Wandering Eyes

James Rashid discusses his journey with Claiming Crown entrant Freedom Road, who he co-owns with Nick Peters and trainer Richard Sillaman, and his love for racing. Riding a seven-race win streak, Freedom Road runs Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, November 14. 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 November 14, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Best Tote and Starting Price Guarantees a dividend equal to the highest of the official win dividend paid by the three Australian TAB pools or the official starting price. Maximum stake: $2,000. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet 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 Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to pickleBet 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 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 How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for November 14, 2024. 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 exclusive 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. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Fasig-Tipton Digital has released its 2025 sales calendar of monthly auctions, the online sales platform said via a press release on Wednesday. The digital sales dates for 2025 are: January Digital Sale (Jan. 16-21) February Digital Sale (Feb. 20-25) March Digital Sale (Mar. 13-18) April Digital Sale (Apr. 3-8) May Digital Sale (May 8-13) June Digital Sale (May 29-June 3) July Digital Sale (July 17-22) August Digital Sale (Aug. 21-26) October Digital Sale (Oct. 2-7) December Digital Sale (Dec. 4-9) Fasig-Tipton Digital will also offer “Flash Sales” throughout the year of selected offerings when appropriate opportunities arise. “Fasig-Tipton Digital has quickly established itself as the market leader in online Thoroughbred auctions in North America–and the sky's the limit as we look ahead to 2025,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton director of digital sales. “We have sold more than 1,000 horses for over $35,500,000 so far this year, and we still have our December Digital Sale to go.” The upcoming December Digital Sale will be held on Dec. 5-10. Click here to submit nominations. “We are accepting nominations through Nov. 20 for December Digital, and I encourage sellers to take advantage of what is typically our largest and strongest digital auction,” Aaron said. To view Fasig-Tipton Digital's 2025 sales calendar, including entry deadlines, click here. The post Fasig-Tipton Digital Releases 2025 Sales Dates appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin It says a lot about just how special Keayang Zahara might be that she is almost the most hyped Australian at this New Zealand Cup week. And while the three-year-old Victoria trotter has a long way to go to match the heroics of now dual IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup winner Swayzee and or Renwick Farms Dominion Trot winner Just Believe, her New Zealand debut on Friday is almost as eagerly anticipated. The beautiful and bold Victorian trotter has been lured to Addington by the new $500,000 trotting slot race the Majestic Horse Floats LP THE ASCENT and it is likely her Kiwi rivals will end up wishing she has stayed at home. Keayang Zahara has obliterated her rivals in Australia and while dominant three-year-old trotters are relatively common in harness racing, fillies like her are not. She is already running open class times, albeit aided by the change of official birthdays for harness horses as a few years back Keayang Zahara would have been a four-year-old by this stage of her life. But her age will ultimately prove irrelevant as she has the x-factor of a real deal topliner and a horse who could be something very special if she stays healthy and sound. If she has one weakness it may be her inquistive mind as driver Jason Lee says the black beauty loves to survey new environments, which is why he took her to Addington for a private workout last Saturday. “She is like that at any new track, she loves to look around and she did it here (Addington) on Saturday too,” says Lee. “But now she has been there she will be good as gold and she was actually better at Addington than most times she goes somewhere new.” So that is one ray of hope blocked out for rival connections and it is hard to find many more as under the conditions of The Ascent, Keayang Zahara and other fillies drew inside the boys. Punters taking very short odds will be hoping she trots straight to the front from where she would seem unbeatable if she brings her Aussie best to Addington but Lee admits she is no one-trick glamour pony. “Sure I’d like to lead and that will be the plan but I don’t think if is a disaster if she doesn’t,” he offers. “It is only a small field and she has amazing speed coming from behind so as long as she brings her best, and I have no reason to expect anything else, I think she will be too good.” If the Aussie sensation is to get beaten then fellow filly Empire City is the most logical danger. She has some gate speed and even if she can’t lead she will be handy and she was excellent coming from well back for second at Ashburton last start. If she trails Keayang Zahara and the leader is attacked, which looks unlikely, she could get her chance up the passing lane. There is little between the six boys in the 1980m mobile race and Bring On The Muscle was very strong at Ashburton last start but he has drawn the outside of the second line so will be giving some very smart young trotters a start. The Ascent and the $500,000 Hill Lee and Scott THE VELOCITY for three-year-old pacers are the two centrepieces of a revitalized Show Day, which also moves into a later slot, finishing early evening. The meeting will see Tuesday’s winner of the Dominion in Just Believe return for the $100,000 New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All but both NZ Cup winner Swayzee and runner-up Don’t Stop Dreaming will miss tomorrow’s $200,000 New Zealand Pacing Free-For-All. View the full article

This year's Oaks d'Italia winner Tomiko (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) has been added to Arqana's December Breeding Stock Sale and will be offered by Baroda Stud as lot 170 during the opening day of the sale on Saturday, December 7. Trained by Paolo Aragoni for owner Luigi Ginobbi, Tomiko also finished third in the G2 Premio Lydia Tesio. She is one of two winners from four runners out of the unraced Lawman (Fr) mare Testimony (GB), a half-sister to the 10-time winner–including at Listed level–Saltonstall (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). Her second dam is the G2 Prix de Pomone heroine and G1 Prix Royal-Oak runner-up Macleya (Ger) (Winged Love {Ire}), who is in turn kin to the G3 Prix de Barbeville winner Montclair (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and the Listed-placed Miramare (Ger) (Rainbow Quest), the dam of the G1 Prix Ganay winner and sire Mare Australis (Ire) (Australia {GB}). Tomiko was one of five additions to the sale announced on Wednesday. The others include the Listed winners Noir (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) (lot 160) and La Guapisima (Fr) (City Light {Fr}) (lot 175), as well as the G3 Prix Thomas Bryon runner-up Iowa City (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) (lot 165) and Listed-placed two-year-old Griselda (Fr) (City Light {Fr}) (lot 150). The full catalogue is available to view here. The post Classic Winner Tomiko Added to Arqana’s December Breeding Stock Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 Secretariat's Legacy calendar, the eighth and final edition of the series that has already raised almost $39,000 for equine charities, is available for $25 online, the Secretariat Center said via a Wednesday press release. For the second straight year, calendar profits are shared by the Secretariat Center and Old Friends. An additional share will benefit the Maryland Horse Foundation. The calendar series began with the Living Legends theme in 2018, which honored Secretariat's offspring that were still alive, then transitioned to descendants of his broodmares in 2022. “It has been a wonderful seven-year journey, and the popularity of these calendars is a small reminder of just how much Secretariat means to fans even today, more than 51 years after his incredible racing accomplishments,” said author and photographer Patricia McQueen. Click here to learn more. The post ‘Big Red’ Calendar Benefits Secretariat Center, Old Friends, Maryland Horse Foundation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's probably now just about safe for the TDN team to leave our desks briefly without fear of another stallion fee announcement dropping into the inbox. So, now that the numbers are in, here is a little further investigation as to who's going where and for how much. There were cautionary notes among last year's stallion fee announcements, just as there have been again this time around, which is no surprise given that the foal crop in Britain and Ireland has dropped again, this time by six per cent, to 12,578 foals born in 2024, according to the returns up to September 30. Shadwell's press release spoke of the “unpredictable climate” facing breeders, while Joe Foley of Ballyhane Stud said that he was standing in solidarity with breeders in uncertain times by limiting his new recruit Sakheer to 140 mares. Class of 2025 Ireland appears to be the greatest beneficiary of the new recruits to the stallion ranks, with currently 10 new names signed up to Flat studs. Britain has only three Flat newcomers – Bradsell (GB) at the National Stud, Vandeek (GB) at Cheveley Park Stud and Isaac Shelby (GB) at Newsells Park Stud. Interestingly, all three of these stallions were bred in Britain by female small breeders: Deborah O'Brien, Kelly Thomas and Elaine Chivers respectively. In France, which still has a vast regional spread of stallions farms with Normandy as the acknowledged Flat heartland, there are six new recruits, while Classic winner Fantastic Moon (Ger) will join Gestut Ebbesloh back in his native Germany after his run in the Japan Cup. The Elite Of the nine stallions who command six-figure fees, the world's joint-most expensive stallions, Dubawi (Ire) and Frankel (GB) will remain at their 2024 price of €350,000, but there has been plenty of upward movement in this elite bracket. Wootton Bassett (GB) and Sea The Stars (Ire) were both €200,000 last year and will be €300,000 and €250,000 respectively in 2025. Lope De Vega (Ire) has moved up to €175,000 from €125,000 and Night Of Thunder (Ire) has also taken a €50,000 hike to €150,000. What is almost certain that is all these horses are already full with waiting lists. At this level it is practically a case of name your price. Movers Switching farms for next year are Twilight Son (GB), who has spent eight years at Cheveley Park Stud and heads to Ireland's Annshoon Stud, while Dubai Mile (GB) leaves the UK after one season at Manton Park to join Davey Stack's Coolagown Stud. Making the reverse trip across the Irish Sea is Magna Grecia (Ire), who joins March Hare Stud in England from Coolmore, and Waldgeist (GB) leaves Ballylinch Stud for Germany, where he will stand at Gestut Lunzen. A longer journey yet is in store for Territories (Ire), who has been sold by Darley to Poonawalla Stud Farms in India, the country which is also now home to one-term National Stud resident Mutasaabeq (GB), Bradsell's sire Tasleet (GB) and Prince Of Lir (Ire). You can read more about the Indian stallion scene in this recent piece by Adam Houghton. The 2020 Arc winner Sottsass (Fr) has left Coolmore for the JBBA Stallion Station in Japan. Shakers This really has to be Amo Racing, which is launching three new stallions this year: the Wootton Bassett (GB) horses King Of Steel and Bucanero Fuerte (Fr) have retired to Tally-Ho Stud and Go Bears Go (Ire) becomes the first son of Kodi Bear (Ire) to join the stallions ranks at Springfield House Stud. Tally-Ho also welcomes Big Evs (Ire), who will become the first son of Blue Point (Ire) at stud. It was confirmed this week that Amo Racing's Kia Joorabchian has made an offer to buy Freemason Lodge from Sir Michael Stoute. Don't bet against him buying a stallion stud to go with it eventually. Coolmore 3 – Darley 0 Coolmore has three new additions to its roster for 2025. Henry Longfellow (GB) becomes the first son of Dubawi (Ire) to stand in Tipperary, where he will be alongside the last two Derby winners, Auguste Rodin (Ire) and City Of Troy. For the first time in a long time, Darley will have no new name on the list, with the likes of Notable Speech (GB) and Rosallion (Ire) remaining in training. Live Foal Terms When Stradivarius (Ire) retired to the National Stud in 2023, he was introduced on Live Foal terms, and the stud has followed suit this year with Bradsell. General manager Joe Bradley said that it was “just [to] help breeders that little bit more”, and this arrangement, which is fairly standard in France, has also been adopted by Joe Foley at Ballyhane Stud, who is offering Live Foal terms and the above-mentioned limited first book for Sakheer (Ire). It is easy to see how these terms could help breeders who may well have sold yearlings or foals by the time the next crop is born in the spring, which would not always be the case for October 1 terms. Limiting Books Ah, that thorny topic. We all know that it will never be made mandatory to cover only a set number of mares, but good on those studs that do impose a limit. Goodness knows how hard it must be to stick to your guns when faced with endless telephone calls from imploring breeders. To a degree, the only thing harder than having an unpopular stallion is having a really popular one, as it's a surefire way to make oneself unpopular with clients whose mares don't make the cut. But surely such a policy reaps rewards in the long run by driving up prices at the foal and yearling sales for youngsters with a rarity value? However, with a far higher proportion of sires failing rather than making it at stud, the temptation to cover all-comers and be 'out' of a stallion in a few years makes business sense, if not horse sense. A Tall Order We don't know what the fee for Havana Grey (GB) is this year as it is listed as private but we do know is that for the first time ever a height restriction warning was made public knowledge for the Whitsbury Manor Stud stallion. No mare taller than 16hh will be covered by Havana Grey, who himself measures just over 15.2hh. Joe Callan, head of bloodstock and sales at Whitsbury Manor, said that though the stallion is still open for business “for a restricted number of outside mares” his fee being switched to private from last year's £55,000 was in order to ensure he covered mares “of a suitable height…for his own welfare and continued good fertility.” Where's the Value? Nathaniel (Ire) has produced the winners of the Oaks in England, Ireland and France – one of the those being the brilliant Enable – and a Derby winner to boot. He's gone back up to £20,000 for next year (from £17,500) but he is still (and has always been) terrific value. Champion sire-elect Dark Angel (Ire) remains at his fee of the last four years of €60,000, even though he could legitimately have been raised to somewhere closer to his previous high of €85,000. Study Of Man (Ire) has doubled in price at Lanwades, to £25,000, but he is the stallion on many people's lips, and his results on the track from limited books to date back up the chat. It is surely now a case of breeders forming an orderly queue. At €10,000, the regally-bred Derby winner Australia (GB) stands out as a sound choice, for owner-breeders in particular, as does Ballylinch's Make Believe (GB) at €8,000. Of the new boys, Bradsell and Auguste Rodin have both been fairly priced for their considerable achievements, and the latter has a particularly strong pedigree. Last Word: Luxembourg We could probably argue all day about whether he deserves to be at a Flat stud. If you agree that he should, there is absolutely no reason not to send him a Flat mare simply because he is standing on a National Hunt roster. We don't know what his fee will be yet but you can be damn sure that it will be an awful lot less than some other stallions who have achieved an awful lot less. Let's not forget that he's a Group 1 winner in the last four seasons who just happens to be by a sire who provided this year's Arc winner. New Flat Stallions for 2025 Al Hakeem – Haras de Bouquetot – €5,000 Auguste Rodin – Coolmore, Ireland – €30,000 Big Evs – Tally-Ho Stud, Ireland – €17,500 Big Rock – Haras de Grandcamp, France – €12,000 Bradsell – National Stud, Britain – £10,000 Bucanero Fuerte – Tally-Ho Stud, Ireland – €12,500 Charyn – Sumbe, France – €35,000 City Of Troy – Coolmore, Ireland – €75,000 Fantastic Moon – Gestut Ebbesloh, Germany – €9,000 Feed The Flame – Haras de la Hetraie, France – €4,500 Go Bears Go – Springfield House Stud, Ireland – €8,000 Henry Longfellow – Coolmore, Ireland – €15,000 Isaac Shelby – Newsells Park Stud, Britain – £7,000 King Of Steel – Tally-Ho Stud, Ireland – €20,000 Metropolitan – Haras d'Etreham, France – €15,000 Mill Stream – Yeomanstown Stud, Ireland – €12,500 Puchkine – Haras de Beaumont, France – €8,500 Sakheer – Ballyhane Stud, Ireland – €6,500 Shouldvebeenaring – Irish National Stud, Ireland – €6,500 Vandeek – Cheveley Park Stud, Britain – £15,000 The post Stallion Fees for 2025: The Talking Points appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Woodbine announced that training on the synthetic Tapeta main track would resume the morning of Nov. 13, following a thorough review and extensive maintenance conducted over the last couple of days.View the full article

Mathew de Kock is set to return to his native South Africa to join forces with his father, Mike de Kock, in the launch of a new training partnership, the family announced on Wednesday. In 2020, Mathew and his wife Monique emigrated to Australia to broaden their knowledge and skill set, training in partnership with Robbie Griffiths in Cranbourne for four years. The Griffiths/De Kock association celebrated close to 250 winners during that period, including 12 stakes winners, and regular occupied a place in the top 10 of the Victoria Country Trainer Premiership. Initially, Mathew's return to South Africa will see him based full-time at De Kock Racing's Randjesfontein barn in Johannesburg, while Mike oversees operations from Summerveld in Durban. “We'll be able to devote quality time to our horses at both centres, and eventually, we'll consider a satellite string in Cape Town,” said Mathew. “The move back to South Africa is obviously a major one for Monique and I, and several factors have played a part in our decision. The over-riding reason is that our family dynamic has changed and that we'd like to be closer to family and friends.” He added, “We'll be forever grateful to Robbie and Shiranee Griffiths for the opportunity they gave us to join their established business. We have learnt much working alongside them and will be taking the knowledge we have gained back to South Africa with us. They have been fantastic and understanding of our decision.” Mike de Kock, who has 141 Grade/Group 1 winners and around 3,800 career winners to his name, said that he'd come close to retiring just a few months ago. He explained, “I was on the verge of retiring, but Mat's decision has given me a new lease on life. He is a top trainer in his own right, most capable of taking over from me in due course. “For now, I am postponing retirement. Mat is ambitious, young and talented. We are able to continue the De Kock legacy, and he'll start off with more than I did when I was his age. I will eventually take a back seat, oversee the transition and, if all goes well, help him to set up yards in other parts of the world so we can compete in suitable races. “From what I've seen recently from SA-breds in the US, our horses are not too far off the higher world ranks, even after the period of relative isolation. This is an exciting turning point for our family.” The post Mike and Mathew de Kock Announce New Training Partnership in South Africa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Josh Spasaro, courtesy of The Thoroughbred Report Hello Romeo (NZ) looked like a chip off the old block with the classy front-running fashion in which he saluted in a two-year-old race at Bendigo on Wednesday. And Cambridge Stud, where his sire Hello Youmzain (Fr) currently stands, believe their stallion can reach the same heights in the Southern Hemisphere as he did in France and England. The Lindsay Park colt became the first victor from Group 1 winner Hello Youmzain's New Zealand crops at Cambridge Stud. Hello Youmzain was the leading first-season sire in France by earnings, winners and stakes winners, and his first Northern Hemisphere two-year-olds include Group 3 victors Misunderstood (Fr) and Electrolyte (Ire). Cambridge Stud CEO Henry Plumptre was delighted with the high-cruising speed Hello Romeo displayed under jockey Koby Jennings at Bendigo on Wednesday, before finding another gear on the straight to comfortably hold off stablemate for Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Mrs Iglesia (Aus) (Dirty Work {Aus}). “It was quite like his old man. Hello Youmzain was a horse who didn't come from the back with a withering burst,” Plumptre told The Thoroughbred Report. “He just sat up on the pace and kicked away from them in his really good wins, like the Haydock Sprint Cup and Diamond Jubilee Stakes. “He sat on the pace and toughed it out, and that's the style of horse he was. And that was pretty much what that colt did [on Wednesday]. It was good to see.” Hello Youmzain has now produced 19 winners from 46 runners, with 105 named foals in total, and Cambridge Stud shares the belief that he will continue producing winners. By Kodiac (GB), the sire of 102 stakes victors, Plumptre said demand for Hello Youmzain progeny would continue to increase next year. “He [Hello Youmzain] has got five or six stakes horses across France and England,” he said. “So his first year up there was very good, and good enough for his fee to go from €25,000 to €40,000. “He's obviously going to be in demand next year. And we've got a lot of faith in the horse.” The post Hello Youmzain Sires First Winner in the Southern Hemisphere 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. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 11/12/2024 Licensee: Jesse Compton, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Nov. 13; 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. Final decision by internal adjudication panel. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)–controlled medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Sisaway Now, who finished second at Prairie Meadows on 7/14/24. Date: 11/11/2024 Licensee: William Martin, 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: Use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Super Model Stroll during the race period. Date: 11/08/2024 Licensee: A. Ferris Allen III, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Nov. 9; 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 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Aristocratic, who finished second at Laurel Park on 6/16/24. Date: 11/07/2024 Licensee: Kevin Eikleberry, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Nov. 8; 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: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Magnesium Sulfate–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Alexiana, who won at Prairie Meadows on 9/28/24 Date: 11/06/2024 Licensee: Bennie Woolley, 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 by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Clear the Coast, who finished third at Canterbury Park on 9/21/24. Date: 11/06/2024 Licensee: Juan Rizo Patron, trainer Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Bestial on 10/4/24. Date: 11/06/2024 Licensee: Donald Simmonds, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Gun Lap on 9/23/24. Date: 11/06/2024 Licensee: George Leonard III, 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 Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Maylen, who finished fifth at Belterra Park on 9/21/24. Pending ADMC Violations 11/12/2024, Angel Quiroz, trainer: Pending medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Beautiful Astray during the race period. 11/12/2024, Isidro Castro, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolene–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Bourbon Delight, who finished third at Hawthorne on 9/8/24. 11/11/2024, Alan Shuchman, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Capsaicin–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Wahoowa Wahoowa, who won at Penn National on 10/23/24. 11/08/2024, Christopher Davis, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Morunning, who finished second at Keeneland on 10/10/24. 11/08/2024, Eduardo Mavel Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Valerenic Acid–a controlled substance–in a sample taken from Party News, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 9/25/24. The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Nov. 7-13 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Races seven to nine were called off on Wednesday night as Tropical Storm Toraji edges closer to Hong Kong.View the full article

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) has today launched a new video resource, outlining the benefits of greener practices on stud farms using its Stud Farm Carbon Calculator, in partnership with ADAS and with the support of the Racing Foundation. The video was produced with Peter Hockenhull, examining the areas which have helped his 200-acre Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire reduce emissions originating from the horses, land management practices, fuel and energy usage, transportation and hard feed, as well as forage and bedding materials. Since the Stud Farm Carbon Calculator was launched in November last year, a growing number of stud farms, including Flat and National Hunt breeders, both in the commercial and owner-breeder sectors, have signed up to use the digital tool. It's the first of its kind developed to specifically support breeders with baselining the carbon footprint of their stud farm and modelling scenarios for reducing their future negative impact on the environment. Victoria Murrell, equine health and welfare manager for the TBA, said, “Creating a carbon footprint isn't just about being more environmentally friendly, it's also about reviewing the use of resources across the farm and identifying areas to save money. “Shade Oak Stud is an excellent example of this, where Peter's engineering skills are put to good use repurposing existing unused materials; the planting of trees and hedgerows on unproductive or wet land has created shelter belts and cost-effective fencing solutions; investment in renewables has drastically reduced energy bills; and thorough composting of manure has created ample organic matter to improve the soils. “The benefits are felt in the pocket, as well as in optimising biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” Hockenhull added, “Since taking over the stud farm from my father, we have been working on becoming more energy efficient across the site and, essentially, I hate waste! The TBA's Stud Farm Carbon Calculator has helped us identify additional pockets across the stud farm where we can further reduce carbon emissions and become more self-sufficient.” For further information on the TBA Stud Farm Carbon Calculator, click here. The post TBA Launches Video to Highlight Benefits of Greener Practices on Stud Farms appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) named John Stewart's Resolute Racing as a title sponsor of the 54th Annual Eclipse Awards, which will be held on Thursday, January 23, at The Breakers Palm Beach, the organization said in a press release on Wednesday morning. The multi-year partnership between the NTRA and Resolute will include not only the title sponsorship of the awards ceremony, but also the event's after party. “I love this sport because it demands excellence,” said John Stewart, president and CEO of Resolute Racing. “As we at Resolute Racing relentlessly chase perfection, it is thrilling to be a title sponsor of the Eclipse Awards that has celebrated the cream of the crop in Thoroughbred racing for decades, while continuing to raise the bar.” The NTRA also said that John Deere, Keeneland, and The Jockey Club have again partnered with the NTRA to be presenting sponsors of the prestigious event. Official partners for this year's Eclipse Awards include Breeders' Cup, Dean Dorton Equine, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, FanDuel Racing, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Hallway Feeds, Maryland Jockey Club, Monmouth Park, New York Racing Association, Oaklawn Park, Palm Beach Kennel Club, Racetrack Television Network, Rood and Riddle, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California. Ticket sales for the black-tie event go on sale Monday, Nov. 18. The post John Stewart’s Resolute Racing Named Title Sponsor Of Eclipse Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ballylinch Stud has released the fees for its five stallions, with its flagship sire Lope De Vega (Ire) receiving an increase in price to €175,000, up from €125,000, though he is set to cover a smaller number of mares in 2025. “Lope de Vega continues to prove himself as a global sire sensation,” said Ballylinch Stud's managing director John O'Connor. “He has again proven his effectiveness at the very highest level with the most Group 1 winners, European Classic winners, and black-type horses of any stallion worldwide this season. His ongoing success is underscored by his international appeal in the sales ring and the consistent results his progeny achieve on the global stage. His fee increase will coincide with a reduced book size for 2025.” In a banner year, Lope De Vega sired a Classic brace in France, with his son Look De Vega (Ire) winning the Prix du Jockey Club and Rouhiya (Fr) landing the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Look De Vega was subsequently sold to the partnership of Ballylinch Stud and Al Shaqab, with the intention being for him to stand at Ballylinch on his eventual retirement from racing. New Bay (GB) remains at €75,000 for 2025 and he stands alongside his Group 1-winning son Bayside Boy (Ire), who has 17 of his first foals on sale next week at Goffs. His fee has been clipped to €12,500 from €15,000. “With ever-improving books of mares, his future as a leading sire is assured and we anticipate a huge year for New Bay in 2025,” said O'Connor. “Bayside Boy is New Bay's most precocious and fastest son to date. He has been given a great chance at stud with excellent books of mares in his first two seasons, in fact with those books he covered the highest percentage of both winners and black-type mares of any second season sire in Ireland.” Make Believe (GB) completes the Ballylinch roster in Ireland and, at €8,000, he will stand at his lowest fee since retiring to stud in 2016. “With seven stakes winners, including four Group winners in 2024 alone, he offers breeders an unparalleled opportunity to breed top-class performers at a highly accessible fee,” O'Connor added. “Trainers consistently praise his progeny for their attitude and will to win.” The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Waldgeist (GB) will remain under the Ballylinch banner but will move from Ireland to stand in Germany next season. He will be based at Gestut Lunzen for a fee of €6,000. The post Lope De Vega Up to €175,000; Waldgeist Moves to Germany appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kopua(NZ) (Shocking) attended to unfinished business in style on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup carnival at Riccarton when he produced an irresistible finish to claim top honours in the main event on the card. The son of Shocking had finished a luckless sixth in the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) 12 months ago and successfully turned his fortunes around in Wednesday’s feature, now renamed the TAB Mile. Kopua further added to the long list of Riccarton successes of his trainer Kevin Myers, who has regularly placed his faith in younger riders and this time the recipient was last season’s champion apprentice Lily Sutherland. “It was a great ride by Lily to get over the top of them,” Myers’ son Jason said. “It’s great for her to get a big race, Lily is an extremely hard worker and she’s just improving all the time.” Kopua was fourth up in his preparation and had won an open handicap at Taupo three runs back before he finished third at Riccarton last month and the step to 1600m proved ideal. Despite his lead-up form, the seven-year-old was unwanted in the market. “We thought $25 was well over the odds and we’d been quietly confident with him, he was very unlucky in the race last year,” Myers said. Kopua settled well back in the field and when the field swung for home he was in behind a wall of horses. Sutherland kept her cool admirably and as runners fanned across the track, she got to work on her charge who responded so positively to mow his rivals down for the eighth victory of his career. “They have just been so supportive of me and it’s so good to ride a big winner for the family,” she said. “We got squeezed up a bit early, but he travelled really well into the race.” Bred by Marie Bloodstock, Kopua is part-owned by Kevin Myers who has enjoyed previous successes with the family having prepared Yanna Marie to win both the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and the Listed Ag Challenge Stakes (1600m). The pedigree page also features the Gr.1 Winfield Classic (1500m) winner Achushla Marie and the Gr.1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) winner Hucklebuck. Kopua’s resolute finish got the better of Matscot to deny his rider Michael McNab a feature race double after successfully combing with Acquarello in the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). Third home was the Te Akau stalwart Perfect Scenario, who earned a gold star for bravery under his topweight of 60kg, conceding the first two home 7kg and 5.5kg respectively. View the full article

Patiently handled mare Acquarello has the looks to match her rich pedigree and she’s now added winning black-type form to her record to boost her future broodmare value. Trainer Tony Pike identified Wednesday’s Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) as the ideal race for the five-year-old and she duly obliged with a commanding victory off the front. The Trelawney Stud-raced daughter of Written Tycoon had been in fine touch ahead of her southern venture and she delivered in style, courtesy of a fine ride from Michael McNab. “She’s been competing in very strong Rating 75 races up north and this looked a good chance for her to get black type,” Pike said. “I was sure she would run well and there’s still a fair bit of improvement to come deeper into the season.” Acquarello was only opposed by six rivals and McNab had no hesitation in allowing the mare to bowl along at the head of the affairs. She was travelling easily into the straight and kicked strongly 200 metres off the post to put the race to bed and coasted to the line with a length and a-half to spare. “It looked like a race with no tempo, so Michael had the option to lead and they got it pretty soft,” Pike said. “She’s a beautiful type of mare and she’s only going to get better, it’s exciting to have one like her.” Successful in four of her 12 appearance, Acquarello was purchased on Trelawney’s behalf by Andrew Williams Bloodstock for A$400,000 from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale where she was offered by Sledmere Stud. Her dam is the Al Maher mare River Pebbles who is a half-sister to the multiple stakes winner Kulgrinda and the family of Group One winners River Dove, Captivant and Crown Prosecutor. Acquarello provided McNab with a satisfying Group victory early in his return from injury and he had been in a confident pre-race mood. “She’s a beautiful mare and there didn’t look to be a lot of speed and she flew the lids,” he said. “She got into a nice rhythm and it was never in doubt, I thought she was the best mare in the race.” Southern hope Third Decree raced three back on the outer and finished off bravely for second ahead of Goldie’s Chance with Tanzanite Rose making late ground for fourth. View the full article

Cambridge Stud shuttle sire Hello Youmzain has made an outstanding start to his stallion career in the Northern Hemisphere, and he’s now opened his Australasian account. The former high-class sprinter was on the board following his two-year-old son Hello Romeo’s(NZ) (Hello Youmzain) front-running victory over 1000m at Bendigo on Wednesday Hello Youmzain won the Gr.1 Haydock Sprint Cup (1200m) before Cambridge Stud purchased the son of Kodiac with Haras d’Etreham, his northern base in France, and he subsequently added the Gr.1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) to his record. He has made a fast start to his Northern Hemisphere stallion career with 18 individual winners, including the Gr.3 Prix des Chenes (1600m) victor and Gr.1 Prix de Jean-Luc Lagardere (1400m) placegetter Misunderstood and Electrolyte, triumphant in the Gr.3 Prix Eclipse (1200m). His son Hello Romeo followed up a debut second over 1000 metres at Bendigo by going one better over the course and distance for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes. “He had the advantage of having a run at the track and running well. On that day he hit the front and star-gazed a little bit and was just a bit green and raw still,” Ben Hayes said. “He trained on nicely and did everything right at home. “It’s nice to get the first winner for Hello Youmzain and we really loved the horse at the Karaka sale.” Hello Romeo was tardily away before mustering pace along the fence to make the running and lengthened stride comfortably for rider Koby Jennings to coast home by a length and three-quarters. “He won impressively and there are a lot of options for him, but we’ll see how he pulls up first and then make a decision whether we press on or put him aside for the autumn,” Hayes said. The colt was bred by Jomara Bloodstock and purchased by Lindsay Park for $150,000 out of Halmark Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. He is the first foal of the Shooting To Win mare Julieta, who is a half-sister to Humidor, the three-time Group One winner of the Australian Cup (2000m), Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) and the Memsie Stakes (1400m). View the full article

This year's G2 Lonsdale Cup winner Vauban (Fr) is set to continue his racing career in Australia, having been purchased by Australian Bloodstock, in partnership with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, for a rumoured fee of around A$2 million (€1.23 million). The news was confirmed by Australian Bloodstock's Jamie Lovett on Wednesday. Previously trained by Willie Mullins, Vauban had been expected to return to Ireland in preparation for a tilt at the G1 Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the scene of his first major success for Mullins and owner Rich Ricci when winning the G1 Triumph Hurdle in 2022. However, the son of Galiway (GB) is now set for a spell on the sidelines following his reported sale, before heading into training with Waterhouse and Bott ahead of a potential third start in the G1 Melbourne Cup in 2025. Only fourteenth when sent off favourite last year, he then returned to Flemington to finish eleventh in the latest edition won by Knight's Choice (Aus) (Extreme Choice {Aus}). Vauban embarks on his new career in Australia as the winner of five of his 13 starts on the Flat, as well as being a three-time winner over hurdles. Successful at Listed level on the Flat in France prior to joining Mullins, he also counted last year's Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot among his big-race victories for that stable, while his final appearance in Europe saw him fill the runner-up spot behind star stayer Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G1 Irish St Leger at the Curragh. The post Vauban to Continue his Racing Career in Australia after Reported A$2-Million Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the two major vacancies at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been filled with the announcement that Lord Charles Allen will succeed Joe Saumarez Smith as chair from June 1 next year. The search is still on for a chief executive to replace Julie Harrington, who will leave her position at the end of 2024. Appointed from outside racing, Allen is currently chairman and trustee of the Invictus Games Foundation and was chairman of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2000-2003, for which he was awarded a CBE. He also oversaw London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games and was board director on the organising committee, for which he received a knighthood. A former chief adviser to the Home Office, he was appointed by Ed Miliband to the position of chairman of the management board of the Labour Party in 2012 before being made a life peer the following year, with the title Baron Allen of Kensington. Allen began his career in broadcasting and media with Granada TV in 1991 before filling senior positions at EMI, Virgin Media and Endemol. He said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of chair of the British Horseracing Authority at this important time for the organisation. “I look forward to building a strong relationship with the new CEO and the board and all our stakeholders, delivering the vision of building the commercial and reputational aspects of the sector. “My love of horses stems from learning to ride as a youngster and enjoying the sport of horseracing over many years. “My knowledge, skills and experience from various sectors, including media and entertainment, and having led many regulated and sporting organisations will hopefully stand me in good stead to bring a fresh perspective to this incredible sport.” David Jones, who is chair of the BHA nominations committee and the BHA's senior independent director, added, “Lord Allen is a very experienced chairman, and I am delighted that we have appointed a candidate of such outstanding calibre. “His record speaks for itself and his impressive leadership skills, financial and commercial acumen, broadcast experience and an understanding of government will bring a fresh and independent perspective to the BHA's work. “Combined with his wealth of experience in global sporting events, Lord Allen impressed the committee with his perceptive grasp of the challenges facing racing and will be a powerful advocate for the sport.” A transitional period for Saumarez Smith and Allen to work together is planned. The post Lord Allen Appointed as BHA Chair appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cup day turnover increases Turnover from yesterday’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup was over $7m, up four percent on last year. Latest figures from the TAB show that total turnover was $7.2m for the 12-race programme, the second highest over the past decade, just behind the $7.5m from two years ago. The New Zealand Cup itself attracted turnover of $1.8m, with the Renwick Farms Dominion second at around $600K, up nearly 40 percent on last year. Final crowd attendance numbers have yet to be confirmed though Addington reports a sizeable increase in General Admission, after it lowered prices this year, and was happy with the way the day went. Don Rae has “pearler” of Cup day Harness racing enthusiast Don Rae had a “pearler of a day” as he got to live out a lifetime dream at Addington yesterday. The 67-year-old from Nelson has stage four cancer and on his bucket list was to be an official race owner at the biggest meeting of them all. On hearing of Rae’s wish Tact McLeod’s connections, Trevor Proctor and Diane Dynes, agreed to host Rae and his wife Leonie (pictured above) for the day. Rae was extremely grateful, saying that he loved the experience. “It’s been a terrific day, a pearler.” Tact McLeod ended up seventh in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup after botching the start. A story on Don Rae’s Cup day experience is expected to be broadcast on TV1’s Seven Sharp tonight. To read more click here Contrasting fortunes for Grimson runners Racing can be a fickle business. Just days before Swayzee completed his IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup double at Addington yesterday trainer Jason Grimson lost another of his top-liners. Just weeks ago Major Moth was a Cup contender. Now he’s been diagnosed with a suspensory ligament injury and is expected to be out for at least six months. He’s had 17 wins in just 35 starts. 300 for Hoffman and Gray A race to race double gave Amber Hoffman 300 training victories at Wyndham on Sunday. Life Of Art got her to 299 in the Matai Farm Mobile Pace before Jovial Jay delivered in the Cameron Contracting Limited Mobile Pace. Both were driven by Jonny Cox. Hoffman and Cox had 52 wins in partnership in 2014 and 2015 and she had 99 with Graeme Anderson (2010-13). On her own account there have been 149 successes, bringing her grand total to 300. Yesterday on IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day Brett Gray brought up his 300th training success as well when Julie Jaccka won the Mitre 10 Handicap Trot for driver Nathan Williamson. Gray’s first training success was with Golden Holmes in 2001. More wins for Cantfindabettorman Former Kiwi Cantfindabettorman is in a rich vein of form heading into the Inter Dominions in New South Wales later this month. Bred by Woodlands Stud, the Sweet Lou five-year-old has won three out of six starts since joining Isabel Walsh’s stables. In 2023 Cantfindabettorman won the Inter Dominion Consolation Final when trained by Belinda McCarthy. He was trained by Graeme Anderson in this country before he went across the Tasman in 2022, and the Otago-based trainer retains an ownership in him. Cantfindabettorman has won 18 from 58. Kiwis winning in Oz Former Kiwis dominated Saturday night’s big Albion Park meeting. Emerging training force Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen stole the show by winning five of the 10 races, four of them with Kiwi imports. Star filly Aardie B Miki led the charge with an effortless win in the 3YO Fillies’ Classic, coasting to a 12m win and making six wins from just nine starts moving from NZ to join the Turpin/McMullen barn. The stable’s other Kiwi-bred winners were Mr McLaren (race 10), The Janitor (race eight) and Duke Of Scotland in The Bill Dixon. Winning form for Lee stables Marg Lee, who will have the unbeaten Keayang Zahara in Friday’s Majestic Horse Floats LP THE ASCENT at Addington, won the feature race at Melton on Saturday night, with Jilliby Willow. The daughter of Captaintreacherous had to withstand a late charge from Rakero Rebel. Keayang Zahara is 11 from 11 heading into Friday’s $500,000 slot race and is at short odds to win that, the New Zealand Trotting Oaks and the New Zealand Trotting Derby. Club News : Southern Harness Three great harness race meetings will end the month of November here in the south with a meeting at Winton this weekend followed by two in Invercargill towards the end of the month. The Winton Harness Racing Club host an eight-race card at Central Southland Raceway in Winton on Sunday (17 November) with the first race due to start at 1.17pm and the last at 5.17pm. For the children there will be free mini jeeps, a bouncy castle and pony rides plus there will be free ice creams for the first one hundred children on course on the day. Next week the focus moves to Invercargill with the annual Woodlands Stud race day, a twilight meeting from approximately 4.30pm on the evening of Friday 22 November at Ascot Park Raceway. The evening is ideal for group functions with several hospitality spaces still available. To learn more contact Southern Harness Racing’s Promotions Officer, Lindsay Beer at 021 351 499/ lindsay.beer@xtra.co.nz A few days later on Wednesday 27 November there is another twilight race meeting at Ascot Park Raceway from 4.00pm. Admission is free on each of the race days. View the full article

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Thursday, November 14, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Ballarat Turf Club is the destination for horse racing in Victoria on Thursday afternoon. A competitive eight-race card is set down for decision on a track rated a Good 4, while the rail coming out 10m means there should be no disadvantage to being up on speed. The Ballarat races are set to commence at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Ballarat: Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick produced an eye-catching runner-up performance when fresh from a spell at Mornington on October 25. The Snitzel gelding was hitting the line strongly over 1000m, so the step up to 1200m looks ideal. He already has a second-up win under his belt, and as long as Jye McNeil can get him close to the speed from barrier nine, Fitzpatrick should prove too classy in the penultimate event. Best Bet Race 7 – #10 Fitzpatrick (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Jye McNeil (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ballarat: Rose Of England The Charlotte Littlefield-trained Rose Of England made a mess of her rivals on heavy ground first-up at Pakenham on October 18. The four-year-old stalked the speed and produced a stunning turn of foot to get home by 5.5 lengths in a dominant maiden triumph. With a similar run in transit expected while staying at the 1200m, the Churchill mare will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 6 – #2 Rose Of England (4) 4yo Mare | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Jamie Mott (60kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Ballarat: Simply Luscious Simply Luscious put in a career-best performance at Yarra Valley on October 26. The three-year-old filly managed to lead the field up before being overhauled late by Give Faith, yet she still finished two lengths ahead of the runner back in third. From barrier five, Jordan Childs should have no issue in finding the lead, and on a fast deck with the rail so far out, Simply Luscious should prove hard to run down third-up. Best Value Race 2 – #10 Simply Luscious (5) 3yo Filly | T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | J: Jordan Childs (56kg) Bet with Dabble Thursday quaddie tips for Ballarat Ballarat quadrella selections November 14, 2024 2-4-6-7-8-10-12 2-3-5 3-10 2-4-6-7-8-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Acquarello upon winning the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on Wednesday. Photo: Ajay Berry (Race Images South) Patiently handled mare Acquarello has the looks to match her rich pedigree and she’s now added winning black-type form to her record to boost her future broodmare value. Trainer Tony Pike identified Wednesday’s Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton as the ideal race for the five-year-old and she duly obliged with a commanding victory off the front. The Trelawney Stud-raced daughter of Written Tycoon had been in fine touch ahead of her southern venture and she delivered in style, courtesy of a fine ride from Michael McNab. “She’s been competing in very strong Rating 75 races up north and this looked a good chance for her to get black type,” Pike said. “I was sure she would run well and there’s still a fair bit of improvement to come deeper into the season.” Acquarello was only opposed by six rivals and McNab had no hesitation in allowing the mare to bowl along at the head of the affairs. She was travelling easily into the straight and kicked strongly 200 metres off the post to put the race to bed and coasted to the line with a length and a-half to spare. “It looked like a race with no tempo, so Michael had the option to lead and they got it pretty soft,” Pike said. “She’s a beautiful type of mare and she’s only going to get better, it’s exciting to have one like her.” Successful in four of her 12 appearances, Acquarello was purchased on Trelawney’s behalf by Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $400,000 from the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale where she was offered by Sledmere Stud. Her dam is the Al Maher mare River Pebbles who is a half-sister to the multiple stakes winner Kulgrinda and the family of Group One winners River Dove, Captivant and Crown Prosecutor. Acquarello provided McNab with a satisfying Group victory early in his return from injury and he had been in a confident pre-race mood. “She’s a beautiful mare and there didn’t look to be a lot of speed and she flew the lids,” he said. “She got into a nice rhythm and it was never in doubt, I thought she was the best mare in the race.” Southern hope Third Decree raced three back on the outer and finished off bravely for second ahead of Goldie’s Chance with Tanzanite Rose making late ground for fourth. Horse racing news View the full article

Cool Aza Rene winning the 2YO (1000m) at Riccarton on Wednesday. Photo: Ajay Berry (Race Images South) Family connections make Cool Aza Rene a filly close to Te Akau’s heart and the youngster again did them proud at Riccarton on Wednesday. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained representative maintained her unbeaten record for the Matamata stable when she comfortably justified her hot favouritism with Marantelli Bet. She had made a successful debut last month at Otaki, with the third placegetter there Abbakiss a subsequent winner at Tauherenikau, in the hands of Craig Grylls and they were again too good on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup carnival. “She’s a nice filly and just loves being a racehorse,” Bergerson said. “She’s got plenty of condition for a young horse and hadn’t missed a beat since Otaki, she stuck her neck out and really tried hard.” Cool Aza Rene is a daughter and the first winner for former star Te Akau juvenile Cool Aza Beel, who claimed champion two-year-old honours after victories in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and the Listed Karaka Millions (1200m). He was prepared by then head trainer Jamie Richards before the son of Savabeel’s retirement to Newhaven Park. The New South Wales nursery bred Cool Aza Rene and David Ellis secured her from their draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale earlier this year for $55,000. Her dam is Irene, a daughter of Cool Aza Beel’s associate sire Xtravagant who was the two-time Group One winner of the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and NRM Sprint (1400m) in Te Akau’s colours. Irene is an unraced granddaughter of the former champion Australian juvenile Hasna, winner of the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) and the Group 1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). Cool Aza Rene began cleanly at Riccarton to sit outside the leader before taking control 200m from home and proved too strong under hands and heels riding to the post. “She’s the ultimate professional and behind the gates she was walking around like a kid’s pony,” Grylls said. “When she got to the front she was stargazing around a bit, but she was very good.” Next month’s Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham is now a possible target for Cool Aza Rene. The Andrew Carston-prepared Miss Ziggy jumped smartly to make the pace and fought on gallantly to finish runner-up and the daughter of Brazen Beau is in the mix for a crack at the Listed Karaka Millions (1200m). Quisiera gave another honest account of herself to finish third and trainers John and Karen Parsons may now give the Sweynesse filly a break. Horse racing news View the full article

The Racing Victoria Limited Group (RVLG), incorporating Racing Victoria (RV) and Racing.com Media (RDCM), has released its 2024 Annual Report incorporating its statutory reported results for the 2023-24 financial year (FY24) ending 30 June 2024. RVLG has reported a statutory net deficit of $11.8 million for FY24, compared to a net surplus of $0.2 million in the previous financial year. The FY24 reported result includes one-off industry support costs relating to the Southside Racing merger, and other non-recurring costs. Excluding these costs, the underlying net deficit was $3.0 million versus an initial budgeted deficit of $12.1 million that had pre-empted changes in the wagering market and to the industry funding model, including the transition from the expiring Victorian Wagering Licence and VICTAB Joint Venture (JV). Whilst wagering turnover declined by 10.2% to $7.9 billion, Victorian thoroughbred wagering remained the number one wagering product nationwide. Total turnover in FY24 was down from the peak of $9.1 billion in FY22 but above pre-COVID levels of $7.1 billion. A number of factors contributed to the decline in wagering turnover, including cost-of-living pressures, high interest rates, increased competition from other sports, a reduction in advertising and promotions from Wagering Service Providers (WSPs), and additional wagering regulatory measures introduced by Government. However, stronger than average WSP gross margins drove race fields product fee income and helped to offset the turnover decline. The three-code Victorian Racing Industry (VRI) was also able to execute a settlement during the year, to exit the historic VICTAB JV on more favourable fixed terms. Consequently, total wagering revenue in FY24 increased by 1.0% to $364.4 million. Overall, RVLG’s total revenue from operations decreased by 3.1% to $536.8 million, due in large part to the planned cessation of certain Government funding programs ahead of the transition to the new industry funding framework. Partly offsetting this was a $12 million gross reduction in overall RV operating expenditure. Following the impacts of significant inflation, contract indexation and annual wage review, the net reported reduction in RV operating expenditure was $7 million – a 5% improvement on FY23. RV Chief Executive, Aaron Morrison, said: “After 11 consecutive surpluses, we budgeted for a deficit in FY24 given changing dynamics around the industry funding framework and Australia’s wagering market, and the net underlying result has been better than forecast. “In summary, the RV Executive and Board took the decision to prioritise the maintenance of returns to participants and other industry and stakeholder funding in the face of declining revenues and changes to our industry funding model. “In connection with this, there was a significant realignment of race programming and prizemoney, and we executed on various planned spending cuts across the entire group to help manage the expected deficit. “Through sound management over an extended period our net asset position is $185.4 million which means that the business is well placed to absorb this planned deficit in the short-term, whilst continuing to prioritise returns to the industry through prizemoney and bonuses and ongoing investments in key areas like welfare and infrastructure. “After a material reduction in our operating costs through FY24, we remain focused on further optimising business costs, capitalising on potential efficiencies, and ensuring that we maximise returns on industry funds across the entire group. “We are nearing the conclusion of a highly successful Spring Racing Carnival where crowds have been on the rise. Now is more important than ever to use our industry assets and media business to continue to elevate the promotion of Victorian racing to a wider and more mainstream audience. “This Spring Racing Carnival has shown that racing has a major role to play as a social and economic contributor in Victoria and with that comes the opportunity to continue to grow the sport and return to a more favourable financial position in the near future.” Horse racing news View the full article