Wandering Eyes

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. can add another significant milestone to his resume by becoming the first rider to lead Gulfstream Park's Championship Meet jockey standings for a sixth season.View the full article

Grade 2 heroine Garde De Burge (Fr) (Fr) (lot 752), in foal to Jigme (Ire), topped Thursday's Arqana Autumn National Hunt and Breeding Stock Sale when selling to Guy Petit for €160,000. Out of listed winner Tornada (Fr) (Ballingarry {Ire}) herself a half-sister to listed winner and Group 1-placed Martator (Fr) (Martaline {GB}), the mare was carrying her first foal. She was consigned by Haras de l'Hotellerie. “I've bought her for one of my clients and she'll stay in France,” said the agent. “She's a group winner, from a great family and carrying her first foal by Jigme, a very talented racehorse. We're very happy.” A total of 129 horses sold from 190 offered (68%) for a gross of €2,636,500 (-23%) on Thursday. The average was €20,438 (-18%) and the median was €10,000 (-23%). “The 2024 Autumn Sale has now concluded for another year after taking place in rather unusual weather conditions,” the sales company said in a statement. “The sale is the major National Hunt event at the end of the year, with different sectors of horses on offer. As far as the National Hunt-bred yearlings are concerned, we were fortunate to have a great selection as well as our regular buyers who once again made the trip to Deauville. Demand was nevertheless very selective, with the percentage of horses sold at 63%, which was below our expectations. The average price held up well, remaining above €30,000. We still saw some great bidding battles over the most attractive profiles, with five yearlings selling for €100,000 or more and a top price of €255,000 for a son of Galiway (GB) that will stay in France. “As for the stores, the vendors were realistic and adapted to the market, which was more guarded than we have seen in the past. A total of 83% of the horses offered were sold for an average price that dropped significantly compared to 2023. “We had quite strong years in 2022 and 2023 for the horses-in-training section. We're back to a turnover of nearly €4.8 million, on a par with 2021, with fairly strong demand for good profiles that are capable of continuing their careers in Australia, the United States or at winter meetings in the Middle East, such as Newlook (Fr) (New Bay {GB}), sold for €480,000 to an Australian syndicate, and Elbaz (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), that made over €200,000 to the United States. There were also some good jumps prices, including [AQPS] Jet Blue (Fr) (Martaline {GB}), which sold for €220,000. Nevertheless, we were short of these very good profiles in the face of very selective demand. “Lastly, on the breeding side, the day's sales were in line with the yearling sales over the last two days, with buyers being highly selective and therefore creating strong demand for the very good profiles, such as the top priced foal of the day, a son of Saint Des Saints out of a Group 1 winner that sold for €120,000. For the mares, the percentage sold remained relatively high, approaching 75%, with some good prices for young mares that were good racemares themselves and/or with good coverings, like our top price, a winner of the Prix Bournosienne in foal to Jigme that sold for €160,000. The post Garde De Burge, In Foal To Jigme, Tops Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Havana Grey (GB)'s Cuban Tiger (GB) brought a sale-topping 72,000gns from FMQ Stables to top the Tattersalls Online November Sale on Thursday. Consigned by Spigot Lodge Stables, lot 29 is out of Shirley's Kitten (Kitten's Joy) and won the Listed Burradon Stakes in March. Karl Burke's operation also offered lot 43, Imperial Sovereign (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). The 3-year-old gelding sold to Philip Kirby for 49,000gns. He is out of G1 Prix Saint-Alary third Imperial Charm (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). A breeding right in Sergei Prokofiev (lot 195) brought 31,000gns on the bid of Heather Raw. The first-season sire has 24 winners to his credit, while a breeding right in Group 1 sire Ardad (Ire) (lot 194) was snapped up for 27,000gns by Two Clicks Bloodstock. Of the 197 horses catalogued, 181 were offered and 77 were sold (43%). The gross was 602,300gns, while the average was 7,822gns and the median was 2,600gns. Tattersalls Online Sales manager Katherine Sheridan said, “We witnessed a record number of entries this month and the continued growth of our Tattersalls Online monthly sales reflects the trust and confidence of our vendors, for which we are very grateful. The catalogue received strong support from England, Ireland and France and attracted a diverse collection of buyers both domestically and internationally. The top-priced lot, as well as many others in the sale, being purchased for international connections highlights the unique reach of Tattersalls Online in this market. We now look forward to the Tattersalls Online December Sale which will feature the highly anticipated Southern Hemisphere Session.” The post Cuban Tiger Roars At Tattersalls Online November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Globetrotting wunderkind Equinox (Jpn), his sire Kitasan Black (Jpn) and Kizuna (Jpn) co-lead the Shadai Stallion Station roster at ¥20,000,000 (€123,497) apiece next year. Equinox, who has his first foals arriving next year, and Kitasan Black (11 stakes winners) have had their fees remain at their 2024 levels, while Kizuna has had his fee increased from €12,000,000. The last-named horse has fired in 14 stakes winners in 2024 alone, among them G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese St Leger) hero Justin Milano (Jpn). Right under the leading trio is Japanese Triple Crown Winner Contrail (Jpn) at ¥18,000,000 (€111,158). His first 2-year-olds will grace the racecourse in 2025. He stood for ¥15,000,000 in 2024. Japanese Champion First-Season Sire Suave Richard (Jpn) remains at ¥15,000,000 (€92,631). His first crop now features G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese Fillies St Leger) hero Urban Chic (Jpn), who struck on Oct. 20. Epiphaneia (Jpn) has been trimmed from ¥15,000,000 to ¥12,000,000 (€74,105) after a year that featured seven stakes winners, four of them at Group 1 level including Classic winners Danon Decile (Jpn) and Stellenbosch (Jpn). A trio of Shadai stallions are priced at ¥10,000,000 (€61,752)–first-season sires Saturnalia (Jpn) (22 winners from 66 runners) and Nadal (25 winners from his first 58 runners), and Group 1 sire Lord Kanaloa (Jpn). The full 31-horse roster and fees are as follows: Stallion Fee (¥) Admire Mars (Jpn) 5,000,000 Equinox (Jpn) 20,000,000 Isla Bonita (Jpn) 2,000,000 Epiphaneia (Jpn) 12,000,000 Efforia (Jpn) 4,000,000 Orfevre (Jpn) 3,500,000 Kizuna (Jpn) 20,000,000 Kitasan Black (Jpn) 20,000,000 Chrysoberyl (Jpn) 2,500,000 Grenadier Guards (Jpn) 1,500,000 Contrail (Jpn) 18,000,000 Saturnalia (Jpn) 10,000,000 Satono Crown (Jpn) 1,500,000 Salios (Jpn) 2,000,000 Siskin 3,000,000 Schnell Meister (Ger) 3,500,000 Suave Richard (Jpn) 15,000,000 Danon Kingly (Jpn) 1,500,000 Drefong 5,000,000 Nadal 10,000,000 New Year's Day 2,000,000 Harbinger (GB) Private Bricks And Mortar 4,000,000 Poetic Flare (Ire) Private Hot Rod Charlie 1,500,000 Mind Your Biscuits 2,000,000 Maurice (Jpn) 8,000,000 Le Vent Se Leve (Jpn) 2,500,000 Rulership (Jpn) 4,000,000 Rey De Oro (Jpn) 2,500,000 Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) 10,000,000 The post Shadai Trio Of Equinox, Kitasan Black And Kizuna Lead 2025 Roster At ¥20 Million (€123,497) Apiece appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While purses for both the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Santa Anita Handicap (G1) were reduced, the purses for overnight races are greater than what was offered last spring and autumn, with four allowance and maiden races increasing by more than 10%.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Mark Hurrell heads to Invercargill armed and ready to make the most of his chances. With several catch drives, the reinsman has a big book of drives filled with winning chances. Hurrell had several options to choose from when asked to rate his best winning hope but he eventually settled on one of those catch drives in the Kirstin Green-trained Bubble Me in Race 1, The American Ideal ‘The Legacy Lives on Forever’ Mobile Pace (3.52pm). “I thought her last run was pretty good, she copped a bit of pressure and still managed to run a decent last half (800m).” “She has plenty of gate speed and I thought she might be hard to catch.” Hurrell also links up with the Green trained Emily, who is coming in off a last-start mistake at Ashburton. The usually reliable trotter looks like a decent top-four threat back in her home province on Friday. “She gets a nice head-start on the back markers, if it was 2200m I would be more confident.” “Over 2700m, she is pretty honest and I would think she’s a top-four chance.” Hurrell combines with three of his regular drives from the Greg Hunter stable on Friday in First Light, It’s A Pleasure and Beach Day. Early betting suggests First Light is in a head-to-head matchup with Always Ticking. “She has beaten Always Ticking a couple of times earlier in the year.” “But Always Ticking went a pretty good race at Wyndham last week.” “I was a little bit disappointed in First Light’s last second, but On The Wing is no mug and she did a little bit of work early.” “I would say she will head forward again and give her her chance.” The classy Beach Day resumes at Ascot Park after producing outstanding winter form. While there is no doubting the mare’s class, she does give away a race fitness advantage to her rivals. “I am picking she will benefit from the run, but she has gone real good fresh before. “But that has been down in the grades, not against these horses” “She is still a chance though, because she is a nice horse.” “Five is probably a niggly enough draw first up because she will probably settle behind the main chances.” It’s A Pleasure also returns to racing, starting fresh up for the Hunter stable on Friday. “She will probably benefit from the run too and from the draw she is going to need a bit of luck.” “But she is a nice filly and she will do a great job once she gets a bit of racing under her belt.” Hurrell reunites with Robyns Playboy who he has driven at various points in his fantastic career. The veteran looks to land in a winnable race on the back of a strong last-start fourth at Wyndham. “All the better chances have drawn outside me, so it might be a good chance to put him in the race and see whether he can finish it off.” “But we will see how things pan out.” Another veteran in Friendly Eyre looks the outsider of Hurrell’s strong book of drives. View the full article

In this series, we will have a look at American-bred first-time juvenile starters (through the end of 2024) and debuting 3-year-olds in maiden races at the tracks of the Emirates Racing Authority, with a specific focus on pedigree and/or performance in a sales ring. The flagship venue for racing in the United Arab Emirates is Meydan Racecourse, which will host racing predominantly on Fridays, with the exception of Super Saturday Mar. 1 and Dubai World Cup night Apr. 5, 2025. Here are the horses of interest for the Friday program at Meydan: 2nd-MEY, AED165,000, Maiden, NH2yo/SH3yo, 1200m Jockey Danny Tudhope is off to a fast start in the Emirates this season, with eight wins, and first-time starter AFRICAN CANDY (Twirling Candy) looks capable of adding to that total. The Mar. 15 foal is the latest to race from his dam Rosalind (Broken Vow), dead-heat winner of the 2014 GI Ashland Stakes and later a Grade III winner and Grade I-placed on the turf. A half-brother to MSP Chanceaux (Speightstown), the bay–a running-on fifth and not beaten far after a slow break in an Oct. 30 trial (see below)–was purchased by Willie Browne for $200,000 at Keeneland September last fall and was sold on for €190,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale this past May. The colt's younger siblings have also been well received commercially, as the yearling half-sister by Tapit made $500,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga this summer, while the weanling half-brother by Quality Road sold for $425,000 at Keeneland November. Also getting home well in the Oct. 30 trial was Undefeated (Vekoma), a $90,000 KEESEP yearling turned $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic purchase who now resides in the barn of Dubai World Cup-winning trainer Bhupat Seemar. Malhouf (Authentic), a half-brother to SW Kowboy Karma (Kodiak Kowboy), is the most expensive auction purchase in this seven-strong field, having brought $300,000 from trainer Michael Costa on behalf of Jebel Ali Stables at KEESEP last fall. The colt's SW & MGSP second dam Alyssum (Storm Cat) was a daughter of champion Althea (Alydar). This is the female family of Arch, Acoma, Balletto (UAE), et al. The post Desert Debuters: Twirling Candy Son Of Rosalind Can Give Tudhope Another appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are seven horse racing meetings set for Australia on Friday, November 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Moonee Valley. Friday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – November 22, 2024 Moonee Valley 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 22, 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

The glossary of terms page includes a section that groups the terms at certain points of the race to help explain the types of difficulty a horse can encounter at the start and then throughout a race.View the full article

Calumet Farm's Mixto is looking to stir the pot once more when he lines up against five other rivals in the $100,000 Native Diver Stakes (G3) Nov. 23 at Del Mar. View the full article

How has your year gone? With the holidays approaching in earnest, it's not uncommon for American families to send a letter to loved ones sharing highlights from their year. If a stallion were to do that, Not This Time's letter might go something like this: Dear Friends and Family, It's been another great year! One son set the North American record on grass for 5 1/2 furlongs and has been billed as “the fastest horse in the world.” Another couldn't be beaten at marathons on the dirt. Yet another was the only winner of the 35 races carded at Royal Ascot to be sired by an American-based stallion. I'm firmly entrenched among the leading sires, covered my best book of mares yet, got another OBS seven-figure 2-year-old, had three yearlings sell for $1 million or more at Keeneland September, and saw another boost in my stud fee. Looking forward to 2025! Not This Time Sure, that's silly, but it doesn't take away from the facts: Not This Time, who holds pride of place at Taylor Made Farm, is one of the top sires in North America. He has had yet another spectacular year, both on the track and in the sales ring. According to Travis White, stallion nomination manager at Taylor Made, Not This Time is one of the rare horses who has the Midas Touch as a sire. “It just felt like every step of the way, things went well for him,” said White. “They sold well early on, they got in good hands. Everybody made money along the way, whether it be a breeder or a pinhooker or people that bought them to race. Every step of the way, he rewarded people.” What is it specifically about Not This Time that makes him successful in so many facets? “He produces those kind of physical horses that people want to have,” said White. “They might dream of winning the Kentucky Derby, and obviously it doesn't work out in a lot of cases, but with him you can try that route and, if it's not successful, you can pivot and do something else, maybe sprinting or even going to the turf. Horses like [champion turf male] Up to the Mark or even [GISW and record-setter] Cogburn are good examples. “As we get further along in his stallion career, you're seeing versatility in his offspring, whether it be sprinting, going two turns, dirt, turf. He has recognizable graded 2-year-old stakes winners in the summer and then he stays in the news because he also has some of the older horses that have been around for a while. They're sound and they're versatile.” Not This Time didn't necessarily start out as one of North America's elite stallions–he's earned his way there–but there were definitely expectations for his own abbreviated racing career. A homebred for Albaugh Family Stable after the operation sold his older half-brother, Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song), for $800,000 as a Keeneland September yearling to St. Elias Stables and then watched him go on to wins in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and GI Woodward Stakes, he was sent to trainer Dale Romans. His first start as a 2-year-old in June at Churchill Downs gave him an education if not an on-the-board finish, and he came back to romp by 10 lengths in August at Ellis Park at a mile. His GIII Iroquois Stakes at Churchill was spectacular. He hopped in the air at the start, recovered well, and drew off under a hand ride for an 8 3/4-length drubbing of his challengers. Favored in the 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Not This Time encountered trouble early before swinging wide and closing with a rush to just miss by a neck. “He was an extremely talented racehorse,” said White. “What he was able to do in his short career showed he was an exceptional talent. He ran a great race in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, pretty much ran a winning race, just didn't have the best trip. Even watching him breeze on the track, you could just kind of tell from the way he moved he was an exceptionally talented horse.” A little more than two weeks after the Juvenile, Not This Time was retired to Taylor Made after suffering a soft tissue injury to his right front. The Albaughs retained half. “[Taylor Made] bought half of the horse with the whole intention of syndicating him from the get-go. We sold off some of our shares to our customers along the way. The Albaugh family has been fantastic to work with. We've always had a good relationship with them, but I think it's even stronger now. It's just nice to see them stay with us the whole time and have this great success. The shareholders from the very beginning are another group of people that made money as well, another group who has been successful just by being a part of him.” Not This Time kicked off his stud career in 2017 for $15,000 and took a cut down to $12,500 for his fourth year in 2020. While he didn't lead the freshman sire list that year–finishing third, missing second by pennies–he did co-lead the freshman table by black-type winners with three in that first crop. They included his $1.35-million OBS June 2-year-old topper Princess Noor, who was his first 'TDN Rising Star' as well as winner of the GI Del Mar Debutante Stakes and GII Chandelier Stakes. Not This Time was just warming up. It didn't hurt that he put good-looking foals on the ground who began developing into real runners on the racetrack. “He's a very attractive horse,” said White. “He was born and raised here on the farm, so we knew the horse very well from the start. He's a very nice horse physically so that attracted a lot of breeders to him in his first year, a lot of very good commercial breeders who know how to raise and produce a good horse. That kind of helped get him off to a good start and his offspring were very well received.” White said Not This Time stands around 16.1 1/2 or 16.2. “He's got some stretch and height to him. He's just a beautifully conformed horse, a great profile from the side, a really good neck and shoulder, pretty head, good hind leg. “He's in great health, very young,” added White. “We just try to keep him happy.” Up to $40,000 for 2021 and $45,000 for 2022, Not This Time was elevated to the six-figure stratosphere in 2023, when he stood for $135,000 on the heels of his first champion, GI Travers Stakes winner Epicenter. His fee was raised again in 2024 ($150,000) when he added another champion in Up to the Mark. He'll stand for $175,000 in 2025. “As the stud fee has increased a little bit every year, obviously the quality of mares has skyrocketed,” said White. “With the breeders that are sending mares to him, you're getting everybody that you'd want to be a part of your horse to help continue the momentum. They're all now breeding multiple mares to him. The nice thing is he's a very good breeding horse. He can breed a lot of mares, he's very fertile.” Not This Time at Taylor Made | Sarah Andrew Not This Time covered 191 mares this spring. White said he would be kept around that same number for the upcoming season. “He had a lot of yearlings in the sale this year, but as we go down the road with these crops, some of these breeders are more breed to race. I'm looking forward to those horses–the Juddmontes the Shadwells. We've also got a lot more Japanese interest and European interest, so I think we'll start seeing more chance to really have an opportunity to explode internationally.” The dark bay's yearlings averaged $345,992 in 2024 with a median of $250,000. “Now he's got the pipeline, where commercially he's doing extremely well,” said White. “He's had just around 30 [yearlings] sell for $500,000 or more this year and that was off a $45,000 stud fee. “I think he gives operations an outlet to produce a commercial yearling that will be received by Americans and Europeans. The book this year will be his best-ever book. We're getting more international appeal–whether it be Europe, Japan, Australia–we're getting support and seeing a little bit more international influence.” Clearly the elite North American conduit to the late Giant's Causeway, Not This Time also has first Kentucky-based sons at stud. Epicenter is at Coolmore America and has his first weanlings this year, Up to the Mark is at Lane's End and will have his first foals in the spring, and Cogburn will stand his first season at WinStar in 2025. At just 10, Not This Time's 39 black-type winners include 17 graded winners and six Grade I winners. His “name” horses in 2024 have included Cogburn, who won the GI Jaipur Stakes and two other graded events while flaunting spine-tingling speed; the lovely gray Next, whose seven-race winning streak at marathon distances included open-daylight victories by as many as 25 lengths; and the juvenile colt Shareholder, who won the G2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Both Cogburn and Next set new course or track records this year: Cogburn at 5 1/2 furlongs on Saratoga's grass in :59.80 and Next at 1 1/2 miles in 2:27.93 at Churchill Downs on dirt. “To me, I haven't found any kinks in the armor just yet,” said White of the Taylor Made flagbearer. “They're sound, but they're still precocious. He's moving up the 2-year-old sire list–I think he's seventh right now–so he's up there. He's also up there on the turf list and the general sire list.” White doesn't take Not This Time's success for granted. “Every segment of this industry is extremely difficult,” he said. “I don't guess at the end of the day you really know which ones are going to hit, but you've got to have good people to breed the right kind of mares that know how to raise a good horse and they have to end up in good hands. It's a lot of luck along the way. We're very, very fortunate. We are blessed to have him and to be a part of him.” The post Saturday Sires: Not This Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale was all about Hong Kong buyers, who spent NZ$17 million for 74 horses over the two-day stand, or 45% of the total gross. On day 1, they shelled out NZ$7.3 million on 33 horses, and added 41 more lots to that haul for NZ$9.7 million on Day 2. “It's hard to compete with Hong Kong. There's a lot of Hong Kong buyers here. There's a lot of geldings here and for us, it's hard to pay big money for a gelding. We still want the colt dream still alive particularly if they are those sharper sprinter types,” trainer Annabel Neasham told nzb.co.nz. “There's a lot of lovely horses here, colts, fillies and geldings. … [we've been] amazed at the quality. A lot of nice horses and a variety of staying types and sprinters.” The sale's leading buyer was KM Leung, owner of Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}). He purchased 24 horses for just under NZ$5 million at an average of NZ$208,125. Agent Willie Leung bought on his behalf and told the NZB, “The New Zealand Bloodstock breeze up sale produces a lot of good horses for Hong Kong. Mr Yeung bought a Super Seth (Aus) last year and he tasted a good result, and that's why he's come back this year. “He's very happy with the quality provided here. We will try to get the best ones to Hong Kong, but we still need the numbers so we will see when they are ready and then they will go to Hong Kong as a 2-year-old or 3-year-old in the future. “Most will stay in New Zealand for their education and preparation and then we will see if they race here, or go direct to Hong Kong.” Added Leung, who also buys as Magus Equine, “I also represent Francis Liu. For Francis, we've had a good result in the past with Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) and this year is the first time he's come back since COVID. Hopefully we get another Golden Sixty.” A total of 250 horses sold (78%) over the two days for a gross of NZ$38.1 million. The average was NZ$153,147 and the median was unchanged at NZ$90,000. The post Hong Kong Buyers Out In Force At NZB Ready To Run Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sheer unbridled enthusiasm. That's exactly what was on show at the November Foal Sale at Goffs this week where, on top of a millionaire lot, turnover climbed by 26% to €32,640,000, the average by 34% to €48,717 and the median by 21% to €29,000. Those are the types of figures that compare favourably to even Book 1 of the Orby and they left Goffs chief Henry Beeby understandably delighted at close of play on Thursday. He commented, “The cream of the Irish foal crop is our proud boast and I think we can say without fear of contradiction that our buyers agreed as we have witnessed a sale of true strength and depth that was, at times, simply extraordinary. “The early signs were good with packed car parks and yards from first thing Saturday which led to a sale on Monday that kicked us off in some style with a trade of real vibrancy from start to finish. That vibe continued on Tuesday as we stepped up a gear although nothing could have prepared us for Wednesday's truly electric and historic sale.” “A seven-figure foal is always a big deal, and we are indebted to both vendor and purchaser, as well as the notable underbidder, for their faith in a stunning young colt. He was by no means the only showstopper though as foal after foal attracted proper bidding duels as all the leading pinhookers battled with several significant end users for stunning colt after superb filly as the day progressed. Indeed, the growth recorded in every statistic was simply mind blowing by Wednesday evening and firmly cemented Goffs November as the first choice for the best Irish foals once again as so many vendors were more than happy to acclaim the sale as the best there is for the category.” He added, “There are so many factors that contributed to the week's success, not least the huge numbers of young pinhookers looking to invest, which is a unique aspect of Goffs November as we enjoy the patronage of so many generations. That means that all levels of the market made progress, and it is certainly worthy of comment that the number of six figure lots increased from “42 last year to 75 this time with three times more surpassing the quarter of a million mark. “Another key point is the diversity of buyers so clearly illustrated by 18 different buyers signing for the top 20 lots and 54 individual entities investing in six figure foals. That points to a quality and depth to the market that augurs well for the Irish thoroughbred industry. All that said today was harder work and made the point that demand is not endless albeit any foal that caught the eye of the pinhooking fraternity was as hard to buy as during any other session. “As ever we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to every vendor for their support as we are nothing without their wonderful foals and wish each purchaser the best of luck whether they bought to resell or race. If the former we stand ready and waiting to work for the buyers as they switch to vendor mode next autumn. Goffs Orby and Premier provide consistency and strength at all levels of the market and no team will work harder for you.” It was Jerry Horan of Ballynure Park Stud who played a star role at Goffs on Thursday. Following on from a familiar theme all week, Horan's Sioux Nation colt proved most popular when selling to Flash Conroy of Glenvale Stud for €70,000. There was an interesting backstory to the top lot, too. Bought by Horan during the mares' session of this sale last year for just €8,500 in utero to the colt, that trade represented a tidy profit within the space of 12 months for young Horan. He said, “Absolutely delighted. It was at this sale last November when Jamie Moriarty picked out the mare for me. She was vendored and he told me that we should buy her so we got her bought for €8,500. Brought her home and she went to Bernard Cloney to foal. He kept her for a while and, I know everyone says this after they get a touch, but this colt was just so easy to look after and was just very straightforward from day one. We sent him to Alice Kavanagh for prep and she did a great job with him. He's been very busy ahead of today and my own team–Tara, Sarah and Ciara–did a top job.” He added, “I've been lucky with the mares but I do buy a few of them so you're always going to get a touch when you have strength in numbers. But I've been lucky enough to get a touch every year with one or two mares and manage to trade away with the rest. It's not too bad.” If the story didn't represent enough of a quick enough turnaround, what about the Showcasing (GB) colt that Horan sourced less than six weeks before the sale for €10,000? The hammer fell–again to Glenvale–at €30,000 on Thursday. Not even Bitcoin has climbed that much in the past six weeks. “In fairness, Hamish McAuley found him online,” Horan explained. “I didn't even know that he was in the sale. It was a nice bit of business–just over two months. I'd a Mehmas (Ire) foal yesterday who made €80,000 and I'd bought the mare for €31,000 so, in fairness, it's been a very good week. Over the course of the week, everything I sold made a good bit more than I thought they would. It shows the depth of people who were buying here at Goffs. Footfall was unbelievable and, even yesterday, I couldn't believe the amount of people who were out looking at the Thursday foals. Phenomenal.” Of the 223 offered on the Thursday session, 134 foals were sold at a clearance rate of 60%. Turnover was €2,001,500, which is down by 23% on last year, while the average was €14,937 [down 4%] and the median €11,000 [down 8%]. Talking points Sioux Nation's stock has been on the rise for a while now but this was the year where things went to a new level for the Coolmore-based stallion. After a good yearling sale season, Sioux Nation enjoyed a memorable week here at Goffs, with his progeny leading the way on two of the four days of trade. All told, 36 foals by Sioux Nation sold for an average of €53,917whille four rocked into six figures. Tally-Ho Stud remained the undisputed top dog buyers with 14 horses bought for a combined €1,037,000. It wasn't just the domestic pinhookers who contributed to the booming trade with Philip Stauffenberg [who spent €910,0000 on seven foals], Sumbe [spent €660,000 on two foals] and Scandinavian buyers The JC Organisation [spent €650,000 on two foals] featuring on the top 10 buyers' sheet. Of the sires with their first foals selling at Goffs this week, it was hard not to be taken with Minzaal (Ire), who posted a €52,635 average for 26 lots sold. Not even the dip in the figures on Thursday could take away from what had been a blockbuster foal session. However, the drop off in the Thursday trade might raise the question about whether the minimum bid for the final day should be €3,000 or not. If it was €1,000, perhaps a few more foals would have sold in the ring, which would have helped the clearance rate. At the end of the day, 24 horses didn't get a bid in the ring and 16 were vendored €3,000 on Thursday. Buy of the day Given how the progeny of Cotai Glory (GB) sold this week and how well lot 817, a colt by the Tally-Ho Stud-based stallion stacked up physically, it's hard to argue that he wasn't well-bought at €42,000. Bred by Chris Hayes, fast becoming something of a dab hand at this discipline, the Cotai Glory colt was consigned by Boherguy Stud and was knocked down to Barton Stud's Tom Blain who signed under AR Bloodstock. The colt is the fourth foal out of Oasis Dream (GB) mare Butoolat (GB), who has already produced a winner, and appears to be a typically-precocious model by the stallion. Thought for the day Attention now turns to the mares' section of the breeding stock sale on Friday and one of the potentially fascinating subplots will revolve around Kia Joorabchian's level involvement. We all know that Amo Racing injected great enthusiasm into the yearling market from October onwards. Well, given the operation has retired three new stallions in the past month, it will be interesting to see whether Joorabchian and his buying team will be recruiting mares to visit newbies King Of Steel, Bucanero Fuerte (GB) and Go Bears Go (Ire). The post Beeby Hails “Truly Electric” Foal Session As Horan Enjoys Day To Remember At Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The distinctive water tower at Ellis Park that hulks behind the far turn and is emblazoned with the Kentucky track's name will be removed over the coming weeks “due to critical safety concerns related to its structural integrity.” Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI), the gaming corporation that owns Ellis, made the announcement via press release on Thursday. CDI stated the decision was made “despite dedicated efforts to preserve the historic water tower.” But, the press release added, “given the lack of functionality and rapid deterioration of the water tower, the increasing risks associated with the unsound structure compelled CDI, upon advisement, to make the difficult decision to proceed with its removal” before the end of the year. “We understand the deep emotional connection the water tower holds for our fans and the local community,” said Matthew Pressley, the general manager at Ellis. “This decision was not made lightly, as we prioritize the safety of everyone who visits our facility. We are committed to exploring meaningful ways to honor the historical significance of the water tower, ensuring that its legacy is celebrated and remembered for future generations.” The post Ellis Park to Demolish Distinctive but Deteriorated Water Tower appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The historic water tower at Ellis Park, a fixture of the landscape at the Henderson, Ky., track, is coming down.View the full article

2nd-GP, $60K, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 12:52 p.m. ET. A pair of 3-year-olds from the shedrow of Todd Pletcher will make their debut with Lasix from the inside gates. Exiting the rail spot is RUMOURS HAVE IT (Tapit). The filly is a Whisper Hill homebred who is out of dual champion Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro). Mandy Pope went to $9.5 million to acquire this dam at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale. Rumours Have It is her third foal and second to make the races. Emanating from next door is Taylor Swifter (American Pharoah). Robert and Lawana Low took her home for $725,000 during Keeneland September. The filly's dam is SW Taylor S (Medaglia d'Oro) and her second dam is the productive GSW Miss Macy Sue (Trippi), who is also responsible for current sires Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song) and Not This Time (Giant's Causeway). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: Pletcher Stablemates Unveil Their Own Eras Tour At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TJC Innovations (TJCI) has released an update to the TLore management app to provide a more streamlined experience for its users. Log on credentials dictate which version of the app a user views. “We wanted to make this version of the app as easy to use as possible while providing all the information an owner needs to keep track of their horses, anywhere, anytime.” said Tracy Attfield, founder of TLore and TJCI vice president. “Thanks to TLore's now being part of TJC Innovations, we can offer real-time automated integration of race and workout data and a Premium PP subscription service. Plus, owners can customize which notifications they would like to receive, including new race entries, results, workouts, photos, videos, and post time alerts. “TLore is indispensable for anyone who wants a comprehensive tool for racehorse management,” Attfield said. “It saves time and facilitates communication with owners. In addition, TLore is integrated with the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), ensuring each horse's status with HISA is known, including if it is approved to race.” For more information, click here. The post TJCI Releases Updated TLore App appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The owner app enables owners to keep track of their horses by viewing their horse roster, race entries, results, race replays, and workouts, including horse notes, photos, and workout videos, all pulled directly from their trainer’s TLore data. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's third annual Holiday Giving Campaign will begin Dec. 1 and continue through the month of December. The campaign is designed to increase awareness for accredited organizations engaged in ensuring a quality life for equine athletes once their racing days are through. Last year's campaigned raised better than $200,000 for accredited aftercare. “Our accredited aftercare organizations continue to make a profound difference in the lives of retired racehorses, providing them with the care and futures they deserve,” said Jeffrey Bloom, President, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Each donation to the holiday campaign supports the necessary work of 83 accredited organizations across the nation. During the season of giving, we deeply appreciate your support, which helps ensure the welfare of these wonderful Thoroughbreds.” Throughout the campaign, the TAA will announce daily match sponsors who will match all donations up to a specified amount for the given day. “We choose to support Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance this holiday season and in the future because of the necessary work they do in providing grants for their accredited aftercare organizations,” said Dan Piazza. “Our Thoroughbreds deserve and require our support beyond the racetrack and into their second careers.” Beginning Dec. 1, individuals wishing to participate in the campaign can go to the TAA website to make their donation. Through Dec. 31, donations of $50 or more will receive a free calendar while supplies last. “We are so grateful for the support we've received during our Holiday Giving Campaigns and are excited to build on the growth we see each year to raise even more funds for our accredited organizations and the Thoroughbreds they care for,” said Emily Dresen, Director of Fundraising & Events, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It's inspiring to witness the collective effort from our industry to support our equine athletes during this season of giving.” Click here for additional information. The post TAA Holiday Giving Campaign Begins Dec. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Backside Learning Center (BLC)–an independent non-profit organization providing support and resources for the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families–will hold its annual fundraiser, “Benefit for the Backside: A Day at the Races Celebrating the BLC's 20th Anniversary,” Friday, Nov. 22 at Churchill Downs at noon. The public can participate online to purchase raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items. Information and specifics can be found on benefitforthebackside.com. This will be the second year the event will be held at the Churchill Downs' First Turn Club–a, spacious, state of the art indoor-outdoor pavilion on the first turn of the racetrack. All money raised through this annual event goes directly toward programming, resources and costs associated with the work of the BLC. “This event is a great and fun opportunity to gather those who believe in our mission, and who want to support those who play such a vital role in the success of the horseracing industry,” said Executive Director Sherry Stanley. “The Backside is such a vibrant and diverse community right in the heart of the city that most people never think about. We serve the hundreds of workers and their children who are members of our community and who will soon be our next generation of leaders.” The post Backside Learning Center Fundraiser to be Held at Churchill Downs Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owen Burrows is renowned for his Sir Michael Stoute-like patience with the yard's leading prospects, but he may not have to wait as long as usual with his exciting new recruit Falakeyah (GB) (New Bay {GB}–Alaflaak, by War Front) lighting up a dour Thursday afternoon at Wolverhampton. A granddaughter of the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Lahudood (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) from the family of the stable's luminary Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and his brilliant full-brother Baaeed (GB), Shadwell's blueblood was a warm order at even-money for the first division of the extended mile maiden. Quickly making up for a tardy start to travel easily in mid-division for Jim Crowley, the February-foaled bay cruised to the fore approaching the furlong pole with the motor still idling before being shaken up to assert her superiority. Hitting the line with 5 1/2 lengths to spare over Life Is Rosie (GB) (Lightning Spear {GB}), she became the third TDN Rising Star for her sire whose others Alcantor (Fr) and New Energy (Ire) proved group 1 performers. “The hardest thing was pulling her up–she wanted to go round again! She did it very professionally,” Crowley said. “She's a forward-going filly and, mentally, the more racing the better she'll be. It looks like we'll have a bit of fun with her next year.” Eye-catcher! Falakeyah is impressive on debut as she powers home at @WolvesRaces for @JimCrowley1978 and @OwenBurrowsRace… pic.twitter.com/GVBG3rGh4B — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 21, 2024 The post Shadwell Blueblood A New TDN Rising Star For New Bay appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) Global Symposium on Racing, to be held Dec. 9-11, will be streamed online, making the conference accessible to those who cannot attend in person. Roberts Communication Network (RCN) will stream the event via the Racetrack Television Network (RTN), with all proceeds from the sale going back to the RTIP. “We are very excited to once again stream the Symposium through our RCN and RTN partnership,” said RTIP Chair Robert Hartman. “As we approach our milestone 50th Symposium, we continue to see growth in our international audience and understand that travel may not be possible for some. We feel it is crucial to make these important panel sessions available to everyone. We are very appreciative of RCN's help and especially their generosity in donating all the proceeds back to the Program.” The live streaming package, which also includes archived sessions of each panel, is available for a $149 purchase on the RTN.tv website, enabling people to watch on tablets, smartphones, and PCs, and on televisions through Roku devices and Amazon Fire TV. For more information on the Symposium, including a full agenda, visit the website at www.RacingSymposium.com. The post RTIP Symposium To Be Streamed Live on RTN appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin After a spring where little has gone right trainer Jeremy Young is hoping Lady Of The Light has a better summer. And it wouldn’t mind it starting a couple of weeks early at Alexandra Park tonight in Race 6, the Bird and Barrow Flying Mobile Pace (8.30pm). If Young and his owners had got their way Lady Of The Light could have been at Addington last week in our greatest race of them all, the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup. She was a ballot and only just missed a start and while he admits Lady Of The Light would have struggled his team still wanted to be there. “It is the ultimate and would we have loved to be there,” he says. As it turned out Lady Of The Light ended up in a vastly different unwinnable race at Cambridge last Friday instead in which she started off a 30m handicap over 2200m where the leaders paced 2:47.1 in the wet and she never got into the race, finished a brave fifth. “That has sort of been her whole spring, not much going right,” says Young. “But I think now she is getting back into some suitable race with the big aim being the Queen Of Hearts in a couple of weeks.” Tonight Lady Of The Light starts off the front line over 1700m with her biggest worry being Sooner The Better being drawn inside her and such a good sprinter. The question of the race may be whether Sooner The Better can lead and if he does whether driver Scott Phelan would consider handing up to Lady Of The Light, thinking he might be able to beat her for speed up the passing lane. The pair should have the respect of most on a fast front line but over the sprint trip it will only take one driver chancing their arm to change the complexion of the race. The night also features a very even intermediate trot in which in-form Shez Bella and Dream Of You face big handicaps while Pantani is off the front but also woefully out of form. He has galloped in his last three starts after earlier looking one of the best three-year-olds in the country. It would not surprise to see him bounce back tonight. Earlier in the night Young warns punters that Eyre I Am (R1, No.1) could be a better chance than his $7.50 opening quote suggested. “He is going to win races up here and the way this field stacks up tonight could suit him, being the only horse on the front line,” says Young. View the full article

The 2024-2025 stakes schedule at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, will feature 79 added-money events over a total of 78 race dates, topped by the GI Santa Anita Handicap and the GI Santa Anita Derby. The Big 'Cap, worth $400,000 in 2024, will offer prize money of $300,000 this year, while the purse of the Santa Anita Derby has been cut to $500,000 from $750,000. On the flipside, the purses on offer for overnight races are above what was offered last spring and autumn, with four allowance and maiden races increasing by better than 10%. “It's prudent and responsible to adjust the number of stakes races to fit the new landscape of foal crop and horse population with a still impressive 79 stakes over 78 race days,” said Bill Nader, president and CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. “The overnight purses have been increased over the spring and fall levels which is a step in the right direction. Despite challenging times, Southern California remains a big part of American racing and the racing here at Santa Anita over the next several months will help reinforce that message.” The winter/spring 'Classic' meeting begins, as usual, on Dec. 26, including a trio of Grade I events for 3-year-olds: the Malibu Stakes and La Brea Stakes at seven furlongs on the main track and the American Oaks at 10 panels on the turf. The opening- day program also includes the former GII San Antonio Stakes, which is being renamed in honor of legendary jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr. “Laffit Pincay Jr. is one of the greatest ambassadors this sport has ever had, and it is past time for him to be honored,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita's senior vice president and general manager. “Laffit will turn 78 two days after Opening Day, and we are delighted to give him an early birthday present.” The Santa Anita Handicap is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 1 on a program that also includes the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes, the GII DK Horse San Felipe Stakes on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and the GII Buena Vista Stakes. The Santa Anita Derby takes place Saturday, Apr. 5 and the supporting stakes on that afternoon include the GII Fasig-Tipton Santa Anita Oaks, the GIII Monrovia Stakes and the Echo Eddie and Evening Jewel Stakes for Cal-bred 3-year-olds. The Classic meeting runs 49 days through Apr. 6 and is followed by the 29-day Hollywood meet which kicks off after a 12-day break on Apr. 18 and continues through June 15. Overall, the 79 stakes–47 at the graded level and nine Grade Is–are worth $12 million. Twenty-one stakes are to be contested over the turf course. The highlight of the Hollywood meeting comes on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, with the GI Shoemaker Mile Stakes, the GI Gamely Stakes and GII Hollywood Gold Cup on tap. Click here for the entire stakes schedule. The post With Reduced Purses, Big ‘Cap, Santa Anita Derby Highlight Santa Anita Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 22 stakes with purses totaling $2.5 million will take place throughout the 42-day Thoroughbred meet at Sam Houston Race Park, which begins its 31st live racing season Friday, Jan. 3. The annual Houston Racing Festival is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, with five stakes, anchored by the GIII Houston Ladies Classic and the GIII John B. Connally Turf. “We are committed to presenting an exciting racing season and engaging horseplayers, no matter their level of experience,” said Bryan Pettigrew, Sam Houston Race Park's Vice President and General Manager. “Our goal in hosting live racing and promotions is to create a festive atmosphere for both racing enthusiasts and casual fans. On Friday nights in addition to the live music, we have added college nights offering students, alumni and fans of local universities a place to come and celebrate their schools.” The post A Total of 22 Stakes Worth $2.5 Million Set for Sam Houston appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article