Wandering Eyes

Tickets are available for the 10th annual America's Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party. In celebration of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the ABR Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held May 14 at Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore.View the full article

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.–The idea was a simple one. Place a bell in the Larry Snyder Winner's Circle at Oaklawn and any winning owner, trainer or jockey who wants to make a $100 donation to the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation gets to ring it. The 'Ring the Bell' seed was planted at an Arkansas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) meeting over four years ago when trainer and board member Ron Moquett posed the idea as he is prone to do. “Ron [Moquett] has about 10 ideas every meeting and you can never write any of them off because they all have something in them,” said Jeanette Milligan, executive director of the Arkansas HBPA. “But this one was special and everyone knew that we could come together to make it happen, especially when Oaklawn's management got on board.” In support of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation, which places Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) at Oaklawn into permanent homes, the bell plan has grown by leaps and bounds into a full-fledged ecosystem. “This is a way to pay it forward and everything that is raised goes right back into doing what's right for these horses through the foundation,” said Moquett. “We want to see this program branch out because this isn't about just Oaklawn. It's about a positive move by all the hard-working people involved in this industry. There's no way this can be done by one person.” The Bell Privilege Relying on word of mouth and some gentle encouragement from a 'ringmaster'–who is currently being filled by former conditioner Paul Holthus–the program has banked on both the desire to help horses along with some good old-fashioned competition. When you get to ring the bell at Oaklawn as connections have come to realize, it's a privilege. Track announcer Matt Dinerman notes every ring of the bell over Oaklawn's PA | JNC “For me, this is about the horses and their future more than it is about mine,” said rider Francisco Arrieta. “When I win and ring that bell, I know what I am doing is for them. We wouldn't be here without them, so this gift is important.” High atop the grandstand, Oaklawn track announcer Matt Dinerman said that he has enjoyed immensely watching the aftercare initiative blossom. “I think this is a phenomenal program and it's grown so much over the past year,” said Dinerman. “They give us everything out there on the track and it's always on full display, so what is so great to see is the mass participation when out-of-town horses ship in from like California. Those connections give also and that's how we all win.” Strength In Numbers News of the bell's success is continuing to spread as Tampa Bay and Sam Houston have already adopted the model. Lone Star Park, Prairie Meadows and Horseshoe Indianapolis are up next. “What we have done is set this program up as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization,” said Milligan. “Right now, we are teaching other tracks how to implement the bell and to keep the finances straight. You can set the gift at whatever is appropriate based on a track's purse structure. We really think this can make a major impact in the here and now, and each year what we have raised has increased beyond our targets.” The program debuted at the 2021-2022 Oaklawn meeting when $14,000 was raised during the final six days of the season. It was officially launched with Oaklawn President Louis Cella and Bill Walmsley, a longtime Thoroughbred owner and president of the Arkansas division of the HBPA, each donating $5,000 on behalf of their respective groups. The program then tallied $68,000 during the 2022-2023 meeting and $71,590 last season. With three weeks left of racing, the fund has eclipsed $80,000 and has the chance to eclipse $100,000. 'Ring the Bell' for Thoroughbred Aftercare | JNC What Oaklawn has inaugurated might be a 'win' in Hot Springs, but getting other circuits to take notice and adopt their approach has been a challenge. Of course, no one in the sport of Thoroughbred racing would argue against aftercare–the creation of a healthy, re-purposed life for each and every horse once the rigors of a career around an oval are done. However, aftercare remains one of the most hot-button issues across the North American Thoroughbred landscape because there are so many ways to approach it. Moquett says that from where he stands all programs can coexist, but giving has to have regularity. Otherwise, expenses can rack up and that is not going to work for the equine athletes who need care 365 days a year. “Taking care of a horse is so expensive when you consider feed, hay, paying the farrier, the veterinarian and for supplies,” the trainer said. “What Jan Pettinger has done for this program is just tremendous at her foster farm.” No Ms. Hannigans Here On the program's website you will find Shooters Shoot (Competitive Edge), Tirico (Twirling Candy) and Baltoro (Bolt d'Oro), who were all once around the local strip. Now, they are looking for new homes. When Jan Pettinger isn't ponying at Oaklawn, she is at her OTTB foster farm that currently holds about 25 to 30 retired racehorses. This is a safe landing spot for any equine athlete who may need to rehabilitate or just the chance to run around in a field. If they need any medical attention, then vets can visit onsite. Milligan estimates that it costs about $25 a day to keep an individual horse at the foster farm, which can add up quickly. Pettinger is the lynchpin in the whole program because she interviews potential owners and spends time getting to know them. “I think of myself like a foster parent and this work is a passion of mine,” said Pettinger. “It all pays off when you get the pictures of the kids with the blue ribbon from the fair and hear the stories about what that Thoroughbred did for their family. When potential owners come to see their horse on the farm, you can see them light up and that is such a match when it is made.” The process that the foundation has developed has several intricate stages. No one can just turn up and adopt a Thoroughbred. There is a thorough vetting process which leads up to an interview at the farm. Maybe what is most important of all, the program follows each horse once it is placed in a permanent home and Milligan said they take check-ins very seriously. “We want every placement to be the best experience possible,” she said. “So, we make sure that all involved are happy and that it is a healthy situation for the horses.” Built for Chukkers Since placing a Thoroughbred is such serious business for the Arkansas Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation, finding the right spot takes time. Will Walton with Blowout Mountain at the Dallas Polo Club | JNC South of the Metroplex, the Dallas Polo Club has put a pair of Thoroughbreds from the foundation's program into service, and both Blowout Mountain (Mark Valeski) and Towing (Uncle Mo) have performed admirably in their new positions. Polo is a tactical and movement-specific type of sport, which tests a horse's strength, stamina and acumen. Will Walton, a third-generation polo player who runs the club, said he has been impressed with how both geldings have handled themselves during what normally is a three-year training period. “Good prospects take time to develop and we know they respond when we approach them this way,” said Walton from his barn area which houses about 40 head. “We cultivate being cool, calm and easy with them, and we have found that Thoroughbreds do so well because they are interested in everything that is going on.” Around a racetrack, running fast is a primary focal point, but when it comes to training to compete in a chukker–a period during a polo match–there are all sorts of movements and cues that take place. “We have been happy to take part in such a valuable program and I can't say enough about the work that is being done up in Arkansas,” Walton said. “We are hoping to bring some more Thoroughbreds on because we sure do enjoy training them.” A Match Whether it is providing Thoroughbreds for polo or for another match, the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Rehabilitation Foundation's 'Ring the Bell' plan has become a viable funding source in a short amount of time as everyone pulls together. With the addition of some key sponsors throughout the meet, matching pledges have raised even more attention in the winner's circle. Some of those organizations that have participated include Spendthrift Farm, OBS and Machmer Hall. “We have set down a rigorous approach here and it's such a great outlet for the horsemen to participate in,” said Thoroughbred owner and Arkansas HBPA board director Staton Flurry. “The jockey response has been huge; we've gotten the word out about what we do here through matching sponsors and I think the expansion to other places continues to be bright.” The bell is set to offer its final toll from the Larry Snyder Winner's Circle when the meet ends in early May. Already, there is much to celebrate after a banner year. With more tracks adopting the program, the privilege of getting to ring the bell is spreading. Click here to learn more about the 'Ring the Bell.' The post Ringing The Bell For Arkansas Thoroughbred Aftercare Spreads appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features a Sea The Stars (Ire) son of Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}). 2.25 Newmarket, Debutantes, £22,000, 3yo, 8fT MUHAAJIM (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is one of the key members of the cast of this Wood Ditton Stakes, being a son of the G1 Coronation Stakes and G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}). William Haggas saddles Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's homebred whose peers include Qatar Bloodstock, China Horse Club and David Howden's Spy Kingdom (Kitten's Joy), an Archie Watson-trained son of the GI Del Mar Oaks runner-up Hidden Message (Scat Daddy) The post Rizeena’s Sea The Stars Colt Debuts At HQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A colt by leading sire Tapit (hip 249) was the first to top seven figures when selling for $1,000,000 to Gayle Van Leer during Tuesday's session of the OBS Spring Sale. Consigned by Top Line Sales, the colt worked an eighth in :10. A $300,000 Keeneland September grad, he is out of MGISP Palacio de Amor and a half to MGSP Threefiveindia (Street Hero) and MSW Hero's Amor (Street Horo) who produced GSP Apprehend (Arrogate). The post Gayle Van Leer Picks Up Seven-Figure Tapit Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The two-week Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) Supply Drive will to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2025, according to a museum release Tuesday. The organization will again be accepting donations for three months this spring, beginning Apr. 16 and going through July 15. Donations are accepted in person at the museum during regular business hours. Anyone who donates an item will receive a pass for free Museum admission plus a guest. All donations go directly to the backstretch workers. Items needed include new or slightly used towels and wash cloths, twin-sized sheets and pillowcases, blankets, small and medium jeans for both men and women, boots and sneakers for both men and women, socks, men's tank tops, hats, sunglasses, any kind of riding gear (boots, riding pants, etc.), rain gear, toiletries (deodorant, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc.). Donations are accepted at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Visit www.racingmuseum.org for the Museum's current hours of operation. The post BEST Supply Drive Returns to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A schedule of this week's racing programming on radio and television compiled by America's Best Racing.View the full article

Tickets are available for 10th annual America's Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party. In celebration of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the ABR Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held May 14 at Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore.View the full article

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift FarmView the full article

Sandman recorded his first official workout April 15 since winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) March 29, recording a half-mile in :49 3/5. Mark Casse's assistant trainer, Allen Hardy, talks to the media about the colt.View the full article

Sandman made his first appearance on the work tab April 15 since winning the Arkansas Derby (G1) March 29, breezing a half-mile in :49 3/5.View the full article

River Thames (Macleans's Music), who was most recently third in the GI Blue Grass Stakes, will not go in the GI Kentucky Derby and will instead use the extra two weeks off to prepare for the GI Preakness Stakes. The story was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's David Grening. “We just felt like the Preakness gave him a little more time and it felt like that was a better spot,” said Elliott Walden, the president of WinStar Farm, which co-owns the colt along with the China Horse Club. “I think it was the right decision for the horse and that's what we try to do.” Walden is bullish on the colt's chances in the Preakness. “I feel good about his chances in the Preakness,” he said. “We've seen horses that skip the Derby run very well in the Preakness. Not all of them. Usually, the Derby winner runs well in the Preakness, as well. But there are a lot of horses that skip the Preakness after they run in the Derby. We think he'll have a good shot.” With the defection, trainer Todd Pletcher will have just one starter in this year's Derby, GII Wood Memorial runner-up Grande (Curlin). The WinStar-China Horse Club team will be represented by GI Florida Derby winner Tappan Street (Into Mischief) The defection of River Thames means that Built (Hard Spun) has moved into 20th place in the point standings. His connections have yet to confirm that they will start in the Derby. The post River Thames Out of Derby, Will Point for Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Umberto Rispoli has been riding in the U.S. for less than five years and the Italian-born talent has had to, among other things, convince trainers he could win on not only the turf but the dirt and that he belonged in one of the stronger riding colonies in the sport. It didn't take Rispoli long to establish himself as one of the best riders in California and now top trainers are after his services. Michael McCarthy belongs on the list has he has given the assignment to the 31-year-old jockey on GI Kentucky Derby favorite and GI Santa Anita Derby winner Journalism (Curlin). It will be Rispoli's third Derby mount. Rispoli joined this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland to talk about the Derby and how he has established himself as one of the best jockeys in the country in such a short period of time, Rispoli was this week's Gainesway Guest of the Week. Rispoli admitted he didn't have a good trip when wining the Santa Anita Derby, the race that solidified Journalism's status at the Derby favorite. “Well, not really,” he answered when asked if that was the trip he was expecting. “Obviously, as I already said in my other interview, I wish I could have drawn wide. But it seems that when we saw the draw, we knew that it was supposed to be a dogfight. So I'm happy then. The good thing is when you ride a brave horse like him, an intelligent horse like him, things can change and they could put you in a better spot. I've been saying that for the last six months; he's improving race by race. Definitely going to the half-mile pole, I knew that this wasn't the trip I wanted and I had to figure it out how to get out from the rail. It wasn't easy, but as I said, we got it done.” That Rispoli could win the Kentucky Derby is something that hasn't sunken in yet. He's more worried about his next mount. “I'm extremely, extremely happy, excited,” he said. “Honestly, Joe Talamo interviewed me the other day and he asked me,' how do you feel right now?' I said, 'listen, so far I have just been focused about the rides I have right now because, you know, it would be disrespectful just to focus your mind like three weeks from now to Churchill Down and not be focused about what happened race by race right now.” He know he'll start feeling differently as the Derby draws nearer. “I just feel happy because I have found a great horse in my life,” Rispoli said. “He is the best dirt horse I've ever ridden. No doubt about it. I know I've only been riding on the dirt in the U.S. for a short time. But I've had some experience in Japan, in Hong Kong, in Italy, where we have dirt racing, but it's obviously not as good as American races. I'm happy, I'm calm, I'm relaxed, I'm quiet. The adrenaline is gonna come in. You can't hide this.” He respects McCarthy because he knows he's all business. “Michael goes to the work, he doesn't care about anybody,” Rispoli said. “He wakes up in the morning and he knows that he has to do that job from that time, from five o'clock in the morning until 11, 10:30, until the time he's leaving the barn. It's all about work. But out of that, he's one of the funniest person I've ever met in my life. He has his own sense of humor. We understand each other a lot. Don't take me wrong, we clash sometimes, but I think this is why we work so well together. Our relationship is good, because I work a lot of horses for him, and I like to tell him the truth. Sometimes when I think a horse doesn't work well, I feel then I have to tell him the truth. It's not that I'm always right. But you know, we like to share the opinion and we have one thing in common. We want to really win races. We're really hungry for it. So it's good to have a relationship with the trainer who supports you like that and gives you full confidence. In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, we went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Timberlake. The fastest horse of the week was Skelly (Practical Joke), who won an allowance race at Oaklawn, earning a figure of 107. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, the KTOB, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV, the team of Randy Moss and Zoe Cadman took a look at last week's big performances by Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire]) and Choisya (GB) (Night of Thunder ({Ire}). They also talked about the improving business numbers at Santa Anita and the two foreign horses aiming for the Derby, Luxor Café (American Pharoah) and Admire Daytona (JPN) (Drefong). To listen to the audio version of the podcast, click here. For the video, click here. The post Umberto Rispoli Joins The TDN Writer’s Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The connections of Baeza (McKinzie) have had a change of heart and will ship him to Churchill Downs after all. Though some believe Baeza, the runner-up in the GI Santa Anita Derby, is among the best 3-year-olds in the sport, he has only 37 1/5 Derby points. That puts him at 23rd on the list. Only 20 horses can start in the race. Had this been last year, Baeza would have made it in no problem. His second-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby would have earned him 50 points, which, this year, would have tied him for 15h place. But this year, Churchill reduced the number of points awarded in any prep race that had fewer than six horse. There were five in the Santa Anita Derby, including the maiden Westwood (Authentic), who Shirreffs put in the race to guarantee that the points allotment didn't get even smaller. “There was a little change of mind,” Shirreffs said. “You know how rumors are on the racetrack…but from some of the rumors we've been hearing it seems like there is a possibility that he will get in. We are making arrangements now to go. If he doesn't get in, I don't know what we will do but we are optimistic he will make it in. Obviously, there's the Preakness a couple weeks away, so we'd probably go there.” Baeza is highly regarded for a number of reasons. He is a half-brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) and 2024 GI Belmont S. winner Dornoch (Good Magic). Not as precocious as his famous siblings, he took three starts to break his maiden. From there Shirreffs put him in the Santa Anita Derby, where he finished second, losing by only three-quarters of a length to Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism (Curlin). That he is seemingly getting better with every race bodes well for him in the Derby, that is if he gets in the race. Many consider him a serious threat to win. “He's night and day difference from when he first ran,” Shirreffs said. “He's a lot different. He's more tactical. When he first ran, he didn't know anything about it and he didn't show the kind of speed that he has. Now he's become a lot more practical and he more understands about the company in the race. He's good around other horses now.” Shirreffs said he was disappointed that Churchill Downs changed the point system for this year, but knows there's nothing he can do about it. “It's too bad,” he said. “The year we had Honor A.P. was the Covid year and this year they adjusted the point system,” he said. “I know what they were trying to do, but in this particular instance the point system wasn't good at all. But I don't make those decisions ad nobody asked my opinion. So to worry about it is waste of energy. The post Though 23rd on the Points List, Baeza Will Ship to Churchill in Hopes of Drawing Into the Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, bidding alongside trainer Bob Baffert, went to $900,000 to acquire a filly by Curlin (hip 190) on behalf of Susan and Charlie Chu's Baoma Corp during Tuesday's first session of the OBS Spring sale. Bred by Klaravich Stables and consigned by de Meric Sales, the bay filly is out of stakes-placed Motivated Seller (Into Mischief). She worked a furlong in last week's under-tack show in :9 4/5. The post $900k Curlin Filly Tops Early Returns at OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A son of the late Acclamation (GB) and the Exceed And Excel (Aus) mare Blue Willow (GB) was the first lot to reach seven figures when knocked down to Anthony Stroud on behalf of Godolphin for 1.4 million gns. Consigned by Mocklershill, lot 17 is a from the same family as G3 Park Express Stakes winner Oh Goodness Me (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), and listed winner Eradicate (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), who was placed in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron. A half-sister to Blue Willow, the stakes-placed Authorized (Ire) mare Colima (Ire) produced a pair of stakes winners including multiple group winner and G1 Metropolitan runner-up Brimham Rocks (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Bred by Corduff Stud, the colt was picked up for €70,000 by JB Bloodstock out of the first book of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale last autumn. Just a few lots earlier, Godolphin had shelled out 650,000gns for a son of Havana Grey (GB), lot 5. The son of All Back To Mine (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) was consigned by Bansha House Stables. Con Marnane's operation picked up the Abingdon and Witney College-bred for €46,000 out of the Goffs February Sale in 2024. However, he was a 50,000gns buy-back during the 2024 Tattersalls Somerville Sale last autumn. What a start to the #TattsCraven Breeze Up, as Anthony Stroud goes to 650,000gns on behalf of @godolphin for @BanshaHouse's Havana Grey colt. pic.twitter.com/N1KoNt57CK — Tattersalls (@Tattersalls1766) April 15, 2025 The post Godolphin Snap Up 1.4 million gns Acclamation Colt At Tattersalls Craven appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The equestrian portion of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be conducted at Santa Anita Park. The decision brings a sense of continuity to the Olympics, as the track also hosted the equestrian disciplines when the event was last in Los Angeles, in 1984. The decision also caught many off guard. The Los Angeles City Council voted in March to approve the sprawling Galway Downs equestrian facility, nearly 100 miles south of LA, as the appropriate venue. But according to the LA Times, Galway Downs was taken out of consideration a day after LA28, the organizing committee for the games, received approval for its master plan by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in a closed-door session on April 9. The announcement about Santa Anita came as part of broader unveiling Tuesday of different venues for the various sporting disciplines. “The 2028 Olympics will be held July 14-30, at a time when Santa Anita Park is traditionally closed for racing and training,” said Nate Newby, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Santa Anita, when asked about possible disruptions to the regular horse population. “Our goal as we work with the LA28 team over the coming months and years is to minimize any potential disruption to racing operations while maximizing exposure for Santa Anita Park.” “The return of the Summer Olympic Games in 2028 represents a thrilling and prestigious moment, underscoring Santa Anita Park's versatility as a world-class sport and entertainment venue, and as a vital pillar of Southern California's horse sport culture,” Newby continued. “We are excited by the opportunity to again showcase SAP on a global scale. We will be able to share more details as event plans are finalized.” “The 2028 Olympic venue plan invites communities from across the region to celebrate the Games coming to their backyard with the most exciting sports staged at some of the world's top-tier existing stadiums and arenas, famous beaches and purpose-built temporary structures,” said LA28 chief executive officer Reynold Hoover, in a statement. “As we come together to prepare, we will help small businesses, create local jobs and implement lasting environmental and transportation improvements that will leave a legacy in our city for generations to come,” said LA City Mayor Karen Bass. The post Santa Anita to Host Equestrian Arm of 2028 Olympics appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Attorneys for former New York Racing Association head starter Hector Soler have filed suit against NYRA in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, alleging discrimination, retaliation in the workplace, and misclassification as an employee exempt from earning overtime. The suit was filed Tuesday by attorneys Nadia Prevez, Aneeba Rehman, and Andrew Mollica, and seeks compensatory damages, back pay, and punitive damages. Soler worked at NYRA for 25 years, starting as a part-time assistant starter and working his way up to the role of head starter in 2020. The suits says that he was the first-ever Hispanic or Puerto Rican head starter in the company's history. “Despite attaining a reputation as one of the preeminent starters in New York horse racing, Mr. Soler faced unlawful discrimination and retaliation in the workplace (and) was mis-classified as an exempt employee who was ineligible for overtime, when in fact, his duties were manual in nature and he routinely worked over 40 hours in a given work week.” The suit says that Soler typically worked 52.5 to 62.5 hours per week and should have been due time and a half for the overtime. The suit charges that in addition to violating the Fair Labor Standards Act, under which he was due overtime pay, NYRA fired him after he filed for workmen's compensation after being injured in the starting gate at Saratoga in 2024. Prior to that incident, the suit says that Soler had suffered a dislocated shoulder which required surgical intervention; had torn his right hip; suffered abrasions to his L4 and L5 vertebrae; shattered his right elbow, requiring surgery, which led to permanent nerve damage; broke his index finger; suffered nerve damage when he was kicked in the head by a horse; tore his ACL, requiring a total replacement; and finally, on August 4, 2024, injured his meniscus, leading to a complete transplant. The suit alleges that Soler's direct supervisor, Juan Dominguez, was notified about the injury and asked him to continue working despite it, because no one else could replace him. Soler sought medical attention and was given a cortisone injection and prescribed pain medication, but on Sept. 11, 2024, took protected medical leave and eventually filed a workers compensation claim. The suit goes on to allege that on Dec. 8, while he was still on leave, he received a his first-ever negative performance review. The suit claims that NYRA began looking for Soler's replacement while he was still on leave, seeking to replace him with a white male. Soler was fired on March 2, 2025. “The complaint speaks for itself,” said Mollica. “Hector Soler was an exemplary, beloved employee with a spectacular record of employment. He worked through numerous injuries and literally left body parts on the field to do his job in an outstanding manner. We are fully prepared to litigate every aspect of this matter, but, of course, remain hopeful that a resolution can be achieved.” Patrick McKenna, NYRA's Vice President of Communications, said that NYRA would decline comment on the matter. The post Attorneys for Dismissed NYRA Starter Soler File Discrimination Suit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On a crisp Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby 151 contenders Coal Battle (Coal Front) and Sandman (Tapit) turned in published workouts. Sandman, winner of the GI Arkansas Derby for D.J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables, breezed at 7:15 a.m. (all time Eastern) with trainer Mark Casse's longtime exercise rider Froylan Garcia in the irons. The grey began his work with eighth-mile splits of :13.60 and :26.40 before registering an official final time of :49.60 for four furlongs. The colt galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.80 and six furlongs in 1:15, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols. “It looked perfect,” Casse said from his Ocala, Fla. base. “I asked the rider to go between :49 and :50 [seconds] and he did just that.” Casse's local assistant, Allen Hardy, was on-site for the workout. “That's Froy for you–always doing exactly what you ask,” Hardy said. “He's a great horseman and rider. “I think we saw in the Arkansas Derby that when Sandman got to stretch his legs going further in distance, it was much better. We're going to do our best to keep him happy and healthy while enjoying the ride he's taking us on.” Shortly after Sandman completed his move, Norman Stables' Coal Battle breezed under assistant trainer Bethany Taylor. The duo worked eighth-mile splits of :12.20, :23.80 and :36.40, according to Churchill Downs clocker Adam Wallace. In related Derby news, trainer Brad Cox reported that GI Florida Derby winner Tappan Street (Into Mischief) will have one more workout at Payson Park in South Florida before vanning to Churchill Downs for his final move beneath the Twin Spires. Training hours at Churchill Downs remain 5:30-10 a.m. with renovation breaks from 6:45-7:15 a.m. and 8:30-9 a.m. Beginning Friday, training will shift to 5:15-10 a.m., with a special 7:15-7:30 a.m. window designated exclusively for Kentucky Derby and Oaks contenders. The post Kentucky Derby Contenders Coal Battle, Sandman Tune Up at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tickets are now available for the 10th annual America's Best Racing (ABR) Pre-Preakness Party. In celebration of the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the ABR Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. Proceeds from the ABR Pre-Preakness Party will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. Registration is also open for the correlating silent auction that benefits Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and occurs during the live event. The event raises awareness for a continued event partner, the Ed Brown Society, which celebrates the rich history of African Americans in the equine industry and creates opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure. New to the Pre-Preakness Party this year will be a meet and greet with jockeys in support of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The Pre-Preakness Party is Presented by title sponsor Maryland Jockey Club and supporting sponsor Ambassador Earle Mack. The party is fully open to the public and provides an opportunity to mingle with racing personalities, which over the years have included Preakness trainers, owners, and jockeys. Tickets for the event are available online for $35 per person and will be available at the door for $50 per person. The ticket price includes: One (1) complimentary drink ticket, Buffet of Tavern food favorites, access to well-known horse racing personalities and handicapping experts and networking opportunity among racing enthusiasts To purchase tickets online visit: bit.ly/ABRPartyTickets In addition to an evening of networking, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvre–which all begins when doors open at 6 p.m. ET–the silent auction will again be one of the main attractions of the Pre-Preakness Party. The auction items will be on display at the party location but bidding can be done either in-person or remotely. Registration for the auction is open, and items will continue to be added. The auction will open on Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. ET, and will close just before the conclusion of the party on Wednesday, May 14, at 8:30 p.m. ET. To register for the auction and for bidding, visit: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/abr-pre-preakness-party The post Tickets Available for the 10th Annual America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party and TAA Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the choicest-bred horses running on the opening day of Newmarket's Craven meeting, Godolphin's Victory Queen (GB) (Kingman {GB}) made her class tell first time in the fillies' mile maiden. Sent off at 10-3, the Charlie Appleby-trained half-sister to the 2,000 Guineas and G1 St James's Palace Stakes hero Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) raced freely towards the front end from the outset. Committed by William Buick running down into the dip, the homebred asserted to score by a fast-diminishing half-length margin from Zgharta (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}). Daughter of Kingman Half-sister to 2000 Guineas hero Coroebus Winning debut Nice from Victory Queen at HQ pic.twitter.com/4Y23pK9k03 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 15, 2025 The post Kingman’s Blueblood Victory Queen Scores On Debut For Godolphin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Juddmonte already had live contenders for the European Classics before Zanzoun (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) added her name to the list in Tuesday's G3 Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket. Always travelling strongly under the patient tactics employed by Kieran Shoemark, the John and Thady Gosden-trained Southwell maiden winner rolled down the hill and to the fore before outstaying Celestial Orbit (GB) (No Nay Never) for a 1 3/4-length success. Remaat (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) was a further half a length away in third. “She enjoyed the ground, settled early which was pleasing and travelled very well,” John Gosden said of the 9-1 shot, whose dam Franconia (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was a listed winner for this stable and a half to the G1 Nassau Stakes heroine Winsili (GB) (Dansili {GB}). “She likes to get her toe in, so we'll always be looking for this kind of ground for her. Her mother was a nice filly who stayed a mile and a quarter, but I think a mile is going to be this one's limit. I think she's more one for France [for the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches] than the 1,000 Guineas.” Zanzoun lands the Nell Gwyn for team Gosden pic.twitter.com/UDrAvGdBTH — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 15, 2025 Tuesday, Newmarket, Britain LANWADES STUD NELL GWYN STAKES-G3, £85,000, Newmarket, 4-15, 3yo, f, 7fT, 1:29.22, g/s. 1–ZANZOUN (GB), 128, f, 3, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Franconia (GB) (MSW-Eng), by Frankel (GB) 2nd Dam: Winter Sunrise (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 3rd Dam: Winter Solstice (GB), by Unfuwain 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms (East) Ltd (GB); T-John & Thady Gosden; J-Kieran Shoemark. £48,204. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-1, $81,359. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Celestial Orbit (GB), 128, f, 3, No Nay Never–Rose Bonheur (GB), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (260,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Magnier's, Shanahan & MacLennan; B-B V Sangster (GB); T-Ollie Sangster. £18,275. 3–Remaat (GB), 128, f, 3, Kodiac (GB)–Savaanah (Ire), by Olden Times (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Prince A A Faisal; B-Nawara Stud Ltd (GB); T-Andrew Balding. £9,146. Margins: 1 3/4, HF, HF. Odds: 9.00, 9.00, 20.00. Also Ran: Arabian Dusk (GB), Nardra (Ire), Biniorella Bay (GB), Verse Of Love (GB), Cartwheel (GB), Saguaro Blossom (Ire), Qarlyga (Fr). The post Dubawi’s Zanzoun Takes The Nell Gwyn For Juddmonte appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dollars & Sense with Frank AngstView the full article

Leading sire Snitzel (Aus) will stand for an unchanged fee of A$247,500, Arrowfield Stud announced on Tuesday. Responsible for his third G1 Golden Slipper winner and his career-best yearling sale results, the multiple champion sire already has 16 stakes winners this season. This year alone, he has sired Group 1 winners Lady Shenandoah (Aus), Marhoona (Aus), Return To Conquer (Aus) and Switzerland (Aus), while his total yearling sales have reached A$45.2 million, with 11 seven-figure yearlings. Also standing at Arrowfield for unchanged fees are Group 1 sires Dundeel (NZ) at A$88,000, The Autumn Sun (Aus) at A$66,000, and Maurice (Jpn) at A$55,000. Third-year sire Hitotsu (Aus)'s fee is also static at A$22,000. The first-named has sired eight stakes winners this season and his overall tally of top-level winners is eight, among them Castelvecchio (Aus), who stands for an increased fee of A$49,500. Dundeel's Inglis Easter average was A$414,000. Castelvecchio has sired first-crop Group 1 winners El Castello (Aus) and Aeliana (Aus), besides three more stakes winners. Maurice's Inglis Easter yearling average was A$503,000 for 10 sold, with his first seven-figure Australian yearling, an A$1.4 million filly out of Shoals (Aus). The Autumn Sun had an A$340,000 Inglis Easter average and Arrowfield's new recruit Vandeek (GB) will stand his first season for A$22,000. Admire Mars (Jpn), a former roster member, will not shuttle from Japan this year. He is the sire of Sunday's G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) heroine Embroidery (Jpn). Arrowfield chairman John Messara said, “Our unrelenting commitment to quality has helped to generate exceptional results for breeders, vendors & owners this season. “Those results, from only five stallions, include 38 stakes winners, seven Group 1 winners, more than A$50 million [in] prize-money and an average yearling sale price of A$316,000.” “Our young sires Hitotsu, a history-making 3-year-old, and Vandeek, a dual Group 1 winner at two, offer complementary opportunities to breeders and are both sharply priced.” The post Snitzel’s Fee Unchanged at A$247,500 as Arrowfield Unveils Roster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Richard Hannon trainee Persica (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), who retains an entry in next month's G1 Lockinge Stakes, continued on the upgrade with a first pattern-race triumph in Tuesday's G3 bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket. Last term's Listed Doonside Cup victor, who hit the board in February's G3 Winter Derby when last seen, was positioned in second for most of this nine-furlong contest. Relishing the rain-softened ground, the 3-1 chance loomed large going ominously well approaching the quarter-mile marker and powered clear up the hill to account for Godolphin duo Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and First Conquest (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) by 2 1/2 lengths and the same. Last year's G1 Derby and G1 Irish Derby placegetter Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) attempted to make all, but lacked the fitness edge of his rivals and finished 1 1/4 lengths adrift in fourth. Pedigree Notes Persica is the first of three live foals and one of two winners from as many runners produced by New Zealand's Listed Champagne Stakes victrix Rubira (Aus) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), herself out of a winning half-sister to Listed Lenebane Stakes winner Royal Intrigue (Ire) (Royal Applause {GB}). Royal Intrigue is also kin to the dam of G1 South African Cape Guineas-winning sire Noordhoek Flyer (SAf) (Pivotal {GB}). Perica's fourth dam Congress (Ire) (Dancing Brave) is a full-sister to G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest and G1 Haydock Sprint Cup heroine Cherokee Rose (Ire). The February-foaled chestnut is kin to a 2-year-old colt by Camelot (GB). Persica proves too good in the £85,000 G3 @bet365 Earl Of Sefton pic.twitter.com/BUuqo6a8sO — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 15, 2025 Tuesday, Newmarket, Britain BET365 EARL OF SEFTON STAKES-G3, £85,000, Newmarket, 4-15, 4yo/up, 9fT, 1:54.07, g/s. 1–PERSICA (IRE), 128, c, 4, by New Bay (GB) 1st Dam: Rubira (Aus) (SW-NZ), by Lope De Vega (Ire) 2nd Dam: Duty Bound (Aus), by Ad Valorem 3rd Dam: Promessa (GB), by Reprimand (GB) 1ST GROUP WIN. (£200,000 Ylg '22 GOFFUK). O-Martin Hughes & Michael Kerr-Dineen; B-The Applecross Syndicate (IRE); T-Richard Hannon; J-Ryan Moore. £48,204. Lifetime Record: 14-6-0-3, $248,762. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Ottoman Fleet (GB), 128, g, 6, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Innevera (Fr), by Motivator (GB). (€290,000 Wlg '19 ARQDE; 425,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT). O-Godolphin; B-SCEA Marmion Vauville & Alain Jathiere (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. £18,275. 3–First Conquest (GB), 131, g, 4, Teofilo (Ire)–Patroness (GB), by Dubawi (Ire). O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. £9,146. Margins: 2HF, 2HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 3.00, 2.00, 6.00. Also Ran: Ambiente Friendly (Ire), Lavender Hill Mob (GB). The post New Bay’s Persica Powers to Earl Of Sefton Triumph at HQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars LOVING VIBES - R7 (10) Finds it difficult to hit the line in front, but gets his chance tonight Jay Rooney EMBRACES - R9 (4) Looks hard to beat returning to the C&D of a brilliant win Trackwork Spy EMBRACES - R9 (4) Has been in top form since a stable transfer and will be storming home late again Phillip Woo WINGS OF WAR - R4 (1) Looks the one to beat from a good draw and down in class Shannon (Vincent Wong) WINGS OF WAR - R4 (1) Drops to the right grade and is ready to score tonight Racing Post Online SUNDAY'S SERENADE - R5 (3) Won well last start and can win with Purton aboard Tom Wood LOVING VIBES - R7 (10) He's been ultra consistent and deserves a winning turn with Purton onView the full article