Wandering Eyes

Twelve winning photos of Thoroughbreds were selected by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be featured in the fifth annual TAA calendar. All photos feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either in residence at or has been rehomed by a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. Each winner will receive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded merchandise and a copy of the calendar. Out of the twelve winners, the grand prize winner, Sara Ruggerone, was selected to be featured on the cover of the calendar and will receive a Tipperary helmet of their choice, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian. Sara's photo, titled “Best Friends” captures OTTB Centerofattention and her best friend Apollo, both permanent residents at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Paso Robles, California. The winning photographs for the rest of the calendar are: January: “Winter Whispers” photographed by Scott Purdum and submitted by Grace Purdum, featuring Chosen Moon at Hope for Horses. February: “Best Friends” photographed by Deb Hofstetter and submitted by Sara Ruggerone, featuring Centerofattention at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. March: “Fostering Idaho” photographed by Matthew Chew and submitted by Candace Chew, featuring Point Breeze and London Follies at Champions Retreat. April: “My Pot of Gold” photographed by Lani Dake and submitted by Lani Dake, featuring Dancing Bella, rehomed by Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. May: “Dressage at Lone Tree” photographed by Aleshia Snyder and submitted by Heather Rowan, featuring Lamartine (BRZ), rehomed by CANTER Michigan. June: “This is Why” photographed by Michelle Horgan and submitted by Jaime Douglas, featuring Glacier Express at New Beginnings Thoroughbreds. July: “Splendor in the Grass” photographed by Len Armer and submitted by Karen Wagner, featuring Major Deegan at Equine Advocates. August: “The Astral Rascal” photographed by Sheri Knauer and submitted by Laura Otten, featuring The Astral Rascal, rehomed by Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers. September: “Lava Mud Pots” photographed by Laura Battles and submitted by Laura Battles, featuring Lava Man at Old Friends Equine Retirement. October: “Sailing Through Summer” photographed by Hallie Burden and submitted by Joy Nakrin, featuring Enduring Honor, rehomed by Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption Program. November: “Establishing Ties” photographed by Rebecca Lazarus and submitted by Hannah Ong, featuring The Other Chad, rehomed by Thoroughbred Placement Resources. December: “Viracocha” photographed by Carlos Orellana and submitted by Caitlin Dever, featuring Viracocha, rehomed by LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society. Over 475 photographs were submitted to this year's calendar photo contest. Along with the primary winners, 41 additional photos were chosen to be featured in the calendar as honorable mentions. A total of 275 Thoroughbreds are featured in the calendar, representing 59 Thoroughbred Aftercare “Congratulations to all our Photo Contest winners, and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest,” said Catherine Flowers, Data Director & Office Manager, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It is heartwarming each year to receive so many photos of Thoroughbreds connecting with humans and excelling in their second careers. This is why ensuring the fate of our industry's horses is so crucial–because they give us everything and deserve everything in return.” The 2026 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar will be available for pre-sale this month with a donation of $20. The calendars will then be available starting on December 1, 2025 with every online donation of $50 or more. Donations can be made here. The post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fifth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The new official logo of Belmont Park, which will open in September 2026 following a multi-year redevelopment project designed to create a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island, was unveiled Wednesday by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). Inspired by one of the defining features of the property, the iconic Japanese White Pine, the new logo represents the evolution of Belmont Park while honoring the rich history of thoroughbred racing in New York. Centered around an updated version of the white pine, the Belmont Park logo incorporates a new typography and refreshed but familiar color palette to retain the visual elements so closely associated with Belmont Park. Throughout Belmont Park's 120-year history, each era of the facility has been marked by a distinct logo. The original logo debuted in 1905 when the Belmont Park grandstand was first constructed. Following the 1968 renovation, a new logo was introduced to reflect an updated brand by incorporating the Japanese White Pine for the first time. The official logo of the new Belmont Park coincides with the ongoing transformation of the facility, which will re-establish Belmont Park as a global capital of thoroughbred racing. At the outset of the current redevelopment of Belmont Park, NYRA committed the resources and expertise necessary to protect the Japanese White Pine during both the demolition and construction phases of the project. As a result, the tree will continue to serve as a centerpiece of the saddling paddock at the new venue. New York State and NYRA's ongoing $455 million redevelopment of Belmont Park revolves around a 300,000-square foot, five-story building offering flexible hospitality options and modern amenities. By reducing the footprint of the grandstand from the previous version and unlocking the infield through the construction of a series of pedestrian and vehicular tunnels, the new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more accessible green space than ever before. The new Belmont Park will feature four newly constructed racing surfaces including the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt main track along with two turf courses and a one-mile Tapeta track to be used as the exclusive surface for winter racing. Belmont Park will re-open for live racing in September 2026 with the GI Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets set to return to its Long Island home in 2027. In addition, Belmont Park has been selected to host the 2027 Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will mark the first edition of the Breeders' Cup to be held in New York State since 2005. For additional information on the evolution of the Belmont Park logo, visit here. The post Belmont Park Unveils New Official Logo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Forever Young looked fit and ready for a return engagement in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) as he easily won the Nippon TV Hai Oct. 1 at Funabashi Racecourse.View the full article

Bryce Bevan has been appointed as head of digital at Magic Millions. A graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start programme, Bevan will front the new Magic Millions Digital platform which will be launched soon. “I am very excited to join Magic Millions many years after they gave me my start in the Thoroughbred industry,” said Bevan, who began bidspotting for Magic Millions in 2011. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and its many clients to establish a digital platform designed to enhance the online sales space in the industry.” He added, “Magic Millions is renowned for creating an unmatched atmosphere with its live sales across the country, and that's the energy and experience we're looking to bring to Magic Millions Digital as well, continuously striving to innovate and evolve, for the benefit of our clients – buyers and vendors alike. I can't wait to hit the ground running.” Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said Bevan was joining the team at an exciting time for the company. “We have been investing and developing the technology we feel is best for the online sales space,” said Bowditch. “Bryce's appointment is exciting and we will continue to build a team to work with him to help grow Magic Millions Digital into a positive selling platform for our industry.” The post Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The list of former breeders, owners, trainers, stallion farms and other connections participating in the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Makeover Champions, an initiative to encourage more public support of Thoroughbreds in careers beyond racing via the Thoroughbred Makeover, was unveiled Wednesday morning. Makeover Champions have pledged to share updates about their former connected horses that are participating in next week's Thoroughbred Makeover, the largest and most lucrative retraining competition in North America for recently-retired racehorses and former broodmares. Additionally, many participating Champions will attend the event in person to connect with the new owners and trainers of their former horses; Champions have signed on to volunteer at the event, and some have made monetary gifts to support the charitable mission of the RRP. “There's a tremendous value in the visibility created by connections participating in Makeover Champions,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Highlighting the achievements of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers helps to dispel the narrative that the horses are somehow a failure when they move on to their next career, and a message of success and embracing the natural continuum of the Thoroughbred lifecycle is that much more powerful coming from those that produced the horses in the first place. Our entire team applauds this year's group of Makeover Champions: thank you for your commitment to your horses!” The list of 2025 Makeover Champions includes the following: Breeders: Ambassador Earle I. Mack (Street Ready), BTE Stables (Conspiractherapist), Ehris Stables (King Of Comedy), Evan Ferraro (Illusioned), Glen Hill Farm (Lexi's Spirit), Godolphin (Battle Creek, Call West, Last Cookie, Phra Phrom, Prevalence, Remuda, Sanquist), Hinkle Farms (Meet George Jetson), Laura Donohoe (Akari), Oak Rock Racing LLC (Akari), PTK LLC (Gullane, Gunleather Al, Misfit Toy, Praline Pecan), Repole Stable (Overwhelm), Stonestreet Farms (Sarpedon), Tommy Town Thoroughbreds (By My Side, Route Sixty Six), Wertheimer & Frere (Salesman {Ire}), WinStar Farm (Battle Born, Hozier, Origami, Thunderstrike), Woodslane Farm (Mythic Performance) Past Owners: Averill Racing (R Hot Mess), BTE Stables (Conspiractherapist), e Five Racing (Snarky), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (Avenue, Gray Magician, My Princess {Ire}, Ritualistic), Godolphin (Battle Creek, Last Cookie, Prevalence, Remuda, Sanquist), Jose D'Angelo (Elusive Empire), Laura Donohoe (Akari, Jeff the Lion), Little Red Feather Racing (Annabelle's Smile, La Peer), Oak Rock Racing LLC (Akari), Paterpop Racing (My Man Vito), PTK LLC (Conure, Gullane, Gunleather Al, Praline Pecan, Sekt, The Pepsodent Show), Repole Stable (Dynamic One, Money Magician, Patou Road, Quantity, Sole Risk), Tommy Town Thoroughbreds (By My Side, Route Sixty Six), Two Eight Racing (R Hot Mess), Wertheimer & Frere (Salesman {Ire]}) Past Trainers: Brad H. Cox (Bandon), Eoin Harty (Remuda), Jose D'Angelo (Elusive Empire), Philip D'Amato (Annabelle's Smile, La Peer), Richard Mandella (Salesman {Ire}), Ryan Hanson (Big Rainbow) Stallion Farms Standing Sires of Makeover Horses: Claiborne Farm (Akari, Baby Fade, Bamboo Garden, Eddie Lea, Ginnsu Warrior, In The Numbers, Leo's Roar, Lorenzen, Macassar, Masked), Coolmore America (American d'Oro, Conure, Kittansett, Logan's Red Falcon, Majestic Pharoah, Markitoff, Mentha, Miss Pretender, Mo's Treasure, Moonlight Joker, No Foolin Mo, Qia, Revelatory, Sekt, Spanish Pharoah, Top Secret), Darley (Arrowheart, Call West, Gullane, Honorandprinciple, Last Cookie, Major Spin, Money Magician, Phra Phrom, Prevalence, Praline Pecan, Reach, Salesman [IRE], Sarpedon, Shot Girl, Starquist), Gainesway (Afleet Sniper, I'm Just, Rookie Year, Single Ruler), Lane's End (Avenue, Bella Skye, Bushwick Bruiser, Dynamic One, Game Change, Nucci, Patou Road, Robitaille, Route Sixty Six, Sanquist, The Malbec Factor, The Wayne Factor, Tonality), WinStar Farm (Battle Born, Big Pete, Dream Time, Dreamer's Disease, Go Grad, Insouciant, Leopard Bait, My Man Vito, Proper Grammar, Remuda, Reserve Judgment, Smart and Fast, Street Ready, V Lo) Other: Claiborne Farm (Team T. S. Strong) The 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, takes place October 8-11 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Over 260 horses are expected to compete over the course of the week, with competition available in ten riding sports. The event is free and open to the public to attend. Learn more here. The post Retired Racehorse Project Announces 2025 Makeover Champions Participants appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ironhorse Stallions and Ironhorse Racing Stable have entered into a long-term agreement to establish a permanent base of operations at the former Stone Bridge Farm Training Center in Schuylerville, NY, the pair announced Wednesday. Minutes from Saratoga Springs, the new property offers a “uniquely integrated equine hub for breeding, foaling, raising and race preparation all under one roof.” “This location isn't just a facility–it's a statement,” said Harlan Malter, Managing Partner of Ironhorse Stallions and Ironhorse Racing Stable. “To be able to breed, foal, raise, and campaign in one unified base is a dream for any stallion and racing operation. It allows us to keep breeding capital, talent, and energy right here in New York, while continuing to collaborate with the important programs in Kentucky and Florida. This farm gives breeders and owners every reason to stay, and it shows that world-class breeding and race horse development can thrive right here on home turf.” John Dowd, who will be on-site managing operations, breeding shed and bloodstock, added: “I've spent my career working across farms, tracks, and sales, and I know how critical it is to offer breeders a complete program. With this facility we can stand stallions, manage our mares, and raise top-class foals that never have to leave the state. New York breeders gain a true cradle-to-track solution while continuing to benefit from the broader national industry.” The post Ironhorse Stallions And Ironhorse Racing Stable Secure Permanent Base At Former Stone Bridge Farm Site appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Major Dick Hern and Enable have been named as the latest inductees to the British Horseracing Hall of Fame, with their induction ceremony set to take place on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 18. The brilliant Juddmonte homebred Enable raced for five seasons, garnering 11 Group 1 victories in four different countries. The daughter of Nathaniel made history by becoming the first horse to win the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes three times. She is also one of only eight horses to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe twice. Enable's trainer John Gosden said, “I've never known a filly like her that could take the training and the racing. She probably did something that may never be done again as a three-year-old to go and win the Oaks, then the Irish Oaks followed by the King George, then to York to win the Yorkshire Oaks and then dust them all off in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. I don't know if I'll ever be lucky enough to see another filly who could do something like that. She was without doubt one of those absolute racemares of a lifetime.” Simon Mockridge, Juddmonte's general manager in the UK, added, “I think her first win at Chantilly in the Arc was a real highlight. It was away from Longchamp, and it was a very special day because her draw wasn't perfect and it was a big field, and she ran away with that race. As a three-year-old she was quite imperious. She had seven starts, six wins by a cumulative 24 lengths. She was very, very good that year.” Multiple Classic-winning trainer Major Dick Hern died in May 2002 at the age of 81 in May 2002, and his posthumous inclusion in the British Racing Hall of Fame caps a career in which he was champion trainer on four occasions, in 1962, 1972, 1980 and 1983. His British Classic triumphs included three Derby winners in Troy (1979), Henbit (1980) and Nashwan (1989). He also became the first trainer to saddle five winners of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, plus won every Irish Classic at least once. Hern joins his fellow trainers Vincent O'Brien, Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien in the Hall of Fame. Panel member Brough Scott, who has narrated a special video to celebrate Hern's achievements, said, “A great trainer, and a great man, Dick Hern is the most deserved of entries to the Hall of Fame. He was a champion; champion trainer, handler of the greatest of horses, and a champion in life itself. “Of all his achievements, nothing can match what Dick did with Nashwan in the summer of 1989. By then paralysed from a hunting fall, he had to use his eyes, not his hands, to feel for fitness and at Newmarket and then at Epsom, Nashwan was a training masterpiece.” The post Major Dick Hern and Enable to Join Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reigning Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bill Mott has been named recipient of the 2025 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award, the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners (KTO) announced Wednesday. Mott will be honored at the KTO's annual awards dinner Saturday, November 22 at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Warner Jones Award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing and sharing the passion exemplified by Jones, who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the iconic track's initial resurgence. Jones was the inaugural award winner in 1988, six years before his death. “For me, the biggest honor you can have is to be recognized by your peers as someone who does a good job,” said Mott, who won his second Kentucky Derby this year with Godolphin's Sovereignty. “That's the best compliment you can ever get. To be called Horseman of the Year? What's better than that?” KTO President Tommy Drury added: “My gosh, a Hall of Fame trainer who spent a big chunk of his career here–and still has horses racing in Kentucky–and actually trained for Warner Jones. I can't think of a more deserving winner. Bill has been outstanding his entire career, and the fact that he has so many owners who have been with him for so many years speaks volumes about his horsemanship and character.” In addition to Mott, Kentucky chief state steward Barbara Borden will be honored with the organization's Woman of the Year Award and Gabby Gaudet, Keeneland's new Director of Communications, will receive the KTO's John Asher Up and Comer Award. The cost to attend the dinner is $175 for non-members, with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets, call Lynda Woods at 502-644-5251 or email her here. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 13. The post Trainer Bill Mott To Receive KY Thoroughbred Owner’s Warner Jones Horseman Of The Year Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The heroics of Mychel Sanchez at Parx Racing, along with the on-track accomplishments of John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, Mike Smith, and Frankie Dettori, result in them being collectively named Jockey of the Week.View the full article

A record number of tourists converged on Sha Tin for Wednesday’s National Day meeting, with Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges declaring the “initiative we have is going viral”. Of the 32,357 people on track, 13,097 travelled from abroad and the overall crowd figure was the biggest on National Day since 2018. There were also a record number of mainland visitors in attendance, with 12,060 crossing the border to soak in the action. “The news of the day is the attendance. We...View the full article

Kempes came from the clouds to complete a brilliant Sha Tin double for David Hall in the Class Three Shanghai Handicap (1,200m) on Wednesday. Green-lamped into $31.35, Kempes was drawn in the car park in stall 14 and was parked last behind a wall of horses on the rail under Andrea Atzeni as the field turned for home. The Sardinian weaved through horses despite limited room and despite being snatched up just before the 100m pole, Atzeni finally got daylight and burst into the lead in the final...View the full article

Making his first start since finishing a disappointing third as the heavy favorite in the G1 Dubai World Cup back on Apr. 5, Susumu Fujita's FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (c, 4, Real Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats) made a victorious return to action in Wednesday's Listed Nippon TV Hai (1800m) at Funabashi Racecourse, setting him up for a second consecutive appearance in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar in a bit more than four weeks' time. He was third to his close relation 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the 2024 renewal. Favored at 10 cents on the dollar, the earner of nearly $15.5 million to date broke away cleanly from the seven hole and raced at the back of the leading group down the stretch for the first time as the 10-horse field split evenly into two groups. Tracking outside and out of harm's way down the backstretch and into the final 800 meters, Forever Young began to warm up to the task with a bit less than three furlongs to travel. Circling three wide off the home corner, he nosed in front of his Yoshito Yahagi stablemate Revontulet (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) at the furlong grounds and edged away to score by about three lengths. Forever Young weighed in at 551kg, some 8kg heavier than when taking his first Group 1 in the Tokyo Daishoten last December. Forever Young outdueled Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in a stirring renewal of the G1 Saudi Cup last February, but the effort clearly took something out of him, as he finished two lengths' third to Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the Meydan feature some six months ago. Sales history: $720,603 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL. Lifetime Record: 12-9-0-3. O-Susumu Fujita; B-Northern Racing; T-Yoshito Yahagi FOREVER YOUNG returns with an easy win in the Nippon TV Hai (LR) – 9F at Funabashi Racecourse, @_RYUSEI_0531 up for trainer @yahagistable the perfect prep for his run next in the @BreedersCup Classic at Del Mar FOREVER YOUNG regresa de manera vicroriosa con fácil victoria… pic.twitter.com/6LI0UvCCBT — Agentes305 (@agentes305) October 1, 2025 The post Forever Young Runs Out An Easy Winner In BC Classic Prep appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Newcastle races Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling Street, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Thursday, October 2, 2025 First Race 1:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Racing in New South Wales heads to the Hunter Valley on Thursday afternoon with a competitive eight-race program set down for decision at Newcastle. With perfect spring conditions accompanying a Good 4 track, there should be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the day, even with the rail out 5m the entire circuit. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s betting tips for the Newcastle races on October 2, 2025. Best Bet: Maid Of Moolah Peter Snowden looks to have found the right Super Maiden for Maid Of Moolah, who brings three runner-up efforts from four starts and now draws to get a soft run with Braith Nock’s light weight. The Capitalist mare has trialled up neatly, handles all conditions, and her on-speed versatility should be rewarded around Newcastle at 1200m. From barrier 11 she can slide across to land just behind the tempo, and with race experience on her side, she gets every chance to put the maiden away. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Maid Of Moolah (11) 4yo Mare | T: Peter Snowden | J: Braith Nock (57kg) Next Best at Newcastle: Tonkatsu Goddess Tonkatsu Goddess returns to Benchmark 64 grade with a strong winning profile at 1200m and gets 2kg off for Mollie Fitzgerald. The mare’s tactical speed means she can tag the speed from gate seven and control the race from the hot seat; her winter form reads well for this, and the claim brings her right into it. If she holds a forward position in running and sees daylight at the 300m, her sustained gallop should prove hard to repel. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Tonkatsu Goddess (7) 5yo Mare | T: Matthew Smith | J: Mollie Fitzgerald (a2) (60.5kg) Best Value at Newcastle: Doradus Doradus draws the plumb inside alley in a big Class 1 and gets Andrew Adkins to do the steering, who should gain an economical map for a horse who can hold a spot and quicken. He has metro-level form lines, and the 1500m at Newcastle should suit his settle-and-surge pattern. At an each-way quote with horse racing bookmakers, the gate and run in transit could be the difference against a deep bunch. Best Value Race 4 – #2 Doradus (1) 4yo Gelding | T: John Thompson | J: Andrew Adkins (58.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Newcastle Newcastle quadrella selections October 2, 2025 1-2-4-5-6-7-9 3-5-8-9 1-3-9-10 2-4-6-10-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Fast Network is bound for a clash with the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising in December after unleashing a scintillating finishing burst to win Wednesday’s Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) at Sha Tin. Relishing a drop back from the 1,400m of his seasonal reappearance and a return to blinkers, the Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding blasted home from second last to deliver jockey Alexis Badel a third National Day Cup victory in the past five years. Settling several lengths off...View the full article

Progressive three-year-old Sulek (NZ) (Super Seth) notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton. The gelded son of Super Seth was having just his second start and after racing a little keenly early, settled midfield under jockey Billy Egan before comfortably reeling in the leaders and staving off the late challenge of runner-up Snitz Sonic (Snitzel). “He is still doing a little bit wrong. You could see in the home straight he just wanted to lug in slightly. I think it is just immaturity more than anything, but he definitely has a nice engine,” Sutton said. “He has done it in his trials, that is why we have put the winkers on to help him concentrate and make sure he is going as straight as possible, but with more experience under his belt, he will come good. “It looked a little bit messy early, just trying to get a spot and he just got up on the bridle a tad. He just had to bring him back and get him into a rhythm halfway through. Once he found that spot and he dropped his head, it was a pretty painless watch from there. “He has a contingent of UK owners in him, who are coming over for the carnival. It would be nice to be able to step him out for them when they arrive. But we will ultimately do what is best by the horse first. They are only three once, so we will just have a look at the calendar and see if there is a nice race for him over Melbourne Cup week.” Winning rider Billy Egan said the wind was somewhat problematic hence his decision to settle back with cover. “There was a big headwind down the back straight and a strong tailwind down the home straight,” he said. “He gave me a good feel. I think he is a pretty nice horse. He still has a few things to iron out, but he will make a nice horse when the penny drops. “He was very strong through the line. If get his racing manners in hand a bit early, that will help him settle and he will be able to run out a nice mile.” Sulek was purchased at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, with Sutton Racing and Byron Rogers signing for the chestnut for $420,000. Presented by Kit Brooks’ KB Bloodstock, Sulek is out of the O’Reilly mare Tiff And Co (NZ) and was bred by the Dowager Duchess of Bedford and Waikato Stud. Sulek stems from Bloomsbury Stud’s famed Mrs Moss family, with Group Three winning daughter of Nashwan, Myself (NZ), the three-year-old’s granddam. View the full article

Group Two performer Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). The five-year-old daughter of Almanzor has placed at stakes level on five occasions, including the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) and $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). This year’s edition of the Matamata Cup is on this weekend, and while Mary Shan has a good record in that race, The Breeders’ Stakes has been in Forsman’s crosshairs for some time, and the Cambridge trainer is looking forward to targeting the race with his mare this weekend. Mary Shan takes good form into the race, having won first-up over 1200m at Wanganui in August, and she has been freshened ahead of Saturday’s assignment. “Mary Shan is training very well. She had a good gallop yesterday (Tuesday) morning and she is spot on heading into it,” Forsman said. “She has drawn well (4) and I think it is a suitable sort of race. Hopefully she can utilise that draw and put herself in the first half of the field, and she should run really well. “It would be nice to make her a stakes winner.” Closer to home, Forsman will head to Matamata on Saturday with a pair of runners, including Privy Garden (NZ) (So You Think) in the Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m). “They were just a little sharp for her, those horses at a mile in that company the other day at Trentham,” Forsman said. “Hopefully the step up to 2000m is what she is looking for now.” Stablemate Hard Roca will also line-up in the COMAG LTD 1400. “He has been really good, he just hasn’t had much luck from wide draws,” Forsman said. “I think his run at Ellerslie the other day was great, so I think he will be very competitive again. “He has drawn well (3), I just hope the track isn’t too heavy. He doesn’t mind a bit of a wet track, but we are stepping up to 1400m. If it was to be very testing, that would be my only query.” Meanwhile, Forsman has been pleased with the way Quondo (Wootton Bassett) has come through his runner-up performance in last Saturday’s Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Te Rapa. “It was a big effort,” he said. “He got caught three-wide on-speed and I think the on-pace horses did dominate, which helped, I think they controlled that race. I thought he was very brave and he can only improve off a run like that.” The Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa later this month looms as his next obvious target, with a tilt at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) hanging in the balance. “We will give him a bit of time, he has had a few quiet days since that run,” Forsman said. “At this stage, we will probably go straight to the Sarten back at Te Rapa. “He is still physically getting there. He has got a lot of improvement and we may see the best of him early next year and into autumn. “He has clearly got good ability, and we are hoping to get him through to the Sarten and that will be the line in the sand as to whether we push south or we just give him a little bit of time off.” View the full article

Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier. Luck didn’t go Weatherley’s way at Tuesday’s barrier draw for the Randwick feature, but he remains positive and will put his faith in multiple Group One-winning jockey Ethan Brown to work his magic. “He knows how to steer them, but I didn’t help him by putting my hand in the barrel and coming up with barrier 13 out of 14,” he said. “It’s the biggest worry, but in saying that he’s a big-striding horse and it’s a long run down the back straight. “The hardest one to beat will obviously be the mare (Autumn Glow) and she’s drawn outside us, so at least Ethan can keep an eye on where she’s at. “I would rather him cover a bit of ground and not have a hard luck story, if he gets a fair crack at them then I can’t complain.” Pier tuned up for the Epsom at Rosehill where the son of Proisir finished off well to run third in the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m). “I couldn’t be happier with the horse, he’s really bright and we had this race picked out after he won at Eagle Farm (Listed Wayne Wilson, 1600m) back in June,” said Weatherley, who trains in partnership with daughter Briar. “He was super in the Theo Marks, it was very much like the BRC Sprint (Gr.3, 1350m) when he ran third and then won the Wayne Wilson.” Pier had improved with the Rosehill outing, as Weatherly had expected. “He got back and hit the line nicely and I knew he was a bit pretty, he was 552kg leading into that race and I put him on the scales this morning (Wednesday) and he was 542kg,” he said. Pier’s performance in the Epsom will determine the six-year-old’s length of stay in Australia. “Everything depends on Saturday, there are options and if he went really well there’s the King Charles Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) in a couple of weeks or the Craven Plate (Gr.3, 1800m) in three weeks,” he said. “He also holds a nom for the Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m), but that’s pie in the sky stuff at the moment. “He’d have to do something pretty special to warrant putting him on a truck to go to Melbourne to take on Via Sistina and the like.” Weatherley will also be keeping an eye on his home meeting on Saturday where Mali Ston steps out in the Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m). “He’s a stable favourite and his run last time over 1200m at Te Rapa wasn’t a bad one, he got to the line okay,” he said. “I know it’s a good field, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he put his hand up.” View the full article

Leading northern apprentice jockey Triston Moodley is set to return to raceday riding at Avondale next Wednesday, three months after he sustained a head injury at the Waipa trials. The 24-year-old hoop was kicked in the head in the mounting yard at the Te Awamutu track in July and he was airlifted to Waikato Hospital where he underwent surgery to have a plate put in his head. He remained in hospital for a week and he has been pleased with the speed of his recovery. “It (recovery) was pretty quick,” he said. “I got out of hospital after a week and it took me a month to get back on my feet. “Since then, it has been onwards and upwards, I am back to normal and I am back riding track work. I am just getting better and better every day. “I have been keeping fit through my recovery. I spoke with my boss (trainer Danny Walker) this morning and we are planning on sending me to the races next Wednesday. I am looking at taking it easy and having one or two rides a meeting and go from there.” Moodley is eager to return to raceday competition, with his appetite renewed at the Northern Apprentice Awards on Monday night where he received the Milan Park Premier Apprentice Jockey Award. “I didn’t expect it to be honest, I thought Ace (Lawson-Carrooll) got in front of me at the end, but I was very glad to get it,” he said. “When my boss let me know, I was quite chuffed with myself. It was a hard time towards the end of the season, but to get that award, it just means a lot and makes it all worth it.” While it was a tough end to the season, Moodley was pleased with his efforts, with his 52-win haul beating his previous season’s best of 40 wins. He also recorded his first stakes victory aboard the Erin Hocquard-trained Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) in the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) and defended his title at the apprentice-only day at New Plymouth. “Winning the Group Three on Spencer would be my highlight,” he said. “I rode more than the previous season’s tally, so that is always a goal, to ride more than you did before, and I am glad I achieved that goal. “That was like déjà vu (apprentice-only day). I love New Plymouth, it seems to be one of my luckier tracks. “I appreciate all the support from all the trainers and everyone putting me on their horses. You can’t do it without them, so I am grateful for that.” View the full article

Mary Shan will contest the Group 3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera on Saturday. (Photo: Kenton Wright/Race Images) Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Group 3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). The five-year-old daughter of Almanzor has placed at stakes level on five occasions, including the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) and $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). This year’s edition of the Matamata Cup is on this weekend, and while Mary Shan has a good record in that race, The Breeders’ Stakes has been in Forsman’s crosshairs for some time, and the Cambridge trainer is looking forward to targeting the race with his mare this weekend. Mary Shan takes good form into the race, having won first-up over 1200m at Wanganui in August, and she has been freshened ahead of Saturday’s assignment. “Mary Shan is training very well. She had a good gallop yesterday (Tuesday) morning and she is spot on heading into it,” Forsman said. “She has drawn well (4) and I think it is a suitable sort of race. Hopefully she can utilise that draw and put herself in the first half of the field, and she should run really well. “It would be nice to make her a stakes winner.” Closer to home, Forsman will head to Matamata on Saturday with a pair of runners, including Privy Garden in the Russell & Yvonne Green Memorial (2000m). “They were just a little sharp for her, those horses at a mile in that company the other day at Trentham,” Forsman said. “Hopefully the step up to 2000m is what she is looking for now.” Stablemate Hard Roca will also line-up in the COMAG LTD 1400. “He has been really good, he just hasn’t had much luck from wide draws,” Forsman said. “I think his run at Ellerslie the other day was great, so I think he will be very competitive again. “He has drawn well (3), I just hope the track isn’t too heavy. He doesn’t mind a bit of a wet track, but we are stepping up to 1400m. If it was to be very testing, that would be my only query.” Meanwhile, Forsman has been pleased with the way Quondo has come through his runner-up performance in last Saturday’s Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Te Rapa. “It was a big effort,” he said. “He got caught three-wide on-speed and I think the on-pace horses did dominate, which helped, I think they controlled that race. I thought he was very brave and he can only improve off a run like that.” The Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) at Te Rapa later this month looms as his next obvious target, with a tilt at the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) hanging in the balance. “We will give him a bit of time, he has had a few quiet days since that run,” Forsman said. “At this stage, we will probably go straight to the Sarten back at Te Rapa. “He is still physically getting there. He has got a lot of improvement and we may see the best of him early next year and into autumn. “He has clearly got good ability, and we are hoping to get him through to the Sarten and that will be the line in the sand as to whether we push south or we just give him a little bit of time off.” Horse racing news View the full article

By Adam Hamilton The New Zealand Cup Week spotlight is firmly across the ditch this weekend. The two best pacers in this part of the world, Leap To Fame and Swayzee, continue their preparations for the IRT NZ Trotting Cup at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 11 with lead-up runs in Queensland and New South Wales tonight. Leap To Fame returns from a spell at Albion Park at 9.14pm, while Swayzee steps out over 2300m at Menangle at 9.50pm. They will then clash in the $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton on October 18 before heading to NZ to prepare for the Cup. Also at Menangle, underrated Victorian trotter and Brisbane Inter Dominion heat winner Parisian Artiste is favourite to return to winning form in the final event (race eight), a mile trotting race at 12.28am (Sunday morning). He looks on target for tilts at the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot and NZ Trotting Free-For-All in Cup Week. Down at Melton on the same night, Inter Dominion and TAB Trot winner Arcee Phoenix is on the quick back-up after a labouring sixth from a daunting 30m handicap when he resumed at Menangle last Saturday night. Chris Svanosio’s six-year-old moves forward to a 20m handicap and stretches from 2300m to a more suitable 2760m. He will also strip fitter. It will give a much better guide to where he’s at and also be some more valuable standing-start practice again of the Dominion. On the same card, Australia’s two confirmed contenders for the $500,000 Majestic Horse Floats THE ASCENT at Addington on November 14 – Tracy The Jet and Gatesys Gem – step out. Tracy The Jet is a $1.04 favourite to overcome a wide draw (gate seven) and make it five wins from as many starts this campaign in the Group 1 Need For Speed Princess final (12.38am Sunday). Gatesys Gem, who beat Tracy The Jet in the NSW Trotters’ Oaks in May, will return from a spell from an outside draw (gate seven) against older rivals in the third race at Melton (9.57pm). It means a fascinating clash with the untapped Lady Vici, who boasts eight wins from just nine starts. View the full article

Trainer Tony Gollan.(Photo: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Champion trainer Tony Gollan has been unveiled as one of four new inductees into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame. To be held as a part of the Queensland Thoroughbred Awards gala lunch on October 12 at The Star Brisbane, the state’s premier trainer will be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Michael Pelling (Jockey) and Chief De Beers (Horse). A fourth inductee will also be announced at the awards ceremony. Born and raised in Toowoomba, the son of champion local trainer Darryl Gollan commenced his career at age 20 in 1999, claiming his maiden victory thanks to Carbon Shadow at Clifford Park in July of that year. The trajectory of Gollan’s career changed forever in 2003, with the purchase of a Eureka Stud filly named Temple Spirit, who would go on to win eight races and over $130,000 in prize money for the up-and-coming trainer. However, it was her first two progeny – Temple Of Boom and Spirit Of Boom – that launched the Gollan name into stardom, combining for 20 wins, three Group 1s and more than $4 million in prize money. On the back of his first Group 1 success through Temple Of Boom’s victory in The Galaxy at Randwick in 2012, Tony made the move to Eagle Farm, claiming his first Metropolitan Trainers’ Premiership in the 2013/14 season. In a career that has netted more than 2,000 victories, Gollan is now an eight-time Group 1-winning trainer, with both ‘Boom Brothers’, Vega One, Krone, Jonker and Antino having delivered him the ultimate success across his glittering career. In recent years, Gollan has re-written the record books in Queensland, setting a new benchmark for statewide wins in 2022/23 with 194 victories, as well as a metropolitan record (147) in 2023/24. In the season just gone, Gollan claimed his 12th straight Metropolitan Trainers’ Premiership, and looks poised to claim continue his stranglehold on the Jim Atkins Trainer of the Year Award at this year’s ceremony. “I never expected this, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at this stage of my career,” Gollan said. “To be alongside trainers like Jim Atkins, who was my hero growing up, it means an awful lot to me. “I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near done yet and still have a fair bit of my story to be written.” Gollan will be joined in the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame by one of the state’s most iconic horses and cult figures – Chief De Beers. Chief De Beers will forever be remembered as the ‘King of Doomben’, where he claimed all 20 of his career wins. He won the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in 1995 and 1998, as well as 10 other black-type races at the course. ‘The Chief’ was twice placed in Group 1 races at Eagle Farm and also placed at Flemington, Caulfield, Moonee Valley and the Gold Coast, but Doomben remained the only track where he tasted success. In retirement, he continued to flourish as a mounted police horse for the Queensland Mounted Police, where his decade-long service mirrored his racing tenure – distinguished and decorated. In the months prior to his sad passing in 2020, Chief De Beers was honoured with the prestigious Blue Cross Medal for his service as a member of the Queensland Police, and his community engagement with Living Legends. Finally, Michael Pelling is the latest hoop to be inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame. Born and raised in the far north of the state, Pelling’s glittering career in the saddle began under the guidance of fellow Hall of Fame inductee Pat Duff. Pelling also enjoyed great success with another legendary local trainer in Jim Atkins, headlined by their Group 1 QTC Derby success with Mr Cromwell. The same horse also gave Pelling his one and only ride in a Melbourne Cup in 1981, finishing eighth to Kingston Town. The four-time Group 1-winner retired from the saddle in 2005 with more than 1,500 career wins and four Metropolitan Jockeys’ Premierships. In retirement, Mick remained connected to the racing industry, patenting the now famous Pelling Pacifier, used across the world. “I was very surprised to find out I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame,” Pelling said. “I never thought I was in that calibre of Mick Dittman or Glen Boss who went to ride in Sydney and Melbourne, whilst I always stayed based in Queensland. “I had the opportunities to go ride interstate if I wanted to take them but ultimately, I always thought I would be happiest here at home. “I grew up on a farm and was always around animals; I loved horses and I guess the horses loved me.” View the full article

Leading northern apprentice jockey Triston Moodley. (Photo: Peter Rubery/Race Images Palmerston North) Leading northern apprentice jockey Triston Moodley is set to return to raceday riding at Avondale next Wednesday, three months after he sustained a head injury at the Waipa trials. The 24-year-old hoop was kicked in the head in the mounting yard at the Te Awamutu track in July and he was airlifted to Waikato Hospital where he underwent surgery to have a plate put in his head. He remained in hospital for a week and he has been pleased with the speed of his recovery. “It (recovery) was pretty quick,” he said. “I got out of hospital after a week and it took me a month to get back on my feet. “Since then, it has been onwards and upwards, I am back to normal and I am back riding track work. I am just getting better and better every day. “I have been keeping fit through my recovery. I spoke with my boss (trainer Danny Walker) this morning and we are planning on sending me to the races next Wednesday. I am looking at taking it easy and having one or two rides a meeting and go from there.” Moodley is eager to return to raceday competition, with his appetite renewed at the Northern Apprentice Awards on Monday night where he received the Milan Park Premier Apprentice Jockey Award. “I didn’t expect it to be honest, I thought Ace (Lawson-Carroll) got in front of me at the end, but I was very glad to get it,” he said. “When my boss let me know, I was quite chuffed with myself. It was a hard time towards the end of the season, but to get that award, it just means a lot and makes it all worth it.” While it was a tough end to the season, Moodley was pleased with his efforts, with his 52-win haul beating his previous season’s best of 40 wins. He also recorded his first stakes victory aboard the Erin Hocquard-trained Spencer in the Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m) and defended his title at the apprentice-only day at New Plymouth. “Winning the Group Three on Spencer would be my highlight,” he said. “I rode more than the previous season’s tally, so that is always a goal, to ride more than you did before, and I am glad I achieved that goal. “That was like déjà vu (apprentice-only day). I love New Plymouth, it seems to be one of my luckier tracks. “I appreciate all the support from all the trainers and everyone putting me on their horses. You can’t do it without them, so I am grateful for that.” Horse racing news View the full article

Sha Tin hosts another feature day this public holiday Wednesday, with the Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) the highlight of the season’s seventh meeting. There are 10 races on the card and Sam Agars is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Shenyang Handicap (1,400m) Tsuen Wan Glory has been working well since a solid late-August trial and he looks the one to beat if apprentice Britney Wong Po-ni can find the front from gate 12. Race 2 – Class...View the full article

Pier will contest Saturday’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick. (Photo: Kenton Wright/Race Images) Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass-half-full approach ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier. Luck didn’t go Weatherley’s way at Tuesday’s barrier draw for the Randwick feature, but he remains positive and will put his faith in multiple Group One-winning jockey Ethan Brown to work his magic. “He knows how to steer them, but I didn’t help him by putting my hand in the barrel and coming up with barrier 13 out of 14,” he said. “It’s the biggest worry, but in saying that he’s a big-striding horse and it’s a long run down the back straight. “The hardest one to beat will obviously be the mare (Autumn Glow) and she’s drawn outside us, so at least Ethan can keep an eye on where she’s at. “I would rather him cover a bit of ground and not have a hard luck story, if he gets a fair crack at them then I can’t complain.” Pier tuned up for the Epsom at Rosehill, where the son of Proisir finished off well to run third in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m). “I couldn’t be happier with the horse, he’s really bright and we had this race picked out after he won at Eagle Farm (Listed Wayne Wilson, 1600m) back in June,” said Weatherley, who trains in partnership with daughter Briar. “He was super in the Theo Marks, it was very much like the BRC Sprint (Group 3, 1350m) when he ran third and then won the Wayne Wilson.” Pier had improved with the Rosehill outing, as Weatherly had expected. “He got back and hit the line nicely and I knew he was a bit pretty, he was 552kg leading into that race and I put him on the scales this morning (Wednesday) and he was 542kg,” he said. Pier’s performance in the Epsom will determine the six-year-old’s length of stay in Australia. “Everything depends on Saturday, there are options and if he went really well there’s the King Charles Stakes (Group 1, 1600m) in a couple of weeks or the Craven Plate (Group 3, 1800m) in three weeks,” he said. “He also holds a nom for the Cox Plate (Group 1, 2040m), but that’s pie in the sky stuff at the moment. “He’d have to do something pretty special to warrant putting him on a truck to go to Melbourne to take on Via Sistina and the like.” Weatherley will also be keeping an eye on his home meeting on Saturday where Mali Ston steps out in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). “He’s a stable favourite and his run last time over 1200m at Te Rapa wasn’t a bad one, he got to the line okay,” he said. “I know it’s a good field, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he put his hand up.” Horse racing news View the full article

A micro syndicate is set for the ride of their lives with their charge Out Of The Blue winning at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Te Akau Racing marketing manager Julia-Rose Hayes has had plenty of success syndicating horses selected by her father, David Ellis, and that has continued with her latest project. Hayes has been a key part of New Zealand’s leading stable, operated by her parents David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, for several years and she has taken pride in the handful of syndicates she has formed. Her two biggest success stories have been syndicating Group One winner On The Bubbles and Group One performer Wild Night, and she is hoping she has found another in Out Of The Blue, who won on debut over 800m at Riccarton last Saturday. More: How to bet on NZ racing The two-year-old gelding’s dam, Cornflower Blue, is a former member of the stable, for whom she won the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and placed in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) and Listed Mufhasa Sakes (1300m). Upon retirement, she began her new career as a broodmare at Waikato Stud, who offered her second colt by Tivaci through their New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft at Karaka earlier this year where he caught the eye of Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis, who secured him with a final bid of $60,000. Hayes had gone to her parents prior to the sale proposing to put together a syndicate targeted towards younger people, and Ellis thought his Karaka purchase was ideal for her needs. “It was at the stage where there were a lot of micro-syndication popping up and I put a proposal to David and Karyn asking would they be interested if we offered shares from one percent, and they said yes,” Hayes said. “It was targeted at young people who want to meet new people and have a share in hopefully a good racehorse, which it looks like we have got. “A lot of people (syndicate members) came through our website because we have got the capability to buy online, through promotion and friends of friends.” Hayes was rapt when Ellis put forward Out Of The Blue as her syndicate horse, with Hayes having a connection to his dam as well. “I did this punting competition with about 10 guys and I was the only female,” Hayes said. “Cornflower Blue was my bet one year and she ran third at Ellerslie. “She was such a good mare to us and in this punting competition we ended up earning about $28,000 that we split. “It was great when I saw we had bought the Cornflower Blue, and David and Mark (Walker, co-trainer) were like ‘this is the one for you’. It was pretty exciting as I feel I have a connection with the horse.” Hayes’ vision duly came to life and the Te Akau Tangerine Army Racing Partnership 1 was formed, and syndicate members were quickly rewarded when Out Of The Blue won on debut at Riccarton just eight months on. “It was fantastic, and I am so excited for the syndicate,” Hayes said. With his $14,000 winner’s cheque, Out Of The Blue has put himself firmly in contention for January’s Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie. His debut win is a positive sign for Hayes, whose former syndicate horse On The Bubbles (a $90,000 Karaka purchase by Ellis) also won on debut as a juvenile before going on to win the Karaka Millions 2YO and Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), and she is hoping Out Of The Blue can go on to reach the same lofty heights. “Isn’t it quite funny that it’s OOTB (Out Of The Blue)? We used to call On The Bubbles, OTB, so maybe we have On The Bubbles II,” Hayes quipped. “All things going well, it looks like we are going to have a hell of a night at the Karaka Millions. We are going to ride the wave and enjoy it.” Hayes is looking forward to socialising with the syndicate in the months ahead leading into the Karaka Millions, with a number of events in the pipeline. “Everyone involved in the syndicate are so keen to meet new people and that’s what makes this really exciting, we are celebrating it all together, but we have yet to catch-up,” she said. “We are going to have an event before the end of the year. If we make the Karaka Millions, we will have an event on Karaka Millions night as well. “The social aspect is really fun and being able to meet new people. I love people and I thrive on socialising and most people in the industry feel the same and that is why we love the industry, as well as the horses. When you get success on a racecourse, there is nothing that tastes as good as that.” View the full article