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Wandering Eyes

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  1. GI Arkansas Derby hero Sandman (Tapit) completed his final work for Kentucky Derby 151 on a clear Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs, while Journalism (Curlin) and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) made their first appearances after shipping in from California on Tuesday afternoon. Sandman, who was a $1.2-million OBS March buy a year ago, worked five furlongs under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse. The 3-year-old went easy as he produced fractions of :13.60, :26.20, :38, 1:02.40 and out six furlongs in 1:15.60, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols. “On a scale of 1 to 10 this gets a 10,” Casse said. “That was his last work before the Derby. I think he grows every time I look at him. He is more than 16 hands, more than 16-3.” “He is doing it with ease.” K. Kilroy Sandman puts in a maintenance 5 furlong breeze in 1:02.2 this morning under the TwinSpires for trainer Mark Casse. pic.twitter.com/rBkBE0CKzn — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 23, 2025 The winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby, Journalism hit the track with Marc Witkowski aboard. The Michael McCarthy trainee came on during the 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m ET training window and galloped a mile and an eighth. “It looked like he got over the track nicely,” McCarthy said. The conditioner said any gate or paddock schooling would be determined as the week progressed along with when his final work would take place before the Derby. “I'm handicapping the weather,” he said. Rain is in the forecast for Friday with a lesser chance of precipitation Saturday. As for the gate to wire winner of the GII Wood Memorial Stakes, Rodriguez galloped nearly 1 1/2 miles for trainer Bob Baffert. Journalism's first spin around @ChurchillDowns! pic.twitter.com/9q5gfJnhgw — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 23, 2025 The post Sandman Puts In Final Prep As Journalism, Rodriguez Hit Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  2. DONCASTER, UK–The clock doesn't lie, nor do the results on the track. Goffs has come good on its promise to send owners and trainers to the hallowed ground that is the winner's enclosure at Royal Ascot with 10 graduates managing such an achievement in the last nine years. Few sales companies can boast a similar roll of honour. Put simply, anyone with designs on rocking up to Royal Ascot in June will not have to think long and hard about speculating at Doncaster this week. Past performances are a barometer to the future and, just last year alone, Queen Mary heroine Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) along with the similarly smart Aesterius, Powerful Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Black Forza (Complexity) and Electrolyte were sourced at this sale. In fact, Leovanni heads a total of nine graduates who have gone on to achieve official ratings of 100 or greater. Not only can Blandford Blodstock's ace agent Richard Brown lay claim to buying the Queen Mary winner for £190,000, but he also bought Coventry Stakes second and third Electrolyte (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) and Columnist (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), along with G2 Flying Childers winner Aesterius (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). Some shooting, in fairness. But some very smart horses, who undoubtedly will reach high ratings in time, have also been sourced from this sale as well. Take Glenderry (GB) (Mohaather {GB}) for example. He was bought by Jack Davison for £48,000 before being traded on to continue his career in Hong Kong after he achieved a rating of 93 when landing a competitive Dundalk maiden on his second start for the trainer in October. Along with bloodstock agent Barry Lynch, Davison has returned to Doncaster this week in search of more value. He said, “It's well-documented that this sale has a proven track record in producing Royal Ascot winners but, if you go against the grain, you can find value here. I think Glenderry breezed 68th on overall rankings but he was just a gorgeous horse that needed a bit of time. There is more than just early two-year-olds in this sale and, if you are prepared to think outside the box a little, you can find yourself a nice racehorse. I'm looking for the seven furlong or the miler type of horse. If something clocks really well, I'm out of the picture because I don't have the budget. But I love shopping at this sale and hopefully we can find one or two tomorrow that fits into our bracket.” Buyers will undoubtedly have to get the cheque book out to secure lot 175, a Cotai Glory (GB) filly who breezed particularly well for Ellie Whitaker of EMW Equine. The Cotai Glory filly looks a shrewd purchase now given Whitaker sourced the daughter of juvenile winner Rosie Bassett (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) for just £32,000 from Tally-Ho Stud at last year's Premier Yearling Sale. Barry Lynch and Jack Davison | Goffs Whitaker, who is perhaps best known for selling the smart Royal Aclaim (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) through the breeze-up sphere, admits that the Cotai Glory featuring prominently in all of the timing sheets exceeded expectations. Meanwhile, lot 148, a colt by Sergei Prokofiev, also breezed quite well for the outfit. Whitaker said, “Delighted. We've brought two nice horses and one has gone a little bit better than we could have expected. Couldn't be happier, really. When you are watching the breeze on the screen, you can never really tell, but she [the Cotai Glory filly] has a huge stride and has always been very professional. Her homework has always been strong and we thought she was a nice filly so she's gone and proved that today. She can hopefully go on and prove it on the track now as well. The Sergei Prokofiev colt breezed well as well. He is a nice progressive horse so hopefully they can both go well tomorrow. Fingers, toes, legs–everything is crossed for the sale now.” The breeze-up season got underway with a bang at Tattersalls last week where numerous records were broken at the Craven Sale. But away from the two seven-figure lots and record turnover [nearly 20 million gns], the 83% clearance rate pointed to a strong demand for breeze-up horses across the board. Goffs chief Henry Beeby agreed and said he is hoping for more of the same this week. “I thought it [the Craven Breeze-Up Sale] was very positive–there was so much interest at so many levels, which I thought was encouraging,” he explained. “There seemed to be a diverse range of buyers and that's also positive. We've had very good feedback for this sale–the catalogue is good and the reports from the vendors have been strong all the way through.” Beeby added, “We think we have assembled a very strong group of horses and there are plenty of buyers here as well. We campaigned vigorously in the Middle East with extensive trips in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Dubai and we're hoping that will result in increased interest from that part of the world tomorrow.” There was a notable number of Middle Eastern buyers among the good footfall of people that were busy inspecting the barns following the breeze on Wednesday. Irishman Eoin Sullivan, who has been based in Asia for a number of years now, was one such agent responsible for bringing a group of Saudi Arabian-based owners and trainers to Doncaster this week for the breeze-up sale. He said, “We are buying primarily for Saudi Arabia. There is a chance that we could leave something in Ireland or France and run them in Europe before importing them to Saudi Arabia. We've sent a few to Fozzy Stack and it seems to be working out well. Aziz Alizhabi and Abdullah Alamonif, who actually trains Abriq Alkhayl (Twirling Candy), who we bought here last year, have made the trip so we're looking forward to doing some business this week.” Sullivan added, “There is a bit of momentum in the Middle East at the moment. I used to do a lot of business in Singapore before things went there so it's been a case of one door closing but another door opening with regards to me personally. So we have a few different orders to fill and the plan is to stay on and go to the Guineas Breeze-Up Sale as well.” The sale, which features the progeny of Havana Grey, Wootton Bassett, Blue Point, Mehmas, No Nay Never and more, kicks off at 10am on Thursday. The post Hunt For Royal Ascot Rockets Gets Underway At The Goffs Breeze-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  3. Funeral arrangements have been confirmed for Taylor Made Farm's Josh Bryan, who passed away on Apr. 22 from complications from jaw surgery at the age of 33. Visitation will take place on Thursday, Apr. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. Funeral services will take place Friday, Apr. 25 beginning at 1 p.m. at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 601 Hill N Dale Road, Lexington. Bryan will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3250 Versailles Road in Frankfort. Born with a rare congenital defect called Goldenhar syndrome that affects the development of the ear, nose, soft palate, lip and mandible usually on one side of the body, Bryan endured better than 15 surgical procedures beginning from the time he was seven weeks old. In a 2024 interview with TDN's Katie Petrunyak, Bryan explained “I didn't really feel like I had much to live for” given his too-frequent visits to the doctor and having suffered the loss of his parents during his college years. Having turned to alcohol, Bryan was accepted into Shepherd's House, a residential drug treatment center with the help of Taylor Made's Frank Taylor, his second cousin. His path to recovery was documented by Petrunyak as part of TDN's 'Road Back' series. “He was loved by everyone in the industry,” Taylor told TDN's Sue Finley on Tuesday. “He impacted a lot of people. Had a heart of gold. He was dealt a bad hand and played it to perfection. Our hearts are broken.” The post Funeral Arrangements Set For Josh Bryan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  4. Victor Espinoza and American Pharoah electrified the sport of horse racing with their accomplishments together. After winning the Triple Crown, they won the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).View the full article
  5. The new Maryland Jockey Club, in conjunction with 1/ST Racing, announces the field and morning line odds for the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager. Journalism is the 8-1 morning line favorite. View the full article
  6. Jose Ortiz's excellent Keeneland meet continues with a graded stakes double in the Gr. III Doubledogdare and the Gr. III Ben Ali. The graded stakes wins led the panel of racing experts to vote Ortiz Jockey of the Week for April 14 through April 20.View the full article
  7. With 10 days to go, Sandman became the first Kentucky Derby (G1) contender to record his final breeze ahead of the May 3 race, traveling an easy five furlongs in 1:02 2/5 at Churchill Downs April 23.View the full article
  8. Trainer Mark Casse spoke with the media following Sandman's final Kentucky Derby (G1) breeze April 23, a five-furlong work in 1:02 2/5 at Churchill Downs.View the full article
  9. A schedule compiled by America's Best Racing of racing programs on radio and television.View the full article
  10. Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships to be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2025, at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Beginning this year, Breeders' Cup has entered into a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek in an effort to 'enhance ticketing for attendees' and those interested in purchasing tickets must have an account with the platform, which can be created for free at SeatGeek.com/#register. All tickets will be mobile only. While tickets will be available to view upon purchase, access to barcodes will be available closer to the World Championships. Attendance will be capped at 37,500 and patrons are encouraged to acquire their tickets early. All on-site parking at Del Mar will be sold in advance. A dedicated ride-share lot will be available for patrons over the weekend. For more information, please visit BreedersCup.com/Transportation. Fans can purchase tickets online at BreedersCup.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at (859) 514-9428. A range of seating options at various price points are available. To further elevate the experience for all fans and participants, Breeders' Cup and Del Mar will invest more than $5 million to create new seating areas and expanded hospitality offerings. This investment will include the construction of a luxury chalet that will provide approximately 700 premium dining seats, the addition of more than 1,000 temporary box seats, and enhanced culinary activations around Del Mar. “We look forward to returning to Del Mar and the greater San Diego area for the World Championships after celebrating great success last year,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Fans from around the globe will enjoy first-class hospitality, thrilling performances by the best horses in the world, and an unmatched atmosphere as we celebrate the equestrian lifestyle and the pinnacle of our great sport.” The post Tickets On Sale For Breeders’ Cup 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  11. Thursday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:13, PRIX DU PONT NEUF-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, 7fT Field: Zalari (Fr) (Kodiac {GB}), Burhan (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Tolebi (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Libyan Pharoah (Fr) (American Pharoah), Afogado (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Champagne Powder (Fr) (Kodiac {GB}), Blue Island (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) and Epson Blue Cen (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Verdict: In an open renewal of this low-key stepping stone, Paul and Oliver Cole's British raider Champagne Powder has solid claims, despite his status as a three-race maiden. The G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains entry was under two lengths adrift of G1 Criterium International runner-up Mount Kilimanjaro (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) when third in this venue's €260,000 Criterium d'Automne on Arc Weekend and he registered a promising comeback second over one mile at Compiegne four weeks ago. Aga Khan Studs nominee Zalari, who hails from the in-form Francis Graffard yard, devoured Chantilly's polytrack surface when notching a six-length tally on seasonal bow last month and rates an obvious danger. Yeguada Centurion's G1 Prix Morny fifth and G3 Prix Eclipse fourth Epson Blue Cen, an Henri Devin-trained G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches entry representing last year's winning stable, is compromised by the outside draw but overcame a similar disadvantage when winning her latest start at Chantilly in October. Andre Fabre, who last won this heat in 2020 with recent G1 Sydney Cup hero Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), relies on impressive Saint-Cloud maiden winner Tolebi and the more experienced Burhan. Click here to download the complete fields with trainer and jockey information. The post Black-Type Analysis: Prix du Pont Neuf Takes Centre Stage at ParisLongchamp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  12. Beginning Thursday morning, Apr. 24 and through Wednesday, Apr. 30, Churchill Downs will be open to the public from 6:45 to 10 a.m. at no cost to take in the morning exercise sessions of horses pointing to the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks. Training hours at Churchill Downs take place daily between 5:15 and 10 a.m., but there is an exclusive window reserved for Derby and Oaks participants from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. following the renovation break that begins around 6:45 a.m. and lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Derby and Oaks horses are easily identifiable by their yellow and pink saddle towels, respectively. Guests can park for free in the Yellow Lot off Longfield Ave. (all vehicles must be removed by 10:30 a.m.) and enter Churchill Downs through the Clubhouse Gate. Guests will be directed to Sections 115-117 to watch the morning workouts. Churchill Downs' Paddock Grill will be open each morning with coffee and breakfast sandwich options. No outside food and beverages are allowed. Also, the Churchill Downs Store with Kentucky Derby 151 merchandise will be open each morning. On Sunday and Monday, Apr. 27 and 28, fans can enjoy a premium breakfast in Millionaires Row or the Stakes Room for Dawn at the Downs Dining. Tickets and more information can be found at KentuckyDerby.com/DawnDining. A stream of the workouts is available at www.KentuckyDerby.com from 6:45-7:45 a.m. through Thursday, May 1. The post Derby, Oaks Workouts Open To Public appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  13. Three stakes races worth a combined $400,000 will be staged during the Los Angeles County Fair meeting at Los Alamitos Racecourse. Nine days of live racing are scheduled from Friday, June 20 through Sunday, July 6 on a Friday-Sunday schedule. The most valuable of the three stakes is the GII Great Lady M. Stakes, which carries purse money of $200,000. The 6 1/2-furlong test for fillies and mares is set to be run Saturday, July 5. The $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby is scheduled for Saturday, June 28. Trainer Bob Baffert has won the race eight years in a row and nine times since the contest–run as the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park–was moved to the Orange County oval in 2014. The other stakes on the calendar is the $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds and up to be run over a mile on Saturday, June 21. The post Trio of Stakes On Tap For L.A. County Fair Meeting appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  14. Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has announced updated eligibility criteria which allows all Thoroughbreds bred for racing worldwide, but located in Britain, to register with RoR free of charge. Previously only horses who had raced or had been in training with a licensed trainer were eligible for registration. It is hoped that this change, to include those horses who never entered training, will enhance the traceability of horses across the racing industry. Such horses can now be registered under a newly created “NT” (not been in training) number but will be required to have an official racing passport from an internationally recognised stud book. RoR will not, however, be opening its competition series to Thoroughbreds that have not been in training, though this situation is under review. David Catlow, managing director of RoR, said: “RoR's expanded eligibility to register with RoR underscores our continued commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of all former racehorses, including Thoroughbreds bred for racing as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026. This ensures they receive the necessary support to lead a well-supported life beyond racing.” The post RoR Extends Eligibility to All Thoroughbreds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  15. Recent Southwell novice winner Nightime Dancer (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) has been added to the potential field for the Betfred Derby at the latest entry stage. Owned by Norway's Stall Perlen, the colt was bought as a foal by Peter and Ross Doyle for 110,000gns from his breeder GCE Farm and is trained by Richard Hannon. Nightime Dancer, whose granddam Ragsah (Ire) Shamardal) is a half-sister to Dubai Millennium (GB), has a fascinating pedigree as he is inbred to the latter's dam Colorado Dancer (Ire) and also to Urban Sea through her Derby-winning sons Galileo (Ire) and Sea The Stars (Ire), who features as Nightime Dancer's broodmare sire. The colt was third at Newmarket on his sole start last year and he holds an entry for the G2 Dante Stakes on May 15. He becomes the fourth member of the first crop of Darley's Ghaiyyath to be given a Derby entry, after Gethin (Ire), Ivatt (GB) and Stanhope Gardens (Ire). There are 91 entries for the Derby, which is to be run on Saturday, June 7. Wootton Bassett (GB) is the stallion with the highest number of entries, with his 12 including the Group/Grade 1 winners Twain (Ire), Henri Matisse (Ire) and Tennessee Stud (Ire). Frankel (GB), whose son Adayar (Ire) won the 2021 Derby, and Dubawi (Ire), the sire of last year's Oaks winner Ezeliya (Fr), are next with nine entries apiece. The betting is currently headed by the Aidan O'Brien-trained Acomb Stakes winner The Lion In Winter (Ire), a son of the 2009 winner Sea The Stars (Ire). He is reportedly set to make his seasonal debut in a return trip to the Knavesmire for the Dante Stakes. The post Nightime Dancer Added to Derby Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  16. French jockey lands his first three-timer since October 2022 at city circuit ahead of Group One ride on Sunday.View the full article
  17. Ante-post favourite Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) could be Juddmonte's sole representative in the Betfred 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Barry Mahon revealed on Wednesday. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Field Of Gold is currently one of four entries for Juddmonte in the first British Classic of the season, alongside stable-mate Detain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Andrew Balding's G3 Greenham Stakes winner Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and the unbeaten Cosmic Year (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who made it two from two for the Harry Charlton yard when recently winning a Kempton novice by five lengths. Mahon had previously intimated that the Juddmonte team wouldn't be afraid to run more than one of their exciting colts at Newmarket on Saturday, May 3. However, that now appears increasingly unlikely as the major owner-breeder operation shuffles its pack, with Field Of Gold the only confirmed runner in the 2,000 Guineas following his impressive victory in last week's G3 Craven Stakes over the same course and distance. “They're all left in and I think current plans are roughly that Field Of Gold will go to Newmarket and we're on weather-watch with the rest of them,” said Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager. “Jonquil and Detain are both loosely pencilled in to go to ParisLongchamp [for the Poule d'Essai des Poulains] the following weekend and Cosmic Year could go to the King Charles II on the Friday of the Guineas meeting in Newmarket, with a view to maybe going to the Irish Guineas after that. That's roughly where we're at but, if it looked like France was getting a lot of rain, like they are at the minute, we could divert Jonquil back to Newmarket. “We just think Longchamp would set up nicely for him and because last year he bounced when making a quick reappearance, Andrew was keen to give him the extra week. If it looked like it was going to be good ground in France, we'll go there, and if not we'll pull back into Newmarket.” Mahon also issued a positive bulletin on two of Juddmonte's leading fillies, with Red Letter (GB) (Frankel {GB}) on course to make her seasonal reappearance in the Betfred 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday, May 4, before last week's G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes heroine Zanzoun (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) more than likely runs in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches the following weekend. “She is still on course for Newmarket,” Mahon said of Red Letter. “She's in good form and Ger [Lyons] is happy with her. She's very much on track. “I think we're still leaning towards Longchamp with Zanzoun. Maybe if there was a deluge of rain in Newmarket, which nobody is telling me there's going to be, we might look at supplementing her, but I think we'll be sticking to Plan A and that is France.” The post Field Of Gold Likely to Fly Solo for Juddmonte in 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  18. Journalism (Curlin), widely regarded as the favorite for the GI Kentucky Derby on May 3, has been made the 8-1 choice for the single-pool Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager according to a release from the new Maryland Jockey Club. Trained by Michael McCarthy, the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling was third over an insufficient six furlongs on career debut last October, but has since rattled off four straight victories at a mile and beyond, most recently overcoming trouble to take the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 5. 'TDN Rising Star' Cornucopian (Into Mischief), who went six furlongs in 1:09.02 at Oaklawn Feb. 23 before weakening to fourth in the GI Arkansas Derby after fighting out nuclear fractions, could attempt to become a ninth Preakness winner for trainer Bob Baffert and is available at odds of 10-1 in the Future Wager. Baeza (McKinzie) was runner-up in the latter event and will require some help to draw into the Derby field, but the half-brother to the Classic-winning full-brothers Mage and Dornoch–both by Good Magic–has been pegged at morning-line odds of 12-1 for the Preakness Future Wager. A handful of horses are priced at 15-1 on the morning line, including Pay Billy (Improbable), recent winner of the Federico Tesio Stakes and guaranteed a spot in the Preakness; and Gosger (Nyquist), impressive in taking out the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland Apr. 12. There are a total of 40 betting interests in the Preakness Future Win Wager, with the final one being 'all other 3-year-olds' at 50-1. The wagering pool opens at noon ET on Friday, Apr. 25 and will close Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. ET, prior to the running of the Derby. The post Journalism Favored In Preakness Future Wager appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  19. Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has upgraded the equipment and technology used to determine the outcome of photo finishes at all 26 racecourses across Ireland. From next week's Punchestown Festival there will be 12 state-of-the-art photo-finish cameras in use along with a number of large 4K ultra high-definition screens, which will be used to evaluate results. Graham Reid, HRI's Technical Operations Supervisor, said, “These new cameras have incredible capabilities, with even greater sensitivity in lower daylight and unbelievable high speed. “With 40,000 frames per second and a pixel density exceeding 5,000 pixels, no detail will be missed. The cameras deliver sharper, clearer images with the highest possible time differentiations. The new equipment reflects our dedication to delivering the best possible experience for our audience.” The post Enhanced Photo-Finish Technology for Irish Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  20. New Zealand's former champion sire Proisir (Aus) will stand at NZ$70,000 at Rich Hill Stud for the forthcoming Southern Hemisphere breeding season. The 15-year-old son of Choisir (Aus) is lying in second place in the current sires' championship. He heads a roster of five at the stud, including Satono Aladdin (Jpn), who stands at NZ$45,000, and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking (Aus), whose fee is NZ$10,000. Proisir is responsible for 19 individual stakes performers so far this season and leads the way in the New Zealand sires' table by number of individual stakes winners (seven) and number of winners (41). The post Proisir’s Fee Cut to NZ$70,000 at Rich Hill Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  21. There may still be Punchestown to come of the major jumps festivals this year but on Sunday the focus of Henry de Bromhead will be firmly on the Flat and a possible first Group 1 triumph. Higher Leaves (Ire), one of six horses confirmed for the G1 Prix Ganay at the latest stage, returns to Longchamp where she won the Listed Prix de Liancourt last September before following up in the G3 Prix Fille de l'Air in Toulouse. The four-year-old daughter of Golden Horn (GB) was just one of a number of smart Flat performers for de Bromhead last year. He landed the prestigious Ebor Handicap with Magical Zoe (Ire) (Shantou) as well as back-to-back wins in England for Term Of Endearment (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) in York's G3 Bronte Cup and the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. The latter, who was de Bromhead's first runner in a Group 1 in the Prix de Royallieu on Arc weekend last October, has subsequently been bought by Yuesheng Zhang of Yulong Investments and joined William Haggas's stable over the winter. “The Flat has been really good to us and we enjoy it,” says the trainer. “We had a super year last year and we've always dabbled in it, though more from the point of view of trading. But we were lucky enough to retain a few nice ones, like Magical Zoe, who came more from the National Hunt side, and Term Of Endearment and a few others. It's something we hope to do more of.” That last statement should strike a certain amount of fear into the hearts of Flat trainers, for de Bromhead has already won most of the major prizes that National Hunt racing has to offer. In a memorable 2021 he completed the jumping grand slam of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Grand National with Minella Indo (Ire), Honeysuckle (GB), Put The Kettle On (Ire) and Minella Times (Ire). The first Group 1 of the European season would be a welcome addition to that portfolio, though Higher Leaves still has two options open to her on Sunday. De Bromhead says, “She's in both races – the Ganay and the [G3 Prix] Allez France and we'll decide which one she'll go to nearer the time. “She's really filling out out her frame and she's working well so we are hopeful that she has come on again from last year. Golden Horn is a brilliant sire and he can get good middle-distance horses on the Flat and Champion Hurdlers – though I don't think we'll be hurdling our lady.” Indeed, the last time Higher Leaves was seen at Longchamp she was sporting the colours of John Halley, who owned her in partnership with Ciara Hogan, but in her last two starts, which have included finishing third in the G3 Pride Stakes at Newmarket, she has run for leading Flat breeder James Wigan. The filly was bred by Derek Iceton and is a second black-type winner for the Declaration Of War mare Dettoria (GB) after Selenaia (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), who landed Santa Anita's GIII Honeymoon Stakes in 2023. Henry de Bromhead | Racingfotos Higher Leaves spearheads a Flat team of around 30 at de Bromhead's Co Waterford stable. “We have 10 or 12 older horses and then some two-year-olds coming in as well,” he says. “There are plenty of nice ones.” Rubies From Burma (American Pharoah) and Thalara (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) have already accrued some black type this year, each finishing third in Listed contests at Kempton and Leopardstown respectively. There are more to come. De Bromhead adds, “Town And Country (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}) won her maiden well last year and is probably going for the Polonia Stakes at Cork [May 6]. Hollys Graces (Ire) won her maiden first time out, she looks nice, an Australia (GB) filly, and she'll go for a black-type race in the next couple of weeks.” If she stands her ground for the Ganay, Higher Leaves could face up to five opponents, including fellow Irish raider Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the in-form Map Of Stars (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who has already won two group races this year, and the Wertheimers' G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The post De Bromhead Aiming Higher on Flat with Longchamp Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  22. 1st-Lyon-Parilly, €23,000, Cond, 4-23, 2yo, 5fT, :58.79, sf. LADY'ARMOR (FR) (f, 2, Armor {GB}–Faadiyah {Ire}, by New Approach {Ire}), runner-up on debut at La Teste last month, travelled strongly in the slipstream of the early leader before looming on the front end inside the final two furlongs. Asserting from there, the 13-2 shot hit the line with 3 1/2 lengths to spare over Wana Chope (Fr) (Gutaifan {Ire}). In doing so, she was becoming the first winner for Haras de Bouquetot's first-season sire (by No Nay Never). The winner is the first foal out of the dam, a granddaughter of the 1,000 Guineas-placed Muwakleh (GB) (Machiavellian) whose yearling filly is by Gutaifan (Ire). This is the family of the G1 Dubai World Cup-winning sire Almutawakel (GB) and White Muzzle (GB). Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, €15,870. O-Xavier Salles, Stuart Mcphee, Alain Chopard & Ozkan Kilicdemir; B-Stuart Mcphee (FR); T-Jane Soubagne. First winner for #Armor ! Lady'Armor strikes at second asking at Lyon Parilly to become her sire's first ever winner from 2 runners to date (both of them being placed). Congratulations to her breeder Stuart McPhee and to all connections! https://t.co/yUPwNOjcjN — Al Shaqab Racing (@AlShaqabRacing) April 23, 2025 The post Lady’Armor First Winner For Bouquetot’s Armor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  23. Famous Australian racing dynasty can achieve ‘probably the best day’ in its history at Sha Tin’s Champions Day meeting.View the full article
  24. Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column on anything she thinks is relevant, topical or even fun. The Aussie unknowns this Friday at Alexandra Park By Brittany Graham While the Australian flavour in the north has been strong for the last month, there is added intrigue in Friday night’s Alexandra Park premier race card. It comes in the form of a rare Australian juvenile racing here and the change to standing start conditions for two other trans-Tasman visitors in the trotting ranks. The surprise entrance of Group 1 winning two-year-old filly Ripples has certainly spiced up the Young Guns series (6.09pm) with Emma Stewart making her long-awaited international training debut. She’s opened a $1.55 favourite! Emma, alongside her partner Clayton Tonkin have long been regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in the young horse pacing ranks, dominating most divisions for the best part of 10 years. Their ability to have their two-year-olds well-educated and mannered, alongside working with premium bred stock, has seen the duo sweep all before them. Ripples is the next in a long line to fit that mould. By the incomparable Bettor’s Delight, she is out of a sister to Nike Franco and was bred in New Zealand by Mick Harvey. The fact that her eligibilities in Australia are limited, alongside her Bathurst Gold Tiara success prompted the idea for a shot at the Young Guns series. Her efforts at Bathurst were dominant, with a debut heat romp, followed by a hard-fought final victory in a 1.53.9second mile rate after working for the first half of the race to eventually position in the breeze thereafter. Typical of the Tonkin Stewart Racing operation, Ripples has shown maturity beyond her two start career and looks a natural who wears little gear. She will be looking to draw on all of this when she tackles right-handed racing for the first time, and locks horns with some impressive locals. Champion reinsman Luke McCarthy took the reins in her first two starts, with Blair Orange engaged for this series. “She felt really strong at Bathurst and had great manners,” said McCarthy. “You never know how they will handle the Auckland way, but she comes from such an astute camp, I’m sure they will have given her practice and have her spot on” As Queen Elida approaches the end of her racing career, she will line up from behind the tapes for just the fourth time in 86 starts when she takes her place in the H R Fisken & Sons Anzac Cup. Off the back of excellent seconds in both the TAB Trot and Lyell Creek Stakes, it will be her first standing start attempt since success in the Australasian Trotting Championship of September 2023. Despite this anomaly, she has always been a reliable mare and ticked the right-handed box with her luckless effort here a fortnight ago. Conversely, Not As Promised has raced under standing start conditions for almost a third of his career, including four of his 10 starts this preparation. A generally safe beginner, he isn’t necessarily the ‘step and run’ style horse and still requires some balancing up relatively early in his career. He will of course have benefitted by a look around Alexandra Park in the Lyell Creek Stakes and looks likely to relish the 3200metres of next Friday’s Rowe Cup. View the full article
  25. Check out this week’s The Box Seat ahead of Auckland’s big night with five Group 1s and Invercargill’s Diamonds Day. View the full article
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