Wandering Eyes

Connections of Goliath have renewed the call for geldings to be permitted to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) after confirming the talented 4-year-old will not run again before an ambitious international campaign next year.View the full article

One of the favorites for this spring's Golden Slipper Stakes (G1), group 3 winner King Kirk died in a swimming pool accident following a fourth placing in a Randwick trial.View the full article

The 2024 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association's Florida Sire Stakes series comes to a close Nov. 30 at Gulfstream Park with a pair of $300,000, 1 1/16-mile races for juveniles that attracted high-quality favorites. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — In contrast to the opening day of foal trade in Ireland just over a week ago, the Tattersalls December Foal Sale was slower out of the blocks with a clearance rate of 60%. The average and median did improve throughout the day and ended with slight increases on this session last year at 12,086gns (+8%) and 9,000gns (+13%). Turnover, from 111 of the 182 foals sold, dipped by xx% to 1,341,500gns, albeit from 24 fewer foals changing hands than on the corresponding day last year. Of those weanlings who found a buyer, 21 were bought for the minimum bid of 1,000gns. There are doubtless different factors at play, with the noted influx of young Irish vendors last week far more likely to get involved locally initially, especially when it comes to the extra expense in travelling horses in and out of the EU since Brexit. There is not the same level of interest in foal pinhooking among British-based buyers, and the number of smaller British breeders has been in decline, along with the size of the foal crop. That will doubtless continue, in the short term at least. At this end of the market, the sums involved simply do not make commercial sense for breeders aiming to sell rather than race the horses they produce. It will be a different story come Friday of course, with some smartly bred individuals set to grace the ring, but for this first of four foal sessions it was a case of a steady start, albeit with an important piece of bloodstock history at the beginning of the day. As is customary, Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony took to the rostrum to offer the first five foals through the ring, none of which was sold, and then came the debut of Shirley Anderson-Jolag, who became the first female auctioneer in Britain, knocking down her first lot (211), a filly by Ubettabelieveit (Ire), for 1,000gns to an online bid from HWRS. Applause rippled round the ring but Anderson-Jolag, who was been building up to this moment with plenty of practice through the last two years, pressed on in businesslike fashion to successfully complete what will be the first of two stints on the rostrum this week. “I had a good solid year of practice with Edmond [Mahony],” she said. “Harvey Bell has been really helpful, too, and I have sold cattle, antiques, sold after auction races and at charity events. About a year and a half ago it was Hannah Wall and David Redvers who gave me my first charity auction at a hunt ball – they kind of made me do it, which was great as I would probably have said no.” Of the response to her first turn in the ring, she added, “It has been nothing but positive from everyone, and I am glad I have finally done it. Standing behind Edmond to go up to the front of the rostrum I felt as sick as a dog, but I knew I had the support of people and, once I saw people coming into the ring, that made me really happy, it was lovely. Once I got that first lot under my belt, I was okay.” She continued, “Hopefully, in five years it will be norm, and loads of women will be doing this. It did weigh on me a bit coming into today but only for positive reasons, because I wanted to be good for other women coming through.” Commenting on Anderson-Jolag's historic debut, Mahony said, “The company is nearly 260 years old, so to have a first female auctioneer is quite a moment. Tattersalls is viewed as a very traditional company and it is quite nice to buck the trend and be the first to achieve this. It is a great achievement on Shirley's behalf, she has put a lot of work into this. She was obviously nervous this morning, but she will be a lot freer and relaxed going forwards.” First-Crop Space Traveller Colt Shines A colt from the first crop of Space Traveller (GB) provided one of the highlights of the afternoon with a flurry of activity for the half-brother to the Windsor Castle Stakes winner Ain't Nobody (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}). The final bid for lot 385 was placed online at 82,000gns, with the colt, bred by Steve Parkin's Rathbride Farm, being marked as sold to Mick Carty of Kilmoney Cottage Stud. The colt's dam Burmese Waltz (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) was a multiple winner for Parkin's Clipper Logistics, as was Space Traveller, winner of the G2 Boomerang Stakes and now resident at Starfield Stud. Tom Blain, whose Barton Stud was the leading vendor on day one with 13 sold for 225,000gns, said, “Steve Parkin wanted to show the industry that the stallion is producing good foals, and I think this foal has achieved that – and he has a good pedigree with a Royal Ascot winner this year. He is good enough to be offered any day, this week, but today has paid off and all the judges were on him, all the pinhookers.” Barton Stud also sold a colt by Pinatubo (Ire) (lot 387) on behalf of breeder Charlie Wyatt of Dukes Stud for 50,000gns to Anna Raddavero of St Simon Bloodstock. She said of the son of the listed-placed High Hopes (GB) (Zamindar), “This is our first experience buying here. We'll see how he grows and then decide because we have some that we sell and others that we race.” Raddavero also experienced her first winner in Britain this month when the Marco Botti-trained two-year-old Palazzo Blu (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) won on debut ay Chelmsford. Proven Standout Bidding through Paddy Vaughan, Roger and Tony O'Callaghan snapped up a son of Nathaniel (Ire) from Tom and Alexandra Whitehead's Altenbach Bloodstock for 55,000gns. An outlier in as much as the colt was the sole weanling in the top 20 sold whose sire had won at 1m2f or more. “A very athletic colt,” was Roger O'Callaghan's assessment of lot 376, who is a half-brother to the listed Prix Finlande winner Olendon (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) who was also runner-up in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary. Saxtead's Faith in A'Ali Rewarded Members of the Yeomanstown Stud team were decked out in caps advertising their new stallion Mill Stream (Ire) and, as ever, were active foal buyers, signing up three new recruits for 78,000gns. At the head of that trio was lot 271, the A'Ali (Ire) first foal of the winning Aclaim (Ire) mare Kelapa (GB). The colt, who fetched 40,000gns, was bred by Bob and Fiona Temple of Saxtead Livestock, who also bred and raced the mare. Fiona Temple said, “We have a breeding right in the stallion, and we have had two nice colts by him this year. Our mares tend to be quite big and he is a neat stallion.” She added, “We're over the moon that Yeomanstown have bought him – it is so important that the horses go on to good homes, especially as he is a first foal out of the mare, he will get every chance now.” The Temples are selling four colts this week through Barton Stud. “They were all nice sorts and, as we do all the work ourselves, it is easier to deal with the colts as foals rather than yearlings,” Temple said. “We have a Stradivarius [lot 1107] to sell on Saturday and we think he is the nicest of the lot.” The foal sale resumes on Wednesday at the sightly earlier time of 10am. The post History Made at Tattersalls But Harsh Reality of Lower Market Tier is Evident appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Old Friends' HayRaiser fundraiser kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 27 and continues through Tuesday, Dec. 3. The campaign is aimed to raise funds to support the organization's herd of over 270 horses which requires in excess of 400 round bales to get through winter. “The Thanksgiving season is a perfect time to remember all of our retired Thoroughbred athletes at Old Friends,” said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends. “They have given so much and now it's our turn to give to them. Our ability to care for over 270 horses every day, year round, is dependent upon the generous support of those who have a special appreciation for these horses and all that they have done.” This year's HayRaiser fundraiser is even more important to the organization given the dry conditions facing Scott County, Kentucky. “We've experienced the second driest October on record in the last 130 years,” said an Old Friend release. “This was great for enjoying the outdoors and the Keeneland Fall race meet, but not so great for our paddocks, as we had to start supplementing our Thoroughbred retirees' forage with hay sooner than planned.” To donate, click here or mail a donation to: Old Friends 2024 HayRaiser Fundraiser 1841 Paynes Depot Rd. Georgetown, Ky 40324 The post Old Friends Fundraiser Begins Nov. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On Saturday, December 14, between the hours of 10am and 4pm, the five-acre site of the National Horseracing Museum (NHRM) in Newmarket will open its doors to celebrate the arrival of the festive season. There is a special admission price of £6 per adult and £4 per child, with under 5's FREE. The ticket price includes access to all outside areas of the NHRM and a ride on Santa's horse and carriage. Tickets are available to purchase in advance online or on the day at the Gift Shop. Click here for more information about the event. The post National Horseracing Museum Offers Festive, Horse-Driven Carriage Tour appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars ILLUMINOUS - R9 (5) Found plenty of trouble when fourth last start and can deliver here Jay Rooney FATAL BLOW - R5 (5) Stuck on well for third on debut and has scope for big improvement Jack Dawling NEW POWER - R6 (5) Consistent galloper can get back to winning ways after strong trial Phillip Woo ME TIME - R1 (1) Gets a golden chance to score dropping down to Class Five for the first time Shannon (Vincent Wong) CHARITY GAIN - R4 (1) In-form galloper can succeed over this Valley trip again tonight Racing Post Online NEW POWER - R6 (5) Good run last start and recent work suggests he can go close again Tom Wood CHARITY GAIN - R4 (1) Ran well last start for third and finds a winnable race hereView the full article

King Kirk (Aus), one of the most promising two-year-olds in Australia following his debut win in the G3 Breeders' Plate at Randwick last month, has died as a result of a freak accident, Racenet reported on Tuesday. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, King Kirk had participated in a barrier trial earlier in the day as he continued his preparation for a tilt at the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast on Saturday, January 11. However, the son of first-season sire Ole Kirk (Aus) reportedly encountered difficulties during a routine swim after his exercise on the track and could not be saved. In a release seen by Racenet, the Waterhouse and Bott stable told MyRacehorse syndicate members involved in the colt, “Unfortunately, King Kirk has passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery. “King Kirk was routinely swimming at the Randwick Racecourse horse pool under the supervision of his regular handler and foreman, when he panicked causing him to swallow a significant amount of water in the process. “Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC [Australian Turf Club], staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved.” The post Magic Millions Contender King Kirk Dies in Freak Accident appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ascot Racecourse announced on Tuesday that Felicity Barnard has been appointed as chief executive, with Alastair Warwick set to stand down from the role at the end of the year for personal reasons. Barnard currently serves as deputy chief executive at Ascot, alongside her role as commercial director. Sir Francis Brooke, chairman and His Majesty's representative at Ascot Racecourse, said, “Alastair has played a major role in the success of Ascot Racecourse since he joined the business in 2008, most recently as chief executive where he has overseen two very important and successful Royal Meetings in the new reign of King Charles III. “We are all grateful to him on so many levels and thank him for his dedication to Ascot over the past 16 years. For personal reasons Alastair has expressed a wish to step down from his role at Ascot. This will allow him time to consider other opportunities for the next stage of his career and we all wish him well. “I am delighted that Fliss Barnard has accepted the Board's invitation to become chief executive,” Brooke continued. “Fliss has already brought considerable commercial expertise to the racecourse and the wider industry. Additionally, she has led on initiatives which have seen a significant expansion of Ascot's global profile.” Warwick said, “It has been an absolute privilege to work for and then lead this organisation over the past 16 years. Ascot and Royal Ascot is only ever something you are a custodian of but during my time it has been a pleasure to see Ascot flourish and grow so much whilst supporting the community that it is a part of.” Before joining Ascot, Barnard spent four years as CEO of Tie Break Tens, where she launched the new short format of tennis internationally. She also worked at Arsenal Football Club, both in London and Singapore, and at West Ham United as their commercial director. Barnard added, “I am very excited to have been appointed to lead the business and look forward to working alongside the rest of the racing industry to promote the sport in an increasingly competitive environment.” The post Felicity Barnard to Succeed Alastair Warwick as Ascot CEO appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Regular rider James McDonald has issued a positive bulletin on Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) ahead of his bid for a historic third consecutive win in the HK$40 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 8. California Memory (Highest Honor {Fr}) is the only other dual winner of the Hong Kong Cup in 2011 and 2012, which means Romantic Warrior would be out on his own as the most successful horse in the race's history should he repeat his 2022 and 2023 triumphs at the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). Victory would also promote Romantic Warrior (HK$154.92 million/€18.9 million) ahead of Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) (HK$167.17 million/€20.4 million) into the position of the world's highest-earning racehorse of all time. “He wears his heart on his sleeve,” McDonald said of the six-year-old Romantic Warrior, who could seek further riches in the Middle East early next year, having been given an entry in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan on Friday, January 24. “He's a once-in-a-lifetime horse and I would love to see him win a third. Even watching his videos at trackwork, he's moving like a well-oiled machine–he's just really strutting his stuff. He's in career-best form. “It's a great day [HKIR] to be part of and to have a live chance is even better. I just enjoy coming back to ride him [Romantic Warrior]. He gives you so much confidence as a rider. You just look forward to the day–it's very self-explanatory.” What. A. Star. Romantic Warrior soars home in the G2 Jockey Club Cup for @mcacajamez and Danny Shum at Sha Tin!#HKRacing | @HKJC_Racing pic.twitter.com/pAxcrPqRzm — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 17, 2024 The post Romantic Warrior Given Meydan Entry Ahead of Unprecedented Hat-Trick Bid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Superstar galloper could get his first taste of the dirt in Dubai on January 24.View the full article

Rachel King and King Kirk after winning the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) favourite King Kirk has tragically passed away following a freak incident at Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt drowned after panicking while swimming in the horse pool, a routine activity following his morning trackwork. Earlier in the day, King Kirk had participated in a 740m two-year-old barrier trial at Randwick, marking his first public appearance since his debut win in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate. “Unfortunately, King Kirk has passed away this afternoon following an incident that occurred during his recovery,” the Waterhouse and Bott stable informed MyRacehorse owners in a statement. “King Kirk was routinely swimming at the Randwick racecourse horse pool under the supervision of his regular handler and foreman, when he panicked, causing him to swallow a significant amount of water in the process. “Despite the efforts by his handlers, ATC (Australian Turf Club) staff and veterinarians, he sadly could not be saved.” The son of first-season stallion Ole Kirk had been the $15 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for next year’s $5 million Golden Slipper and was being targeted for January’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast, a race won last year by Waterhouse and Bott’s former star colt Storm Boy. Horse racing news View the full article

Last Saturday, The Pinnacles continued to hold centre stage with Railway Stakes Day at Ascot featuring as the highlight meeting in Australia. Meanwhile, Cranbourne, Kembla Grange and Morphettville held strong support programs throughout the day. With several runners returning for summer preparations, we have found three that are worth following after strong performances early in the campaign. Ascot Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +5m entire circuit Race 9: RTG72+ Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:22.86 Horse to follow: Own The Queen (2nd) Own The Queen returned from an eight-month spell following her Group 3 WA Oaks victory and subsequent failure in the Group 2 WATC Derby. The Justine Erkelens-trained mare was unwanted in betting with horse racing bookmakers, drifting from $14 to $34 before the jump. However, after running up behind a slowing pacesetter at the 150m mark, the daughter of Awesome Rock found clear air and exploded with a blistering turn of foot to finish a narrow runner-up. When to bet: Connections of Own The Queen would have been delighted with her fresh run, and a rise in trip to 1600m or 1800m will suit second-up. Keep an eye out for where Erkelens places her next start. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ascot-Race-4-BM72-23112024-Fast-Flicker-Tony-Triscari-Steven-Parnham.mp4 Cranbourne Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R3) Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 4: Benchmark 70 Handicap (1300m) | Time: 1:17.65 Horse to follow: Vienna Vixen (4th) Vienna Vixen was unlucky in the fourth race at Cranbourne, as the Ciaron Maher-trained mare was blocked for a run twice in the final 400m. The daughter of Foxwedge went for a run in between horses at the 400m mark before having to head back to the inside, where she was then blocked by a wayward Snappy Secret in the final 200m. Once she picked herself up, Vienna Vixen smashed through the line and finished a luckless fourth. When to bet: Vienna Vixen is nominated for a 1300m race at Wodonga on Friday, November 29, and if Maher sends her there, she will prove very hard to beat. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Cranbourne-Race-4-BM70-Handicap-23112024-Nation-State-John-Moloney-Beau-Mertens.mp4 Kembla Grange Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R3) Rail position: True entire circuit Race 9: Group 3 The Warra (1000m) | Time: 0:55.92 Horse to follow: Fleetwood (4th) Fleetwood competed in his maiden Group 3 contest first-up at Kemble Grange, where the James Cummings-trained gelding finished off strongly for fourth place. The son of Encryption raced in his usual pattern at the back of the field, and after peeling wide to follow the eventual winner, he was left a little flatfooted with 300m. However, in the final 200m, Fleetwood started to take ground of the leaders, indicating that further is needed for him to show his best second-up. When to bet: The Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on December 14 looks like the ideal race for Fleetwood to tackle next. https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Kembla-Grange-Race-9-Group-3-The-Warra-Headwall-Matthew-Smith-Blake-Spriggs.mp4 Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, November 27, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-part program set for decision. The rail is out in the C+3 position the entire circuit, and with no rainfall predicted in the lead up, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm local time. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Me Time The Douglas Whyte-trained Me Time drops into Class 5 company for the first time and appears perfectly placed to crack his maiden. He’s proven formidable at the bottom of Class 4 but hasn’t quite got the head down where it matters most, outclassed by the likes of Charity Gain and Aruthur’s Kingdom in recent starts. Zac Purton gets legged aboard from gate three this time around, and although he needs to lug top-weight (60.5kg) to victory, Me Time should get every chance to taste success at start 10. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Me Time (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Douglas Whyte | J: Zac Purton (60.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Charity Gain Charity Gain was defeated as a drifting favourite with horse racing bookmakers at Sha Tin on November 9 and warrants forgiving after a torrid run in transit. The son of Twilight Son was cast wide despite drawing barrier four, and although never travelling well at any stage, the David Eustace-trained gelding picked himself off the canvas to get within two lengths of Joyful Prosperity. He smashed a similar field two starts back over 1800m at Happy Valley, and provided he can replicate something similar stepping out to the 2200m, Charity Gain should prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Charity Gain (8) 5yo Gelding | T: David Eustace | J: Vincent Ho (61kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Happy Valley: Racingrace The David Hall-trained Racingrace appears set to peak third-up into the campaign after being ridden out of his comfort zone at Sha Tin on November 9. He sustained his run to get within 1.8 lengths of Patch Of Time but couldn’t show his explosive turn-of-foot ridden up on speed. Brenton Avdulla will be looking to take a sit somewhere midfield with cover this time around, and provided he can put in the big strides like he did two starts back, Racingrace should be finishing off well at the each-way price with Picklebet. Best Value Race 7 – #6 Racingrace (6) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Brenton Avdulla (56.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections November 27, 2024 3-5-8-9 4-6-9-10 2-4-6-12 1-4-5-8-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

With the likes of Treacherous Bay and Duchess Megxit squaring off in Friday’s $225,000 Group 1 Tennant Engineering NZ Pacing Oaks for the three-year-old fillies at Addington Raceway why not look back at who won the Oaks half a century ago? 1974 New Zealand Oaks winner – Hurrania By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk It was like mother like daughter in the New Zealand Oaks 50 years ago. On February 16, 1974 at Addington Raceway, Hurrania won the New Zealand Oaks, just like her mum Arania had done 15 years previously. She gave trainer George Noble her third win in the fillies classic, son John Noble his second winning drive, and Roy McKenzie, of Roydon Lodge fame, his second success in the race as an owner-breeder. Hurrania was perfectly driven by John Noble (pictured above) in the 14-strong field. She was positioned in the one-one more than a lap out from home. In the straight she was too strong for second favourite Forta Cavalla, winning by over a length. On a rainy day it was an eventful Oaks with four runners receiving bad checks after 350 metres when Grouse Call galloped. The disappointment in the race was the hot favourite Gentle Miss. Her manners were wayward early before sprinting around the field to be handy from the 1600 metres, only to fade in the run home to finish seventh. George Noble’s previous training successes in the Oaks were with Arania in 1959 and Bonnie Frost 10 years later. George drove Arania to victory with son John doing the honours with Hurrania and Bonnie Frost. (George and John Noble also combined to win the 1976 New Zealand Cup with Stanley Rio.) Bonnie Frost’s winning margin in the Oaks is recorded as being seven lengths, the equal biggest along with Glint in 1955. Hurrania was one of the first New Zealand crop of Armbro Hurricane who was imported from the USA by Roy McKenzie in 1969 for his Roydon Lodge Stud at Yaldhurst in Christchurch. She was Arania’s seventh and most successful foal, with eight career wins from 70 starts. Bred and raced by McKenzie, Arania (U Scott – Local Gold) at one stage was the fourth fastest mare in history after recording a 1:57 mark at the famous Red Mile track in Kentucky in 1961. Driven by Noble senior, McKenzie’s private trainer, she was a top three-year-old winning six times that season from just nine starts. She also won two heats of the 1961 Inter Dominions at Addington before just getting beaten in the final by Massacre and three-time New Zealand Cup champion False Step. To show how things have changed over the past half century in 1974 the Oaks was worth $9000 while Friday’s race has stakes of $225,000, with more than $123,000 going to the winner. Hurrania’s winning time was 3:29.3 – the race record by Princess Tiffany in 2019 was 3:08.2. The Oaks date back to 1948 with Mark Purdon (5 wins), Ricky May (5 wins), Natalie Rasmussen (4 wins) and David Butcher (4 wins) all featuring prominently in recent years. To see Friday’s Oaks field click here View the full article

What Geelong Races Where Geelong Racecourse – 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219 When Wednesday, November 27, 2024 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble Geelong is the destination for midweek racing in Victoria on Wednesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race meeting on the cards. The track was rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with rain forecast on raceday, it is likely the meeting will be held on a Soft 6 or 7. The rail sticks to its true position, with the action commencing at 1pm AEDT. Best Bet at Geelong: Rewards And More Rewards And More got the job done as an odds-on favourite at Bendigo fresh from a spell, overhauling his rivals fairly easily to win by a half-length. The son of Reward For Effort steps up to 1100m, which looks more to his liking than the 1000m, and should get the race run to suit him. Damian Lane sticks on board, and from the rear of the field, Rewards And More will be hitting the line strongly down the heart of the track. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Rewards And More (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Damian Lane (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Geelong: Rose Of England The Charlotte Littlefield-trained Rose Of England was a dominant maiden winner first-up at Pakenham on Heavy going, stalking the speed before putting the race away within a couple of strides. Ben Allen sticks aboard and is sure to give the four-year-old mare a similar run in transit from barrier three. Beyond any bad luck, Rose Of England looks poised to win again. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Rose Of England (3) 4yo Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Ben Allen (59kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Geelong: Juggernaut Joan First-up from a spell, the Patrick & Michelle Payne-trained Juggernaut Joan looks well placed to break maiden ranks at the third time of asking. The four-year-old mare ran second behind a couple of handy city-class types in her initial campaign, and this looks to be a touch easier than those races. Billy Egan will take her towards the rear of the field, but with a genuinely run 1300m expected, the race sets up perfectly for Juggernaut Joan to be launching down the heart of the track. Best Value Race 4 – #2 Juggernaut Joan (4) 4yo Mare | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Billy Egan (57.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Wednesday quaddie tips for Geelong Geelong quadrella selections Wednesday, November 27, 2024 1-3 4-5-7-8-10 1-3-7 3-5-6-9-10-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Andrew Forsman will continue a busy week across the North Island at Te Aroha on Wednesday, with his small contingent including strong recent trial winner Mad Max (NZ) (Savabeel). The son of Savabeel was impressive at the trials early in his career and had a pair of starts in Australia and back home in January, before Forsman allowed him plenty of time to mature over the autumn and winter period. Raceday rider George Rooke guided Mad Max at Waipa where he closed off nicely to win his 850m heat, a performance Forsman hopes he can replicate in the John Revell Memorial 1150. “He’s coming up really well, he’s certainly a lot stronger so hopefully that was attributing to some lacklustre raceday performances last time around,” he said. “He just needs to show what he does at the trials, at the races.” The familiar colours of Christopher Grace will be carried by the gelding’s stablemate Hinekaha (NZ) (Savabeel) in Saturday’s Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m) at Ellerslie, following a performance that impressed her trainer on debut at Pukekohe. Out of Listed Rangatikei Gold Cup (1600m) winner Hinerangi, Hinekaha showed Forsman plenty prior to her first outing, but he was pleasantly surprised to see her so effective over the 1200m. “I expected her to run well, but I thought the 1200m may be a bit short because she was drawn wide and might get back,” he said. “It was very encouraging when you think you have a horse with ability to see them win like that first-up.” Forsman nominated the filly for the Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui on the same day, but said she would almost certainly be heading to the northern meeting. Joining her at Ellerslie will be Saint Bathans, who holds nominations for the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m) and Stella Artois 1500 Championship Qualifier (1300m), the former also having the potential of featuring Group One winner Aegon. “At this stage, we’ll probably keep Saint Bathans to the 1300m,” Forsman said. “He just needs genuine tempo and a decent barrier draw, so there is a possibility we’ll accept in both races.” Aegon has raced in elite company in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand throughout his career and the seven-year-old was eye-catching fresh-up in the Gr.2 P.B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) back in August before finishing among the tail-enders in his following starts. The Sacred Falls gelding returned to the trials at Taupo on Tuesday and pleased Forsman, who indicated he could bypass Saturday’s feature in favour of the Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) on December 7. “He never trials that well but it was nice to give him a day out and see how forward he is fitness-wise,” Forsman said. “I think he’s not far off being ready to go, so I’m just deciding whether we’ll run him this weekend or go to Trentham next Saturday.” Forsman hopes to see his well-performed mare Moonlight Magic back in Group One contention this campaign, after the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) runner-up also performed well in a strong trial at Taupo. “She’s been back in work for a couple of months and had a trial last week at Waipa,” Forsman said. “She trialled well today (Tuesday) so she shouldn’t be far off racing in the next two or three weeks. “Our targets this preparation will be the Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) and the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m), the two weight-for-age races are what we’re hoping to head towards. “Her next couple of runs will dictate where we might get to, but I think the middle-distance will suit this time around.” View the full article

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Board has today confirmed their support for the continuation of Jumps racing as part of the racing programme. This decision follows a process announced in September that included the appointment of a Jumps Racing Review Panel. The panel resolved to recommend that Jumps racing in New Zealand should continue, but that continuation will need to be supported by several initiatives to ensure the success of the industry, both in the short and long term. “The panel have taken a comprehensive review of Jumps racing in NZ and whilst the recommendation is for the continuation it is not for jumps racing to continue in its current state, changes do need to be made to give it the best chance to thrive,” said Darin Balcombe, NZTR COO and Jumps Racing Review Panel Chair. The panel provided 19 individual recommendations with priorities that include: Supporting, mentoring and attracting Jumps jockeys Reviewing and optimising the Jumps racing calendar Enhancing race programming for consistency and competition Ensuring fit-for-purpose infrastructure and rules The panel has also recommended NZTR develop key performance indicators to evaluate Jumps racing’s performance annually and a comprehensive strategic review every three years to ensure objectives and performance are aligned. NZTR Chairman Russell Warwick applauded the panel for their hard work and collaboration throughout the review process. “I would like to thank the panel and Alan Galbraith KC for their support throughout this process. Many factors were taken into consideration, and we believe implementing the panel’s recommendations will give Jumps racing the best opportunity to perform at a high-level long term,” he said “This decision gives the industry the opportunity to reenergize Jumps racing and will make winter racing an exciting prospect into the future.” The full Jumps Racing Review Panel Recommendations Report can be found using the link below. NZTR’s implementation process will include creating a framework and outlining KPIs to measure Jumps racing’s performance annually, to be delivered prior to 31 March 2025. Jumps Racing Review Panel Recommendations Report View the full article

The newly-established TAB Racing Club will have their first juvenile runners to the races at Ellerslie on Saturday, including Dorothea (NZ) (Proisir) for trainer Pam Gerard. A filly by Proisir, Dorothea was selected by the Ballymore Stables contingent and purchased for $150,000 out of Highline Thoroughbreds’ draft at the Karaka Yearling Sales in January. Her most recent of two trial appearances was a creditable fourth behind Return To Conquer, the highly-impressive winner of last Saturday’s Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). Matamata-based Gerard was rapt to be offered the opportunity to select one of the original yearlings for the TAB Racing Club and is pleased with her filly’s progress. “The TAB are very generous in getting horses out there for the public to race and this was the one we chose,” she said. “I’m really happy with the choice we made. She’s got a great nature on her, she’s cute, she’s pretty and I’ve gotten a lot of comments from the TAB that she’s got a lot of followers as such a nice type. “Hopefully she can go and do the job.” Dorothea is eligible for the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) in January, the obvious target for juveniles, but Gerard indicated she expects a more refined version of the filly later in the season. “She’s a really lovely filly with plenty of upside about her, she’s only going to keep improving,” Gerard said. “It’s a bit of an ask to go up to Auckland (on Saturday), but she’s got a lovely temperament on her and she’ll cope with it really well. “It can be a bit hard on some of these younger ones, but she’s certainly a filly that will be a lot better next prep. I would like to get a run into her to see which way she’s going to go, obviously we’re all trying to get to the Karaka Millions if possible, but I do think she’ll be a better filly after that. “We’ll just see how she goes on Saturday.” Dorothea will be joined in the maiden two-year-old contest by Te Akau Racing filly In Haste (Snitzel), who is owned by the TAB Racing Club, alongside Newgate Operations and breeders SF Bloodstock. The daughter of Snitzel is a half-sister to Australian Group One winner Prompt Response and Group Three winner Prompt Return. Earlier in the week, Gerard will have a trio of runners at Te Aroha on Wednesday, including Pericles (NZ) (Rubick) in the Keith Miller 1400. The Rubick four-year-old won last season’s Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) and got within a nose of subsequent Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) and Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m) winner Luberon in a fresh state at Ellerslie in September. Pericles was set to run last Saturday at Pukekohe, but a wide draw deterred Gerard under a big impost. The intention for the gelding remains the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m), with a nomination for the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) also submitted. “The draw was just far too wide with that much weight on his back at Pukekohe to start, it wasn’t ideal,” Gerard said. “That race (Stella Artois Championship Final) is on the plan and what we are aiming for with him, we just haven’t had a lot of luck with draws. I can’t really explain his last run, I think he just got too far back with too much weight. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability and we’re trying to get him to the best race we can.” Pencarrow Stud galloper Naxos (NZ) (Harry Angel) has the topweight in the Capistrano Lodge 1000, after pleasing Gerard in a competitive open trial at Waipa. “He trialled really well the other day fresh, but he’s a small horse that has to carry a bit of weight so we’ve taken a couple of kilos off,” she said. “It’s still a lot of weight for him to carry, but it’s not a bad little race for him starting off, it’s on our back doorstep and is almost like another trial for him.” Zacinto filly Zerre (NZ) (Zacinto) is bringing a strong form reference into the Diprose Miller 3YO 1150, finishing third behind Hankee Alpha and Adelante at the venue on October 30, with the latter going on to salute comfortably on a good surface at Rotorua. “She’s a filly with a lot of ability, she’s just doing a few things wrong,” Gerard said. “This distance probably suits her, I do think she’s probably a little bit better left-handed, but the timing was right to have a go and it’s the right race for her at this stage.” View the full article

Trainers Peter and Shaun McKay are pressing on with their Group Three performer Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini) following his disappointing showing in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) at Pukekohe. The six-year-old son of Puccini was backed into $3.60 favouritism for the feature following a pleasing Australian campaign and a runner-up effort in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) on his New Zealand return. However, he failed to fire and finished 10th in the 14-horse field, with his trainers putting his subpar performance down to his dislike for the track, despite its Good4 rating. “It was a strange run. McNab (jockey) came in and said he didn’t think he liked the track, it was moving a bit under him,” Peter McKay said. “It hasn’t harmed him. The vets checked him out and he hardly blew. “He is a horse that doesn’t really like it if he is caged in amongst them. I think that, with the track, he decided to switch off, which he has done in the past.” Ellerslie targets now await Wolfgang, with an eye towards some feature races over the Christmas-New Year period. “He is going to go back to Ellerslie next week to try and get a bit of confidence again on a track he likes,” McKay said. “We still plan to go forward from there to either the Boxing Day Group One (Zabeel Classic, 2000m) or the Queen Elizabeth (Gr.3, 2400m) the following week, or both.” Meanwhile, the Matamata stable will take a five-strong contingent down to Otaki on Thursday, including Subiaco (Impending), who will contest the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m). The Impending gelding has had three starts to date, placing on debut, and McKay believes he is capable of featuring in the finish in the three-year-old feature. “He is only a maidener going in but he could have probably won his first start,” McKay said. “He hit the front and then started goofing around a little bit, and the two horses (Sexy And I Moet and Smart Love) that beat him are pretty smart horses. “If he does everything right, there is no reason why he can’t be in it.” Evergreen gelding Sagunto (NZ) (O’Reilly) will be looking to get his preparation back on track in the Bobby Foundation Backing Kiwi Legends Mile (1600m), with a view of going for a three-peat in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) next month. “I just haven’t been happy with the last couple of rides on him,” McKay said. “He has got to be left alone to let roll. They try to rate him a little bit and he just doesn’t like it. “Niranjan (Parmar, jockey) rides a bit of work for me and I said ‘if you are going to ride him you have just got to let his head go and let him do his own thing’. “Safely through this we will look to go back over ground. I am trying to get him ready to have another crack at the Manawatu Cup, which he has won two years in a row.” McKay is also looking forward to juvenile stablemate Faultless (NZ) (Tivaci) making his debut in the Uza Bu Two-Year-Old (1100m). The son of Tivaci was set to trial at Taupo on Tuesday, however, McKay favoured giving the gelding some raceday experience. “It wasn’t an overly strong race, and I thought if we even run third or fourth in that race then we get points,” he said. “I thought we are going down there anyway so it is better to have a bit of race experience. “He is a horse that is going to improve with whatever we do. He has got ability, but if we run third or fourth, I will be happy.” McKay will also line-up Ballon d’Or (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) in the Racing This Time TV Facebook Maiden (1200m) and Strange Love (NZ) (Rock ‘N’ Pop) in the Fieldtech Communications Handicap (1400m). “Ballon D’Or should be right in it,” McKay said. “He has gone close a couple of times to winning a race. His last start he got caught three-deep the whole way and the effort told. We put him in the paddock for three weeks, so he is fresh. If everything goes right with him, he could be close. “We just won’t go right-handed with Strange Love again. She has run off twice now that way around. She just likes to free roll. She is quite a big, strong horse, and if you try and ride her in behind she starts to lug in over other horses. “She has got the ability to win if everything goes right for her.” View the full article

Derby hero is set to take on Romantic Warrior after promising trial win on Tuesday: ‘This is hopefully where he belongs’.View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Wednesday, November 27, 2024 First Race 12:08pm AEST Visit Dabble Following the postponement of this meeting last Saturday, Doomben will host the rescheduled 10-race program on Wednesday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances, but with little to no rain forecast in the lead-up, it is expected that the track will firm up slightly before raceday. The rail will be in its true position, with racing set to kick off at 12:08pm AEST. Recognition Stakes tip: Navyonthehighway Navyonthehighway’s connections would have been happy that this meeting was moved to Wednesday due to the track conditions. The Chris & Corey Munce-trained mare enjoys racing on firmer tracks, and now that she strikes a Soft track instead of a Heavy track, she deserves to be the favourite with horse racing bookmakers. The daughter of Merchant Navy is dropping back in grade from a Group 2 and slightly in trip to 1350m, and if she holds her form, Navyonthehighway will prove too good for this field. Recognition Stakes Race 7 – #7 Navyonthehighway (12) 4yo Mare | T: Chris & Corey Munce | J: Samantha Collett (53kg) +150 with Picklebet Tattersall’s Classic tip: Party For Two Party For Two will return from a four-month spell in the Tattersall’s Classic following two impressive trial victories over 1000m and 1050m. The Matthew Hoysted-trained mare was last seen finishing second behind Recommendation in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield. Ryan Maloney will push forward to settle on speed, and if Party For Two can produce a similar effort to her Group 3 placing from last preparation, she will prove very hard to run down late. Tattersall’s Classic Race 8 – #5 Party For Two (11) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Hoysted | J: Ryan Maloney (56.5kg) +850 with Dabble Best Bet at Doomben: Metalart Metalart started his career undefeated through four starts before striking firmer tracks this preparation, where the Kelly Schweida-trained gelding has failed to win in three runs. The son of Better Than Ready battled on gamely to finish second behind Torabella at this track and trip on November 9, but after doing some early work, he struggled late. Now that he is set to compete in a weaker contest on a softer track, expect Michael Rodd to push forward, settle in the one-one position, and receive the run of the race. Best Bet Race 10 – #2 Metalart (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Michael Rodd (59.5kg) +230 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Busting Tony Gollan and Angela Jones will combine with Busting once again following a fourth-place finish when first-up at this track and trip on November 9. This son of Spirit Of Boom was ridden negatively from a wide barrier, and even though he was never a winning chance, he let down strongly to flash home down the middle of the track. From barrier one, Jones can settle closer to the speed in the box seat position, and with even luck, Busting can burst through late to claim his first victory of the campaign. Next Best Race 9 – #13 Busting (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (55.5kg) +260 with Neds Doomben quaddie tips – 27/11/24 Doomben quadrella selections Wednesday, November 27, 2024 4-5-7 2-3-5-7-11 7-10-12-13 2-11-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Group Three performer Wolfgang is being aimed at Ellerslie features over the Christmas period. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Trainers Peter and Shaun McKay are pressing on with their Group Three performer Wolfgang following his disappointing showing in last Saturday’s Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) at Pukekohe. The six-year-old son of Puccini was backed into $3.60 favouritism with horse racing bookmakers for the feature following a pleasing Australian campaign and a runner-up effort in the Group 3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) on his New Zealand return. However, he failed to fire and finished 10th in the 14-horse field, with his trainers putting his subpar performance down to his dislike for the track, despite its Good 4 rating. “It was a strange run. McNab (jockey) came in and said he didn’t think he liked the track, it was moving a bit under him,” Peter McKay said. “It hasn’t harmed him. The vets checked him out and he hardly blew. “He is a horse that doesn’t really like it if he is caged in amongst them. I think that, with the track, he decided to switch off, which he has done in the past.” Ellerslie targets now await Wolfgang, with an eye towards some feature races over the Christmas-New Year period. “He is going to go back to Ellerslie next week to try and get a bit of confidence again on a track he likes,” McKay said. “We still plan to go forward from there to either the Boxing Day Group One (Zabeel Classic, 2000m) or the Queen Elizabeth (Group 3, 2400m) the following week, or both.” Horse racing news View the full article

By Michael Guerin If you like a multi bet Addington’s stacked feature race programme this Friday could be the night for you. The meeting features six Group 1s, including both the NZ Pacing and Trotting Oaks as well as four “Ace” races for the two-year-old trotters and pacers, split on sex. Along with the Ian Dobson Memorial for three-year-old pacing boys it is one of the biggest nights of age group racing of the season with a mini-Jewels feel to it. But after some standout results at the Cup carnival and natural attrition through tiredness or form loss some of Friday’s fields will contain short priced favourites and lend themselves to multi betting. The most obvious is Aussie superstar Keayang Zahara in the $140,000 What The Hill Trotting Oaks, in which she has drawn barrier 7. The way she thrashed all the three-year-old trotters including the boys in The Ascent she will be everybody’s multi anchor come Friday. Not quite as short but also on plenty of multi tickets will be star juvenile Marketplace in Race 6, the Betavet Ace of Spades, while Chase A Dream (R4, No.9) will be short in the Ian Dobson even after being beaten in The Velocity as his last-start conqueror Better Knuckle Up isn’t in this week. Punters then get to what many will see as two-horse races, in the market anyway, starting with Meant To Be versus Tarragindi in Race 1, the IRT Ace of Clubs Trot for the 2YO Colts and Geldings. That theme continues in the Tennant Engineering New Zealand Pacing Oaks in which Treacherous Baby (barrier 6) gets a huge advantage over arch rival Duchess Megxit (14). The same could apply in the Renwick Farms Ace of Diamonds 2YO Fillies Pace where Stella Rouge (2) gets the head start over Captains Mistress (11). The meeting also hosts the $60,000 Continental Event Hire Grand Duchess Trot for the trotting mares as bigger stake mares’ trotting races start to become welcome and more regular events. To see Friday’s fields click here View the full article

Valentine Candy became racing's newest millionaire with a 1 1/4-length victory in the $300,000 Steel Valley Sprint Stakes Nov. 25 at Mahoning Valley Race Course.View the full article