemented to Keeneland April Selected HORA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, Sandown, Britain, post time: 15:00, BET365 MILE-G2, £125,000, 4yo/up, 8f 0y Field: Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Alcantor (Fr) (New Bay {GB}), Cash (Ire) (Shamardal), Cicero's Gift (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Ice Max (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Lead Artist (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Dancing Gemini takes the Charyn route, having impressed back at this trip in the Listed Doncaster Mile, and he will be tested with the likes of Tamfana and Haatem in here. Tamfana warmed up for her G1 Sun Chariot success with a win over course and distance in the G3 Atalanta Stakes in August and this stiff mile is probably ideal, while the dual Guineas-placed Haatem goes back up in trip having taken the G3 Jersey Stakes when last seen. Lead Artist looks like a Gosden improver, but he'll have to be in what is his biggest examination to date. Friday, Sandown, Britain, post time: 14:25, BET365 GORDON RICHARDS STAKES-G3, £85,000, 4yo/up, 9f 209y Field: Royal Champion (Ire) (Shamardal), Al Aasy (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Peace Man (GB) (Kingman {GB}), See The Fire (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). TDN Verdict: This year's edition will be without a Sir Michael Stoute runner as the torch is well and truly passed on and it is up to the home trainers to try and match the retired master of Freemason Lodge's 10 wins in what is typically a pointer to the season's big middle-distance clashes. The much-vaunted Almaqam may not have shown his true worth at three, at least that is what Ed Walker states, so this return to the venue of his Listed Heron Stakes success last May will tell us more. Arabian Crown is another who needs to catch up, having had his 2024 campaign cut short after winning the course-and-distance G3 Classic Trial on this fixture, while See The Fire brings Group 1 form to the table and was on the premises in the track's marquee event, the Eclipse, in July. Friday, Sandown, Britain, post time: 15:35, BET365 CLASSIC TRIAL-G3, £85,000, 3yo, 9f 209y Field: Damysus (GB) (Frankel {GB}), I Am I Said (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Swagman (Ger) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Windlord (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Sandown's trio of pattern-race heats concludes with a small-but-select field assembling for this G1 Betfred Derby trial. Ballydoyle's standard has been hoisted just once in the modern era, by subsequent G1 Grand Prix de Paris victor Imperial Monarch (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in 2012, and G3 Tyros Stakes runner-up Swagman is this year's selection. The €170,000 BBAG September yearling acquisition is the only one of five seasonal debutants without a ticket to Epsom's Blue Riband and comes back off a 274-day break having twice finished in the rear-view mirror of juvenile benchmark Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Juddmonte's Windlord suffered a similar fate when third in September's G2 Beresford Stakes and flies the flag for Andrew Balding's in-form stable. Team Gosden boasts a record nine editions of the 10-furlong contest and saddles Wathnan Racing's once-raced Southwell novice scorer Damysus. The flashy chestnut is a 460,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate. Ralph Beckett, who took this with G1 Derby third and G1 Irish Derby hero Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in 2022, is two-handed here and relies on the Neil Diamond-flavoured I Am I Said, an impressive debut winner at Newmarket last backend, and Marcstown's Sir Dinadan, who posted an eight-length tally at Pontefract in October when last seen. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Swagman To Give O’Brien Another Classic Trial At Sandown? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As part of its coverage at Churchill Downs in the lead-up to the 151st renewal of the Kentucky Derby, for the first time, FanDuel TV will be live from Churchill Downs each morning beginning on Friday, Apr. 25 with “Breakfast at the Kentucky Derby”, a live look at the latest developments as the top contenders put in their final preparations for the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. Running through May 1, the breakfast show will be broadcast from 7:00 a.m. ET to 8:30 a.m. each day and will feature live training footage as well as interviews, analysis and insights from FanDuel TV's team of expert handicappers. “Breakfast At The Kentucky Derby” will be hosted by Michael Joyce, who will be joined on the desk by Simon Bray and jockey Joe Talamo. Andie Biancone, Gabby Gaudet, Caton Bredar, Scott Hazelton and Maria Montgomery will be reporting from Churchill Downs with exclusive interviews with trainers, jockeys and key newsmakers. FanDuel TV also hosts the popular “Breakfast at the Breeders' Cup” show in advance of the Breeders' Cup. FanDuel TV will also be live, on-site at Churchill Downs all week and will be highlighted by opening night Saturday, Apr. 26 as well as the post-position draw for the Kentucky Derby. Tuesday, Apr. 29 will feature the “Kentucky Derby Handicappers' Preview” which will include analysis from Christina Blacker, Matt Bernier and Caleb Keller. The show will air at 12:00 p.m. ET and will be available on-demand, alongside all of the other Kentucky Derby content on the FanDuel Racing YouTube channel. FanDuel TV's preeminent NFL show “Up & Adams,” hosted by Kay Adams, will also broadcast live from Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2. “Up & Adams” will feature a rotating roster of personalities from across racing, sports and entertainment as they discuss the biggest storylines leading up to Derby Day. FanDuel is the Official Sports Wagering partner of the Kentucky Derby for the third consecutive year. Fans can tune into FanDuel TV and FanDuel TV+ all Derby week to watch live racing coverage (excluding NBC-exclusive races). The post ‘Breakfast at the Kentucky Derby’ on FanDuel TV Begins Apr. 25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Sugaree at Keeneland over 1 1/2 miles. Camelot Mare Thrives Over Classic Distance At Keeneland Blue Devil Racing Stable's Sugaree (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) earned her first American win in her third start there, winning by a half-length at Keeneland on April 23 (video). Trained by Arnaud Delacour, the grey won once in six starts in Ireland. Bred by Pier House Stud, Sugaree was knocked down to Dan Hayden on a winning bid of €200,000 at the 2021 Goffs Orby Yearling Sale. She was trained in Ireland by Joseph O'Brien. The first foal and one of two winners for the multiple stakes placed Pakora (Fr) (Gentlewave {Ire}), the mare has half-brothers by Ghaiyyath (Ire) and Saxon Warrior (Jpn) yet to race born in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Pakora is a full-sister to group winner Pagera (Fr), who won the G3 Baden Racing Mercedes-Benz Stuten-Preis and was second in the GI E. P. Taylor Stakes. Coolmore's Camelot has accumulated 11 winners from 27 runners in the U.S. (41%). His trio of stakes winners in that jurisdiction are led by Grade I winners Santa Barbara (Ire) and Athena (Ire), who both won the Belmont Oaks. The 16-year-old son of Montjeu (Ire) stands for €75,000. SUGAREE shows determination to win at @keeneland for @delacour_arnaud and Blue Devil Racing The Camelot (@coolmorestud) mare was purchased by Dan Hayden on behalf of Blue Devil Racing from Pier House Stud pic.twitter.com/zkLSHnBMQ0 — Goffs (@Goffs1866) April 24, 2025 Florida The Place To Be For Accent Accent (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), owned by Jeffrey Drown, graduated on debut going a mile at Tampa Bay Downs on April 23 (video). Trained by Chad Brown, the Fittocks Stud and Arrow Farm Stud-bred is out of Dreamlike (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). The dam of three-time American Grade I winner Program Trading (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Dreamlike has a 2-year-old colt by Too Darn Hot (GB), and she was covered by Justify last spring. Picked up by Mike Ryan for 260,000gns as a Book 1 Tattersalls October yearling, Accent counts G2 Park Hill Stakes heroine Silk Sari (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}) as her dam's half-sister, and another half-sister produced G1 Kennedy Oaks winner Zardozi (Aus) (Kingman {GB}). Darley's Pinatubo, whose eldest foals are 3-year-olds, is the sire of three winners from six runners (50%). His best in America is the GIII With Anticipation Stakes third Cavallo Bay (GB). He commands £30,000 at Dalham Hall Stud this term. Churchill Filly Claws Out Santa Anita Score Hronis Racing's Cat The Confidante (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) stepped up to a mile in her second start, and emerged a narrow winner at Santa Anita on April 20 (video). The Oak Hill Stud-bred filly is trained by John Sadler. The first foal out of the placed Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire) mare The Lazy Monkey (Ire), the filly is followed by the 2-year-old filly La Praga (Ire) (El Kabeir) and a yearling filly by freshman sire Starman (GB). Cat The Confidante cost €35,000 as a Goffs November Foal on the bid of Karlstown Bloodstock, and graced that ring as a yearling when selling for €70,000 at the Orby Sale, Book 1 in 2023 to BBA Ireland. The female family features GIII All Along Stakes and GIII Glens Falls Handicap victress Idle Rich (Sky Classic) and her son Talip Han (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}), a champion in Turkey. Coolmore stallion Churchill has nine winners from 22 runners (41%) in the U.S. Besides the GII Valley View Stakes winner Poolside With Slim (Ire), the son of Galileo (Ire) has three more stakes horses there, including The Foxes (Ire), second in the GI Belmont Derby. Churchill stands for €25,000 in 2025. CAT THE CONFIDANTE (IRE) ($13.60) barely holds off Innovative in the 9th at @SantaAnitaPark. @HIBerrios masterfully handled the 3YO Churchill (Ire) (@coolmorestud) filly for trainer @sadlerracing. It's time for the Lucky Last: https://t.co/cROASzQ2oB pic.twitter.com/WOasB1Fk5J — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 20, 2025 Hello Youmzain Colt Brings Peace To Tampa R. T Racing Stable's Café La Paix (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) set the pace and held on for a half-length victory at Tampa Bay Downs on April 19, his fourth lifetime start (video). Trained by Leandro Moreno-Barban, the 3-year-old colt was bred by Ecurie Haras du Cadran and United Breeders Angeville Racing. An €85,000 Arqana August yearling purchase by Nicolas Clement for RT Racing, the bay son of Ilanga (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}) is the second foal and first winner for his dam, who won the G3 Prix Texanita. His latest half-sibling is Bullet Ant (Fr) (Ardad {Ire}), a 2-year-old colt. G3 Prix de Psyche heroine Almara (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}) is a half-sister to Ilanga, while under the third dam are German Group 3 winners Molly Max (Ger) (Big Shuffle) and Molly Art (Ger) (Big Shuffle). Haras d'Etreham's Hello Youmzain sports a 66% strike rate in the U.S., with two of his three runners there finding the winner's circle. Worldwide, this second-crop sire has two stakes winners (Misunderstood {Fr} and Electrolyte {Ire}) and another four stakes horses. He stands for €40,000 this year. Repeat Winners The familiar duo of Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables and trainer Chad Brown combined with the well-bred Early Adopter (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) to win a Keeneland affair on April 23 (video). Bred, like Accent, by Fittocks Stud and Arrow Farm & Stud, the 3-year-old colt was third in the GII Pilgrim Stakes last year. Irish stakes winner Pipsy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) first featured in ths column last May, and she starred in a 5 1/2-furlong Keeneland allowance on April 19 (video). She is owned by Woodford Thoroughbreds and is trained by Will Walden. Phil D'Amato trains Granny Budgie (GB) (Massaat {Ire}) for David A Bernsen LLC, Omar Aldabbagh and Jeffrey Lambert. The 4-year-old filly won a Santa Anita allowance just over a year ago, and doubled up at that distance on April 18 (video). (8) Early Adopter (GB) storms down the lane to win for @jose93_ortiz! (4) King of Ashes and (6) Anegada follow. pic.twitter.com/2xOrlqhNZc — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 23, 2025 The post Making Waves: A Sweet Tooth For Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One week before the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) on April 26, Churchill Downs opens with a nighttime card to kick off its 43-day spring meet.View the full article

Seven new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, led by Smarty Jones. Others to be inducted include Decathlon, Hermis, George Conway, Edward Bowen, Arthur Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck.View the full article

Bidding was fierce for lot 168–a son of Mehmas (Ire) and the G2 Sapphire Stakes third Rapid Reaction (Ire) (Shamardal)–and the bay brought €1 million from Godolphin during the Goffs Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale on Thursday. Richard Brown and Alex Elliott were underbidders on the Greenhills Farm-consigned colt. His dam is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and multiple group-placed Katla (Ire) (Majestic Missile {Ire}). Group 1 winner and successful sire Wootton Bassett (GB) is under the third dam. Bred by Milestream Stud Company, Ltd., he was a €140,000 foal purchase by Anna Sundstrom and Filip Zwicky at the Goffs November Foal Sale. He did not meet his reserve and was a €140,000 buy-back at the Arqana August Yearling Sale last year. Tally-Ho Stud's Mehmas is responsible for the current trio of top lots, a €720,000 colt and a €650,000 filly. £1,000,000 for lot 168 @GoffsUK breeze up. It's been a day for records being set and the popularity of Mehmas continues. This colt by the sire was consigned by Greenhills Farm and has been bought by Godolphin. pic.twitter.com/pcmgx9dVjF — TDN (@theTDN) April 24, 2025 The post Godolphin Goes To €1 Million For Son Of Mehmas At Doncaster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Seven new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is headed by Smarty Jones, a finalist for the first time. Additionally, Kentucky-breds Decathlon and Hermis and trainer George H. Conway have been chosen by the 1900-1959 Historic Review Committee; and Edward L. Bowen, Arthur B. Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck have been elected by the Pillars of the Turf Committee. In the contemporary category, Pennsylvania-bred Smarty Jones was the lone candidate to appear on the majority of ballots submitted (50% plus one vote is required for election). A total of 157 voters (90.2%) participated from the 171 eligible to cast ballots in the election. The candidates in the Historic Review and Pillars of the Turf categories were required to receive 75% approval from the respective committees to earn election. The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Museum website at www.racingmuseum.org. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Tom Durkin will serve as the master of ceremonies. Bred in Pennsylvania by Someday Farm, Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality–I'll Get Along, by Smile) raced from 2003 through 2004, winning eight of his nine career starts, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in his sophomore season, and was voted the Eclipse Award for Champion 3-Year-Old Male in 2004. Owned by Roy and Pat Chapman under their Someday Farm banner, Smarty Jones was trained by John C. Servis and ridden exclusively by Stewart Elliott. George H. Conway (1873-1939) is best known for training Hall of Famer War Admiral to a sweep of the 1937 Triple Crown and to an overall record of 21-3-1 from 26 starts and earnings of $273,240 from 1936 through 1938. A native of Oceanport, N.J., Conway also conditioned Hall of Fame member Crusader, as well as standouts Speed Boat, War Glory, and War Heros. Edward L. Bowen (1942-2025) was a prolific racing journalist and historian for more than 60 years and served the sport in various other capacities, including 24 years as president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. A native of Welch, W. Va., Bowen was an Eclipse Award-winning journalist, editor in chief of The BloodHorse, author of 22 books about horse racing, and chairman of the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame Nominating Committee from 1987 through 2024. Arthur B. Hancock III was born in Nashville, Tenn., and for six decades has been a significant presence in American racing and breeding through his establishment of Stone Farm in 1970 near Paris, Ky. A member of one of the sport's most prolific racing and breeding families, Hancock's grandfather, Arthur B. Hancock, Sr., founded Claiborne Farm, while his father, Arthur B. “Bull” Hancock, Jr., expanded the operation to be among one of the most important breeding operations in the country. In partnership with one of his longtime clients, Manhattan real estate broker Leone J. Peters, Hancock bred and raced Gato Del Sol, who won the 1982 Derby. Hancock and Peters also teamed up to breed Risen Star, winner of the 1988 Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Through H-G-W Partners, Hancock owned and raced Hall of Fame member and 1989 Horse of the Year Sunday Silence, whose wins included the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders' Cup Classic. Hancock also co-bred 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. Richard Ten Broeck (1811-1892) was one of American racing's most prominent and accomplished figures in the 19th century, enjoying success as a racehorse and racetrack owner, Thoroughbred breeder, and international racing pioneer. A native of Albany, N.Y., Ten Broeck took over management of the Bingaman (Louisiana) and Bascombe (Alabama) courses in 1847 and in 1851, he purchased Metairie Race Course in New Orleans for $27,000. Under his management, Metairie became the premier track in the country in the decade prior to the Civil War. Broeck holds the distinction of being the first American owner to win an important race in England. With the help of Lecomte, Prioress, and Starke, he held a presence in that country for three decades. Bred in Kentucky by the Nuckols Brothers, Decathlon (Olympia–Dog Blessed, by Bull Dog) raced from 1955 through 1957, compiling a record of 25-8-1 from 42 starts and earnings of $269,530. Purchased at Keeneland in 1954 for $15,500 by Robert J. Dienst (the president of Ohio's Beulah Park) and campaigned under his River Divide Farm banner, Decathlon was trained by Rollie Shepp. In his three years of racing, the bay colt won 18 stakes and was twice named Champion Sprint Horse (1956, 1957). He set track records at Monmouth Park, Suffolk Downs, and Tropical Park, equaled two track standards at Tropical, and matched the world record for 5½ furlongs (1:03 1/5) at Tropical in the first division of the Inaugural Handicap in 1956. Bred in Kentucky by Hiram Berry, Hermis (Hermence–Katy of the West, by Spendrift) raced from 1901 through 1905 with a record of 28-8-6 from 55 starts and earnings of $84,155. The chestnut was trained by Charles Hughes (July 1901 through August 1902), Jack McCormick (August 1902 through October 1902), and Alexander Shields (June 1903 through July 1905). He raced for a variety of owners, including H. M. Ziegler, L. V. Bell, and Edward R. Thomas (who paid a record $60,000 for the horse). Hermis was retrospectively recognized by The BloodHorse-published book The Great Ones as Horse of the Year in 1902 and 1903; Champion 3-Year-Old Male in 1902; and Champion Older Male in 1903 and 1904. To view more information on all the inductees, click here. The post Smarty Jones Heads 2025 Hall of Fame Class appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs outlined its slate of partners and on-site brand experiences for the 151st Kentucky Derby on May 3. This year's food and beverages sponsors include: Brown-Forman returns as a premier partner, featuring the $5,000 Woodford Reserve Mint Julep experience, the classic Old Forester Mint Julep, and the refreshing Herradura Reposado Margarita. White Claw returns as the Official Hard Seltzer of the Kentucky Derby. Red Bull returns to the track offering an exclusive new limited-time flavor, Red Bull Summer Edition White Peach, at their summer-themed activation in the Infield and various locations around the track for guests to enjoy. Jackson Family Wines returns as the Preferred Wine of the Kentucky Derby with a La Crema pop-up in the Paddock Plaza and a Kendall-Jackson sampling activation in the Clubhouse. Wisconsin Cheese will debut at the Kentucky Derby serving samples of their premium cheeses in the Clubhouse Gate Plaza as well as with a premium cheese cart in select suite areas. Also offering a presence in 2025: Longines continues an elegant tradition as presenting sponsor of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. vineyard vines returns as the Official Style of the Kentucky Derby, unveiling its 15th exclusive collection. This year, vineyard vines will also present the Infield stage with music. The Retail Row experience returns to the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza for its second year. It features a curated lineup of returning brands including Radley London, Brackish and Tecovas, which is making its Derby debut. Passion Roses, the Official Rose Provider of the Kentucky Derby. Kroger returns as the Official Crafter of The Kentucky Derby Garland of Roses and will display the coveted Garland of Roses in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza from approximately 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Resolute Racing joins as the presenting sponsor of WINSDAY, a new Derby Week event that shines the spotlight on Louisville's non-profit community. They will also recognize the dedication of grooms by presenting Best Turned Out awards on both Oaks and Derby Day. Sports Illustrated celebrity hosts, Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and Jayson Werth will mingle with guests, featuring exclusive photo opportunities and fan engagement moments within the space. Sentient Jet, the Preferred Private Jet of the Kentucky Derby will provide gourmet chocolates to guests in select premium spaces. Romeo y Julieta features their licensed Kentucky Derby 151 cigar in a lounge near the Clubhouse gate. Ford Motor Company brings new horsepower to the track with “The Pony,” a non-alcoholic mocktail served near the Paddock gate and in the Ford First Turn Club, in addition to other on-site activations. SAP returns to help drive Churchill Downs' data strategy forward. Lumen supports Churchill Downs with advanced communications infrastructure. New In 2025: CYGAMES, a Japanese video game company, will be operating a hands-on demo booth on-site at the Infield. The booth will feature previews of its titles Umamusume: Pretty Derby and Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond ahead of their English-language release later this year, as well as demos of the highly acclaimed Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. Veritas Prime brings modern HR and operational systems. Kentucky Derby fans can also enjoy curated experiences and offerings from event partners at Taste of Derby including Woodford Reserve, Longines. Kentucky Derby 151 Artist Tyler Robertson will also be on-site signing Official Artwork of the Kentucky Derby. To learn more about this year's race, visit www.KentuckyDerby.com. The post Sponsors Outlined for 151st Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dr. Kenny Katz has been elected the new President of Jockeys and Jeans, according to an organization release Thursday. The appointment was made following the retirement of interim President and founding member, Dr. Eddie Donnally, Interim Jockeys and Jeans President and a founding member. Katz, a long-time committee member, has been a podiatrist on Long Island for 38 years, and holds a marketing and statistics degree from Adelphi University. He initiated the four Jockey Bobble Head fundraisers at Gulfstream Park, and his autographed Kentucky Derby and Hall of Fame posters have generated significant donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Donnally, along with fellow former jockeys Barry Pearl, Darrell Brown, Mike Manganello and Barbra Jo Rubin, formed the all-volunteer organization in late 2014. Donnally served as President for a short time year before nominating Barry Pearl, who served as President until he resigned in June 2023 and is now a consultant for the group. Donnally was Vice President during those years and became Interim President when Pearl retired. Through an annual charity event as well as an annual stallion season sale, the group has raised $3.85 Million for the PDJF. The charity pays a $1,500 stipend to 55 permanently disabled jockeys. From February of 2024 until February of 2025 Jockeys and Jeans raised a single year record of $458,000. Donnally, 81, is an ordained protestant minister with a Doctorate of Ministry, currently serves as an Ambassador, joining recent Ambassadors Jockey Hall of Fame Member Sandy Hawley, and Craig Bandoroff, a former jockey and owner of Central Kentucky's Denali Stud. The post Jockeys and Jeans Elects Kenny Katz New President Following Eddie Donnally Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Widden Stud announced their stallion fees on Thursday, with Zoustar (Aus) unchanged at A$275,000 (inc GST) as he continues to battle with Pride Of Dubai (Aus) for the Australian Sires' Premiership. Zoustar, who retired to stud in 2014 after winning the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes and G1 Golden Rose at three, has eight Southern Hemisphere crops and four Northern Hemisphere crops. From those, he has sired 65 stakes winners led by 10 Group 1 winners. As of Thursday, Zoustar's progeny earnings for 2024/25 stand at A$20.7 million, just behind leader Pride Of Dubai on A$21.2 million. On Saturday, Zoustar has five runners in stakes races, including defending champion Climbing Star (NZ) and three-year-old filly She's Got Pizzazz (Aus) in the A$1 million G1 Robert Sangster Stakes. “We are aware of the gap and are upbeat about it,” said Widden Stud's Matt Comerford. “Zoustar is a sire who continues to reach new heights. Last year, he broke the record for the most winners in a season and he's leading on so many other parameters. “He's very close to leading the Australian Sires' Premiership and his trajectory demonstrates that he can achieve that in a very competitive market. He's been champion first-season sire and champion sire of three-year-olds. This will be another very big honour that he can take on going forward.” Of the other 19 stallions on the Widden Stud roster, new recruit Southport Tycoon (Aus) is the most expensive at A$38,500, ahead of Trapeze Artist (Aus) and another newcomer in Cogburn. Trapeze Artist will stand for a fee of A$33,000–from $55,000 in 2024–while Cogburn has been introduced at A$27,500. The post Zoustar Leads Widden Stud Roster at Unchanged A$275,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aiming for a 12th consecutive victory with Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), David Hayes had to endure a few nervous moments before the world’s highest-rated sprinter drew perfectly in barrier four for the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (27 April). With only three barriers left to be drawn at the official barrier draw function at Sha Tin today (Thursday, 24 April), Ka Ying Rising was faced with the prospect of drawing either gates four, seven or the outside barrier of 13. Luckily for Hayes, John Size’s Helios Express drew barrier 13 and then with two barriers left, Ka Ying Rising was allocated barrier four. “I was very, very happy to see barrier 13 come out (for Helios Express),” Hayes said. “And I thought four was the dream barrier in that scenario. He is a horse that overcomes barriers but you don’t want to be the widest every time.” Confidence continues to grow for Hayes who says Ka Ying Rising is in at least the best form he has been in all year. He said the stable star would run a mighty race and if he gets a normal run, he should be a genuine $1.10 or $1.20 chance. “And if he is better than $1.20, then back him,” he said. A versatile galloper who adapts to all track conditions, Hayes said Ka Ying Rising could break his own Sha Tin track record of 1m 07.20s for 1200m if there was enough early speed in the race. “If he flies the start, he might lead and take it up. If he jumps with them he’ll probably box seat behind some obvious pace but that’s really Zac Purton’s problem now,” Hayes said. “And he’ll have it worked out. He gets it done on the big days so I’m not worried at all. “He can take a sit or lead, either way.” Hayes said that he believes Ka Ying Rising is a bit faster than the three horses – A Shin Fencer, Danon McKinley and Beauty Waves – drawn inside him. “Faster than most horses really,” Hayes said. “He’ll get the rail and Zac will be able to choose whether he leads or takes a sit.” Japan has four contenders in the race headed by Satono Reve who drew six having last start won the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) in his first run since finishing third to Ka Ying Rising in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 8 December. Joao Moreira, who has ridden Satono Reve in his past two starts, again takes the ride on Sunday but isn’t underestimating the task it will take to topple the world’s top sprinter. He said he was happy with the barrier draw. “He is a big horse who needs a bit of space,” Moreira said. “It seems like the real pace will come from the outside. “He is a bloody good horse and could be one of those causing an upset here. However, Ka Ying Rising deserves all the respect and he has done so well and is one of the best sprinters in the world, if not the best.” Moreira said Satono Reve is reaching his peak as a six-year-old and doesn’t have to improve too much on last December’s effort to finish alongside Ka Ying Rising. “It was good momentum and I just hope we can keep it up,” he said. “It’ not easy but we are going to try.” Moreira said it was impressive performance in Japan when he downed what the globe-trotting jockey said was a very strong field. He said Satono Reve had improved since his Hong Kong mission and was more competitive. “As you probably know, I sat on him this morning and looking around on the track with him and he gave me a good feel once again and I can’t see a reason why he can’t perform once again,” Moreira said. By Daryl Timms View the full article

Owned by Cheng Ming Leung, Cheng Yu Tung, Cheng Mei Mei and Cheng Yu Wai, Manfred Man-trained Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) will resume after a long break in Sunday’s (27 April) HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at Sha Tin’s FWD Champions Day amid hopes of the completion of a great comeback story from the horse. Winner of the 2023 Chairman’s Sprint Prize and acclaimed as Hong Kong’s Champion Sprinter in the 2022/23 season, Lucky Sweynesse suffered a health setback after winning the G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) in April, 2024 and was sidelined from races for more than a year, during which he underwent left fore fetlock surgery. After two impressive winning trials recently, the Sweynesse gelding will bid for the fifth Group 1 win of his career. Veteran owner Cheng Ming Leung, said: “As a racehorse owner, patience is the key and we always have high hopes for our horse. Though he had to be sidelined for a long period, he recovered well and all along his situation was very stable, and we kept the faith that he will return to race one day. “I am excited to see him make a comeback on FWD Champions Day, the same meeting when he scored in the same race two years ago. Having said that, I didn’t rush my trainer but full credit to Man, he and his stable team has done a great job to turn things around. The horse is fully recovered now and is ready for the challenge.” Cheng described Lucky Sweynesse has a tough character and he believes the top-class speedster will be competitive on Sunday. “His performance in his recent trials were very impressive,” Cheng said. “It looks the horse has a good heart and we are all delighted to see him coming back to his best. We always have high hope on him and hopefully he will have a forward showing this time. I have confidence that he will finish in the frame.” Cheng also revealed jockey James McDonald actively asked to ride his horse on Sunday. Cheng said: “James contacted the stable team and actively asked for the ride. He had already achieved success with my horse and with such a top-class jockey on board, it further boosted my confidence.” “Of course, it will not be an easy race with a number of strong opponents including Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress). However, we will try our best and I hope everyone will cheer him on this Sunday.” View the full article

The Horseracing Industry People Board (HIPB) announced on Thursday that it has secured funding from the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) to support the implementation of its immediate programme of activity for 2025. The funding approval follows the publication earlier this year of Our People, Racing's Future, an industry-backed strategy to attract and retain a highly-skilled and well-supported workforce across British racing and breeding. The Racing Foundation and HBLB have agreed funding grants of £489,929 and £269,438, respectively–a combined contribution of over £759,000. Julia Tyson, chair of the HIPB, said, “We are very grateful to the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board for providing this vital funding to support the HIPB's immediate programme of activity for 2025. “This is a significant additional investment in racing's people, which will allow us to deliver new activity and accelerate work already underway, with an immediate focus on supporting those in horse-facing roles.” The post HIPB Secures Funding for 2025 Programme of Activity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article