Wandering Eyes

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

Another Wil ridden by Jamie Kah winning The Damien Oliver at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) The $1 million Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) is the second of two Group 1 features at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with a field of 15 set to step out in the classic handicap. The Ciaron Maher-trained pair of Jimmysstar and Another Wil can’t be split at the top of betting, with horse racing bookmakers installing the pair at $4 apiece, allowing punters to decide who should start favourite on Saturday. It was Another Wil who got the upper hand in the Group 2 Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington on Derby Day, with Jamie Kah steering the son of Street Boss to an emotional victory. Another Wil was a late withdrawal from the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) last Saturday and should get every chance to justify the decision after drawing gate five. Jimmysstar gets the opportunity to turn the tables heading back to his favoured Caulfield circuit, where the five-year-old gelding is undefeated in three starts. Damien Lane is set to be legged aboard from stall one and gets a 1.5kg swing in the weights on his key rival and stable companion. With the pair firmly in the market, there are plenty of options for value players, with the multiple Group 1 winner Southport Tycoon leading the chances at $10.00 with Neds. The son of Written Tycoon will need to lug the top weight of 58kg to victory and gains the services of Mark Zahra from stall 13. The Phillip Stokes-trained Climbing Star ($11.00) returns to Melbourne after contesting the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 19 and appears set to peak third-up into the campaign. Meanwhile, the likes of War Machine ($14.00) and three-year-old contender Bittercreek ($34.00) are sure to garner plenty of support at the each-way odds with Playup. The 2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is the penultimate race on the Caulfield program and is scheduled to get underway at 5:05pm local time. 2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Final Field 1. Southport Tycoon (13) T: Ciaron Maher J: Mark Zahra W: 58kg F: 9315x Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Horse Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Ready to Rule (USA) +800 +175 2. Private Eye (14) T: Joseph Pride J: N/A W: 57.5kg F: 5664x Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Al Maher Dam: Confidential Queen SCR SCR 3. Tuvalu (16) T: Lindsey Smith J: Ethan Brown W: 57kg F: x1x03 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Kermadec (NZ) Dam: Hangin’ Tough +1700 +333 4. Another Wil (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: Jamie Kah W: 56kg F: 1711x Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Arohanui +250 -175.44 5. Gentleman Roy (9) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Luke Nolen W: 55.5kg F: 63111 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: So You Think (NZ) Dam: La La Land +1800 +320 6. Climbing Star (6) T: Phillip Stokes J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 53.5kg F: 95×31 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Zoustar Dam: Bryony +1300 +250 7. Jimmysstar (1) T: Ciaron Maher J: Damian Lane W: 53kg F: 211×7 Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Per Incanto (USA) Dam: Anniesstar (NZ) +290 -142.86 8. Kimochi (15) T: Gary Portelli J: Craig Williams W: 52.5kg F: 7441x Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Brave Smash (JPN) Dam: Summer Fun +1500 +300 9. Buffalo River (12) T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson J: Celine Gaudray W: 52kg F: 20509 Age: 9YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Noble Mission (GB) Dam: Fashion Insider (USA) +3400 +625 10. Charm Stone (3) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Michael Dee W: 52kg F: 37×51 Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: I Am Invincible Dam: Najoom +1300 +260 11. Chrysaor (7) T: Chris Waller J: Craig Newitt W: 52kg F: 001×6 Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Better Than Ready Dam: New Wings +3400 +600 12. Roll On High (10) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Carleen Hefel W: 52kg F: 6×501 Age: 4YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Shamus Award Dam: All Highs On Me +3000 +525 13. Run Harry Run (2) T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson J: Patrick Moloney W: 52kg F: 343×0 Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Maybe Markle +4000 +700 14. Steparty (8) T: Paul Preusker J: Daniel Moor W: 52kg F: 368×0 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Artie Schiller (USA) Dam: Watch Your Step +2200 +375 15. War Machine (4) T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson J: Declan Bates W: 52kg F: 832×1 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Caserta +1200 +230 16. Bittercreek (11) T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin J: Robbie Dolan W: 50kg F: 817×2 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: Rose of Cimmaron +3400 +625 Horse racing news View the full article

Woodbine announced that training on the All-Weather Main Track will resume the morning of Nov. 13, following a thorough review and extensive maintenance conducted over the last couple of days.View the full article

Thousand Guineas favourite, Aeliana. (Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) The three-year-old fillies take centre stage at Caufield on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of 13 set to line up in the 78th renewal of the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m). The Chris Waller barn has had great success in the $1.5 million feature of late, with Joliestar (2023) and Madame Pommery (2022) claiming the last two editions, with Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) winner Aeliana looking to etch her name alongside her stable companions. Horse racing bookmakers wasted no time installing her as the $3.20 favourite despite drawing out in barrier 11. Star hoop James McDonald will be seeking to continue his dominant display after claiming 11 wins across the Melbourne Cup Carnival, including a victory aboard the daughter of Castelvecchio. Zeitung was an impressive winner of the Group 3 Vanity (1400m) on November 2 and should appreciate the step up to 1600m as Jamie Kah gets legged aboard from barrier four. The Godolphin filly is on the second line of betting at $6.00 with Neds and maps to get the run of the race as Kah returns from a 10-meeting suspension. The Reece Goodwin-trained Lovelycut ($8.50) is the only other runner in the single figures with Playup, while the likes of Dominetta ($11.00) and the undefeated Double Market ($13.00) have been respected opening at double-figure odds. The chances don’t end there, with the likes of Matisse ($13.00) and Stage ‘N’ Screen ($13.00) representing good each-way value with Bet365. The 2024 Thousand Guineas is the first leg of the Caulfield quaddie on Saturday afternoon and is scheduled to get underway at 3:45pm local time. 2024 Thousand Guineas Final Field 1. Too Darn Lizzie (7) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Jye McNeil W: 56kg F: 8138x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Too Darn Hot (GB) Dam: Enbihaar +1400 +320 2. Aeliana (11) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 56kg F: 11614 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: Temolie +220 -166.67 3. Geegees Mistruth (12) T: Stuart Gandy J: Ben Melham W: 56kg F: 6322x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Wordsmith Dam: Miss Mana +1400 +320 4. Zeitung (4) T: James Cummings J: Jamie Kah W: 56kg F: 12445 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Exceed And Excel Dam: News Story (IRE) +500 +130 5. Double Market (6) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Michael Dee W: 56kg F: 11 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Castelvecchio Dam: First Tier +1200 +280 6. Dominetta (9) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Craig Williams W: 56kg F: 321×3 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Zoustar Dam: Debonnaire (GB) +1000 +240 7. Matisse (13) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Mark Zahra W: 56kg F: 265×1 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Microphone Dam: Sanadaat +1200 +280 8. Another Prophet (2) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ethan Brown W: 56kg F: 2567x Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Brazen Beau Dam: Set to Skelter +2500 +500 9. Supercilious (1) T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin J: Jordan Childs W: 56kg F: 33231 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Golconda +2000 +400 10. Lovelycut (5) T: Reece Goodwin J: Damian Lane W: 56kg F: 42×11 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Ilovethiscity Dam: Handcut +750 +180 11. Benagil (10) T: Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson J: Luke Currie W: 56kg F: 548×1 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Manhattan Rain Dam: Des Moines +1400 +320 12. Let’s Fly (5) T: Richard & Will Freedman J: Declan Bates W: 56kg F: 1383 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Flying Artie Dam: Aunt Mimi +2000 +400 13. Stage ‘N’ Screen (3) T: Mark Walker J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 56kg F: 41 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Ace High Dam: Inthespotlight (NZ) +1200 +280 Horse racing news View the full article

Woodbine, which cancelled both racing and training effective two races before the end of Saturday's card after three separate incidents on the Tapeta surface, will reopen to training Wednesday morning and is scheduled to resume live racing Thursday. The all-weather surface underwent “a thorough review and extensive maintenance conducted over the last couple of days,” said officials from Woodbine Entertainment in a Wednesday afternoon release. “The safety of our horses and riders is our highest priority and we have been working diligently over the last couple of days to ensure the track is in optimal condition for safe training and racing,” said Woodbine's Executive Vice President of Racing Bill Ford. “We look forward to reopening the track for training tomorrow and for live racing on Thursday, Nov. 14. We appreciate the patience of our horse racing community and the support of our Tapeta consultants, the HBPA, and the AGCO. We remain committed to maintaining one of the safest racing surfaces in North America.” The statement from Woodbine included the following: “In collaboration with consultants and suppliers of the Tapeta surface, Woodbine performed a series of maintenance procedures to improve the track's condition and address any safety concerns. This included rototilling the entire surface to a depth of five inches, followed by a deep power harrow treatment, and finishing with the use of a gallop master to ensure an even and consistent surface. “On Monday and Tuesday morning, horses were allowed to gallop on the All-Weather Main Track with no incidents and trainers provided positive feedback. The track will undergo additional maintenance today following this morning's light training, and it is now prepared for breezing and timed workouts starting tomorrow. To enhance safety, a harrow break has been added to morning training sessions as an extra precaution. “Woodbine has been in close communication with the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) throughout the process to keep them informed of the steps taken to address the safety concerns and improve the track's condition.” The Woodbine season is scheduled to continue until Dec. 15. The post Training and Racing to Resume at Woodbine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Extending the activity that has been building through earlier sessions, the eighth day of selling at the Keeneland November Sale offered more of the same as witnessed by gross receipts closing at over $184.6 million (through the ring), well ahead of the $173,925,300 sold through this point in 2023. Heading Tuesday, Music City Stables acquired a weanling filly (Hip 2935) from the first crop of stakes winner Nashville for $85,000 to record the highest purchase of the next-to-last session. Consigned by Buckland Sales (Zach Madden), agent, the filly is out of the winning Be a Lady (Cindago) and from the family of Grade III winners Stem the Tide, Gottcha Gold and American Freedom. Topping the mares, Machmer Hall paid $75,000 for Secret Ballot (Courageous Cat) (Hip 2840), an 11-year-old mare carrying a member of the first crop of foals by champion Arcangelo. Out of Private Status (Alydar), she is a half-sister to GISW Secret Status and Grade III scorer Alumni Hall. Secret Ballot is the dam of stakes-placed Savoy (Honor Code). Secret Ballot was consigned by Lane's End, agent, the session's leading consignor with sales of $492,500 for 25 horses. Also during the penultimate session, Cem Sevim bid $50,000 for the stallion prospect Beatbox (Hip 3083), a Grade III-winning son of Pioneerof the Nile who is a half-brother to GISW Guarana (Ghostzapper). Consigned by Lane's End, agent, the 6-year-old is out of the winning Distorted Humor mare Magical World and from the family of GISW Pleasant Home and Grade II winner Country Hideaway. Tuesday's leading buyer was Mahmud Mouni, who paid $191,200 for 11 horses. For the session, a total of 236 head through the ring drew $3,184,100 (+3.88%) over $3,065,300 generated one year ago. Tuesday's average rose to $13,492, up 13.56% from last year while media increased 8.11% to $10,000. When taking into account horses through the ring through eight sessions, 1839 horses averaged $100,405 (+8.13%), with a median of $45,000 (+12.50%). Including four post sales on Day 8, the adjusted gross closed out Tuesday at $3,190,100 with an average of $13,292 and a median of $10,000. Monday's Mandaloun Filly Purchase 'First of Many' for Perry In the waning moments of Keeneland's seventh session of the November Sale Monday, Mary-Claire Perry was on pins and needles. Having already been shut out in 10 prior attempts at Keeneland to make her initial auction purchase, the 17-year-old was at the uppermost limit of her budget while trying to land Hip 2708, a weanling filly by Mandaloun. After several heart-pounding moments, the daughter of dual stakes winner Keewatin Ice (Intidab) was knocked down to Perry and her partners for $105,000. One of seven horses to surpass the six-figure mark and the fourth highest-priced weanling of Monday's session, the Feb. 21 foal was consigned by Eaton Sales. “This is just the first of many,” said Perry, a member of Coolmore's vast Kentucky-based team. “I am very excited!” According to Perry, the high school student purchased the filly in partnership with several well-known industry professionals–Charlie O'Connor, Aisling Duignan and Gabriel 'Spider' Duignan. Mary Claire Perry after signing her first ticket | O'Connor photo “As I was bidding, Spider was sitting next to me and told me 'You have one more bid Marie Claire,'” she recalled. “At $100,000, I nodded my head to bid $105,000 and nobody else bid. My heart felt like it just stopped. That was the last bid we were going to put in for her. When they called 'sold' it was a bit emotional because all the spotters know me now because of how much I had been bidding up until that point. Many of them were so excited as well after I finally got one. Everyone started cheering. It was so sweet.” Perry admitted that she and her partners logged a lot of steps this past week looking at a potential purchase. “I started looking in Book 1. I've looked at pretty much all the hip numbers through Book 4,” she admitted. “It's been a very long process but I've learned a lot.” When asked what she was looking for in her ideal weanling, she explained, “I'm pretty picky when choosing horses, but she's a great one so I am very excited about her.” She continued, “I had a few sires that I was shooting for, including [first crop sires] Nashville and Mandaloun. There were a few sires that I wanted to potentially buy a weanling by. I went book by book.” However, despite all the hard work, she admitted it wasn't always smooth sailing. “We bid on 10 others before this one and we were outbid,” she said. “But I went for some really nice ones so I am not too upset about it.” The bay filly is one of five foals out of Minnesota Oaks winner Keewatin Ice. Four of the mare's offspring have already found the winner's circle. “She had a nice figure as well as her height and hip,” she explained. “She had a great walk. She has a great stride and overstep. She walks with purpose. She had the pedigree, too. Everything was pretty nice on her.” Perry signed her initial ticket as Grooms Lane, which holds special meaning for her. “It's special because we own a farm in Princeton, Kentucky and that's the lane that it is on,” she explained. “That has been in the family for generations, so I'd like to keep that name in the family.” And it is abundantly clear that Perry's family has played an important part her horse racing journey. Her father, Mark Perry, is a football coach at University of Kentucky, while her mother Elizabeth is an educator. “My family loves horses racing and they love to go to the races but they aren't really involved in the industry,” she said. “I've been so close to horses all my life. I started riding at three. I've always known what I wanted to do and that I wanted to own racehorses.” Underscoring her family's support in the horse industry, she added, “I put in some of my money that I worked very hard to put in. My parents and grandparents are also involved. They are investing in me, my ideas and my dream. They have been amazing.” In addition to her family, Perry points to her invaluable experience she has gained at Coolmore in addition to her sales work with Taylor Made Sales. “Everyone it's amazing. It's been so fun. At Coolmore, I work a little bit in the office and some with the mares and foals,” she explained. “Also, because I've worked with Taylor Made at the sales, I just find that I know a lot of people now. So when I was out looking a horses, everyone knew me by name. Everyone was so supportive.” With only a year left to round out her high school education, Perry explained that the purchase of her first horse is just the beginning of her professional life and career with horses. “I plan to go to UK and do the Equine Management program through them,” she confirmed. “I'll also be working for Coolmore. I am also shooting for programs like Darley Flying Start. If I can make it in, that would be the dream.” But first things first. Perry admits that she is laser focused on a single thing at the moment. That is caring for her new purchase. “I originally had planned on buying two [weanlings], but [the Mandaloun filly] is my top priority right now and I might just stick with the one for now,” she said. “I'll use it as a learning experience and go from there.” Perry's purchase has already been shipped to Mesingw Farm on Old Frankfurt Pike in Lexington, where she will receive early instruction. According to Perry, the ultimate goal is to pinhook the filly at Keeneland next September. “I picked her up [Tuesday] morning at 8 a.m. with the trailer,” she said. “I will do a lot of the work with her as well. I have been doing that with Taylor Made and now Coolmore. I've also helped prep horses as well. There are also awesome guys at the farm that will help with her prep too as we come closer to sale time.” Looking back on an action-packed week of activity at Keeneland, Perry summed up, “Just being at the horse sales, I am so thankful for all the opportunities that I've gotten. It's been unbelievable.” The post Nashville Weanling Filly Heads Day 8; Perry Makes First Career Purchase at Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This spring's GII Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes winner Mr Fisk (Arrogate–Plein Air {Ire}, by Manduro {Ger}) has officially been retired from racing and will stand the 2025 season at Pleasant Acres Stallions near Morriston, Florida. The Bob Baffert trainee was on a two-race graded win streak after victories in the Gold Cup in late May and the GIII Californian Stakes in April when it was discovered he'd suffered a condylar fracture and subsequently had surgery. The decision was eventually made to retire him rather than bring him back to the races and he will stand his initial season in 2025 for $8,500. “We are so excited to bring this talented, multiple graded stakes-winning son of famed Arrogate to Florida for our breeders,” said the farm's Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones. “With Arrogate completing just three breeding seasons as a stallion, there are only a few select opportunities to breed to one of his sons. Furthering his line at Pleasant Acres Stallions is a win for his legacy, as well as a win for Florida.” In addition to his two 2024 graded wins, Mr Fisk also captured the GIII Native Diver Stakes and the Shared Belief Stakes in the fall of 2023, as well as finished runner-up in the Affirmed Stakes. The 4-year-old Sunny Brook Stables homebred retires with a record of 11-5-2-0 and earnings of $369,700. Mr Fisk's stallion transaction was brokered by Brendan Heeney and The Stallion Company. A few shares and lifetime breeding rights remain available. The post MGSW Mr Fisk to Florida’s Pleasant Acres appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon It was business pretty much as usual, and expected, for the House juggernaut at Manawatu this week. “I’d anticipated they’d all go good races as most of them had been racing well and we had targeted this meeting for them,” says driver Wilson House, “but it was pretty awesome to get four winners.” All four were trained by his father Michael and went out as short-priced favourites. The Canterbury-based House stable has become well adept at travelling their horses to where they will be most competitive, with Monday’s meeting being a prime example. Of the seven runners they started yesterday they came away with four wins and a second placing. Son Of Patrick was House’s first win of the day taking out the Central Energy Trust Handicap Trot and starting from a 40 metre handicap. It was the six-year-old gelding’ss eighth career win and he was foot perfect stepping away from the start with House allowing him to settle into rhythm before moving forward to the parked position where he remained for the majority of the race. In the home straight Son Of Patrick picked up the leader easily to win the race by 0.5 lengths. “He has raced in some tough fields in Canterbury lately, so I knew if he got away ok he’d be competitive and he won nicely,” said House. House would then drive The Next Best Thing to post the gelding’s maiden victory in race two by a narrow margin over second placed Million Dollar Chic. The Highview Tommy gelding didn’t make the win easy for House with a mid race gallop at around the 1000 metre mark causing him to lose ground, and then hitting the front in the home straight and only just holding off the challenge from Million Dollar Chic who was closing in. “He’s been getting close to a win, so it was good to get it,” said House. In race 4, the Racing Again 19th and 21st November Mobile Pace, the House runners took the quinella with Jazzy Styx winning and Santanna Mach, driven by Crystal Hackett second. From the ace starting draw, Jazzy Styx showed good gate speed when sent forward early by House before handing up the lead to stable mate Santanna Mach. The Vincent mare then enjoyed a cosy trip behind the leader before taking the passing lane and getting up to win by over a length. “Both of these horses have had very consistent form and have raced well on this track in the past so I expected both to be amongst the first couple home,” said House. In the final race of the day, House saluted the judge with stable veteran Warloch who brought up his 17th lifetime win. From a wide draw (7) House was content to settle the gelding at the tail of the field, meanwhile a three way battle for the lead ensued between Baileys Pitch, Eddie Osei, and Christiano Buccini who would eventually obtain the lead. The result was a swift lead time with House sitting back until the final lap when he set off three wide and made short work of rounding the field to sit outside the leader. With 400 metres to run Warloch headed the leader and would continue to improve and run away from the field to win by two lengths. “It was probably my favourite win of the day because he is just such an honest horse, he’s tough and he always tries so hard,” said Wilson, “he just always does his best.” The 10-year-old gelding by Well Said has now won just over $280,000 in stakes from 17 wins and 34 placings. View the full article

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) and Steve Asmussen have entered into a negotiated agreement that will “adjourn” twice-postponed hearings that were supposed to have examined the Hall-of-Fame conditioner's fitness for owner and trainer licensure after the NYSGC raised concerns regarding Asmussen's pay practices involving backstretch workers. In exchange for the hearing being taken off the NYSGC's docket, the agency explained in a Nov. 12 press release, Asmussen must engage and pay for an independent monitor approved by the NYSGC who will provide quarterly written reports to the NYSGC concerning whether Asmussen's racing stable is in compliance with federal and New York labor laws. Back in June, the NYSGC first announced its intent to hold a licensure hearing over Asmussen's pay practices only days after the United States Department of Labor obtained a court order requiring Asmussen to pay $243,260 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages, for a total of $486,520. The federal investigation had found that Asmussen had denied overtime wages to 163 grooms and hotwalkers at Churchill Downs and Keeneland Race Course. As TDN's Bill Finley reported on June 13, the fact that the NYSGC was even seeking a hearing was notable because, “While Asmussen has had persistent problems with the Department of Labor, this is first time that any gaming or racing commission has looked into the matter and threatened revocation of Asmussen's license.” Asmussen, with 10,697 training victories, is the winningest Thoroughbred conditioner in North American history. His outfit has multiple divisions nationwide, but out of 2,036 starts so far this year, only 47 of them occurred in New York. “Courts have determined Thoroughbred Trainer Steven M. Asmussen's stable engaged in 'willful' violations of such labor laws, causing the Commission to question whether Mr. Asmussen should continue to participate in New York racing…” NYSGC chair Brian O'Dwyer stated in Tuesday's press release, which was issued by the agency after BloodHorse first reported that Asmussen's Nov. 13 hearing was “indefinitely postponed.” O'Dwyer added that, “Just as the Gaming Commission is concerned with the welfare of racehorses, riders and drivers, we are concerned with the wellbeing of the dedicated backstretch workers who make the sport possible. These individuals must be fairly compensated, and all licensed trainers must abide by labor laws.” A text message sent Tuesday to Asmussen seeking comment on the agreement yielded no reply. TDN then emailed Asmussen's attorney, Clark Brewster, who responded to the request for comment with the following statement: “After submissions to the NYSGC and discussions the matter has been resolved in favor of invited transparency, including the option for the NYSGC to review and monitor the payroll and wage-and-hour compliance actions implemented by Mr. Asmussen over the past few years to meet the record keeping mandates of the Department of Labor. We appreciate the concerns of the NYSGC and understand that through these efforts the entire industry may benefit from decisional law and the measures taken by the Asmussen stables to reach compliance.” The hearing notice issued in June stated that the NYSGC sought to investigate 1) Asmussen's financial responsibility, experience, character and general fitness; 2) Whether or not Asmussen is financially irresponsible; 3) Whether or not Asmussen has been guilty of or attempted any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with racing; 4) Whether or not Asmussen has violated or attempted to violate any law with respect to racing; 5) Whether or not Asmussen has engaged in one or more improper, corrupt or fraudulent acts or practices. Under the terms of the agreement, Asmussen must “make relevant books, records, and information available for the monitor's inspection” for the next two years. According to the agreement (which can be read in its entirety here), the monitor will be looking for whether Asmussen is in compliance with “federal and New York labor laws that concern wage-and-hour requirements, recordkeeping requirements with respect to wage-and-hour laws, prevailing-wage requirements for non-immigrant workers, reimbursement requirements for non-immigrant workers, and associated recordkeeping requirements pertaining to non-immigrant workers.” The monitor will have the power to give written notice to Asmussen if any alleged violations are uncovered, and can suggest “corrective action.” Asmussen will have 30 days after the issuance of any non-compliance notice to correct the conditions set forth in the monitor's notice. Should he fail to correct the conditions set forth in the monitor's notice, then the monitor shall promptly inform the NYSGC. By Dec. 31, 2026, if the commission decides, based on the reports, that Asmussen has been in “substantial compliance” with the relevant labor laws, the NYSGC “shall discontinue” the matter, the agreement stated. If the commission believes that compliance has not occurred, the matter will remain open and the hearing that got put off will be rescheduled. “Should there be non-compliance with labor laws, or the Commission becomes aware of further violations, we reserve the right to take further action concerning Mr. Asmussen's license,” O'Dwyer stated, adding that, “All trainers should take note and operate accordingly: New York State takes labor laws very seriously.” The post Asmussen and NYSGC Enter Agreement to Monitor Trainer’s Payroll Practices appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Juan Muñoz Cano brings four starters to the Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs Nov. 16.View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Nov. 4-Nov. 11View the full article

Multiple graded stakes winner Irish War Cry (Curlin–Irish Sovereign, by Polish Numbers) has been purchased by Bob and Tyree Wolesensky and will relocate from Northview Stallion Station in Maryland to the Wolesensky's Leadem Farm in Leola, Arkansas for the 2025 breeding season. The 10-year-old stallion won the 2017 GII Wood Memorial Stakes and GII Lambholm South Holy Bull Stakes, as well as the 2018 GIII Pimilco Special. He is the sire of this year's Maryland Million Sprint Stakes winner Celtic Contender, as well as Maryland Million Distaff third-place finisher Spencerian and stakes-placed Feeling Woozy. “He checks all our boxes here and we couldn't be more excited to bring such an accomplished son of Curlin, from such a strong Danzig female family line, to Arkansas,” said Bob Wolesensky. Jay Goodwin, who brokered the deal, said, “David Wade and Bob Wolesensky are two of the nicest people in the horse business. Love working with both of them. I'm excited to breed a couple of mares to Irish War Cry myself.” Irish War Cry will join American Freedom and Super Stock on the Leadem Stallion roster. The post Irish War Cry to Leadem Farm in Arkansas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Richard Frisby added a third Walk In The Park (Ire) foal to his purchases at the Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale on Tuesday when going to a sale-topping €92,000 for the Ballincurrig Stud-consigned colt out of the Astarabad mare En Vedette (Fr). A Listed winner over hurdles in France, En Vedette is the dam of five winners from six runners, including two black-type performers in Sabrina (Ire) (Yeats {Ire}) and Lady Adare (Ire) (Sholokhov {Ire}). Her 2020 gelding by Flemensfirth made €140,000 at the Derby Sale in 2023, bought by Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls. Speaking on behalf of his father, J J Frisby said of lot 509, “This colt has everything–it is a good price. She is still quite a young mare and has had some good sales ring results.” A total of 16 lots surpassed €50,000 on Tuesday, compared to just two across the first two days of the sale, with the others including the Golden Horn (GB) colt out of Mill Quest (Ire) (Milan {GB}) who went through the ring as lot 576. The only colt by Golden Horn on offer this week, he was sold by Glen Stables for Kieran and Billy Kenneally, with Kevin Ross Bloodstock and Ben Case emerging as the successful bidders on behalf of Lady Jane Grosvenor. “The sire is doing well,” said Ross. “The mare was a tough mare and she won nine times. He was one of our picks, a lovely type, a lovely mover. I think this is the first National Hunt type by the sire we have bought and he will be for resale.” Ross was also responsible for the pick of the day's other lots, this time buying alongside Chris Jones of Killeen Glebe Stud when spending €72,000 on a filly by Poet's Word (Ire) (lot 463) from Sunnyhill Stud. Her dam, Ballyshannon Rose (Ire) (Doyen {Ire}), was a Grade 2 winner over fences for Paul Fahey. “She is the best foal we have seen here,” said Ross's wife Anna. “There is quite a good word now about the sire and this filly is very well made, a lovely mover, and she has a stunning pedigree. There is black type in every dam and she is a great first foal out of the mare.” The final session of the November National Hunt Sale gets underway at 10am on Wednesday. The post Walk In The Park Colt Heads Strong Trade at Tattersalls Ireland November NH Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article