Wandering Eyes

The Retired Racehorse Project's 2024 year-end giving campaign will include a total goal of $100,000, including a $38,700 match pledge that will double contributions from donors who support the organization's charitable mission to increase demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. The campaign comes on the eve of the RRP's 15-year anniversary in 2025. The match pledge is generously donated by Valerie Callcott-Stevens; Copper Beech Stables; The Happy Dog Fund; Hinkle Farms; Dr. Carolyn Karlson; Jen Roytz and Dr. Stuart Brown; and additional Makeover Champions. “The RRP's work spans multiple equine industry sectors, all in effort to ensure positive outcomes for Thoroughbreds who have finished their careers in racing and/or the bloodstock industry,” said RRP Executive Director Kirsten Green. “Initiatives that drive demand benefit the racing industry by facilitating efficient transitions through the aftercare stage of a horse's life and increases the capacity to serve more horses, while our educational programming ensures post-track owners have the resources and support they need to be successful with the breed and provide safe and appropriate homes.” Click here to learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project and its year-end giving campaign. The post Retired Racehorse Project Gets $38,700 Match For 2024 Year-End Giving Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Arqana today announced the launch of SirePower+, a tailored financing programme which offers breeders the possibility of having 50% of their 2025 covering fee financed by the Deauville auction house up until the offspring is sold. The initiative is aimed at French breeders with or without a stud, as well as foreign breeders who have mares in France or are planning to have mares in France, who wish to cover their top Flat mares. The programme will concentrate on the top international stallions that are in demand because of their progeny's results both on the racecourse and at the yearling sales. The young stock resulting from this programme will then be offered as foals or yearlings at Arqana. “With this initiative, we want to enable breeders to make their mares' coverings more attractive,” read a statement attributed to Olivier Delloye, president of Arqana, and Freddy Powell, managing director. “By concentrating on good mares and the elite stallions in the European stallion pool, this program is designed to help raise the level of our yearlings on offer and continue to broaden our customer base. “We hope to create a virtuous dynamic, with positive impacts at various levels for future generations and sales.” The post Launch of “Tailored Financing Programme” SirePower+ Announced by Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australia's most decorated racemare, Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), welcomed her third foal, a colt by Snitzel (Aus), on Monday morning. Winx endured a challenging start to her breeding career when her first foal by I Am Invincible (Aus) died shortly after foaling, before making history in April when her second foal by Pierro (Aus) sold for A$10 million (around €6.20 million) at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, a world record sum for a filly. The Pierro filly was bought by Debbie Kepitis, who raced Winx in partnership with Peter and Patty Tighe's Magic Bloodstock and the late Richard Treweeke. Trained by Chris Waller, who is also set to oversee the racing career of the Pierro filly, Winx retired as the winner of 25 Group 1 races, including four consecutive editions of the Cox Plate. “She foaled down just after midnight and by all reports it was very quick,” Peter Tighe told RSN927. “She was a bit late delivering–a couple of weeks overdue–but everything went smoothly and she had a beautiful, really long legged colt. He's still got a few hurdles to get over being so young so all the checks have to be done.” He added, “We're happy to have a colt, especially by Snitzel, because it is a super line of breeding, and Winx deserves every bloody thing she gets. Having a beautiful young boy is exactly what she needed. “She looked a million bucks beforehand yesterday and her coat was gleaming. The team at Coolmore and the vets in Scone are second-to-none–they look after her like one of their own family.” The post Wondermare Winx Welcomes Snitzel Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wyoming's first mile-long horse racing track, Thunder Plains Park, has been approved by the Wyoming Gaming Commission for 16 live race dates in 2025, as well as simulcasting and related activities. While the first racing season will feature temporary structures, the essential components, including barns, racing officials' tower, video patrol towers, and spectator areas, will be in place. The track, located 10 miles east of Cheyenne at Thunder Plains Park, will host its inaugural race day Friday, August 1 with additional race days to follow on August 2, 3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31 and September 1. Dates are subject to change per the Wyoming Gaming Commission. “As a fifth-generation Wyomingite, being able to bring this track to our state carries a lot of meaning,” said Thunder Plains managing partner Ryan Clement. “Thunder Plains sees an incredible opportunity to create a positive impact not only on the Wyoming horse racing industry but also the area's economy, in terms of new job opportunities and tourism revenue.” Through partnerships with elite industry veterans and horsemen, Thunder Plains looks forward to bringing high-quality, high-caliber racing to Laramie County. “We've established a strong partnership with 1/ST, North America's preeminent Thoroughbred racing, entertainment and pari-mutuel wagering company,” said Clement. “They've set the standard for horse safety across the nation, and we're looking forward to bringing that strong emphasis on safety and track protocols to Wyoming.” Of the partnership with Thunder Plains, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY's Senior Vice President Jeff True said he sees exciting opportunities ahead. “1/ST has a long history of operating premier racetracks and premier racing events across the country. We are thrilled to be entering the Wyoming horse racing market together with our local Wyoming partners, and we look forward to lending our expertise to help grow Wyoming horse racing.” For all simulcasting operations, 1/ST will leverage the expertise of its affiliates at Monarch Content Management, AmTote International, and PariMAX. “Our racetrack will be operated with numerous horse safety and welfare protocols in place,” said Clement. “The track itself, being a mile long and eighty feet wide, dramatically improves horse and rider safety. Throughout track design and construction, we collaborated with Dennis Moore, a renowned track surface specialist, to ensure the safest, most high-quality racing surface.” Future plans at Thunder Plains Park include building a regional equestrian center and establishing a high-altitude horse training and breeding program. The post Wyoming To Open First Mile-Long Track At Thunder Plains appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Ken McPeek, who campaigned GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and GI Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), will be awarded the 2024 Big Sport of Turfdom award, the Turf Publicists of America announced Monday. The award, which recognizes a person who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media, will be presented at the University of Arizona Race Track Program's annual awards luncheon held Dec. 10. “Ken and his team have had an outstanding year with multiple triumphs on not only our sport's biggest stage in the Kentucky Derby but also in additional Grade I victories across the country with Thorpedo Anna's phenomenal campaign,” said TPA President Najja Thompson. “He is most deserving of this award chosen by our membership for always being welcoming and open to the media and a great ambassador for our industry and sport.” McPeek, who previously won this award in 2002, added: “I am honored and humbled to be given this award. I have loved horse racing ever since I was a young boy. I am proud to continue to promote our great sport.” The post Ken McPeek Wins Big Sport Of Turfdom Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new record for the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale was set on Monday as Clara Stud's Dark Angel (Ire) half-sister to Group 1 winners Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Golden Horde {Ire}) (Lethal Force {Ire}) was sold for 900,000gns. Henry Lascelles placed the winning bid for the daughter of Entreat (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) but declined to name his client. He confirmed that the filly (lot 63) had been bought for an English owner-breeder and would go into training in Britain. Breeder James Cloney of Clara Stud said that the 18-year-old Entreat, who is also the dam of listed winners Exhort (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) and Line Of Departure (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), is now in foal to Justify. Lot 63 came with a lofty reputation ahead of the #TattsDecember Yearling Sale and she did not disappoint. This filly by Dark Angel is a half-sister to G1 winners Camille Pissarro and Golden Horde. She was consigned by Clara Stud and bought by Henry Lascelles for 900,000gns pic.twitter.com/etqaZALPsz — TDN (@theTDN) November 25, 2024 The post Dark Angel Half-Sister to Camille Pissarro and Golden Horde Sets New Record at 900,000gns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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German galloper won’t tackle the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m), while French superstar’s participation remains up in the air.View the full article

Changes have been made to procedures regarding the day and timing of acceptances and nominations. The practice of publishing “last start drivers” will also be discontinued. To see the official release click here View the full article

Friday Night Lights promises to be next level this week. The double-header will see Addington Raceway headline the night’s action with six Group 1s, while at Auckland there’ll be two Northern Metro Finals and two Country Cups. At Addington, Aces and Oaks Race Night will start at 5pm. There’ll be the Group 1 $100,000 Aces of Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds and Spades for the two-year-old trotters and pacers, of both genders, as well as the $140,000 What The Hill New Zealand Trotting Oaks and the $225,000 Tennant Engineering New Zealand Pacing Oaks. The $60,000 Group 2 Continental Event Hire Grand Duchess Mares Handicap Trot will also be held. At Auckland the $35,000 Northern Metro Series Finals for the Trotters and Pacers will be held, as will be the $20,000 Franklin Trotters and Pacers Country Cups. Before then Invercargill will hold a meeting on Wednesday, with Motukarara (Saturday) and Methven (Sunday) both holding grass track meetings over the weekend. Miki B too slick in Nursery Stakes at Timaru By Mike Love Miki B gave Woodend Beach trainers Craig and Aimee Edmonds their eighth win of the season by winning the Brosnan Transport LTD Timaru Nursery Stakes on Saturday. Co-trainer Craig Edmonds was pleased but not surprised by the win. “He is pretty laid back. John (Dunn) said he kicked passed them pretty good though which is great,” said Edmonds. The two-year-old Always B Miki gelding settled toward the rear of the five-horse field with driver John Dunn. They were able to track into the race nicely from the 800m before a dazzling final 800m of 56.5 (off the front) to win by three quarters of a length from pacemaker Chaldon. “He had been a little bit green in his earlier starts so to win like he did was pleasing. He probably came home in 55 seconds from where he was.” The win was part of Dunn’s very good day of driving picking up four winners on the programme including Szybka Lane, Ready Set Jet and Bounce N Beyond. Miki B’s next engagement is likely to be at Addington on Friday night in the Group 1 $100,000 Ace Of Spades. “He was possibly sold but in the meantime we will go Friday night then have a wee bit of a break.” Edmonds will also line up Four Wise Women in the What The Hill New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Group 1 level for a purse of $140,000 on the same night. “There’s something a bit niggly going on with her. She’s working good but hasn’t been able to kick on in her races. But on her day she’s a top four chance.” Craig and Aimee Edmonds have now won 69 races in partnership with stakes just short of $1 million. View the full article

Expat Kiwi hoop James McDonald celebrated winning the 2024 LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award for the second time with a double at Sha Tin on Sunday. McDonald was assured his second LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award when Auguste Rodin finished eighth in the Gr.1 Japan Cup (2400m) in Tokyo on Sunday under Ryan Moore, leaving the New Zealander with 160 points to Moore’s 150 for results in the LONGINES World’s Top 100 Group One races. “It’s a huge honour and it’s just reflective of all the good horses I’ve ridden. I could almost name it the Romantic Warrior Award, to be honest with you, because he was such a huge contributor,” McDonald said. “He’s obviously a world champion in his own right, so you have to be part of those sort of horses, the Via Sistinas of the world, so those two horses (Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina) were huge contributors and it’s a huge honour. “I’m very proud of my year.” McDonald rode nine winners at the highest level since 1 December, with Romantic Warrior providing four of those victories – Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), Gr.1 Citi Gold Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), Gr.1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) and Gr.1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m). McDonald, who has ridden three doubles in three successive meetings for six wins from 24 rides since returning to Hong Kong for a short-term stint, previously won the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey Award in 2022. View the full article

Progressive mare Mi Bella will have to overcome an unfavourable barrier draw if she is to repeat the efforts of her stablemate Lovearoadie at Te Aroha on Wednesday. The pair are prepared by Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, with Lovearoadie earning a deserved success in the opener at Pukekohe Park last Saturday. A consistent campaigner throughout her light career, Lovearoadie started a $10 chance in the competitive Rating 65 contest and won with plenty of tenacity, holding out Queen Zou by a half-head. The Inglewood-Stud bred and co-owned mare holds a nomination for the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, a race Richardson has on his radar. “She was gusty, very gutsy. She’s obviously got a fair bit of ability and tries very hard,” he said. “She is nominated for the Stella Artois Final, so I’ll be sitting down with the owners to talk about that.” Turning their attention to Wednesday’s Te Aroha meeting, Mi Bella will chase her maiden success in the John Revell Memorial 1150, aiming to better her third-placed effort behind Honey Badger at the course on October 30. The Per Incanto four-year-old has drawn barrier 12, Richardson’s main query heading into the race where she will continue her association with Warren Kennedy. “She’s really improved, she’s just got a very bad draw on Wednesday,” he said. “She will be going around though.” Britannia Gold holds a similar fate having drawn the identical barrier in the Racing Te Aroha Life Members 1400, which may mean Volunteer is the stable’s sole representative in the three-year-old maiden event. “I’ve got a question whether to run her (Britannia Gold) this week due to her draw, so I’ve got to see about that,” Richardson said. “Volunteer has got a good draw and I’m really happy with him. “He’s a horse on the go-forward and a real improver, just a beautiful animal.” A colt by Ocean Park, Volunteer (2) ran meritoriously on debut for fifth and has plenty of pedigree on his side, with his dam a half-sister to Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Loire. Later in the day, Permissive will also aim to break maidens in the Ardex Technology Introducing Epona (1400), after coming very close behind This Time Girl at Ellerslie last month. “It was a good run at Ellerslie, she just does a lot wrong on race-day,” Richardson said. “She’s got a good draw (2) so that’s a positive for Wednesday.” Meanwhile, Richardson and Norvall’s Group One-winning mares Bonny Lass and Snazzytavi will appear at the Taupo trials on Tuesday, and emerging filly Romilly will have her first shot in stakes company in Saturday’s Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui. Romilly was an eye-catching 3 – ½ length winner at Te Aroha on October 30, a reward for her trainers after allowing plenty of time for the filly to mature. “When she was immature, she had a few growing problems so I tipped her out for a while and it was the best thing for her,” Richardson said. “She was very unlucky at Taupo and improved so much when she won at Te Aroha that day.” View the full article

Prima Park has accrued an enviable record with their New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduates, and farm principal Kelly Van Dyk is hoping they can add another to that list from their 2024 draft. 2019 Hong Kong Champion Sprinter Beat The Clock, 2016 Singapore Horse of the Year Debt Collector, and Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) hero Warmonger sit atop their honour roll of Ready to Run Sale graduates, and Van Dyk believes plenty of quality is set to come out of their draft from last week’s sale, where they had a 100 percent clearance rate. “The most important thing is they go on and win races, so hopefully there is another one in there,” she said. “We sold 100 percent of our draft and that was our goal. We are really happy to clear the decks and everything found a really good home. “We had some really good pinhooks. The Exceed and Excel colt (lot 333) made $370,000 and is going to Hong Kong, we were really happy with that result. “He is a beautiful colt who breezed up really well. Everyone commented on how good his action looked. He is going to Cody Mo (trainer) in Hong Kong, who is training in his second season there. It is nice to see him go to an up-and-coming trainer there.” Van Dyk was also pleased with the six-figure sales of several others in her draft. “The Toronado (gelding, lot 280) made $260,000 and was bought by Go Racing, and he is going to be trained by Chris Waller,” she said. “We had the two fillies that sold well. The Contributer (lot 116) was a $10,000 purchase for a client and made $100,000, while his other filly (Proisir, lot 157) he paid $40,000 for and she sold last week for $280,000. “We are really happy to get them into good stables where they are going to get every opportunity as we want to see them go on and win races.” While pleased with her sale results, Van Dyk said there won’t be much time to celebrate, with the farm already in full swing with yearling sale preparation, on top of their pre-training and training commitments. “We are prepping yearlings at the moment. We have only got six for Book 1 (at Karaka), but six really nice horses,” she said. “Our pre-training and training operation continues but come January we will be looking for the next lot of horses to go to the ready to runs. We try and get around to most of the sales and pick up a few. We will be going back to Australia and Karaka, and then go through the process of breaking them in and preparing them for the sale.” While the sales are a large portion of Prima Park’s business, Van Dyk also runs a boutique training arm, and is looking forward to lining up one of her team at Te Aroha on Wednesday. Three-year-old filly Reggae Queen will have her third start in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1400m), and Van Dyk is confident of a bold showing from the daughter of Exceedance. “Her last run (fourth over 1200m at Pukekohe) was super,” she said. “We rode her back, but didn’t intend on getting that far back. The way that she was coming home was really encouraging. “The step up to 1400m should be ideal and her work has been very good since that race, she came through it super. “I am expecting her to run really well, I think she is a really nice filly in the making. We had a few little niggles to iron out with her, but I think we are on the right track now.” View the full article

Hot on the heels of a record-breaking Ready to Run Sale, the cream of New Zealand’s yearling crop has been revealed for Karaka 2025. The world-renowned week of selling in late January is the shop window for the thoroughbred talent that New Zealand produces, and that trend is set to continue with world-class catalogues unveiled. The 99th National Yearling Sales Series will take place at Karaka from Sunday 26 January to Thursday 30 January. The catalogues, which are now available to view online, contain an outstanding selection of 661 yearlings in Book 1 and another 427 in Book 2. “Of all the Sales in Australasia this year, Karaka saw the biggest increase in average, turnover and median. That was really encouraging,” commented NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook. “We’re incredibly proud of the New Zealand-bred and Karaka graduate results over the last twelve months.” New Zealand’s climate and pristine countryside provides a natural advantage as a breeding ground of thoroughbred excellence, and blockbuster performances by Kiwi-bred horses on major stages across Australasia and Asia in recent times have given ample reason for buyers from around the world to converge on Karaka in January. While staying excellence has traditionally been considered New Zealand’s strength, that trend has been bucked by a series of elite sprinters and milers. Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) and Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) have been two of the brightest sprinting talents to grace Hong Kong’s turf in recent years. In Australia’s hotly contested Melbourne and Sydney spring carnivals, there have been Group One mile victories by Kiwi-breds and Karaka graduates Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel), Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) and Antino (NZ) (Redwood) in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, exciting new talents have emerged in the form of Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel), Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel), and ten-length Queensland Derby winner Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree). Other high-class Group One winners to come out of the National Yearling Sales Series in the last few years include Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), Prowess (NZ) (Proisir), Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj), Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer), Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai), and Velocious (Written Tycoon) and more. The pedigrees contained in the catalogues for Karaka 2025 have all the right credentials for many more names to be added to that list. There are siblings to superstars such as Lucky Sweynesse, Orchestral, Prowess, Velocious, Pasadena Girl (NZ) (Savabeel), Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls) and Ruthless Dame (NZ) (Tavistock), along with Australian up-and-comers Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto), Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit), Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) and Powers Of Opal (NZ) (Ocean Park). There are also first foals by the likes of star racemares Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux), Zayydani (NZ) (Savabeel) and House Of Cartier (Alamosa), plus progeny of other Group One winners such as Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi), Jennifer Eccles (Rip Van Winkle) and more. Over 100 sires are represented in the catalogues, from big names like Savabeel, Proisir, I Am Invincible, Frankel, Almanzor, Per Incanto, Satono Aladdin and Snitzel to a big line up of first-season stallions with New Zealand-based Sword Of State, Noverre (NZ), Armory and The Chosen One (NZ) to debut. The week of Karaka 2025 is set to kick off in style at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 25 January with the famous TAB Karaka Millions raceday, now worth more than $5 million in prizemoney and headlined by the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) for graduates. That will be followed by Book 1, which runs from Sunday 26 January to Tuesday 28 January with selling starting at 10am each day. The first day of Book 2 will start at 12pm on Wednesday 29 January and continues at 10am the following day on Thursday 30 January. For the first time ever NZB has combined both Book 1 and Book 2 into one physical catalogue. “Although they still remain separate Sales, it was a request made at a post sales vendor meeting earlier this year, so we thought it was worth doing and advantageous from a marketing perspective to have just one catalogue,” added Seabrook. “After the record-breaking Sale last week, we are looking forward to seeing that momentum roll into Karaka 2025. Our team will be busy establishing the best buying bench possible from all markets.” All yearlings purchased at Karaka 2025 are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series including the new NZB Mega Maiden Series which sees horses racing for an additional $1m in bonuses across 40 maiden races each season in New Zealand. The catalogues for Karaka 2025 can be viewed online at www.nzb.co.nz, or downloaded on the Equineline app for tablets or Thoroughworks app for mobile, with physical copies set to arrive in mailboxes soon. Online bidding is available for all prospective purchasers via bidonline.nzb.co.nz, plus an extensive online catalogue via www.nzb.co.nz that will host pedigrees, parade videos and photos, updates, and important information to assist buying decisions. All prospective buyers are welcome to attend the on-farm parades, with the schedule to be announced soon. NZB and NZ-based agents are also available to inspect on your behalf should you require a head start on inspections and evaluations. International buyers wishing to physically attend Karaka 2025 can enquire about accommodation options and travel assistance by emailing travel@nzb.co.nz. To request a catalogue or for general sale information, contact info@nzb.co.nz or call +64 9 298 0055. For bloodstock enquiries, contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on kane.jones@nzb.co.nz or call +64 27 274 4985. Sale Schedule TAB Karaka Millions Raceday Saturday 25 January at Ellerslie Racecourse Book 1: Lot 1 – 661 Day One: Sunday 26 January Lot 1 – 250 from 10am (NZT) Day Two: Monday 27 January Lot 251 – 480 from 10am (NZT) Day Three: Tuesday 28 January Lot 481 – 661 from 10am (NZT) Book 2: Lot 661 – 1088 Day One: Wednesday 31 January Lot 662 – 860 from 12pm (NZT) Day Two: Thursday 1 February Lot 861 – 1088 from 10am (NZT) View the full article

Vendor Barry Donoghue enjoyed a lucrative two days at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale last week and he’s now celebrated a significant result in another role. Under his BMD Bloodstock banner, his draft was highlighted by a Toronado colt who was knocked down for $625,000 and hot off the heels of his Karaka success came homebred Globe’s victory in Saturday’s Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m). “I was delighted, I don’t breed many so to be a black-type breeder now is fantastic,” Donoghue said. Globe was initially sold through Cambria Park’s draft at the National Yearling Sale for $22,000 and following a trial win at Taupo from the stable of the late Toby Autridge, was purchased by Roll The Dice Racing in a deal brokered by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo. The son of Charm Spirit has now won five of his nine starts for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, but sadly Donoghue lost the dam Bonnie Doon earlier this year. She was an unraced Don Eduardo mare whose brother Booming won twice at Group One level. “At the end of her last pregnancy we were struggling with her feet and we got her right and in foal to Contributer, but she lost the foal and started going backwards again and unfortunately she died,” Donoghue said. “We have got an Ace High colt out of her going to the yearling sale next year. He’ll be in Book 1 and is a gorgeous horse. “He will go through Fraser Jones’ Cambria Park draft, he owns half of the colt with me.” Donoghue’s focus is on the Ready to Run Sale and was thrilled with last week’s results. “We had a great sale, we’re going in the right direction and that’s very pleasing,” he said. “We had a lovely draft and I was very happy with the product we took there, some got more than expected and some sold to what we expected. “We took home a couple we did think would sell, but that’s all part and parcel of it.” The son of Toronado who topped the draft is out of the Zabeel mare Attractive, a half-sister to the Gr.1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) winner Velocitea and to the dam of the multiple top-flight winner Loving Gaby. “He was definitely the stand-out, he was always going to be the headline horse for us,” Donoghue said. “He was a gorgeous type and moved really well. He had a good attitude and was by the right stallion to fetch the Hong Kong money. “He was always going to shine for us and we just didn’t know to what extent. It was very rewarding for the clients, it’s important that when they send up these quality horses that we get them to perform to their best so it was very pleasing.” BMD Bloodstock also sold a Wootton Bassett gelding to Victoria’s Lucky Dip Investments for $280,000 while a Per Incanto colt was purchased by Lindsay Park Racing for $260,000 and Hong Kong trainer Ricky Yiu went to $220,000 for a son of Capitalist. Lot 283, the Toronado colt out of Attractive, was purchased out of BMD Bloodstock’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft for $625,000. Photo: Supplied View the full article

Australian import headlines veteran handler’s city circuit team after impressive Hong Kong debut win.View the full article

What Ararat Races Where Ararat Racecourse – Cnr Western Highway & Geelong Rd, Ararat VIC 3377 When Tuesday, November 26, 2024 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing returns to Ararat on Tuesday afternoon for a competitive nine-race meeting. The track came up a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with more rain forecast in the lead-up, it is unlikely to improve. The rail sticks to its true position, with the Ararat races commencing at 1pm AEDT. Best Bet at Ararat: Morthan Efficient Morthan Efficient was a touch unlucky when rolled as favourite at Seymour last time out, but his performance two runs back was impressive. The Savabeel progeny sustained a long run when second at Warrnambool on October 31 and was only gunned down in the shadows of the winning post. The 2200m looks ideal, and if Harry Coffey can land in the one-one upon settling, Morthan Efficient should be more than good enough. Best Bet Race 1 – #8 Morthan Efficient (8) 3yo Colt | T: Robert Hickmott | J: Harry Coffey (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ararat: Tell Us Toll Tell Us Toll caught the eye when hitting the line nicely at Kyneton over 1103m. The five-year-old mare simply got too far back in the field in a race run to suit those up on speed, but she did manage to pick off her rivals smartly. Jarrod Fry will look to have the Nostradamus mare settled a touch closer in the bigger field, and if she can replicate the same finish, Tell Us Toll should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 3 – #14 Tell Us Toll (7) 5yo Mare | T: Mitchell Freedman | J: Jarrod Fry (57.5kg) Bet with BlondeBet Best Value at Ararat: Chelsea Toff Chelsea Toff is hard to catch, winning just three times from 31 starts. Still, the eight-year-old mare has nine minor placings to her name, and the way she hit the line at Benalla last time out suggests a win is close. If Mitchell Aitken can find a midfield spot with cover, Chelsea Toff may well prove to be over the odds with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #11 Chelsea Toff (8) 8yo Mare | T: Vincent Malady | J: Mitchell Aitken (58kg) Bet with Picklebet Tuesday quaddie tips for Ararat Ararat quadrella selections Tuesday, November 26, 2024 1-2-4-7-8-15 2-4-7-13 2-5-6-7-8-11 10-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Muramasa. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Dual Group 3-winning stayer Muramasa may yet extend his spring campaign, with the five-year-old gelding under consideration for Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield. Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, the son of Deep Impact was ruled out of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Racing Victoria stewards deemed him unsuitable to race. However, he has continued to work off the track and impressed connections with a strong trial at Cranbourne last Monday. “He trialled up really well, and he’s got to pass a trot-up in front of our vets and then be cleared by Racing Victoria vets, and then we’re good to go. We’re really happy with him,” Young told Racing.com. Muramasa has not been seen on race day since his third-place finish in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 23. Horse racing news View the full article

Kintyre returns after taking out the Group 2 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Trainer Gary Portelli is optimistic that patient tactics aboard Kintyre will help the four-year-old return to the winner’s circle. After being ridden quietly in a recent trial, Portelli believes the same approach should be applied in Saturday’s Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill. “We have been riding him upside down,” Portelli said. “I had him ridden quietly in the trial the other day, and he absolutely charged through the line, so we will ride him quietly in the Festival. “He is tough enough, and he races well wherever he goes. Given an even opportunity, he will be a good chance. “He’s been going well at home, and his trial was really good.” Kintyre is already a dual Group winner, with his latest victory coming in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) in May. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Jonathan Thomas' willingness to ship his horses paid off Nov. 24 as Mrs. Astor worked out a perfect trip to win the $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes (G3T) at Del Mar.View the full article

Looking to snag the first graded stakes score of her career, it was Mrs. Astor (Lookin At Lucky–Causal, by Creative Cause) who came home a winner in the GIII Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Sunday afternoon. The 4-year-old filly shipped in for trainer Jonathan Thomas and was able to put in a couple of works over the local course in preparation for this particular start. Backed as a 9/2 shot here, the homebred settled towards the rear as the field made their way past the grandstand for the first time and eventually up the backstretch. Towards the far turn, favorite Forever After All (Connect) was forced to check hard when Marksman Queen (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) impeded her path. Mrs. Astor targeted the fading leader down the lane and used her late speed to get up in time by a length over the chalk. The final running time was 2:16.82. An inquiry by the stewards into the aforementioned incident involving Forever After All yielded no change in the results. Lifetime Record: 15-3-4-3. O/B-Augustin Stables; T-Jonathan Thomas. #5 MRS. ASTOR ($11.60) holds on to win the $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes (G3) at @DelMarRacing. This is the first graded victory for the four-year-old Lookin At Lucky filly. @VCheminaud was aboard for @ThomasStables. pic.twitter.com/flY0XA4DVV — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 24, 2024 The post Mrs. Astor Rolls Late In The Red Carpet Stakes At Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edwin Gonzalez claimed his first riding title at Gulfstream Park Nov. 24, prevailing over defending champion Edgard Zayas by one win on closing day of the Sunshine Meet.View the full article

Jockey Edwin Gonzalez and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. have claimed their respective titles for the Gulfstream Park Sunshine Meet, the track announced Sunday evening. Gonzalez won his first riding title at Gulfstream Park in 2024, prevailing by a single victory over defending champion Edgar Zayas–the final tallying being 35 to 34, respectively–despite neither jockey making it into the winner's circle on closing day. “It's a dream coming true,” Gonzalez said. “I've been working hard, working hard every morning. I've been getting good business. The trainers keep giving me opportunities and I'll keep working hard.” Joseph extended his streak of training title victories at the meeting with 39 winners for this season, anchored by Breeders' Cup champions Soul of An Angel (Atreides) and MGISW White Abarrio (Race Day), who made a successful return to the races this past weekend. It is Joseph's 11th consecutive training title at the Sunshine Meet. The post Edwin Gonzalez, Saffie Joseph Jr. Claim Sunshine Meet Titles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Patch Of Theta lands the Chevalier Cup. Photo: HKJC Patch Of Theta continued impressive career progress at Sha Tin on Sunday when the consistent gelding claimed the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Chevalier Cup Handicap (1600m) as Derek Leung and Cody Mo dominated with trebles. Purchased for HK$8.6 million at the 2023 Hong Kong International Sale, Patch Of Theta improved his overall record to five wins and eight minor placings from 13 starts for champion trainer Francis Lui while boosting prizemoney earnings to HK$8.84 million. Posting his first win beyond 1400m, the Zoustar gelding sealed a double for Lui by defeating Voyage Samurai and Sunlight Power in 1m 33.34s. “He’s a nice horse and I think he still has a little bit more improvement. I think he can (go higher than Class 2), but it all depends on the programme. There aren’t many races coming up for him. We’ll see,” Lui said. Rated 52 at the start of last season, Patch Of Theta raced on a mark of 89 today. Leung snared a treble after scoring on the undercard with Cody Mo-trained Super Wise Dragon and Alluring Laos to boost his season haul to 10 wins. “It’s good and I’m very happy. I need to thank again the trainers and the owners for their support. Today is very lucky. I got three winners and a placing – I just need to keep it up,” Leung said. “It hasn’t been smooth the past couple of meetings (with a three-day suspension), but it’s in the past. You’ve just got to move on. Things are getting better and it turned out pretty well today.” James McDonald celebrated winning the 2024 World’s Best Jockey Award for the second time with a double, triumphing on Manfred Man’s Self Improvement and David Eustace’s Swift Ascend. McDonald was assured his second World’s Best Jockey Award when Auguste Rodin finished eighth in the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) in Tokyo on Sunday under Ryan Moore, leaving the New Zealander with 160 points to Moore’s 150 for results in the World’s Top 100 Group 1 races. “It’s a huge honour and it’s just reflective of all the good horses I’ve ridden – I could almost name it the Romantic Warrior Award, to be honest with you, because he was such a huge contributor,” McDonald said. “He’s obviously a world champion in his own right, so you have to be part of those sort of horses – the Via Sistinas of the world – so those two horses (Romantic Warrior and Via Sistina) were huge contributors and it’s a huge honour. “I’m very proud of my year.” McDonald rode nine winners at the highest level since December 1, with Romantic Warrior providing four of those victories – Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m), Group 1 Citi Gold Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m). McDonald, who has ridden three doubles in three successive meetings for six wins from 24 rides since returning to Hong Kong for a short-term stint, previously won the World’s Best Jockey Award in 2022. Mo posted a personal best when the second-season trainer slotted his first Hong Kong treble with Super Wise Dragon, Alluring Laos and Offroad Master to continue a strong November campaign. Since the start of the month, Mo has tallied eight winners. Mo struck with Super Wise Dragon and first-starter Alluring Laos, before Matthew Chadwick chimed in on Offroad Master. “It’s my first treble. Conghua is helping the stable a lot and this season my team is good,” Mo said. “Super Wise Dragon had a bit of a breathing problem when he came to me and he struggled with his breathing a bit at Happy Valley. Today, draw one helped and he performed well. “I thought Alluring Laos might run a good race. He showed some speed in his trials overseas and even in Conghua he chased home well. He’s still a bit green and has more room to improve. “I thought he (Offroad Master) could show something on the all-weather track. In his first run he was fourth, which wasn’t bad, and when I saw him trial (on the dirt), I thought he had ability and thought I’d try him on the dirt.” Charming Legend, who was unbeaten in two Australian starts for Les Bridge, continued his winning ways with an impressive Hong Kong debut victory for Danny Shum and Zac Purton. The Deep Field gelding earned a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million. A potential Four-Year-Old Classic Series contender, Charming Legend could be joined in the HK$52 million three-race series by Sky Trust, who clinched the Class 3 Chevalier Aluminium Engineering Handicap (1600m) for Caspar Fownes and Lyle Hewitson. Chris So scored with Hong Kong debutante Hong Lok Golf. By Grunt, the Australian-bred scored at +4200 with horse racing bookmakers for Harry Bentley before Matsu Victor provided the second upset of the day, prevailing in the Class 4 Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1600m) at +4400 for Lui and Keith Yeung. Horse racing news View the full article

There is just one horse racing meeting set for Australia on Monday, November 25. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Grafton. Monday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – November 25, 2024 Grafton Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on November 25, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Recommended! Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 4 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 5 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 6 Next Gen Racing Betting pickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article