Wandering Eyes

Kentucky's HBPA teamed with Kentucky Downs to present $100,000 checks to three industry non-profit organizations during Saturday's card at the turf track in Franklin, Kentucky, the horsemen's outfit said via a Saturday press release. The assistance will provide funding to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Stable Recovery and the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund. The local HBPA chapter and the track donated $50,000 each. The post Non-Profits Receive $100k Donations From KY HBPA And Kentucky Downs On Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Derby runner-up Lazy Griff has been ruled out of next week's G1 Betfred St Leger at Doncaster after suffering a setback. Last seen finishing third in the G1 Irish Derby at the Curragh, the son of Protectionist was a 4/1 shot with the sponsors to provide owners Middleham Park Racing with a first British Classic success on Town Moor, but those dreams have now been dashed. “He's met with a setback,” confirmed Middleham Park's Mike Prince. “He was due to do his last piece of work before the Leger on Saturday, but he's now out for the rest of the season. He should be fine to come back next season, but it is a bit gutting to get so close to heading to the Leger, where on paper he looked to have a really great chance.” Prince added, “The syndicate are really gutted and they were all set to head to Doncaster next Saturday, but these things happen and they are sent to test us. “It's one of those things and hopefully we can get him back for next season. We'll probably look to campaign him in those long-distance races and Cup races – he is certainly of that level. Everyone is a bit flat and disappointed at the moment.” The post Late Setback Sidelines Lazy Griff from the St Leger Reckoning appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin took home both the National Owner of the Year and National Breeder of the Year prizes at the 40th annual TOBA National Awards in Lexington, Kentucky, which were presented across two days of ceremonies, according to a press release from the organization on Saturday. The National Awards Luncheon honored 2024 state and Canadian breeders at Godolphin Sept. 5, while the 2024 National Awards Dinner was held at Fasig-Tipton Sept. 6. TOBA 2024 award winners included: National Owner of the Year and National Breeder of the Year: Godolphin; National Small Breeder of the Year: Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby and 4G Racing; Cot Campbell Partnership of the Year: SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan; J. David Richardson TOBA Industry Service Award: Alan Forman. Click here for a list of the state winners. The post TOBA Honors 2024 Winners At All Levels Over Weekend, Godolphin Takes Top Prizes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Celebrating 10 Years of Connecting People to the Horse Horse Country, Inc. will celebrate its 10th anniversary in October 2025. Our first tours across Horse Country were offered during the inaugural Breeders' Cup at Keeneland, which also saw the first-ever Grand Slam winner, American Pharoah. You may call that timing good luck, but in truth Horse Country's launch is the perfect example of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Horse Country's story began with a call to action. In 2011, The Jockey Club's McKinsey Report revealed some concerning findings about the public's perception of our sport. Many across the industry responded to the McKinsey report, but in Kentucky a group of leaders-who we affectionately call the “Mule Team” (Brutus Clay, Headley & Price Bell, and Dr. Luke Fallon)-got to work. In 2013, they brought in experts from the Disney Institute to consult on a concept that would become Horse Country. Those experts confirmed what many in our industry already knew: Thoroughbred racing has a compelling story to tell, a thrilling product to share, and an invaluable asset in the beautiful horse farms of Central Kentucky. Since that inaugural Breeders' Cup week, Horse Country's impact has been profound. We've welcomed nearly 500,000 guests, from paying fans and leisure travelers to students on complimentary tours and leaders from across the region. In 2024, our twenty-eight locations hosted over 42,000 guests, a 12% increase from 2023 and in 2025 we are on track to reach similar numbers. Importantly, we're sharing our passion with the next generation-last year, over 6,000 students took a tour in Horse Country. The feedback we receive from our guests is a testament to the power of these experiences. We're proud to report an average net promoter score of 91 (on a scale of -100 to 100), but what truly excites me is the data that shows our tours are shifting public perception for the better. We ask guests to rate their likelihood to recommend horse racing before and after their visit, and the results directly address the concerning statistic from the 2011 McKinsey Report that only 22% of the general public held a positive view of our sport. We're changing that narrative, one tour at a time. The best part? 70% of our visitors have limited or no prior knowledge of Thoroughbred racing, while the other 30% are existing fans. This means we're reaching new audiences and introducing them to the magic of the sport. While we have a loyal base, with 16% of our guests being return visitors who come back to explore new locations and deepen their connection, 84% of Horse Country's guests are first-time visitors. Beyond the numbers, the stories are what truly stand out. I think about the young family who, after a visit to WinStar's “Santa and Stallions” event, sought out local riding schools. Their daughter now takes lessons, and they've since returned for multiple tours, building a lasting relationship with the WinStar team. There's the couple who were so inspired by their first Kentucky visit that they relocated here, bought a farm, and started a small breeding stable which is a great example of how tourism impacts economic development in Kentucky! Another visitor's private tour at one of our locations led to a $450,000 foal share investment. These aren't just one-off stories; they're examples of how a single experience can create a lifelong connection. Our Collaborative Commitment Horse Country's success is not our own–it belongs to our twenty-eight incredible touring partners who open their farms and businesses to welcome guests and connect them with their horses, land, and people. They are the heart of what we do. While Horse Country provides the essential marketing, booking, and customer service support, the tours themselves are a direct result of our partners' commitment to our shared mission. It takes leadership and vision to integrate public experiences into a working horse farm, and our partners embrace that challenge for the betterment of our sport. We have also been supported by leading industry organizations, and hope to continue to collaborate with these entities moving forward. As an industry, we can no longer rely on chance encounters to cultivate future fans, owners, and workforce. We must be proactive. Horse Country provides a sustainable platform for fan development, offering meaningful entry points for deeper engagement with the sport. Experiential marketing has worked for other major brands and sports, and it's time for horse racing to capitalize on the concept too. We also prioritize giving back. Our Horse Country Charitable Fund, established at the Blue Grass Community Foundation, supports educational experiences and community events, like the field trips hosted for the Woodford County Summer School Program and our annual event, Meet the Neighbors. In 2024, our six nonprofit partners, including four Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations raised over $35,000 through their tours and experiences. Every ticket sold for a tour of these organizations is donated directly to their causes. Throughout October, we will be celebrating our 10-year anniversary with our members and partners. We are also excited to participate in Lexington's 250th anniversary celebration, as the city highlights its storied equine industry all month long. Horse Country will be a leading organization in those activities throughout the month, expanding our connection to our local community. The Next 10 Years Looking ahead, the Horse Country team and our members are dedicated to expanding our reach, elevating the quality of every experience, and creating new opportunities for guests to engage with the sport after their experience in Horse Country. We stand as a model of sustainable, grassroots marketing for horse racing, fostering powerful connections between people, horses, and the land. But, we can't do it alone, we need the collaboration, engagement, and support of our industry to continue to sustain our positive impact. Here are some ways you can support Horse Country: *Consider if your business or organization has scope to offer tours and experiences, *Partner with Horse Country to share ways our guests can stay connected to horse racing, for example racing syndicates, ADWs, news outlets, and more *Support Horse Country's educational and community outreach by donating to the Horse Country Charitable Fund (donate here) *Be an ambassador for Horse Country by sharing with your friends, family, acquaintances, clients, fans, etc. that they can come on a tour and have an incredible experience in Horse Country! If you'd like to discuss further, I invite you to reach out to me directly at hhardy@visithorsecountry.com. Let's work together to improve the future of Thoroughbred racing. The post Letter to the Editor: A Decade of Horse Country appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Up to a mile and a half for the first time on Sunday, Godolphin's Prix du Jockey Club runner-up Cualificar (Lope De Vega) threw his hat into the ring for the Arc as he mastered his peers in the G2 Qatar Prix Niel. Trapped in behind at a crucial stage under William Buick, the 12-5 shot was out in time to run down Bay City Roller (New Bay) close home and win by a short head. Andre Fabre, who will have a strong hand in next month's showcase along with the third-placed Parachutiste (Dubawi) and the Prix Foy runner-up Sosie, had run the winner in the 10-furlong G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano last month and explained, “He got quite heavy this summer, so I thought he needed an extra run before this and it was something I did a long time ago with Trempolino. This was what I was hoping for and expecting, with the step up in trip and the softer ground.” Cualificar reels in Bay City Roller to win the Group Two Qatar Prix Niel! pic.twitter.com/nRRMygnB4J — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 7, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX NIEL-G2, €119,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-7, 3yo, 12fT, 2:30.56, g/s. 1–CUALIFICAR (GB), 128, c, 3, by Lope De Vega (Ire) 1st Dam: Qualify (Ire) (G1SW-Eng & GSW-Ire, $485,356), by Fastnet Rock (Aus) 2nd Dam: Perihelion (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 3rd Dam: Medicosma, by The Minstrel O/B-Godolphin; T-Andre Fabre; J-William Buick. €67,830. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Fr, 8-4-1-2, €533,445. *1/2 to Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal), GSW-UAE, $198,861. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Bay City Roller (Ire), 128, c, 3, New Bay (GB)–Bloomfield (Ire), by Teofilo (Ire). (€320,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Victorious Racing Ltd; B-John Connaughton; T-George Scott. €26,180. 3–Parachutiste (Ire), 128, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Paix (Ire), by Muhaarar (GB). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€500,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG). O-Qatar Racing Ltd, Ecurie des Monceaux & Ecurie Skymarc Farm; B-Ecurie des Monceaux & Ecurie Skymarc Farm; T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €12,495. Margins: SNK, 1HF, SNK. Odds: 2.40, 16.00, 8.60. Also Ran: Tennessee Stud (Ire), Nitoi, Leffard (Fr), Swagman (Ger), Aftermath (Ire). The post Fabre’s Arc Hand Strengthened As Cualificar Wins The Niel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Tatura Races Where Tatura & Shepparton Racing Club – 161 Ross St #157, Tatura When Monday, September 8, 2025 First Race 12:55pm AEST Visit Dabble A competitive 10-race meeting is set down for decision at Tatura on Monday as horse racing in Victoria heads to the state’s north. With perfect spring conditions forecast, the Good 4 rating should stick true throughout the afternoon, with the rail in its true position ensuring an ideal day for racing. The Tatura races will commence at 12:55pm AEST. Best Bet at Tatura: Il Cielo Il Cielo finally put it together second-up when breaking his maiden at Wangaratta over 1590m and looks perfectly placed to go on with it in this BM56 mile. From barrier four, Celine Gaudray can have the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding stalking the speed before using his sharp turn of foot to finish over the top late. He carries 61kg but drops from maiden to BM56 grade, and the draw should ensure he gets the cosy run to offset the impost. With even luck, Il Cielo should be winning again. Best Bet Race 8 – #3 Il Cielo (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Celine Gaudray (61kg) Next Best at Tatura: Read My Lips Read My Lips returns to the 1000m with a terrific provincial record and a strong recent profile (two wins and two seconds from his last five). He cops a big weight, but Brittany Button’s 2kg claim helps, and his gate speed means the wide draw is less of a concern around Tatura’s short-course chute. Expect him to ping, control the race, and give a solid kick. He handles all ground and is rock-hard fit, which is the right recipe late in the day. If he finds the fence early, they’ll need to be very good to get past him. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Read My Lips (13) 6yo Gelding | T: George Osborne | J: Brittany Button (a2) (63.5kg) Next Best Again at Tatura: Great Prosperity Great Prosperity brings consistent, honest form to a winnable BM56 and should relish getting to 1450m third-up. He’s drawn awkwardly in 11, but Billy Egan is riding in form and can slide across to land midfield with cover. The Fiorente gelding’s figures on good ground are solid, and he owns a provincial win plus multiple placings at this level. With natural improvement off his first two runs back and a race shape featuring genuine tempo, he looks like the horse charging late that should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Again Race 9 – #3 Great Prosperity (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Luke Oliver | J: Billy Egan (60.5kg) Monday quaddie tips for Tatura Tatura quadrella selections Monday, September 8, 2024 1-4-6-9 1-2-3 1-2-3-4-7 1-5-6-9-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

Second in last year's Qatar Prix Vermeille and in the Arc, the Wertheimers' Aventure (Sea The Stars) put matters right in the first of the latest runnings of those heats to earn a merited initial Group 1 victory. Given the manner of the homebred's impressive performance under a confident Maxime Guyon, the prospect of going one better in next month's showcase is distinctively brighter after Sunday. “She won very well and accelerated really well,” trainer Christophe Ferland said of the four-year-old, who dismissed the Prix de Diane heroine Gezora (Almanzor) with more ease than the 1 1/2-length margin suggests as the 1-2 favourite Whirl (Wootton Bassett) faded to be last. “My mission was to win a Group 1 with her and it's done, but she will be better in four weeks' time. She's better in the autumn, it's good ground today and if it's heavy then she will go on that as well. She's a perfect filly to train with such a nice attitude. It's going to be a long four weeks!” AVENTURE BLOWS HER RIVALS AWAY IN THE GROUP ONE PRIX VERMEILLE! pic.twitter.com/cEmEnN2hgr — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 7, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX VERMEILLE-G1, €600,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-7, 3yo/up, f/m, 12fT, 2:29.34, g/s. 1–AVENTURE (IRE), 130, f, 4, by Sea The Stars (Ire) 1st Dam: Balladeuse (Fr) (GSW-Fr, $168,432), by Singspiel (Ire) 2nd Dam: Featherquest (GB), by Rainbow Quest 3rd Dam: Featherhill (Fr), by Lyphard TDN Rising Star. 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere; T-Christophe Ferland; J-Maxime Guyon. €342,840. Lifetime Record: 12-6-5-0, €2,051,740. *1/2 to Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), G1SW-Fr, $695,171; Romanciere (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), G1SP-Fr, $135,553; and Bilissie (GB) (Dansili {GB}), SW-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Gezora (Fr), 122, f, 3, Almanzor (Fr)–Germance, by Silver Hawk. O-White Birch Farm; B-Haras d'Etreham; T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €137,160. 3–Bedtime Story (Ire), 122, f, 3, Frankel (GB)–Mecca's Angel (Ire), by Dark Angel (Ire). TDN Rising Star. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Coolmore; T-Aidan O'Brien. €68,580. Margins: 1HF, 1 1/4, NO. Odds: 2.90, 6.40, 16.00. Also Ran: Survie (Ire), Ginalyah (Ire), Whirl (Ire). The post Super-Smooth Aventure Gets Her Group 1 In The Vermeille appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Toronodo has been withdrawn from covering duties at Swettenham Stud for the remainder of the Southern Hemisphere breeding season. The decision was taken on veterinary advice after the stallion suffered from lameness caused by a significant infection. “Toronado has played a huge role in the history of Swettenham, as well as in the Victorian industry, and we really see him as part of our family,” said Adam Sangster, principal of Swettenham Stud. “His health and wellbeing come first to everyone at the farm, so this was a straightforward decision. “We are very grateful for the understanding shown by all the breeders who had mares booked to him. While it is unlikely he will cover again this season, we are confident that, as a 15-year-old, he still has many promising years ahead of him.” The post Toronado Withdrawn from Covering Duties at Swettenham Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Putting some below-par efforts behind him on Sunday, Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann's Goliath (Adlerflug) made all in the G1 Wettstar.de Grosser Preis von Baden. Sent off the 19-10 second favourite behind the even-money market-leader Dubai Honour (Pride Of Dubai), last year's King George hero saw off that raider in the final two furlongs to score by 1 1/4 lengths under Clement Lecoeuvre. Take a bow, GOLIATH! #ゴリアット Wins the G1 155th Grosser Preis von Baden on his German debut for @GraffardRacing and @resracingky. #WorldPool | @wettstar_de pic.twitter.com/68oaWQV1QI — World Pool (@WorldPool) September 7, 2025 Sunday, Baden-Baden, Germany WETTSTAR.DE – 155TH GROSSER PREIS VON BADEN-G1, €300,000, Baden-Baden, 9-7, 3yo/up, 12fT, 2:29.02, gd. 1–GOLIATH (GER), 132, g, 5, by Adlerflug (Ger) 1st Dam: Gouache (Ger) (SW-Ger), by Shamardal 2nd Dam: Guantana (Ger), by Dynaformer 3rd Dam: Guadalupe (Ger), by Monsun (Ger) O-Resolute Bloodstock & Baron Philip von Ullmann; B-Gestut Schlenderhan; T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-Clement Lecoeuvre. €165,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Eng & MGSW-Fr, 16-8-3-0, €1,550,441. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Dubai Honour (Ire), 132, g, 7, Pride Of Dubai (Aus)–Mondelice (GB), by Montjeu (Ire). (110,000 gns Ylg '19 TAOCT). O-Mohamed Obaida; B-Macha Bloodstock & Meridian International SARL; T-William Haggas. €68,000. 3–Straight (Ger), 132, h, 5, Zarak (Fr)–Seductive (Ger), by Henrythenavigator. (€40,000 RNA Ylg '21 BBAGS). O/B-Gestut Karlshof; T-Henk Grewe. €32,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 1 3/4, 1 1/4. Odds: 1.90, 1.00, 19.00. Also Ran: Alleno (Ire), Path Of Soldier (Ger), Cold Heart (Brz). Scratched: Rebel's Romance (Ire), Hochkonig (Ger). The post Goliath Back In The Big Time At Baden-Baden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coming into Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp very much under the radar, Al Shaqab's Sahlan (Wootton Bassett) continued Francis Graffard's remarkable season with a narrow success. Edging the photo ahead of Rosallion (Blue Point) under Mickael Barzalona, the G3 Prix Daphnis winner landed odds of 16-1 by a short head from racing's hard-luck story who was flashing home. There was a neck back to The Lion In Winter (Sea The Stars), with half a length to Alcantor (New Bay) who had tried to break free in the straight. “I said to the owner 'it's a big gamble' and he believed in me, so it's paid off,” Graffard said minutes after Goliath had won the Grosser Preis von Baden. “I always liked this horse and he had a lot of excuses in the Poule d'Essai and was then sick after running in a Listed race. I won't run again on soft ground–that's the softest I'd run him on–and if he is well, the Breeders' Cup Mile could be a target. We will probably keep him in training at four.” Sahlan just manages to repel Rosallion to land the Group One Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp! pic.twitter.com/XdBQFMHTzY — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 7, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX DU MOULIN DE LONGCHAMP-G1, €800,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-7, 3yo/up, 8fT, 1:35.39, g/s. 1–SAHLAN (IRE), 123, c, 3, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Wasmya (Fr) (SW-Ger & SP-Fr), by Toronado (Ire) 2nd Dam: Lamorlaye (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 3rd Dam: Love To Dance (Ire), by Sadler's Wells 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O/B-Al Shaqab Racing; T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-Mickael Barzalona. €457,120. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-0, €524,710. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Rosallion (Ire), 129, c, 4, Blue Point (Ire)–Rosaline (Ire), by New Approach (Ire). O/B-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; T-Richard Hannon. €182,880. 3–The Lion In Winter (Ire), 123, c, 3, Sea The Stars (Ire)–What A Home (Ire), by Lope De Vega (Ire). TDN Rising Star. (€375,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Susan Magnier; B-Sunderland Holding Inc; T-Aidan O'Brien. €91,440. Margins: SHD, NK, HF. Odds: 16.10, 3.30, 36.00. Also Ran: Alcantor (Fr), Henri Matisse (Ire), Quddwah (GB), Lead Artist (GB), Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire), Dancing Gemini (Ire), Serengeti (Fr), Go To First (Jpn), Persica (Ire). The post ‘It Was a Big Gamble’: Graffard’s Faith In Sahlan Pays Off With Surprise Moulin Win, BC Mile In Plans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The seven-day all-turf meet at Kentucky Downs wraps up Sept. 10 with a pot of gold—err, prize money—awaiting the winner of the Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational Stakes (G3T).View the full article

Arc clues were in abundance at ParisLongchamp on Sunday and the first piece of the puzzle was put in place by Japan as Byzantine Dream (Epiphaneia) upstaged the Euro contingent in the G2 Qatar Prix Foy. Earning the special voyage with a win in Riyadh's G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap and a second in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring, Kazumi Yoshida's four-year-old was sprung from his cover by Oisin Murphy to overwhelm the 8-5 favourite Sosie (Sea The Stars) in the final yards and record a half-length success. “He has a hot temperament, but he relaxed very well and was very strong in the finish, although he doesn't do a whole lot in front,” Murphy said of the Tomoyasu Sakaguchi-trained 11-1 shot. “If the ground is nice, he will have a chance in the most important race in the world. He has a very good turn of foot, but does want fast ground. He was much heavier today than in January and I'd hope he can be even better on Arc weekend–it's good ground today and that was a true-run race.” In one of the strongest renewals of this course-and-distance prep for the older horses, Almaqam (Lope De Vega) and Los Angeles (Camelot) were third and fourth, two lengths and a head further behind. With the ground riding good-to-soft in likely contrast to what will be expected on the first Sunday in October, the winning time off an honest, pacemaker-led tempo was 2:28.32 to help with comparisons with the upcoming Vermeille and Niel. Thriller! Byzantine Dream and @oismurphy get up to beat Sosie in the Group Two Qatar Prix Foy! #ビザンチンドリーム | @netkeiba pic.twitter.com/FdEOKImjW5 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 7, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX FOY-G2, €119,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-7, 4yo/up, 12fT, 2:28.32, g/s. 1–BYZANTINE DREAM (JPN), 128, c, 4, by Epiphaneia (Jpn) 1st Dam: Japoni Chara (Jpn), by Jungle Pocket (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Glitter Chara (Jpn), by French Deputy 3rd Dam: Fusaichi Airedale (Jpn), by Sunday Silence O-Mme Kazumi Yoshida; B-Northern Racing; T-Tomoyasu Sakaguchi; J-Oisin Murphy. €67,830. Lifetime Record: MGSW & G1SP-Jpn, 10-4-1-0, €2,697,727. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Sosie (Ire), 128, c, 4, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Sosia (Ger), by Shamardal. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere; T-Andre Fabre. €26,180. 3–Almaqam (GB), 128, c, 4, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Talmada, by Cape Cross (Ire). O-Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum; B-Godolphin; T-Ed Walker. €12,495. Margins: HF, 2, HD. Odds: 11.00, 1.60, 5.10. Also Ran: Los Angeles (Ire), Iresine (Fr), Arrow Eagle (Fr), Map Of Stars (GB), Cheeky Boy (Fr), Mont St Michel (Ire). The post Japan’s Arc Hopes Boosted By Byzantine Dream In the Prix Foy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four-time Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna is set to headline this year's Tattersalls December Mares Sale. She will be consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency and will head the fourth edition of the Sceptre Sessions, which will be held on Monday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 2. Trained by Donnacha O'Brien for a partnership consisting of Taylor Made's Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Dean Reeves and Barry Fowler, the daughter of Caravaggio will be offered as the winner of eight of her 13 starts and nearly £1.3 in total prize-money. A four-time winner as a juvenile, including the G3 Albany Stakes and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes, Porta Fortuna returned the following the year with a runner-up finish in the G1 1,000 Guineas, before winning at Royal Ascot for the second year in succession when beating five individual Group 1 winners in the G1 Coronation Stakes. That was the first of three consecutive Group 1 wins as a three-year-old as she followed it with dominant performances in the Falmouth Stakes and Matron Stakes. “Porta Fortuna has given our Medallion partners, along with Steve, Dean and Barry, memories to last a lifetime,” Medallion racing manager Phillip Shelton said of the Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, who also won May's G2 Lanwades Stud Stakes on her sole outing as a four-year-old. “We all feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of her journey. She was the most accomplished two-year-old filly of her generation, as the only filly with a Group 1 win and two other Group victories, as well as the only filly with a Group 1 win and Group 1 placings, with three Group 1 placings to her credit. She hit new heights as a three-year-old winning three consecutive Group 1s after a narrow defeat in the 1000 Guineas, culminating in being named Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old Filly. “Full credit must go to Donnacha O'Brien and his team at Bawnmore Racing, who have campaigned her brilliantly. Our plan was always to sell at the end of her four-year-old year and we felt that Tattersalls was the perfect place to showcase a once-in-a-lifetime filly for our partners.” Bred by Whisperview Trading Ltd, Porta Fortuna is the first foal out of Holy Roman Emperor's Too Precious, who is a full-sister to the triple Australian Group 2 winner and G1 Australian Cup runner-up Numerian, as well as the G3 Prix Francois Boutin third Montesilvano. This is also the family of the G1 St Leger-winning sire Milan and the Derby and Irish Derby hero and prolific sire Kahyasi. The post Champion Filly Porta Fortuna to be Offered at Tattersalls December Mares Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zac Purton has declared Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) outstanding win in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday the equal-best of the champion sprinter’s stunning career. Extending his unbeaten streak to 13 wins, Ka Ying Rising brushed aside quality opposition under 135lb to triumph in 1m 07.63s – marginally outside his own track record of 1m 07.20s – despite being eased down by Purton as the gelding swept to his 14th win in 16 starts for David Hayes. The world’s top-rated sprinter will enter quarantine tonight in preparation for a tilt at the AU$20 million Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on 18 October after easing to a two-and-a-quarter length victory over fellow four-time Gr.1 winner Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse). “To carry that weight against those horses at that speed first-up and do what he did, it’s probably the equal of any performance he’s put up, I think,” Purton said as the eight-time Hong Kong champion jockey advanced to a five-timer. “He’s come back in really good order. I said to David before the race that he just looks a different horse. He’s furnished really nicely and that’s what we wanted before we get on the plane and go down to Sydney. After starting brilliantly from barrier four in steady rain, Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year settled second behind Bottomuptogether (115lb), who surged from the 800m to the 400m in 21.33s to string out the field, ultimately playing into Purton’s hands. “It went fairly smoothly. If I could have had that run pre-race, I would have taken it,” Purton said. “We got into a nice spot and Beauty Waves on my inside got fired up a little bit and got keen and Alexis (Badel) was looking to edge out, so I just felt my horse back on the bit and travelling, thinking about it. “But then Bottomsuptogether went and it had my bloke having to chase him midrace, which was not what I wanted. I wanted to have him travelling within himself but what it did – because he’d used a bit more energy midrace – he actually changed his leg for the first time in a long time when he came into the straight. Hopefully it’s taught him something. “When he did that, I thought ‘Game over’ and away he went.” After equalling the weight-carrying record he set last season in the same race, Ka Ying Rising is the first horse to win the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup twice. Hayes said: “We’ve been saying privately that we think he’s better than last year and I think that showed – the time he ran, the way he did it, the weight he carried. He’s bigger and stronger and probably better. “He’s always physically been a backward-looking horse and now I think he looks like a complete sprinter. So, yeah, he’s the best I’ve had. “The worry with this ‘prep’ was running with 135 (lb) at the start, but I didn’t want to go six months between runs, first-up in an Everest. Now I know we’ve got him there, we just maintain him and he holds form for a long time this horse. That’s why he’s a champion. “He’s a pretty good traveller and I’m very confident travelling him.” View the full article

Six years in the making, El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) now stands as New Zealand’s champion. The Cambridge-trained galloper was crowned Sport Nation Horse of the Year for 2024 25 at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s black-tie Awards dinner in Hamilton on Sunday night, proof that some champions simply need time to flourish. At six, El Vencedor reached spectacular new heights, becoming the only New Zealand trained horse to win three Group 1 races this season. His dominance saw him secure 45 of the 55 votes cast for the sport’s ultimate honour. He also claimed the Champion Middle Distance Horse – sponsored by Happy Hire Award, and was a finalist among the nation’s top sprinter-milers. Other equine champions included, Champion Two-Year-Old – sponsored by Entain Australia & New Zealand: La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth), Champion Three-Year-Old – sponsored by TAB New Zealand: Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel), Champion Sprinter-Miler – sponsored by Taylor Perry Insurance Consultants: Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj), Champion Stayer – sponsored by Sandfield: Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) and Champion Jumper – sponsored by New Zealand Jumps Racing: West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu). In the people categories, Premiership stars Craig Grylls (Jockey of the Year – sponsored by BcgCrave) and Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson (Trainer of the Year- sponsored by Dunstan Horsefeeds) added New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards silverware to their tally, while Shaun Fannin claimed his fifth Jumps Jockey of the Year – sponsored by Rothley Recruitment title. Cambridge Stud proprietors Sir Brendan and Lady Lindsay took out Owner of the Year – sponsored by TAB Racing Club. The evening also recognised some of the sport’s most influential contributors. Ross Coles received the prestigious NZTR Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing after a remarkable 60-year tenure as Clerk of the Course at Ellerslie Racecourse. Two-time Melbourne Cup-winning trainer, Sheila Laxon, was honoured with the NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement. While Stephanie Hyde-Richards (New Zealand Stablehand of the Year – sponsored by Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge & Tauranga) and The Guerin Report (LOVERACING.NZ Award for Contribution to Media, Digital & Content) rounded out the accolades. The battle for Trainer of the Year provided the night’s closest finish, with Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson just edging out Stephen Marsh by five votes, who himself trained El Vencedor. While mares have dominated Horse of the Year honours in recent years, El Vencedor broke the mould, being just the third male galloper to win the title in the past decade. El Vencedor climbed the ranks through his early years, however, his breakthrough came at five with a maiden Group 1 win in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie Racecourse. By six, he was near-unbeatable, winning five of his 11 starts in 2024 25, all at Group level, with four of those victories by more than three lengths. That streak included a stunning Group 1 hat-trick, capped by a repeat Bonecrusher triumph where he started a red-hot $1.40 favourite. Bred and raced by Mark Freeman and David Price, El Vencedor (Spanish for the victor) is by Shocking and a brother to Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2200m) winner Chocante (NZ) (Shocking), as well as a half-brother to BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma). Ironically, El Vencedor’s career almost never happened in New Zealand, he was earmarked for Hong Kong after trialling impressively as a two-year-old, but failed strict vet tests. That twist of fate proved golden, with the gelding amassing $1.48 million in stakes this season alone and more than $2 million in total career earnings, while delivering unforgettable moments for his connections. El Vencedor began a new campaign on an encouraging note when fifth in the Group 1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday 6 September. A Champion by name, and now officially by title, El Vencedor is New Zealand’s Sport Nation Horse of the Year. 2024-25 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards – sponsored by Sport Nation Final Results Jockeys’ Premiership – sponsored by OnTrack: Craig Grylls Trainers’ Premiership – sponsored by Stable Books: Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson (Te Akau Racing) Apprentice Jockeys’ Premiership – sponsored by Iron Horse: Lily Sutherland Owners’ Premiership – sponsored by Bello Vida: Cambridge Stud Newcomer to Training – sponsored by gavelhouse.com: Barbara Kennedy NZB Filly of the Year: Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn) LOVERACING.NZ Award for Contribution to Media, Digital & Content: The Guerin Report Other finalists: Aidan Rodley, Andre Neill, Entain Media Branded Video Content Team, Joshua Smith, Ziba Creative. Champion Two-Year-Old – sponsored by Entain Australia & New Zealand: La Dorada (53) Also: Return To Conquer (7) Champion Three-Year-Old – sponsored by TAB New Zealand: Savaglee (37) Also: Leica Lucy (10), Damask Rose (5), Alabama Lass (3), Captured By Love (1), Willydoit Champion Sprinter-Miler – sponsored by Taylor Perry Insurance Consultants: Grail Seeker (34) Also: Alabama Lass (12), El Vencedor (5), Here To Shock (5), Provence (1), Crocetti Champion Middle-Distance Horse – sponsored by Happy Hire: El Vencedor (51) Also: Snazzytavi (5), La Crique (1) Champion Stayer – sponsored by Sandfield: Willydoit (41) Also: Wolfgang (6), Mehzebeen (5), Blue Sky At Night (2), Trav (1) Champion Jumper – sponsored by New Zealand Jumps Racing: West Coast (56) Also: Berry The Cash (2), Jesko (1), Billy Boy New Zealand Stablehand of the Year – sponsored by Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge & Tauranga: Stephanie Hyde-Richards (employed by Autridge Racing) Also: Lucinda Aitken (Sharrock Racing), Gee Saejorhor (Champagne Racing Stables) Jockey of the Year – sponsored by BcgCrave: Craig Grylls (54) Also: Sam Spratt (5) Jumps Jockey of the Year – sponsored by Rothley Recruitment: Shaun Fannin (51) Also: Joshua Parker (8), Portia Matthews (1), Kylan Wiles Trainer of the Year – sponsored by Dunstan Horsefeeds: Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson (Te Akau Racing) (30) Also: Stephen Marsh (Marsh Racing) (25), Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott (Wexford Stables) (1) Owner of the Year – sponsored by TAB Racing Club: Cambridge Stud (35) Also: Tony Rider (6), Denise Bassett & John Elstob (4), JML Bloodstock (3), The Oaks Stud (3), Waikato Stud (2), Gerry Harvey (1), Pencarrow Thoroughbreds (1), Kim & Peter McKay, Kelvin & Vanessa Tyler NZTR Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing: Ross Coles NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement: Sheila Laxon Sport Nation Horse of the Year: El Vencedor (45 votes) Also: Savaglee (3), Leica Lucy (2), Alabama Lass (1), Captured By Love (1), La Dorada (1), Snazzytavi (1), West Coast (1) View the full article

The Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will and J D Hayes are in a quandary as to the best way to get Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) to his Group One target of the spring. The Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 18 has been earmarked for the nine-time winner at Group 1 level. Ben Hayes said he and his brothers had discussed options for the eight-year-old who returned with a pleasing second in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on August 30. The Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday is under consideration, as is the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday week, with a leaning to the former, although a decision won’t be made until closer to acceptance time on Wednesday. Hayes said the team was not shying away from either Treasurethe Moment or Via Sistina, although the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25 is not in their planning. He said the weather would play an important role in their decision, although Hayes joked that wherever Mr Brightside goes, the rain stays away. However, Mr Brightside did score one of his most impressive wins in last year’s Makybe Diva Stakes when he struck a heavy track. Hayes said finding the right program into the King Charles III was difficult. “If we run in the Makybe Diva, it’s five weeks, if we run in the 7 Stakes, it’s four weeks,” Hayes said. “If he runs next week, we could run him in the Feehan Stakes (at Moonee Valley), like we did last year, or we could keep him fresh and not race for five weeks. “It’s tricky, because if you’re not going up in trip, there’s no race that he can really go for, apart from the Feehan. “There looks like there’s plenty of rain next week, so we might stay in Melbourne, but he has come through his run really well and he’s genuinely bucking his brands off.” Hayes said Treasurethe Moment looked special in her return win and is confident of finishing closer to the mare if the decision is made to go to the Makybe Diva. “If you look at the race, she definitely had the cruisiest run in the race and she had the cruisiest win, but we had to work from the barrier, there was high pressure, he absorbed it, and he beat the rest of the field,” Hayes said. “If he goes to the Makybe Diva, he’ll finish a lot closer to her. He’ll improve out of sight. His second-up record is very good, and he was not wound up for it.” With the Cox Plate already on the backburner, Hayes said Mr Brightside was likely to come back to Melbourne for the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) or the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of Melbourne Cup week with the potential of backing up into the Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield the following Saturday. “We’ve never backed him up like that before,” Hayes said. View the full article

Mine and Stuey's adventure started just five short years ago. Paired together in an initiative to promote business at Taylor Made Sales Agency, I became Stuey's support staff. It was a perfect pairing with him as the seasoned veteran and me with the green thumb. I was fortunate enough to share in the majority of Stuart's time throughout the week for several years. He and I travelled all over central Kentucky together looking at horses which led us to conversations long and wide in the car rides in between. Our talks had no limitations and only a little judgment. His expertise was deep and rich; I once saw him diagnose a foal with a heart condition just by the way his chest moved when he drew breath. The condition was later confirmed by a highly credible local veterinarian and essentially cemented Stuart's title as the ultimate horse whisperer. Stu drastically changed the trajectory of my career, there is no doubt, and there will never be enough words to thank him with. He shaped my eye but taught me how to form my own opinion on a horse. He gave me the confidence to seize opportunities I didn't think I was good enough for. Stu became my biggest supporter, and I am forever grateful for the life lessons he shared with me. I just wasn't ready for our lessons to end. When Stuart eventually shared his illness with me, the business support naturally expanded into a true friendship as his cancer continued to progress. We leaned on each other during the good and bad, championed each other in times of doubt and success, and celebrated each other with a dinner at Giuseppe's every chance we could, like the time we beat out all others for the prestigious Joss Collins Wooden Spoon Award. As time creeps by, the sting of his absence will eventually diminish, but Stuey will always be around. I know and you know, too; he's too damn stubborn not to be! I can't help but think there was some divine intervention at work five years ago. It seems to be that I found Stuey just as he needed an extra hand and Stuey found me just as I needed one, too. The post Letter to the Editor: Stu Story #7 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Showing no signs of slowing down, Zac Purton dominated Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting with a career-best opening-day haul of five wins. The eight-time champion jockey started the new campaign by booting home his first three rides – Perfect Peach, Ka Ying Rising and Super Strong Kid – before scoring on Jamie Richards-trained duo Groovy Feeling and Bulb General. “It’s always good to start well,” said Purton, whose previous best haul on the first day of a Hong Kong season was four winners in 2018 and...View the full article

Self Improvement produced the performance of his life to win the Group Three Korea Sprint (1,200m) as Hong Kong fell agonisingly short of snaring a feature-race double on the Seoul sand on Sunday afternoon. One of the lowest-rated runners in the field, the Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained Self Improvement’s previous best was a Class Three victory in Hong Kong, but that mattered little for the six-year-old son of Deep Field. Given a peach of a ride outside the speed and out of the kickback by Jerry...View the full article

Zac Purton and David Hayes hailed Ka Ying Rising’s rousing return at Sha Tin on Sunday as one of his finest victories as the world’s best sprinter tuned up for his first overseas target in scintillating style. Last season’s Hong Kong Horse of the Year turned the Class One HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (1,200m) into a one-act affair, but it was the manner in which the raging $1.05 favourite disposed of his rivals under top weight of 135lb that impressed his rider and trainer the most. “To carry...View the full article

Timaru trainer Stephanie Faulkner admitted to doubting Richard Stomper’s (NZ) (El Roca) prospects before and during the LOVERACING.NZ Remembering Grey Way (1600m) on Sunday, but the talented six-year-old kicked off his new campaign with a tenacious front-running victory on his home track. It was the first raceday appearance since the beginning of March for the El Roca gelding, who was a last-start fifth behind Our Echo, Perfect Scenario, Matscot and He’s A Doozy in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m) at Wingatui. Richard Stomper was a well-supported $4.40 chance for his first-up assignment in open company on Sunday, and his regular rider Brandon May allowed him to stride forward and take up the lead within the first 100m. After controlling the race up to the home turn, Richard Stomper looked vulnerable at the top of the straight as Sir Albert cruised up alongside him. But just when it seemed like he was beaten, Richard Stomper summoned a second wind. He clawed his way back level with Sir Albert and locked horns with him in a head-bobbing duel to the line. In the end he snatched a tough victory by a nose, with Sir Albert finishing two lengths ahead of the third-placed Charbano. Richard Stomper was bought for only $900 from a Gavelhouse.com auction in February of 2023. He has now had 23 starts for five wins, six placings and $119,670 in stakes. “That was a nice way to kick off a new campaign,” Faulkner said. “I wasn’t sure about him first-up over the 1600m today, I thought that might be a bit far for him when he didn’t have that raceday fitness. “It wasn’t the plan to try to lead all the way either, he’s not normally a front-runner, so it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. But luckily he had quite an easy time in the lead for most of the race, so he had a bit left to give when he was challenged in the straight. He fought really well.” Faulkner identified the $50,000 Ashburton Cup (1600m) on October 11 as a potential next step. “I have to admit I haven’t looked that far beyond this race, I wanted to see how he’d go first-up before making any plans,” she said. “He’s nominated for the Howden Insurance Mile (Gr.1, 1600m) and Livamol Classic (Gr.1, 2040m) up north, but he’s a long way down the order of entry for those and unlikely to get a start. So we’ll see if we can find something else that’s suitable. Maybe something like the Ashburton Cup could be a nice race to work towards.” An eye-catching runner in Sunday’s race was the fourth placegetter Ess Vee Are (NZ) (Shocking). The seven-year-old son of Shocking was having his first start for Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston, having previously won five races for Darryn and Briar Weatherley including the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham in 2023. Ess Vee Are holds a nomination for the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November, for which the TAB rates him a $26 chance. View the full article

The 370km journey from Matamata to Woodville has proven to be a worthwhile commute for Jakama Krystal (NZ) (Jakkalberry), who collected her third jumps success at the course in Sunday’s $50,000 Jude Challies Property Brokers Woodville Tararua Steeplechase (4800m). The Jakkalberry mare is now the winner of eight races overall from a 70-start career, including two wins over hurdles and four steeplechase successes. She has contested eight jumps races at Woodville for three wins – a maiden hurdle over 3000m in June of 2023, a nine-length romp in a 4000m open steeplechase in late September last year, and Sunday’s hard-fought victory over Prince Turbo. Jakama Krystal’s other Woodville visits have included a second in an open hurdle, a fifth in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), a sixth in the Awapuni Hurdle (3000m), and an open steeplechase last year in which she lost rider Lemmy Douglas when she was right in contention with 600m to run. Sunday’s success came in partnership with jockey Jordan Hart, who settled the Peter and Jessica Brosnan-trained mare back in second-last as Izymydaad set the pace for most of the two and a half laps. Whiskey Tango took over during the final run along the back straight, but his lead was short-lived as Hart allowed Jakama Krystal to roll forward and take command with 800m remaining. Although Whiskey Tango was quickly beaten, another threat soon emerged in the form of Prince Turbo. He saved ground on Jakama Krystal’s inside coming around the home turn, and that pair approached the second-to-last fence together. Jakama Krystal jumped it better and took a narrow advantage, which she maintained all the way to the finish line to win by a length. Whiskey Tango was the only other finisher, some 30 lengths behind the first pair, with Izymydaad and the champion jumper West Coast both well beaten a long way from home and retired from the race. “That was another good win by Jakama Krystal,” Jessica Brosnan said. “She seems to really like it down here at Woodville. She’s won three times over jumps at this course now, and it probably should have been four – she lost her rider when she was going very well one time here as well.” The TAB rates Jakama Krystal a $31 chance for the Ben and Ryan Foote Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha on September 21, but Brosnan rates her an unlikely starter in that $200,000 end-of-season showpiece. “She might head out for a holiday soon,” she said. “I don’t think the Great New Zealand Steeplechase was ever really on the cards for her. I don’t think she’s an extreme stayer, she’s a little bit too quick. We’ll probably keep her ticking over and leave that option open, depending on how the field comes up, but it’s not really in our plans at this stage.” Ben Foote could have a multi-faceted interest in that two-day jumps carnival at Te Aroha later in the month. As well as sponsoring the Great New Zealand Steeplechase, he part-owns the potential J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdle (4200m) candidate The Bambino. The Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-trained gelding is finding form at the right time, adding Sunday’s $50,000 Jump Start Tararua Hurdles (3000m) to his success in another open hurdle over the same course and distance on August 17. The Bambino was ridden to both of those victories by Emily Farr, who brought the eight-year-old with a well-timed finish from off the pace on Sunday to win comfortably by two and three-quarter lengths over Happy Star. The TAB now rates The Bambino a $16 chance for the Great New Zealand Hurdle, which will be run on the opening day of the Te Aroha carnival on September 19. View the full article

Join Guy Heveldt, Emily Bosson and Jayne Ivil as they celebrate the first G1 of the season, dissect the stories for spring, here and in Australia. Weigh In, 7 September View the full article

Ultra-consistent mare La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) earned a unique place in New Zealand racing history at Ellerslie on Saturday with her seventh runner-up finish in a Group One race. The Vadamos mare produced another top-drawer performance in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m). Almost half of the 16-horse field lined up across the track and went to war down the Ellerslie straight, and La Crique dug deep and held them all out before being bombed by Quintessa’s last-to-first surge down the outside. La Crique now holds the record for second placings in Group One races in New Zealand. She previously shared it with Integrate, who had six. “She ran another fantastic race on Saturday and fought so hard,” said Katrina Alexander, who trains La Crique in partnership with her husband Simon. “I think she and the others who were fighting it out never even saw Quintessa coming down the outside. Full credit to her, it was a huge performance to win the race like that, but our mare did us proud again.” La Crique has had 27 starts for nine wins, 10 seconds and four thirds and has earned $1.993 million for owner-breeders John and Jan Cassin. A dual Group One winner of the Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m), La Crique has also recorded those seven runner-up finishes over distances ranging from the 1400m of Saturday’s Proisir Plate all the way up to the 2400m of the 2022 New Zealand Derby. La Crique has now run second in five consecutive Group One races, having filled that position in last season’s TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m), Zabeel Classic (2000m), Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m). “I think what we’re most proud of with her, and our management of her, is how consistent she’s been throughout every preparation and every race,” Alexander said. “She goes out and gives the very best that she can every single time, which is quite a big thing, and especially to be still doing that as a seven-year-old.” The TAB now rates La Crique a $6 chance for the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa on September 27. She shares second favouritism with Proisir winner Quintessa, while Saturday’s unlucky sixth placegetter Legarto heads the market at $4. However, Alexander warns La Crique is not quite a guaranteed starter at Te Rapa. “She’s pulled up well,” she said. “It got a bit tight and rough during the race, and when we got her home, we saw he had a little bit of bark off a hind leg. Luckily it’s not anything major, but it shows what these Group One races can be like. “She ate well last night and she looks bright, so she seems to have come through it as well as we could have hoped. “Stepping up to the mile second-up should definitely suit her, but I’m just not entirely sure about Te Rapa. Her couple of runs there have been a bit of a mixed bag, so I don’t know if it’s her preferred surface. “We’ll give her a light week now, which will give us a bit of time to work that out. We’ll probably make a decision towards the end of the week.” The Te Awamutu trainers’ other runner at Ellerslie on Saturday was Si Exquis (NZ) (Vadamos), who finished ninth in the Join TAB Racing Club 1600 but was beaten by only 1.4 lengths in a blanket finish. “It was her first time at Ellerslie and quite a different racing experience for her,” Alexander said. “It was very tight. She’s probably not really used to that. “She hit a bit of a flat patch, which was possibly a bit of greenness when she came up behind a wall of horses and didn’t know what to do. She’s a big mare and just went a bit flat, and being a heavy horse, it takes a bit to get the momentum up again. Kelly (Myers, jockey) said the race was over by the time she felt the horse picking up under her again. “But she’s pulled up super and hasn’t really had a tough run. She’s looking for a bit more ground now, but the way the calendar is at the moment may mean we have to give her another mile first before stepping up in trip.” View the full article

The heavy rain and thunder brought by the approaching Tropical Storm Tapah did little to deter racing fans, as the Hong Kong season opened in Sha Tin on Sunday. Crowds started gathering at the racecourse from 8am, with punters eager to get a spot near the parade ring for the opening ceremony, which included a performance by singer MC Cheung Tin-fu. And the opening day was the first opportunity many experienced punters got to see the new facilities, with opinion divided on the latest phase of the...View the full article