Wandering Eyes

A memorial service for Barry Hills, one of Britain's most successful, skilled and respected trainers, who died last week at the age of 88, will be held at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lambourn on Tuesday, July 8. The service will begin at 11am, with additional parking available on Crowle Road, opposite Windsor House Stables. The post Details Announced for Barry Hills Memorial Service appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The version of President Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” passed by the Senate earlier this week contains a tax provision that could see gamblers pay more in taxes than they win-a change that could have ramifications for horse racing's bottom line. In the Senate's version of the bill, deductions for gambling winnings will be limited to 90% of annual losses. Currently, gamblers can deduct 100% of wagering losses (below a net profit) for any given year. As NBC Sports describe it, “$100,000 in winnings against $100,000 in losses will be treated for tax purposes as if the losses were only $90,000.” The specific language in the bill can be found at section 70114, “Extension and modification of limitation on wagering losses.” “It is a big deal,” said Tom Rooney, CEO and president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), who pointed to the possible impacts on horse racing revenues through gambling dollars throughout the sport, and especially those jurisdictions with no supplemental revenues. Rooney said he's working with representatives from other key gaming entities to petition lawmakers on the issue, including the American Gaming Association. “We've let it be known to our friends on the hill that our sport is generated by the people that play the horses. And, if they're dissuaded in any way to do that, it's going to hurt our sport,” said Rooney. The House is currently voting to concur their version of the bill with the Senate. While no new language can be added, verbiage can be stripped. A previous version of the bill in the House contained key tax provisions that would have been detrimental to many horse racing stakeholders. But Rooney said that they were able to remove that through lobbying efforts. “Whether or not they can change language this late in the game is very tough,” said Rooney, about efforts to strip the latest gambling tax language from the current iteration of the bill. “People ask, why are they moving this gambling tax from 100% to 90%, it's because of revenue, and just trying to find money wherever they can,” said Rooney. Independent analysis of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill found it would increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next ten years. This story will be updated… The post Gambling Tax Changes in “Big Beautiful Bill” Could Hit Bettors, Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has urged the sport to collectively lobby the Government to back British racing and axe a proposal from the Treasury which could hit racing's finances to the tune of £66m in lost income. Those figures were published by the BHA for the first time on Wednesday, highlighting the potentially catastrophic consequences of the proposal to hike tax on horserace betting by bringing existing online betting duties into one single rate. At a time when affordability checks and the lack of a sustainable central funding model are already posing a significant threat to racing's finances, it is feared by the BHA that a tax hike for bookmakers in the Autumn Budget would further jeopardise the future of the sport in Britain. “Economic analysis commissioned by the BHA shows that aligning the current 15% tax rate paid by bookmakers on racing with that of online games of chance – currently taxed at 21% – by harmonising all remote gambling duties, could hit racing's finances to the tune of £66m in lost income via the Levy, media rights and sponsorship,” read a press release issued by the BHA. “This is because operators are likely to seek to mitigate significant tax rises through cutting bonuses, reducing advertising and marketing budgets and increasing prices. “Should the Treasury seek to raise the proposed single duty rate further to help balance the books, the impact on racing's finances would be devastating, with a projected £97m loss at a tax rate of 25%, a £126m loss at 30% and a £160m loss at 40%.” The release added, “This would put thousands of jobs at risk and severely impact towns and rural communities across the country. It would also hamper British racing's world-leading work on equine welfare.” This rallying cry comes ahead of the launch of 'Axe the Racing Tax', a BHA-led public campaign against the proposal which will be rolled out over the summer. In the meantime, the BHA is encouraging everyone involved in the sport to write to their local MP to call on Ministers to urgently rethink proposals. The Treasury's consultation closes on July 21, before it considers its options ahead of the Budget this autumn. Brant Dunshea, acting CEO of the BHA, said, “It is vital that everyone working in racing, the media and bettors fully support and promote this campaign. The Government's consultation on harmonising online betting duties, if followed through, poses one of the gravest risks to racing the sport has ever seen. “It will punch a huge hole in racing's finances, risk thousands of jobs across Britain and threaten the future of the country's second most-popular sport and a cherished national institution. “From now until the Budget we will be hammering home a very simple message to MPs, Peers and the Government on behalf of millions of racing fans. It's time for the Government to back British racing and axe the racing tax.” The post BHA Issues Rallying Cry Against ‘Devastating’ Tax Hike Proposals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By anyone's standards, Jose Ortiz had an outstanding week, posting a remarkable 16 wins from 40 mounts and earning his second leading rider title at Churchill Downs with 63 wins.View the full article

Mikki Fight took advantage of Forever Young's absence to land the Teio Sho July 2 at Oi Racecourse and could be a candidate for Japan's international dirt-racing brigades.View the full article

A series of 25 free handicapping contests exclusively for subscribers of Race Lens, Equibase's interactive past performance product, is returning in 2025.View the full article

Familiar Thoroughbreds from the 3-year-old stakes scene will line up to contest the July 5 Indiana Derby (G3) at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Besides Chunk of Gold, Coal Battle, and Publisher, the race includes dual stakes winner Instant Replay.View the full article

6th-SAR, $90k, Msw, (R), 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 3:53 p.m. ET Though written as an auction maiden, this contest is also open to horses bred in New York and IRON ORCHARD (Authentic) looks to capitalize on the opportunity on the first day of the Fourth of July Festival in Saratoga. The Apr. 22 foal is a daughter of the late dual stakes-placed Onebrethatatime (Brethren), who was purchased by Pine Ridge Stables in foal to Audible for $150,000 at Keeneland November in 2020. The dam, a half-sister to GIII Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes heroine Wonderlandbynight (Sky Mesa), is also responsible for the 3-year-old filly Backcheck (Not This Time), a maiden winner at Aqueduct June 13. From the deeper family of Grade I winner Exaulted and Ogygian, Iron Orchard is bred on a variant of the very successful cross of Into Mischief over Distorted Humor-line mares. The filly was bought back for $97,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton NY-Bred Sale and was sold for $78,000 at FTKOCT before fetching $500,000 at this year's OBS April Sale (see Summer Breezes). TJCIS PPs 2nd-ELP, $100k, Msw, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 1:19 p.m. ET BEWITCHINGLY (Into Mischief) draws the fence for this debut for trainer Brendan Walsh and owner/breeders Barry and Judith Becker, who acquired the Grade III-winning dam Lady Ten (Rock Hard Ten) for $250,000 at Keeneland November in 2016. The colt she was carrying at the time became Nucky (Ghostzapper), who belied odds of 35-1 to take the 2019 GI Del Mar Futurity and she has also produced the stakes-placed Tea N Conversation (Candy Ride {Arg}), a $400,000 KEESEP graduate. Bewitchingly was led out unsold at last year's September sale at that same level. Run On States (Yaupon) was RNAd for $115,000 at last year's FTNAUG sale but improved into a $200,000 OBS March breezer (see Summer Breezes) this spring. The Jan. 23 foal is out of a winning daughter of 2016 GI Mother Goose Stakes heroine Off The Tracks (Curlin) and the third dam produced MGSW Concord Point (Tapit), now a successful sire in Korea. TJCIS PPs The post Thursday Insights: NY-Bred Authentic Filly Headlines Spa Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Thursday at for opening day at Ellis Park and Saratoga, which hosts the first of four days of the Fourth of July Festival. Thursday, July 3, 2025 Ellis 2, $100k, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 1:19 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($) Cold Case (Tiz the Law), OBSAPR, 150,000 C-Cortez Racing & Sales, agt; B-Jeff Mackor, agt Keith Johnston Cue the Drama (Complexity), OBSAPR, 325,000 C-Cesar Loya Training & Sales, agent; B-Corbin Blumberg, agent Run On States (Yaupon), OBSMAR, 200,000 C-Blake-Albina TB Services, agent; B-Stone Bridge Farm Saratoga 6, $90k, 2yo, f, (R), 5 1/2f, 3:53 p.m. ET Dolce Vino (Omaha Beach), OBSAPR, 20,000 C-Grassroots Training & Sales; B-Keri Brion, agent Iron Orchard (Authentic), OBSAPR, 500,000 C-Grassroots Training & Sales; B-Bill Childs & Mark Stanton Probable Choice (Improbable), OBSAPR, 45,000 C-Grassroots Training & Sales; B-Bob Novak Two by Two by Two (Rock Your World) OBSMAR, 50,000 C-Goldencents Thoroughbreds; B-Michael Dubb The post Summer Breezes: Thursday, July 3, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alice Haynes's stable star Cairo, who finished a career-best third at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) June 17 at odds of 100-1, is set to spend the rest of the summer in the United States with some ambitious targets on his agenda.View the full article

Racing 1 1/4 miles and catching a field with a fair amount of pace, the July 4 Suburban Stakes (G2) would appear to be a no-excuse spot for Locked.View the full article

Donations of items and experiences are now being accepted by the Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover Silent Auction. The annual auction raises funds to support the production of the Thoroughbred Makeover and the advancement of the RRP's mission to increase demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing through education, inspiration, and service. Popular contributions to the auction in the past have included experiences such as polo lessons or fox hunting, racing memorabilia such as stallion halters and shoes, equestrian or racing artwork, tack and stable items, and hotel stays or race day tickets. Donated items are tax deductible according to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 170. The online auction will be held during Thoroughbred Makeover week, Oct. 4-11, and items will be on display at the event at the Kentucky Horse Park starting Oct. 8. Visit therrp.org/forms/2025-silent-auction-donation-form/ for more information on the donation process. The post Items Being Accepted for Thoroughbred Makeover Silent Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As much as the New York Racing Association is offering three graded turf stakes for 3-year-old fillies, the leader of that division could be one-and-done in the series. View the full article

After finishing second-best to a filly in his first start in a stakes, Blinging It Back will try again—this time strictly against the boys.View the full article

As July 4 approaches, America's Best Racing has compiled a schedule of this week's racing on radio and television.View the full article

Zulu Kingdom, whose only defeat in six career starts came in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), looks like an odds-on favorite in the $200,000 Manila Stakes (G3T) for 3-year-olds July 4 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

With the halfway mark of the 2025 racing calendar now passed, as we move into July the premiership tables are starting to take shape – with a few standout stories already emerging. Orange in control again Blair Orange is no stranger to leading the pack, and once again finds himself on top of the national drivers premiership. With 99 wins from 585 drives so far, the seven-time premiership winner is on track to crack 200 wins for the first time since 2021. He fell just short of that mark last year, finishing with 196 victories. Junior stars shake up the top ranks In what is believed to be a first, three junior drivers are sitting inside the top five on the premiership table. Wilson House leads the way on 59 wins, with Carter Dalgety and Crystal Hackett close behind, each on 43 wins. It is uncommon for Junior Drivers to appear towards the top of the overall drivers premiership, and the last time multiple juniors made an appearance in the Top 5 at the halfway point of the season was in 2012 with Zachary Butcher and Matthew Williamson. Harrison Orange sits just outside the Top 5 in seventh, with 41 wins this season. The son of current leader, Blair Orange, is closing in on his 50th career victory and is poised to become the fastest driver in New Zealand history to reach that milestone. That quartet also leads the junior premiership standings and with Wilson House holding a 13-win lead over Crystal and Carter, he’s in a strong position heading into the second half of the year. In recent years, the top juniors have finished the year on around the 70-win mark, so this year’s leading bunch is tracking well. The only junior drivers to have finished a season with over 100 wins are Dexter Dunn, Matthew Williamson and Zachary Butcher. Telfer team on record pace On the trainers’ side, Steve and Amanda Telfer look poised for a record-setting year. With 85 wins from 390 starts, they’re well ahead of the chasing pack and on pace to threaten the modern-day benchmark of 157 wins set by Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen in 2014. Michael House (74 wins) and Robert & Jenna Dunn (42 wins) round out the top three, with Mark Jones (38 wins) not far behind. Rounding out the top five are Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett, with 35 wins so far this year. It’s a standout effort from the trotting specialists, who have had just two pacers in their team this year and do nearly all their winning in the squaregaiting ranks. With 39 total wins last season, they’re on track for one of their best years yet. The Telfers won the premiership in 2022, with Diamond Racing (Robert and Jenna Dunn) claiming the title in 2023 and 2024 – but if current form holds, this year’s trophy could be heading back to Stonewall Stud. View the full article

The Entain Industry Excellence Awards were held in Hamilton over the weekend, celebrating standout contributions across racing administration, training, welfare, and leadership. Designed to spotlight rising stars and behind-the-scenes achievers across all three codes, the awards are now in their second year. Harness racing trainer Nathan Purdon was recognised with the Leadership Excellence Award, honoured for the way he has embraced change and demonstrated strong leadership through a period of major transition. Following the sale of his Canterbury base, Purdon relocated north and has successfully rebuilt his operation in Auckland, a shift that required fresh thinking, adaptability, and trust in his new team. “Professionally, it’s a true honour to be receiving such an award. I have really focused on changing into being a leader over the past few years, it’s not something that came easy to me but consistently working on it I feel I have reached a goal,” said Purdon. “I’m really lucky with the team of people I have around me in Auckland. With me having to travel a lot to the different carnivals, it’s near enough impossible to do it without them all.” Following the sale of the Rolleston farm, Purdon moved his operation north to Auckland – a move that required big-picture thinking, major adjustment, and a leap of faith. “Since the decision had to be made about where to go once the farm in Rolleston was sold, it was a real think-quick moment and I had to tick all the necessary boxes to ensure it was the right move not only for myself but the owners and the new team that I would have to surround myself with. That’s the biggest decision I had to make, it wasn’t taken lightly that’s for sure!” With a new base and a faster training surface to contend with, Purdon says he’s focused on treating each horse as an individual and letting them guide the approach. “ I’ve had to change a lot of the training and come up with fresh ideas as the track is a lot quicker to what I have been use to working on my whole working life, but just taking a step back and assessing each horse individually and how they are handling the work is the only real guide you can go off and that has worked pretty well so far”. Among the proudest moments in the past 12 months was Treacherous Baby’s Group 1 win in the Nevele R Fillies Final on Cup Day. “Winning the Nevele R fillies Group 1 on Cup Day, I tried something I had never really done before because the filly promised me a lot around home but wasn’t really taking it to the track on race day. But she showed her true talent on Cup Day and I’m wrapped that I had the faith to do it for starters and even better to be able to pull it off was something very special – and with my great mate Blair Orange in the gig too.” Looking ahead, Purdon says he’s focused on maintaining momentum and producing high-quality performers. “I have cut the training numbers back since coming north so the likes of winning training premiership looks very slim, but I’d like to keep quality horses coming through the barn and keep attending those big meetings – that’s the goal anyway.” The winner of the National Racing Woman award, Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle, also has a harness connection through her work managing social media and content for Breckon Farms. Harness Racing New Zealand also congratulates all other harness finalists, including Zachary Butcher (Equine Licence Holder Excellence), Samantha Ottley and Crystal Hackett (National Racing Woman), David Branch (Administration and Innovation), and Shannon Armour (Care & Welfare). View the full article

Blair Orange hits 99 wins, McCormick does the double, Krug and Perfect Sting announcements, weanling sale success, Republican Party returns to work, and the latest Gavelhouse auction closes tonight. ORANGE ON CUSP OF CENTURY AT HALFWAY POINT Blair Orange heads into this week’s racing on 99 wins for the year, with the calendar ticking past the halfway mark on June 30. The seven-time premiership winner is on track to reach 200 wins in a season for the first time since 2021. He finished just shy of the mark last year, ending 2023 with 196 victories. WEEKEND TO REMEMBER FOR MCCORMICK AT ADDINGTON Ashburton’s Lawrence McCormick enjoyed a dream weekend at Addington with a training/driving double. Vertigo won on Friday night, followed by Father Mike on Sunday. A full-time electrician, McCormick fits training around his work schedule, keeping a small team going through the winter months. KRUG TO STAND FOR $2,500 FOR 2025/26 SEASON Phoebe Standardbreds have announced Krug will stand for $2,500 (+GST) for the 2025/26 breeding season. An early bird option is available at $2,000 (+GST) if paid by 30 September. As an added incentive, a free service will be drawn from the first 20 bookings. Progeny by the multiple Group 1 winner will be eligible for Sires Stakes and the Harness 5000, and if sold through the yearling sales, will also qualify for the Sales Series and Next Gen bonuses. Contact Phoebe Standardbreds directly to book. Contact Phoebe Standardbreds directly to book. $10,000 BONUS FOR FIRST PERFECT STING WINNER Macca Lodge has announced a $10,000 bonus for the first New Zealand winner by exciting young sire Perfect Sting. Five of his weanlings sold at last week’s NZB Standardbred Weanling Sale, sparking early interest in the champion’s southern hemisphere stock. With his first crop on the ground and more foals due this season, Perfect Sting is eligible for both the Sires Stakes and Harness 5000. His progeny are expected to feature at the 2026 yearling sales, with bookings for the upcoming breeding season now open via Macca Lodge. WEANLING SALE RESULTS SHOW GROWTH AND CROSS-CODE APPEAL Strong demand and cross-code interest marked last week’s 2025 NZB Standardbred National Weanling Sale at Karaka, with the average sale price lifting 25% and the median jumping 54% on last year’s figures. Seventy-two weanlings were sold for a total of $825,500, with a clearance rate of 85%. The top-priced weanling was Lot 1039 – a Bettor’s Delight filly out of Running On Faith – knocked down for $38,000. Breckon Farms’ sole yearling entry, an Art Major colt from Linda Lovegrace, topped the day overall at $60,000. Woodlands Stud led all vendors by aggregate, selling 29 horses for $362,000. Yabby Dam Farms was the top vendor by average, while Champion sire Bettor’s Delight headed the sire averages at $30,667 across three lots. One of the most notable trends was the emergence of “Pacemakers” – a new syndicate of thoroughbred preparers – who secured 11 weanlings with plans to pinhook them for the 2026 yearling sale. All horses purchased are eligible for the lucrative Harness Million Series. Entries for the series close on Monday 14 July at 5pm. REPUBLICAN PARTY BACK IN WORK Star pacer Republican Party is back in light training as he begins his build-up towards the 2025 IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup. The Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained pacer was third in last year’s edition, before going on to claim Group 1 Victories in the Invercargill Cup, Auckland Cup, Roy Purdon Memorial and NZ Messenger. Currently working on the water walker at Court Co Racing, he’ll stay in this phase for a couple more weeks before moving on to jogging and swim prep. The multiple Group race winner is described as “absolutely gleaming” by the Kentuckiana Lodge team, who have their sights firmly set on New Zealand’s premier race in November. AUCTION CLOSES TONIGHT The latest gavelhouse.com standardbred auction closes from 7pm tonight (Wednesday), with eight lots on offer – seven racehorses and one yearling. Among them is Group 1-winning trotter Val Thorens, currently sitting at $2,700. He’s being sold as the owner reduces racing numbers to focus on younger stock and is described as having “plenty of ability” but needing someone with time to work on his gait. You can view all available lots here RACING ACTION AT ASCOT PARK RACEWAY ON SUNDAY The Invercargill Harness Racing Club hold their final race meeting of the 2024/2025 season at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill on Sunday.Ten races are on the card with several of the races marking recognition of those who have contributed so much over many years. One of those races is dedicated to Invercargill trainer Murray Brown who passed away on 24 June. Brown trained over 500 winners, won the Southland Trainers Premiership seven times, and gave 40 years of service on various committees at the Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill. Several other races on the day acknowledge the contributions of those stepping down from their respective roles as the season end draws near. The first race is at 11.35am and admission is free. View the full article

Sulabella’s (NZ) (Proisir) love affair with Rotorua continued on Wednesday when the Ruakaka mare stormed home to record her sixth career victory in the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua 1560. It was a sense of déjà vu for trainer and part-owner Michelle Bradley, with the daughter of Proisir having won the exact same race a year prior. Wednesday’s victory extended Sulabella’s perfect record at Arawa Park, and Bradley had a positive feeling about her chances when heading to the meeting. “When I sat down this morning and looked back through her races, especially the one here last year, I thought she would be a good chance,” Bradley said. “Then I got on course and I thought it might be a bit wetter than she would have liked.” But the footing proved to be favourable for Sulabella, who ran out a one length victor over Mister Roquette, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing, with her saddle slipping with 800m to go. “I don’t know if it is unfortunate or fortunate that her saddle slipped when she got going at about the 800m,” Bradley said. “But it was a great result, I am really happy.” Bred by Highline Thoroughbreds’ Cam and Eva Heron, Sulabella was offered through their 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft where she was purchased by Bradley for $12,000. The Herons retained shares in Sulabella, and while she has been a work in progress, the trio have been rewarded with half a dozen wins to date, with earnings north of $110,000. “I quite liked her at the yearling sales when she went through. She was only a little filly, but I quite liked her,” Bradley said. “She has had a couple of issues. We didn’t think she was going to get back to the races and Cam and Eva spent quite a bit of money and time on her as a young horse and we got her back into the stables, and we haven’t looked back. “She has won six races now, which is six more than a lot of horses. They might not be the biggest of races but it’s great to get good results and see her running well.” Bradley said Sulabella can be a bit of a handful, so to get the win on Wednesday was rewarding. “She is not the easiest horse to ride and I have got to ride her every morning,” she said. “It is great to get a result out of a horse like that, who is hard work.” Sulabella has a liking for wet tracks and Arawa Park, and Bradley said she will likely make the long trek south to Rotorua once more in a few weeks to try and extend her golden run at the track. “She was really looking forward to the step up in distance and she likes Rotorua,” Bradley said. “She will probably look at coming back here in two-and-a-half weeks and maybe stay at the same distance, but I would like to get her up to 2000m at some stage.” With Sulabella being a full-sister to Group Two winner Bourbon Empress and Group Two performer Pimlico, the broodmare paddock is beckoning the rising seven-year-old, however, Bradley would love to add a few more wins to her tally before then. “She is a full-sister to Bourbon Empress. She doesn’t have to do much when she has got good breeding behind her as well,” Bradley said. View the full article

Queensland Oaks ambitions with Bearings didn’t eventuate but Sydney-based trainer John Sargent is hopeful the staying filly can land a winter city win at Flemington before he turns his attention to next season. Sargent has Bearings (NZ) (Tarzino) set to contest Saturday’s Mahogany Challenge Final for three-year-olds and is convinced the step up to 2500m is what the daughter of Tarzino is looking for. Bearings was sent to Melbourne to contest a heat of the series over 2000m at Flemington at her most recent start on June 21, when the filly came from last in the field of 14 to finish fifth with Dean Yendall aboard. “I thought it was a good run, first time that way around,” Sargent said. “She got back and the pace wasn’t overly strong, which didn’t suit her, but I thought she hit the line as good as anything in the race and she’s just crying out for that extra distance.” Sargent said the Mahogany Challenge Series came onto the radar as an option for the filly after she missed gaining a start in last month’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) on June 7. Instead, Bearings raced in Sydney on that day, finishing fourth over 2000m, before attention turned to Melbourne. “We were taking her to the Oaks in Queensland and she didn’t make the field, so we changed tack and thought there was a good staying race, similar distance, down in Melbourne,” Sargent said. “So that’s why we changed and headed down there.” Bearings’ two wins from nine career starts have come on NSW provincial tracks at Goulburn and Newcastle, and Sargent believes the three-year-old is on the improve. “She’s just getting better with time,” he said. “She’ll go out after this and I think she’ll be even better at four and five. She’s just a staying filly from New Zealand and has just taken time, that’s why she’s just hitting her straps now really. “I’ve kept Dean Yendall on, he knows the filly now and there’s no need to change anything.” Sargent said Bearings stayed in Victoria after her recent start and had done well since, so he is hopeful she will be able to settle closer on Saturday, somewhere midfield, depending on where she draws. If Bearings can keep stepping up into her four-year-old season, a return to Melbourne at some time during the spring might be on the cards. “It just depends how she matures, but I think she’ll be one of those black-type staying fillies that could get back down to Flemington, hopefully, and run in a Matriarch or something like that,” Sargent said, when discussing what type of level Bearings might be able to reach. Bearings was bred by Mapperley Stud and purchased by Tricolours Racing for $140,000 from their Book 1 draft at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale. View the full article

Harvey Wilson always kept a close eye on Jerricoop (NZ) (Zed) at Waverley and his vision for the gelding has come to life this year as he prepares to step up in grade in Saturday’s OTL Group LTD Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa. Previously trained by local horsewoman Erin Hocquard, Jerricoop collected two victories over staying trips and performed on rain-affected ground, the perfect formula for a jumper. After showing interest in the seven-year-old, Wilson welcomed him into his stable just under a year ago. “Erin trains in Waverley and is often next to us at the track, so we see a lot of her,” Wilson said. “We used to say that we’d love to get this horse as a jumper, and now we have. “He hadn’t done any jumping at all when we got him and he took a little bit of teaching, but once he cottoned on, he’s been good.” Despite the relatively short turnaround, Jerricoop has performed like a seasoned professional in his two jumping starts to date, placing on debut behind Yolo before scoring a comprehensive maiden victory at Te Aroha a fortnight ago. This weekend, the son of Zed will return to the north among a select field of eight hurdlers, with his performance likely to dictate where Wilson looks next this season. “We were very happy with his win the other day, he was very well-ridden,” Wilson said. “Since then he’s been working around the farm and we galloped at the track yesterday, just his usual routine. “We’ll see where he takes us, he’s gone up a grade now and there are some good horses in there on Saturday, but it’s not the very top grade, so we’ll be able to see where we fit in.” Jerricoop will continue his association with English hoop Joshua Parker, who is coming off a string of feature hurdle victories with Billy Boy, including last Saturday’s Wellington Hurdle (3200m). View the full article

Race 5 CROFT POLES 1200m AFTER MATCH (V Colgan) – Co trainer Mr. R Foote advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the colt, however, AFTER MATCH is no longer a racing prospect for their stable. The post Whangarei Racing Club @ Ruakaka, Saturday 28 June 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

It’s a case of plan B for Southland trainer Robert Dennis when he heads to Ashburton on Thursday with a quintet of runners. Three of his team were entered to compete at Wingatui on Sunday but were forced to look elsewhere after the meeting was abandoned due to deteriorating track conditions as a result of adverse weather. Dennis looked north for a suitable replacement and found alternative targets at Ashburton. “We were lucky that we had that back-up option to head up to Ashburton because turf is few and far between meetings at this time of year,” Dennis. Dennis is just returning from a break across the Tasman and said he has received positive reports from his team members ahead of the midweek meeting. “I have been on holiday with my family in Australia, so I have a good team of staff who have kept me in the loop, and they are very happy with the team of horses we have got heading to Ashburton,” he said. Former northern filly Love Leigh (NZ) (Ribchester) will have her first start for the stable in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m) after being purchased off Gavelhouse.com for $15,002, and Dennis is looking forward to getting a line on the three-year-old filly. The daughter of Ribchester had three prior starts for former trainer Andrew Forsman, recording one win and she also tested her talent at stakes level when unplaced in the Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie in April. “Love Leigh is first-up with a trip away, but she will be well drilled coming out of the Andrew Forsman stable,” Dennis said. “She is a nice filly that we purchased off Gavelhouse. She won a race and then was tried in stakes company at the end of her campaign, which she didn’t quite cop. “She was bought by a great group of people, and we will test the waters and see where we are at with her on Thursday.” Dennis is hoping stablemate Sir Sterling (NZ) (Iffraaj) can bounce back to form in the Gary Mcormick Transport LTD (1600m) after a disappointing sixth placing at Oamaru last start. “He was a shade disappointing last time. He dropped back to 1400m, and we think he didn’t quite handle the sticky nature of the Oamaru track as well as he had been handling the wetter tracks,” he said. “Not that he was beaten by much last time, he just wasn’t as strong as he had been, and we will be expecting him to run well. “He is back up to a mile and we have put a claim on with Yogesh Atchamah riding for a little bit of weight relief.” Sir Sterling will be joined in his race by Vino Valentino (NZ) (Zacinto), who is fresh-up after placing at Wingatui last month. “She is about five weeks between runs and drops back to a mile,” Dennis said. “She seems to thrive on racing, so she may just need the run and then we will look to step her back up to 2200m at Oamaru on the 20th.” Chevron (NZ) (El Roca)will also head to Ashburton in a fresh state, and he will be joined in the Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) by stablemate The Hangover (NZ) (Zacinto). “Chevron was quite disappointing at Wingatui last time, we were expecting a lot better,” Dennis said. “He has had a good gap between runs. He is a pretty good horse on his day. Yogesh is onboard again and his two-kilo claim will be a big help, it takes him right down to 54 kilos. “The Hangover is a frustrating horse. He goes very good races without winning. He has gone some exceptional races this season without getting a win. Up in this open class he is going to need everything to go his way. “Donovan (Cooper, apprentice jockey) seems to get on well with him and his two-kilo claim will help get him down to 52kg. I am picking he will handle the track. We space his runs on purpose because he just seems to go best like that. Hopefully he can put his hand up on Thursday.” Meanwhile, the South Island Trainers’ Premiership is heating up with just a month to go in the season, and Dennis is right in the thick of it. While Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton barn has a comfortable lead on 43 wins for the season, the race for second place is on in earnest, with Dennis currently sitting on 33 wins for the season, just one win in arrears of second placed John and Karen Parsons. Riccarton trainers Anna Furlong and father-and- son duo Michael and Matthew Pitman sit on 32 wins, while fellow Southland trainer Kelvin Tyler is currently sitting on 31 wins. Dennis has been pleased with the way the season has gone, and he is hopeful of adding to his tally on Thursday. “I am just really happy with how our team of horses and humans have performed this season and I am looking forward to an even better one next season,” he said. View the full article

Kelvin Tyler will spend plenty of time on the road over the next month, with his three Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) hopefuls making their final preparations for the Grand National Festival of Racing. The trio of talented wet-track gallopers includes Albatross (NZ) (Sacred Falls), Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer), and King Of The Castle (NZ) (Castledale), who will all contest Thursday’s Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) at Ashburton. The latter pair will resume after a short spell, while Albatross has made her presence felt in Canterbury recently, finishing a close-up second to race rival Conor O’Ceirin in the Amberley Cup (1400m) ten days ago. The daughter of Sacred Falls returned to Tyler’s Riverton base after the race, and he couldn’t have been happier with her performance. “I thought it was a great effort, she really had no excuse as the winner had quite a bit of weight to carry and beat us fair and square,” he said. “She’s come through that really well, hopefully the track is nice and loose, which she would appreciate, and I’d expect another good run really. “Master Marko had about three weeks off after his last run, he’s come through the break well and he’ll have a good hit out before going to the Oamaru Cup and on to the Winter Cup. “King Of The Castle is in the same boat.” The Oamaru Cup meeting will be held on the 20th of July, with the Winter Cup held at Riccarton Park on August 2. Alongside his topliners, Tyler has a strong contingent contesting the undercard races, including an in-form Vamos. The gelding had won two of his last three outings prior to racing at Riccarton, where he went down narrowly to Bella Luce over the mile distance. “I think Amber (Riddell, jockey) was kicking herself because she’s ridden and won on him a few times, so she knows how he likes to roll and would’ve got going a bit earlier,” he said. “Under his big weight he took a little while to wind up, but it was a top run. “He’s come through the race very well, he’s flying at the moment. “He’s got another decent weight tomorrow, having the claim brings us down to 57kg so he’ll go a good race.” On this occasion, Floor Moerman will take the reins aboard Vamos in the Gary McCormick Transport Ltd (1600m), while Riddell guides the fortunes of Radiant Reach, as they shoot for three wins on the bounce in the McIntosh Catering (1600m). Tyler has always rated the daughter of Vadamos, who has found her sweet spot in the testing ground of late. “Maturity is always up there, but I think the wetter tracks are really helping her too, she just thrives on them and is a happy horse at the moment,” Tyler said. “I think she’ll take a bit of beating, but the worst thing with her is she’ll often beat herself when she’s slow out of the gates. That’s always a bit of a worry, but if she gives herself a fair start, she’ll be hard to beat.” Lightly tried Proisir filly Return Flight will have her first trip away when attending the meeting, and Tyler is confident she can bring her strong form into the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m). “She went very well last start, she covered a huge amount of ground coming down the outside and has come through it well,” he said. “Wet track won’t worry her at all, so this is a winnable race for her. “This will be her first trip away but she’s a good eater, so I think she’ll cope with it well.” View the full article