Wandering Eyes

Summer fair racing in Northern California faces a precarious future following a Jan. 28 announcement from the California Authority of Racing Fairs that it would not submit a future race meet application.View the full article

Feroce. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Feroce, the runner-up in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), was spotted at Wednesday’s Geelong trials, where the Dominic Sutton-trained gelding finished second over 1200 metres. The three-year-old is set to have just one race before targeting the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March. His upcoming race will either be the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8 or the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington the following week. “He’s better performed at Caulfield, but the Group 1 is at Flemington,” Sutton explained. “I think the more exposure we can give him at Flemington would be better leading into a Group 1 race, but he seems to be furnishing. “I decided to trial him over the 1200 metres rather than the 1000 metres, simply because we’re going first-up over 1400 metres and then straight into the Australian Guineas. “I wanted him to have a nice, strong piece of work this morning and he was excellent.” Jockey Billy Egan added, “He feels like he’s matured again this time in. He relaxed nicely, went through his gears in the right manner to the line.” Sutton now faces a decision on whether to race at Caulfield on Saturday week or wait for the CS Hayes Stakes the following week. Feroce is currently a $26 chance with horse racing betting sites for the Australian Guineas. Horse racing news View the full article

The Maryland Horse Foundation stallion season online auction will be held Feb. 9-12, with seasons to 12 Maryland-based stallions offered. Seasons are available to the following Old Line State sires: Blofield, Bourbon Courage, Cupid, Divining Rod, Engage, Friesian Fire, Galawi (Ire), Holy Boss, Kobe's Back, Mosler, Warrant, and V.I.P. Ticket. Click here for more information. Proceeds will support operations of the Maryland Horse Foundation. The post Maryland Stallion Season Auction Opens Feb. 9 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first couple of performances by a young horse can be deceiving. One mediocre effort followed by a strong race can raise a question as to which one reflects the horse's true ability.View the full article

On the heels of a season that saw him win four races, earn nearly $1 million, and finish second in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), Post Time has been named the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred/The Racing Biz Top Midlantic-bred of 2024.View the full article

There's no horse with better form than Paradise Farm's Paros heading into the Feb. 1 $175,000 Tampa Bay Stakes (G3T). The spunky Cairo Prince gelding has captured his last six starts, each time stepping up in class.View the full article

What Hong Kong Classic Mile Day 2025 Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Friday, January 31, 2025 First Race 12:30pm HKT (3:30pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin Racecourse on Friday afternoon, with the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) kicking off the first leg of the four-year-old series on a bumper 11-race program. All races are set to be run-and-won on the turf course, with the rail moved out to the B+2 position. The forecast promises a pristine Good 4 surface for race-day, and with the Group 3 Centenary Vase (1800m) adding another layer of depth to an already stacked program, punters can expect a stellar day of racing when the action gets underway at 12:30pm local time. Hong Kong Classic Mile Tip: Packing Hermod The Francis Lui-trained Packing Hermod gets the verdict in what looks to be a vintage edition of the Hong Kong Classic Mile. The son of Rubick has been ultra-impressive since making his debut towards the end of last season, only missing the frame once across his six starts, which happened to be in his most recent outing at Sha Tin on January 12. He did a terrific job surging through the line at the end of 1400m to get within 1.5 lengths of Rubylot, and with a crucial 3kg swing in the weights on his key rival to go along with Zac Purton being legged aboard, Packing Hermod will prove hard to hold out in the opening leg of the four-year-old series. Hong Kong Classic Mile Race 8 – #1 Packing Hermod (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Zac Purton (57kg) Centenary Vase Tip: Happy Together Happy Together is flying heading into the Centenary Vase, with the Frankie Lor-trained gelding narrowly missing out in the Group 3 January Cup (1800m) on January 8. The son of Dragon Pulse lost no admirers in the end, however, with the 61kg proving a hefty task for the ever-consistent six-year-old as Helene Feeling got the head down where it matters most. He was luckless prior to that in the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) behind Voyage Bubble, and provided Happy Together can replicate that peak performance, this guy will take a power of beating in the Group 3 feature. Centenary Vase Race 4 – #2 Happy Together (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Alexis Badel (59.5kg) Best Bet at Sha Tin: Young Champion Young Champion was terrific last start at Sha Tin on January 12, closing to within a half-length of four-year-old series contender, Rubylot. The son of Zoustar got every chance after settling mid-field with cover on that occasion but simply ran into a smart one with the five-year-old gelding unable to reel in the margin. Zac Purton elects to stick with the John Size-trained galloper, and with the application of blinkers set to keep his mind on the job, punters can expect Young Champion to justify favouritism with horse racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 6 – #5 Young Champion (6) 5yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Next Best at Sha Tin: Yee Cheong Glory The Jamie Richards-trained Yee Cheong Glory appears primed to strike on debut after a dominant barrier trial victory at Sha Tin on January 21. Zac Purton hardly asked for an effort aboard the unraced four-year-old, with the son of Puissance De Lune careering away by 1.4 lengths racing down the Sha Tin straight course. He maps to travel in the ideal stalking position throughout the contest from barrier four, and although he may want further in the future, there is no reason why Yee Cheong Glory can’t claim his rivals at the first time of asking. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Yee Cheong Glory (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Best Value at Sha Tin: Sunstrider Sunstrider should appreciate dropping into Class 4 company for the first time after only managing one placing across his nine starts in Hong Kong. The Highland Reel gelding hasn’t been far away, however, with his best performance of the preparation coming at this course and distance behind the in-form Bravehearts on October 20. The 61kg on his back should be offset by a positive ride from gate four, and provided Sunstrider can loom within striking distance turning for home, this guy should give followers a bold sight at the each-way price with Dabble. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Sunstrider (4) 5yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Hugh Bowman (61kg) Friday quaddie tips for Sha Tin Sha Tin quadrella selections January 31, 2025 1-5-7 2-3-5-6-9-12-13 2-4-11-13 2-3-4-5-9-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, January 30. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for January 30, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Pakenham & Scone Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Max bonus $100. First bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Cash Bets Only. T&C’s apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any race. Any runner. Any odds. Get a bonus back if your multi loses. Check your Vault for eligibility Login to UniBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for January 30, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, January 31, 2025 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Moonee Valley is once again in action on Friday night, with eight competitive races scheduled. Clear skies and a Good 4 track are set to give punters and competitors alike a perfect deck to work with. The rail comes out 5m the entire circuit, with action set to commence at 6:15pm AEDT. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Majesticity Majesticity has won two of her first three starts, including when returning from a seven-month spell at Pakenham and putting close to three lengths on her rivals in dominant fashion. The Matthew Smerdon-trained sprinter is a speed demon, so Zac Spain should have no issue in having her cleanly out of the barriers and leading from barrier six, with hardly any on-speed runners drawn underneath. The 955m should suit her perfectly and Majesticity should prove to quick for her rivals. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Majesticity (6) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Smerdon | J: Zac Spain (58kg) Next Best at Moonee Valley: Cheerstothat Cheerstothat brought up a third straight win in her brief career when returning from a near six-month spell in grand style when saluting at Werribee on January 10. The four-year-old mare was forced to settle outside the lead and took until the final 100m to overhaul the leader in a ding-dong battle. Ryan Houston will look to land in a similar position from barrier 14, and with his 3kg claim getting the All Too Hard mare in with just 58kg, it should mean Cheerstothat will prove too hard to overhaul. Next Best Race 8 – #3 Cheerstothat (14) 4yo Mare | T: Lindsey Smith | J: Ryan Houston (a3) (61kg) Best Value at Moonee Valley: Privalova Privalo impressed when breaking her maiden at Kilmore on January 14, and at an each-way price with horse racing betting sites, she looks poised to go on with the job. The three-year-old filly had the perfect sit on the leaders and pounced inside the final furlong to score by 2.3 lengths. The Russian Revolution progeny looks set to gain a similar run in transit from barrier two under Luke Currie, and if the gaps appears at the right time, Privalova can give this a shake. Best Value Race 7 – #2 Privalova (2) 3yo Filly | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Luke Currie (59.5kg) Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, January 31, 2025 2-4-5-7-8-9 1-2-4-5-9 1-2-6 3-4-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King Street, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Friday, January 31, 2025 First Race 6pm AEDT Visit Dabble Canterbury Park Racecourse is the destination for metro racing on Friday evening, with a competitive eight-part program set down for decision under lights. The rail moves out +6m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with consistent rainfall forecast heading into the weekend, punters can expect the surface to be rated somewhere in the Soft range as racing gets underway at 6pm AEDT. Best Bet at Canterbury: Delrico Chris Waller & James McDonald combine with Delrico in the third event, where the Kingman gelding appears set to peak fourth-up into the campaign. The winless three-year-old has found the minor money in all three starts this time in, including his latest performance behind the progressive Blue Vein on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on January 15. He appears to be the natural leader in this small field of 10, and provided McDonald can slide across to lead from the widest stall, Delrico should finally shirk the maiden tag at start six. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Delrico (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (59kg) Next Best at Canterbury: Custom Custom has been an eye-catcher at the barrier trials leading into this first-up assignment, and the Godolphin filly appears perfectly placed to strike in the opening event. The daughter of Street Boss cruised through the wire under her own steam at Hawkesbury on January 20, suggesting the unraced two-year-old still had plenty left to give in the concluding stages. Tim Clark will go in search of cover from barrier seven, and provided he can slot in somewhere mid-field one-off the rail, watch for Custom to be surging down the centre of the course at a good price with Boombet. Next Best Race 1 – #8 Custom (7) 2yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Tim Clark (55kg) Best Value at Canterbury: Blazerro Formerly trained by Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald, Blazerro gets set to have his first start since being transferred to the Joseph Ible barn. The Pierro gelding appears to be travelling better than ever since his arrival, showing promise in a recent barrier trial at Hawkesbury on January 20 to suggest the well-tried six-year-old is nearing a return to his best. Jay Ford will attempt to find the one-one from gate four, and with every chance to make an impression first-up for a new stable, Blazerro warrants an each-way ticket at the big odds with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 8 – #3 Blazerro (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Joseph Ible | J: Jay Ford (59kg) Friday quaddie tips for Canterbury Canterbury quadrella selections January 31, 2025 1-4-5 1-2-3-4-7-9-11 4-5-7-10 1-3-4-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

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Due to the forecasted severe weather and potential flash flooding in the Hot Springs, Ark., area for Jan. 30, Oaklawn Park's nine-race card originally scheduled for that day has been rescheduled to Feb. 3.View the full article

Saffie Joseph, Jr. has had some big days since he came to the U.S. from his native Barbados in 2011, but perhaps none bigger than last Saturday at Gulfstream Park. He had three stakes wins, including a score with Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhahaarar ({GB}) in the GII Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes and a win with Mystic Lake (Mo Town) in the GII Inside Information Stakes. But the one that really mattered was the victory by White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. Not only did he win a $3 million race, he did so with a horse who had been taken away from him during one of the darkest periods in his career. With plenty to talk about, Joseph Jr. was this week's Gainesway Guest of the Week on the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. White Abarrio was taken away from Joseph around the time of the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby, when there was a rash of fatalities that once again caught the attention of the animal rights community. Joseph had two horses die, but they did not suffer from musculoskeletal injuries. Still, that put Joseph in limbo and the owners moved on to Rick Dutrow. Joseph admits that was one of the toughest things he has ever had to endure as a trainer. But, after a dull performance in the 2024 GI Metropolitan Handicap for Dutrow, the story changed again. White Abarrio was sent back to Joseph. “Everything in life happens for a reason,” Joseph said. “After that happened, did I ever envision that we were going to get the horse back? No. I mean, how could you envision a horse that wins a Whitney and a Breeders' Cup Classic for someone else and he's going to come back to you? “When we got the horse back [co-owner] Mark Cornett called me and said, 'Hey, we're gonna send the horse back to you.' It meant a lot because it showed that these owners believed in me and that meant a lot more to me than anything. Losing the horse, I knew I had to give up the horse. The writing was on the wall. We were not going to jeopardize the horse's career. But getting the horse back, that came from out of nowhere. There was nothing for them to gain because he had already won a Grade I. At that time, I wasn't in a mental capacity to even dream of getting him back. I mean, it took me a long time to kind of heal or get over it. I can't put into words how it's all unfolded. It's kind of like it was scripted and we were just part of the process.” White Abarrio | Ryan Thompson White Abarrio won an allowance in his first start back for Joseph and then was second in the GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes. For a horse of his ability, it was not a particularly good performance, but it set him up for what was arguably the best race of his career. Unchallenged in the stretch in the Pegasus, he drew off to win by 6 1/4 lengths. “I never thought he was going to run that good,” Joseph admitted. “We always hope they'll run that well, but most of the time it doesn't happen. We thought he was sitting on a race that was close to a race that should be good enough to win it if everything went well.” Joseph also spoke again about White Abarrio's groom Eduardo “Lalo” Diaz. He is convinced that in some of the races in which White Abarrio didn't fire his best shot it was because he didn't have his favorite groom at his side. “When you find [a groom] that really loves his horses and has the passion, they're hard to duplicate,”Joseph said. “And that's what Lalo has. Apart from being a really good groom, his personality never changes. He's very level-headed, very even-keeled, never too high, never too low. I'm a strong believer that horses feed off the energy of the people around them. You see horses and they have nervous grooms and they're nervous. And you see horses that have calm grooms and they are calm. When I have a horse with [Diaz], I feel like I don't even have to look at him, tell him anything. I feel like he's just clutch. Every time he delivers his horses, they always look immaculate.” In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar Farm, we went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Timberlake. With a 109 Beyer, White Abarrio was the “fastest horse of the week.” Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, and XBTV.com, the team of T.D Thornton, Randy Moss and Bill Finley reviewed the Pegasus and the GIII Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn, which was won by Speed King (Volatile). Sticking with the theme of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, there was also a preview of this week's GIII Holy Bull Stakes and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. With 1/ST Racing executives Aidan Butler and Belinda Stronach addressing the situation at Gulfstream Park during the week in interviews, the team gave its opinions on the latest news out of South Florida. While there was some optimism that racing would somehow continue in the area, the consensus remained that it wouldn't be at Gulfstream Park. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post Saffie Joseph Jr. Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oaklawn Park has postponed Thursday, Jan. 30's card, rescheduling it to Monday, Feb. 3. Severe weather, including possible flash flooding, is forecasted for the area for Thursday. The Jan. 30 race date was originally added to make up for other race dates lost to winter weather. Weather has repeatedly played havoc on Oaklawn's calendar this season. Live racing is expected to resume Friday, Jan. 31. The post Oaklawn Postpones Thursday’s Card to Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit announced Jan. 29 that it has directed the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory to modify its instrumentation and methodology for TCO2 testing to mass spectrometry.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Molly Belwin’s last start third at Ascot Park has only kept looking better ahead of her return to the track on Thursday. The four-year-old is among a three-pronged attack Stonewall Stud are sending south for Invercargill’s twilight meeting. Molly Belwin worked hard in the last lap of her last run in the south before fighting on gamely for third behind Tabasco. Tabasco went up in grade to run a big second in the Riverton Cup on Sunday, while Molly Belwin has the luxury of stepping back in company on Thursday. While the mare looks a huge winning threat, trainer Amanda Telfer knows she will need a touch of luck on her side. “She is pretty quick and she is one of those ones that has to be driven for one run at them.” “She will have no option but to slot in somewhere from the draw, then we will have to see how the race pans out from there.” “I was really happy with her last run, she got pushed out down the back straight which is really not her go but she stuck on well for third.” “Her work has been good since then and I have been quite happy with her.” Ellie Barron will link up with Molly Belwin in Race 9, the Ihire Mobile Pace (7.31pm), as the mare searches for a penalty-free junior driver’s victory. Mythical also starts at Invercargill in Race 6, the Monica Toretto Photography Mobile Pace (6.13pm), to kick off her three-year-old campaign for driver Tim Williams. The filly won her latest trial in Canterbury and appears to be heading south on an upward trajectory. “Tim was really happy with her trial,” Telfer said. “She has only had the one trial but she is pretty fit and it seems like a good option to head down south with her.” “If she comes through this race well there is another race for her down there last week.” The Stonewall Stud team also start B D Hall in Race 2, the Regent Car Court Trot (4.23pm), following his strong debut second at Oamaru recently. The trotter showed excellent manners first up and it is hoped he can do so again. “He is a big horse and you wouldn’t think he would be one that would be running early,” Telfer said. “He’s had five trials, he had three as a two-year-old and another couple this time in.” “He just wants to trot, he can make a mistake, but he really wants to do it.” “Fingers crossed he can do everything right again and go another nice race.” Tim Williams also links up with B D Hall. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit announced Jan. 29 that it has directed the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory to modify its instrumentation and methodology for TCO2 testing to mass spectrometry.View the full article

The Queens M G, winner of the 2024 Adirondack Stakes (G3), looks to return to her winning ways Feb. 1 in the Forward Gal Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. She faces a deep field including stakes winners My Denysse and Stunner. View the full article

The post Misjudged Finish appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 01/28/2025 Licensee: Joanna Shankle, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 29, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Baby Sox, who won at Laurel Park on 12/20/24. Date: 01/28/2025 Licensee: Eric Ramaekers, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); Treated as 1 violation with Hurt So Good's 11/19/24 violation under 09/08/23 HISA Guidance. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Hurts so Good, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/9/24. Date: 01/28/2025 Licensee: Shon Dunlap, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Ooh La Da Stoops, who won at Remington Park on 12/7/24. Date: 01/28/2025 Licensee: Shon Dunlap, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Ooh La Da Stoops, who won at Remington Park on 12/7/24. Date: 01/27/2025 Licensee: Martin Orona Sr., trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500 per violation, for a total fine of $1,500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points per violation, for a total of 4.5 penalty points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone, Methocarbamol and Phenylbutazone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sierra Summer, who finished sixth at Zia Park on 12/10/24. Date: 01/27/2025 Licensee: Martin Orona Sr., trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500 per violation, for a total fine of $1,500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points per violation, for a total of 4.5 penalty points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone, Methocarbamol and Phenylbutazone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sierra Summer, who finished sixth at Zia Park on 12/10/24. Date: 01/23/2025 Licensee: Kenneth Miller, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Overstatement, who finished second at Keeneland on 10/4/24. Date: 01/22/2025 Licensee: Scooter Davis, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from John Dutton, who won at Tampa Bay on 11/29/24. Pending ADMC Violations 01/29/2025, Peter Miller, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Enjoy it Strait, who finished tenth at Del Mar on 11/9/24. 01/28/2025, Glenroy Brown, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tammy's Toy, who won at Mahoning Valley on 12/23/24. 01/28/2025, Radolfo Sanchez-Salomon, trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on Tik Tok Daddy, who finished third at Laurel Park on 12/13/24. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. 01/24/2025, Jose Silva Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on House of Lords, who finished tenth at Turf Paradise on 12/30/24. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. 01/24/2025, Gary Greiner, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Man Overboard, who finished sixth at Pleasanton on 12/18/24. 01/24/2025, Edward Coletti Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Bear or Bull, who finished second at Parx Racing on 12/12/24. 01/24/2025, Salvador Sato, trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of Methocarbamol, Phenylbutazone and Dexamethasone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in samples taken from Geebeesbigboy, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/2/24, and from Stormy Dame, who won at Zia Park on 12/9/24. 01/23/2025, Juan Silva, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mt. Zeror, who finished second at Turf Paradise on 12/17/24. 01/23/2025, Paul Aguirre, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Don't Tell Tammo, who won at Del Mar on 11/29/24. Violations of Crop Rule Oaklawn Park Isaac Castillo – violation date Jan 26; $250 fine Harry Hernandez – violation date Jan 23; $250 fine, one-day suspension Santa Anita Alejandro Gomez – violation date Jan 23; One-day suspension, $250 fine Turf Paradise Fausto Da Silva – violation date Jan 27; One-day suspension, $250 fine The post National Regulatory Rulings, Jan. 23-29 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The son of Air Force Blue has a comfort level with the turf at Santa Anita having run 16 of his career 22 starts there with a record of 5-2-1. Overall, Air Force Red is 6-3-1 from 22 starts with earnings of $639,074.View the full article

The Godolphin/Charlie Appleby axis has dominated recent renewals of Kempton's Unibet Supports Safer Gambling Maiden Stakes, winning last year's edition with subsequent G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The operation struck gold once again as Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}–Dubai Opera {GB}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) emulated that stablemate in division one of Wednesday's one-mile contest and collected a 'TDN Rising Star' of his own with an impressive wide-margin success. He joins Chantilly maiden scorer Mandanaba (Fr) on Ghaiyyath's list of Rising Stars. Opera Ballo broke smartly from the outside stall to gain an early advantage and accepted a tow in second after the initial strides of this first go. Forging ahead passing the two pole, the 4-9 favourite quickened clear in taking fashion approaching the final furlong and kept on powerfully in the latter stages to easily outclass Gennadius (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) by an impressive 8 1/2 lengths. “He's a beautiful horse and just watching him go around the paddock was nice,” commented rider Billy Loughnane. “He really impressed me with the way he went about his business. He was very professional, he got away lovely and managed to find a nice slot. He overraced a little bit and was quite green through the early stages, so I think he'd be better off racing with a bit of cover. When I asked him to stretch at the two pole, he lengthened away quickly and gave me a really nice feel.” Opera Ballo is the second foal and scorer out of a full-sister to dual Group 3 winner Lockwood (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and Listed Gala Stakes third Saga (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). His dam Dubai Opera (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is also kin to G1 Criterium International runner-up and G3 Prix Thomas Bryon-winning sire Earnshaw (Medaglia D'Oro) out of G3 Prix des Reservoirs victrix Emily Bronte (GB) (Machiavellian). The March-foaled bay is half to a 2-year-old colt by Sottsass (Fr). Impressive debut! @loughnane_billy guides €600,000 purchase Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath) to a debut success for Charlie Appleby in the race won last year by Notable Speech @godolphin @UnibetRacing | @kemptonparkrace pic.twitter.com/fUs0oHHc1M — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 29, 2025 2nd-Kempton, £8,000, Mdn, 1-29, 3yo/up, 8f (AWT), 1:40.64, st/sl. OPERA BALLO (IRE), c, 3, by Ghaiyyath (Ire) 1st Dam: Dubai Opera (GB), by Invincible Spirit (Ire) 2nd Dam: Emily Bronte (GB), by Machiavellian 3rd Dam: Zafadola (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) Sales history: €600,000 Ylg '23 ARAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $5,375. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Godolphin; B-Ecurie de Cachene (IRE); T-Charlie Appleby; J-Billy Loughnane. The post Ghaiyyath’s Opera Ballo Powers to TDN Rising Stardom at Kempton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There's a reason why Bob Baffert has won the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes 12 times, including the last six running. At this time of year his barn is always loaded with talented 3-year-old colts who have one eye on the Lewis and another on the GI Kentucky Derby. It will be a familiar story at Santa Anita Saturday as Baffert will send out three of the five horses entered in the Lewis. His trio is topped by 2-year-old champion and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), who will be making his first start of the year. But he may not be the favorite. That's how impressive stablemate 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) was when breaking his maiden last out by seven lengths while earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure. Baffert also has Madaket Road (Quality Road), a maiden winner in his last start. All three are owned by the partnership of SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables LLC. Despite his strong hand, Baffert remains cautious when it comes to how these horses might perform in the Derby. He says it is too early to predict anything. “We still have a long way to go,” Baffert said. “We have some nice horses but you really don't know until March or April and that last prep where you stand. You can be in a position where you think you are strong and then it turns out you are not as strong as you thought you were. They're still developing and we're still getting races into them. You try to get as many races into them as you can so you can have them ready and put that foundation into them. You don't really have a Derby horse until those last prep races. Until they go a mile-and-an-eighth, that's when we know. The mile-and-an-eighth separates these horses.” After his front-running win in the Juvenile, Citizen Bull returned to the worktab on Dec. 13. He hasn't missed a beat since. But Baffert said he might be a horse that will do his best running a little later in the year. “The Bull, he's a horse that may need a race or two,” Baffert said. “We found that out in the Del Mar Futurity when he got beat. It was only his second start and Mike Smith said he got a little tired. I'd rather race them than just train them, train them, train them. You have to get races into these horses.” After finishing second in his debut in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden, Rodriguez hammered his opposition in another maiden, this one on Jan. 4 at Santa Anita. “He's always trained like a nice horse,” Baffert said. “He reminds me a lot of Authentic. I think the Authentics are going to be really good. It's just that some of them are slow to mature. It took this one a while to come around. I don't think the distance should be a problem. The race will help him. He's the kind of horse that needs racing. Now, he needs to run.” How the Lewis plays out on the track should be fascinating. Citizen Bull, Rodriguez and the Wesley Ward-trained Clock Tower (Not This Time) all have ample early speed. That sets up the possibility of a speed duel, one that might involve Citizen Bull, Rodriguez or both. Baffert said he will let their jockeys ride their own race. Martin Garcia rides Citizen Bull. Juan Hernandez rides Rodriguez. “I usually let the jockeys ride their own horse,” Baffert said. “The break will be the key. I'm sure they'll play it off of the break. They'll ride their own horses and let them get into a nice rhythm.” As good as Baffert's Lewis trio might be, it's possible that the best 3-year-old in his barn is one who won't be running Saturday. That would be Barnes (Into Mischief), who was bought for $3.2 million by Amr Zedan at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. After a somewhat lackluster win in his Nov. 27 debut at Churchill Downs, he came back with a dominant performance in the GII San Vicente at seven furlongs. “He still has to go two turns,” Baffert said. “He should handle it, but you don't know until they do it. So far, he looks good and we're trying to just trying to keep him healthy.” Baffert said that he and Zedan are still working on a race schedule for Barnes. Win or lose, this should be a memorable Derby for Baffert since it will be the first one he will be allowed to run in since 2021. Churchill Downs banned Baffert after Medina Spirit (Protonico), who crossed the wire first in the 2021 Derby, was disqualified after testing positive for betamethasone. The ban was lifted last fall and now the only thing Baffert has to worry about is how his horses are doing. “It's over with and everything is good,” Baffert said. “I'm just trying to focus on what's in front of us.” The post Baffert Will Triple Team Them in Robert B. Lewis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It can come as quite a shock when we stumble across damaging untruths about ourselves. This is what happened to myself and numerous other trainers at the end of last week when an article appeared on the Racing Post website, based on comments from “Nigel Payne, who is acting for the Professional Racing Association”, the gist of which was that trainers believe that they should receive payment for live interviews on the television and that consequently trainers are taking action to try to obtain the payment to which they feel entitled, neither part of which is true. Payne's words, of course, have prompted widespread derision towards trainers, on social media and elsewhere, so it makes sense to set the record straight. To do this, one should explain the background. A year ago Peter Savill, formerly chairman of the BHB and a longstanding supporter of the game as racehorse owner, breeder, administrator and owner of Plumpton racecourse, set up the Professional Racing Association. Frustrated by the fact that any progress being made towards increasing prize-money achieved by The Thoroughbred Group could be better described as stately rather than dramatic, he felt he could do better. Many trainers share that view so, when invited, many of them (including myself) joined the group, for which no joining fee or subscription is charged. As a racecourse owner, he understands the business and has calculated that it is not unreasonable to expect each racecourse to put at least a third of its race-day income (from entrance fees, entry fees, sponsorship, Levy grant, picture-rights payments etc.) towards prize-money. His approach was and is simple: to identify which racecourses contribute what he sees as a fair share and to encourage owners and trainers to run their horses there; and to try to encourage the less generous tracks to raise their game. If successful in the latter objective, the PRA could trigger an eight-figure annual increase in British prize-money. This is a laudable aim and it is hard to see that anyone with the long-term interests of the sport at heart could object to this. The one problem is that the PRA obviously requires money to function, most notably to pay its staff and the rent for its office, and it has no income. Hitherto Savill has footed the bill himself in its entirety but from the outset he made it clear that, understandably, he did not intend to do so indefinitely. Happily (or so it seemed at the time) a solution appeared to have presented itself. Savill had been made aware that the two satellite television companies pay a six-figure sum each year to the Professional Jockeys' Association in recognition of the co-operation which the jockeys collectively give, via interviews, to the coverage of racing. The idea formed that they might be persuaded to give a similar sum in recognition of the co-operation of trainers, and the PRA would ask for this to enable it to continue to exist. Most of the leading National Hunt trainers agreed, when asked, to endorse the PRA's request; and, to show their support for it, agreed to say that they would decline interview requests if it were not granted. The crucial factors to bear in mind are that, while the PJA's money goes into an insurance scheme of which jockeys are the only beneficiaries, none of the money given in recognition of trainers' collective co-operation would be given to any trainers but instead would pay for the running costs of an enterprise which was aiming to raise significant sums to benefit primarily owners but everyone else who gets a cut of prize-money (ie jockeys, trainers, stable staff, racing charities etc.). Furthermore, in the wider sense, this money, if encouraging racehorse ownership, might benefit not only jockeys, trainers and stable staff but also everyone who would welcome racing becoming more competitive, such as bookmakers, punters, and racegoers. It's easy to be wise in hindsight. And perhaps this request was doomed to failure from the outset. That is unknowable. But what does appear certain is that a consequence of the original article which, prompted seemingly by the words of Nigel Payne, falsely portrayed this request as a request by trainers (which it wasn't) for trainers to be paid for giving interviews (which it wasn't) has meant that it now seems certain not to succeed. Further consequences are the opprobrium which has been undeservedly heaped on trainers in general for their supposed greed; and a hammer-blow to the credibility of the PRA (which now has no source of funds and, unless this situation can be remedied by some other means, will have to close anyway). All of which is rather sad. An effort by a great supporter of British racing aimed at trying to boost prize-money deserved better than this and certainly didn't deserve the ridicule to which it has now been exposed. And trainers certainly didn't deserve to have their support for it so badly misrepresented. As a post-script to this sorry tale, it is probably worth mentioning that the tracks which, according to the PRA's research, already direct a healthy percentage of their race-day income towards prize-money include the 17 listed (alphabetically) below. PRA policy revolves around encouraging people to support such racecourses and we would like to do our bit by giving credit where it is due. Bangor-on-Dee Chelmsford City Fakenham Goodwood Hamilton Park Hexham Kelso Ludlow Musselburgh Newbury Newton Abbot Plumpton Pontefract Ripon Salisbury Taunton York. The post Op-Ed: Beleaguered PRA Laudable but Misunderstood appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL), a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program laboratory, has been directed to modify its instrumentation and methodology for TCO2 testing to mass spectrometry so that it is consistent with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's three other Program laboratories, HIWU announced Wednesday. PETRL has already transitioned to this methodology, which is also independently endorsed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. HIWU began its review of PETRL's procedures in response to a disproportionately high number of reports of elevated TCO2 levels from the laboratory and worked with horsemen's representatives throughout this process. HIWU first undertook a comprehensive assessment of testing documentation and laboratory processes at PETRL before asking the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Laboratory at the University of California Davis to conduct an administration study to compare the findings reported by the Program laboratories. PETRL's instrument (a clinical blood gas analyzer) and related methodology had been used and accepted as valid by the horse racing industry to regulate TCO2 for years prior to the implementation of the ADMC Program, and HIWU found no evidence of laboratory error or instrument failure by PETRL. However, the data from the administration study indicated that PETRL's results did not correlate with those of the three other laboratories, which all used an instrument and methodology (mass spectrometry) different from PETRL's. In response, HIWU has issued a new mandate for mass spectrometry to be adopted as the industry standard for TCO2 analysis confirmation. This method is used to analyze virtually all other substances regulated under the ADMC Program. In the interest of fairness to horsemen, all pending TCO2 cases originating in Pennsylvania have been withdrawn; due to the accelerated degradation of TCO2 samples compared to other analytes, HIWU could not send previously analyzed samples to other Program laboratories to compare the results. For cases that have already been resolved, HISA offered to return purse money, refund fines, notify Equibase to remove the disqualifications, and remove penalty points from the affected trainers' records. Purse money that has already been distributed by racetracks in relation to these cases will not be affected. In total, five trainers–Jorge Diaz, Bernard Dunham, David Jacobson, William Martin and Silvino Ramirez–served 30-day suspensions for TCO2 positives that had been processed by the Pennsylvania Lab. “The discovery of inconsistencies in TCO2 testing across Program laboratories and HIWU's subsequent responsibility to establish harmonization among them represent the benefits of a national ADMC program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Unlike under state-based regulatory structures, our Program laboratories are in ongoing communication to discuss and compare methods. This collaboration is what enabled us to identify and resolve discrepancies in TCO2 testing despite the longstanding validity of the methods and instruments being used.” “I commend HIWU for taking action in response to the high rate of TCO2 findings at PETRL and ultimately facilitating the harmonization of TCO2 testing among Pennsylvania and other states,” said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. “Ben and his team listened to our horsemen's concerns and were in ongoing communication with us while the laboratory was reviewed. We're also appreciative of HISA for their decision to offer to withdraw sanctions imposed for cases that have already been resolved. “This process represents an example of how a national, uniform system helps horsemen and how we, HIWU, and HISA can work together for the benefit of the entire industry.” Evaluation of testing at Program laboratories is ongoing to ensure consistency and fairness in results reporting. HIWU has implemented HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation as of January 1, 2025. HEAL accreditation includes a robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program. The post HIWU Mandates Uniform Testing Methodology for TCO2 Analysis Across Program Laboratories appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article