Wandering Eyes

In the final start of her career, Idiomatic provided quite a memory, drawing off in the stretch to post a 6 1/2-length victory in the Spinster Stakes (G1) Oct. 6 at Keeneland. That effort likely lifted her to a second straight Eclipse Award.View the full article

A perfect six-for-six against her own sex in 2024, 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) was a slam-dunk choice for top 3-year-old filly honors. Both 3-year-old divisional winners sold at Fasig-Tipton. Sierra Leone topped the 2022 Saratoga Sale on a bid of $2.3 million while it required just $40,000 to purchase Thorpedo Anna out of the Fasig-Tipton October Sale a few months later. Thorpedo Anna, a leading candidate for Horse of the Year honors, is the first American champion for her sadly departed stallion, also a son of Darley stalwart Medaglia d'Oro. Early Impressions…“She was premature; seven, eight weeks premature when she was born. She was 45” tall, weighed 60 pounds. Her hocks were crushed. And there wasn't much hope of any future for her. So I volunteered to take her from the owners, Mr. Sanford Robertson and Kathryn Nikkel, who bred her. And Mr. Robertson graciously gave her to me when I volunteered to keep her. And I tried to do my magic and it worked.”.-Judy Hicks after Thorpedo Anna's Oaks victory The post Thorpedo Anna a No-Doubter For Champion 3YO Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin homebred Immersive (Nyquist) ran the table in her four appearances at two, with three wins at Grade I level capped by a dominating 4 1/2-length victory on Breeders' Cup Friday. Immersive is the second Eclipse Award winner and third champion for Nyquist, himself the champion of his generation in 2015. Nyquist is also represented by Sovereign Award winner Gretzky the Great. One of 16 graded stakes winners for Nyquist, who was himself a champion juvenile, Immersive was also one of four Grade I winners for her sire in 2024–joining Johannes (who was a finalist this year for Champion Turf Male), Tenma and Randomized. Early Impressions… “I think 2-year-old fillies, she's the best we've had. To accomplish what she has, we've not had one win three Grade Ones at two. Excited about what she accomplished, proud of her, and looking forward to next year.”–Brad Cox following Immersive's Breeders' Cup win. The post Immersive Gives Nyquist A Second 2-Year-Old Filly Champion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Riding professionally since late 2023, Erik Asmussen took home the Eclipse as the nation's leading apprentice in 2024. The young rider collected his first jockey's title at the Grand Prairie, Texas track where he topped the standings with 48 wins. In his early twenties, Erik is the younger brother of fellow Oaklawn-based rider Keith J. Asmussen, but lest we forget that their father Steve rode and so did their grandfather Keith. Cash Asmussen had a celebrated career himself during the 1980s and 1990s, which included being named a five-time champion in France. Riding professionally since November 2023, Erik posted his first career win Jan. 5, 2024 at Sam Houston Race Park where he finished the meet in the colony's top 10. Erik earned Jockey of the Week honors in early July after he won three stakes races in a row at Lone Star Park on closing weekend last summer. “I just wanted to get away as smoothly as possible,” said Asmussen about one his winners. “I've been getting on the horse in the mornings and I knew he was more than capable.”Primarily in the irons for his father Steve–the all-time winningest trainer in the history of North American Thoroughbred racing–Erik also got his picture taken at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Ellis Park and Churchill Downs in 2024. The post Erik Asmussen Does Family Proud, Named Outstanding Apprentice appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Soul of an Angel (Atreides) came from the clouds to light up the Del Mar tote to the tune of 19-1 beneath Drayden Van Dyke, an effort good enough to take home the Eclipse Award for the nation's top female sprinter. Sixth for co-owner/trainer Gerald James and co-owner Hall Performance in the GII Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Mar. 9, Soul of an Angel was purchased privately by C2 Racing Stable LLC, Agave Racing Stable and Ken Reimer and turned over to trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. The dark bay 5-year-old, who ran Idiomatic (Curlin) to a head in the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes over the summer, proved best over seven panels, winning the GIII Princess Rooney Stakes ahead of her Breeders' Cup surprise. Medaglia d'Oro's son Atreides was being represented by his initial champion. Soul of an Angel could make her seasonal reappearance in the G1 Saudi Cup in Riyadh in about four weeks' time. Soul of an Angel is the lone graded winner for the well-related Stonestreet homebred Atreides, who stood the 2024 breeding season at River Oaks Farms in Oklahoma The post Angel Eyes: Atreides’s Soul of an Angel Captures Female Sprinter Eclipse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Canadian-based Moira (Ghostzapper) was given an A-plus steer by Flavien Prat and outlasted Godolphin's fast-finishing Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal) to scoop the statuette as the nation's leading Turf Distaffer for 2024. Kept in training after being purchased or $3 million at Fasig-Tipton November in 2023, Moira was also victorious in the GII Beverly D. S. and was a cracking second first off the layoff in the GI Diana Stakes at Saratoga. Ghostzapper is the sire of nine champions (Moira is a previous Canadian Horse of the Year). In between her sale as a yearling during pandemic-stricken Keeneland September in 2020 and the crown jewel to a fabulous career, she changed hands twice at the Fasig-Tipton Night of the Stars, including when selling for $4.3-million to “Bayles” to start the next chapter of her life for Yulong Stud. What that will look like has yet to have been decided. “She was a Horse of Year in Canada and is a Breeders' Cup winner,” Yulong's general manager Vin Cox said after her sale in 2024. “She's the sort of horse we like to add to our breeding band. We are putting together a very good broodmare band and she'll fit right in.” The post More Hardware For Moira, Named US Champion Turf Female appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Snap Decision (Hard Spun), making a remarkable fifth straight appearance as a finalist in this category, finally took home that elusive Eclipse statue. The 10-year-old veteran secured the championship with a gritty victory in the G1 American Grand National. Making his fourth straight appearance in the Far Hills race and still looking for his first win, Snap Decision was headed late, but battled back, refusing to be denied in a thrilling finish. Snap Decision opened 2024 with his third straight win in the G2 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Stakes in April before adding a third win in the G1 Iroquois Stakes in May. On the shelf for the Saratoga meeting where he was precluded from running due to his age, the 10-year-old gelding prepped for the Grand National with a third-place effort in the G3 Mariann de Tejeda Stakes. He concluded his year with a third-place effort in the Nov. 17 G1 Colonial Cup, but earned the Eclipse award as the year's only two-time Group 1 winner.The championship was made even more poignant by the presence of Snap Decision's groom, Jenna Elliott, whose name was randomly selected from 340 entries to win the Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards Sweepstakes. Elliott was guest of the NTRA and Resolute Racing at the Eclipse Award ceremony Thursday. The post Perseverance Pays Off For Team Snap Decision in Steeplechase Division appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Idiomatic (Curlin) joined a select list of dirt distaffers to win back-to-back Eclipse Awards Thursday evening. Though she had the target on her back for most of the season, she won three of her five tries, including a towering title defense in the GI Spinster Stakes at Keeneland, a race sponsored by her owners, Juddmonte. A scheduled showdown between Idiomatic and eventual Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the Distaff, one of the most anticipated races of the year, had to be scrapped when Idiomatic suffered a minor knee injury in late October. The dual champion retired with five Grade I wins, nine black-type wins, and earnings just shy of $4 million. Idiomatic's repeat win as Champion Older Female gives Hill 'n' Dale's Curlin–himself a two-time Horse of the Year–his 12th Eclipse Award as a sire. Idiomatic's late stakes-winning and multiple GISP dam, a descendant of 1982 Broodmare of the Year Best in Show, was a full-sister to 2014 Champion Older Female Close Hatches, herself dam of three graded winners. Hill 'n' Dale-based Curlin has now been represented by a dozen Eclipse winners. Among the other dirt distaffers to win multiple Eclipse Awards are Paseana (Arg), Bayakoa (Arg), Azeri, Zenyatta, Royal Delta and Beholder. The post Idiomatic Repeats As Champion Dirt Female appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Chloe Baxter is eyeing both Darwin features during the Australia Day meeting on Saturday. Siberian Larch appears in the $40,000 Lightning Wet Season Final (1200m) against 0-70 opposition, while He’s The Ultimate contests Heat 3 of the Summer Sprint Series (1300m) with a $30,000 purse. Baxter’s biggest win was during the 2023 Darwin Cup Carnival when He’s The Ultimate won the $50,000 Metric Mile (1600m) before coming fifth in the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m). The son of Fastnet Rock, now a six-year-old gelding, then suffered a tendon injury before returning to finish second behind Wolfburn in the ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) prior to last year’s Cup Carnival. He’s The Ultimate disappointed in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) and was third behind Wolfburn – the Top End’s Horse of the Year for 2024 – in the Metric Mile before coming eighth in the Darwin Cup. Returning to action on December 28, He’s The Ultimate was tailed off in open class over 1100m before motoring home to finish a narrow second behind Field Of Flutes. “Very happy with him last start, I had an inkling he would go well,” Baxter said. “The 1100m was always going to be a bit sharp for him. “We got a bit of rain before the race. “The kick back bothered him in the run, which is why he dropped so far back. “After the way he rattled home, I’m looking forward to him going around on Saturday.” Baxter said the 1300m will suit He’s The Ultimate, who will be ridden by the Gold Coast’s Wanderson D.Avila, as he seeks a second Darwin win. Siberian Larch made his Fannie Bay debut last March. In four starts, the five-year-old gelding’s best result was a second in a 1000m maiden before winning a Class 2 over 1000m on August 31. The son of Russian Revolution suffered a close loss over 1000m in September before being forced three-wide in the home straight two weeks ago and succumbing to Lord Fenrir by a nose over 1000m – the Wet Season Series’ final heat. “I have a pretty high opinion of Siberian Larch,” Baxter said. “He’s just getting a little bit unlucky and getting taken out in his runs, so hopefully we can ride him quieter come Saturday and he can finish off strong. “He is certainly knocking on the door. “There’s a bit of speed in the race, so I’m happy to let them go. “Hopefully ride him a bit colder and obviously 1200m is probably his biggest query. “If he can make a dash late in a pretty even race with plenty of nice horses, he should be thereabouts.” Leading Darwin jockey Paul Shiers, sidelined since last February with a bicep injury, returns this weekend and rides Siberian Larch. “Great to have Paul back, especially for Darwin racing,” Baxter added. “He’s just taking the one ride to get back into the swing of things. “He’s now a trainer, and after a long and lengthy rehab process I’m happy to pick him up.” Horse racing news View the full article

Applications for Slots in both “The Race” and the “TAB Trot” will close next Wednesday, January 29. Information surrounding the slots, including copies of Slot Holder Agreements can be found here. Slot holders will be announced on Friday, January 31. Any enquiries to dave@cambridgeraceway.co.nz, or by calling Dave on 027 202 7778. The 2025 Night of Champions will be run on Friday April 4. View the full article

America's Best Racing provides and At-a-Glance look at the 2025 Southwest Stakes (G3).View the full article

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The $3 Million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) Feb. 25 at Gulfstream Park brings together a field of 12 in what should be an exhilarating race at the distance of 1 1/8 miles, with seven of the 12 entrants having earned $1 million or more.View the full article

After two unsatisfying performances in Gulfstream Park's richest race, hard-knocking Skippylongstocking is back for another try Jan. 25 in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1).View the full article

On Thursday at Santa Anita, one of the leading GI Kentucky Derby prospects, Journalism (Curlin), worked for the first time since he got his picture taken in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 14. Out of graded-stakes winner Mopotism (Uncle Mo), the 3-year-old colt drilled a half mile in :49.80 seconds for trainer Michael McCarthy. In pool three of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager last weekend, Journalism closed at odds of 20-1 to win this year's 'Run for the Roses.' Journalism rolled to a 3 1/2-length victory under Umberto Rispoli in the 1 1/16-mile Los Alamitos Futurity when facing winners for the first time. Previously, he broke his maiden when stretched out to a mile for his second start Nov. 17 at Del Mar. The McCarthy trainee currently has amassed $158,880 in earnings. Earlier this week, McCarthy said Journalism is targeting the GII San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Mar. 1, which serves as the final local prep for the GI Santa Anita Derby scheduled for Apr. 5. Journalism was an $825,000 auction buy as a yearling. and is owned by Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and Robert V. LaPenta. Other notable workers Thursday included GISW Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), who has not started since winning the 2023 edition of the GI Malibu Stakes. The 4-year-old drilled four furlongs in 47 flat for trainer Bob Baffert. Last Thursday, Speed Boat Beach worked for the first time since late September. The post Derby Hopeful Journalism Gets Back To Work At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Don’t be surprised to see the real All You Need Is Me back in the winner’s circle at Addington tonight. The highly talented mare returns in the $60,000 Garrards Premier Mares Championship, a race robbed of one of its favourites with the scratching of Princess Meritaten. That leaves All You Need Is Me versus Treacherous Baby off the front line of the 1980m mobile, with neither having raced since finishing third and sixth respectively in the NZ Oaks on November 29. Even more remarkably All You Want Is Me hasn’t won since taking the Northern Oaks last March at Alexandra Park when she looked maybe the best of her crop and something very special. Co-trainer Cran Dalhety says that run of outs is not her fault. “She is a mare who has suffered very badly from seasonal issues,” explains Dalgety. “They really affected her in the spring but she is well and truly over those now and I think we will see something a lot more like her best this week.” That would take All You Need Is Me close but she still faces the issue of starting outside Treacherous Baby, who was one of our two best fillies alongside Duchess Megxit in the second half of 2024. Which one of the Group 1 winners is more ready for tonight and how the early tactics pan out could decide the race, the first leg of the mares Group race double, with the Group 1 Breeders Stakes in two weeks. They aren’t the only Group 1-winning three-year-olds from last season returning tonight as NZ Derby winner We Walk By Faith in back in Race 9. He takes on stablemate Wish Me Luck and the talented Bazooka in a 1980m mobile but We Walk By Faith looked forward when finishing second off a 40m handicap at the Rangiora trials last week. ** Meanwhile, Dalgety says Republican Party is thriving in Victoria ahead of starting his Hunter Cup campaign in the Casey Classic at Melton on Saturday night. “We are up against Leap To Fame and he has the good barrier and we don’t,” said Dalgety. “So I don’t think we will be winning this week but he has worked super since he got here and I think he will be spot on for the big one next week.” View the full article

In advance of the 2025 Pegasus World Cup, 1/ST and the Ed Brown Society have extended their initial three-year partnership to provide opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure through internships and scholarships, the owners of Gulfstream Park said in a Thursday release. This year 1/ST will provide $50,000 in funding to cover all costs associated with the paid internship program enabling the Ed Brown Society to identify, recruit and place qualified students. On Saturday at the Pegasus World Cup, the third race will be dedicated to the Ed Brown Society and will include a ceremonial moment in the winner's circle to celebrate the renewed partnership. Since 2022, 1/ST has contributed $150,000 in funding to support the placement of three cohorts of Ed Brown Scholars and Fellows across diverse operational and administrative functions in California, Florida and Maryland. “Our partnership with 1/ST is very special to us because 1/ST was literally the first organization to buy in to our vision for broadening participation in the Thoroughbred industry!” said Ed Brown Society President L. Clark Williams. In 2022, Charles Churchill and Deja Robinson were selected as the first Ed Brown Scholars. Their experiences at 1/ST have led them to careers within the industry. Churchill is now Project Manager at 1/ST having just completed his MBA, while Robinson is a nursing staff technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and is on her way to becoming a veterinarian. The post Ed Brown Society And 1/ST Provide Industry Experience For Young People Of Color appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Early nominations for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2025 Triple Crown close Jan. 27 with a $600 payment.View the full article

After a fever forced him out of a start in the 2024 Hong Kong Sprint (G1), Nobals will take his first steps toward a possible return to the Breeders' Cup when he launches his 6-year-old season in the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Stakes Jan. 25.View the full article

The Jockeys and Jeans Great American Stallion season auction with all proceeds going to help former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic, career-ending injuries, opens bidding on Thoroughbred seasons on Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. ET and ends Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. ET, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) said in a Thursday press release. “Stallion donor contributions of a season has had a significant impact, helping to provide crucial support to injured riders,” said PDJF President Nancy LaSala. “The auction is an opportunity to showcase our sports stallions and make a lasting impact on those in need. We deeply value and appreciate those donors of stallion seasons who support these auctions.” Click here to learn more about the PDJF. Click here to register and bid on stallion season auctions. The post The Jockeys And Jeans Great American Stallion Season Auction Returns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hallandale, FL–The Gulfstream Park backstretch on Thursday morning was not for the faint of heart. After a healthy dose of rain in addition to a transient cold snap, the going was less-than-welcoming to both horse and human alike. However, one wasn't likely to hear anybody complain about it. With temperatures falling dreadfully low in the Northeast (think single digits) and snow crippling much of the South causing countless travel delays, temps in the 50s and some rain didn't really seem like a big deal in the bigger scheme of things. Kenny McPeek, who will saddle reigning GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup, was conspicuously absent from the Gulfstream backstretch Thursday morning after being waylaid in New Orleans and forced to make the drive from the Fair Grounds to Gulfstream after a historic snowstorm pummeled the region. On the opposite end of the wheel of fortune, however, Phil D'Amato appears to be riding a wave of luck. And not simply because he got the jump on the problematic weather either. Represented by Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in Gulfstream's feature race for older horses, the California-based trainer counts himself among the fortunate California residents that were not directly affected by the wildfires raging through his home state. “We have been very lucky,” D'Amato told TDN Thursday morning. “The fires came down to my fence line. But with the help of the great firefighters, they were able to stop it and save my whole block. There are definitely people there that are not as fortunate. A lot of people lost houses and they really didn't have time to get their belongings. It's heartbreaking and hopefully they can build back better and stronger.” Trying to win one for the beleaguered home team, last year's GI Santa Anita Derby and GIII Sunland Derby winner hasn't visited the winner's circle since those efforts, but has been knocking on the door. Off the board in seventh in the Kentucky Derby, the bay was runner up in the GIII Indiana Derby in July before finishing 3 1/2 lengths behind winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in the GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx in September. “When I look at him, I see a very consistent horse,” said D'Amato.” Other than the Derby, he hasn't been worse than second in his races and he always tries. In Pennsylvania, he was parked seven wide the whole way when he didn't want to be on that track and I thought he ran a really game race. We brought him back to California thinking maybe we would run him in the Breeders' Cup [in early November], but it was his third ship last year and he needed a little extra time to bounce back.” Cutting back to seven-eighths for his most recent start, he was second behind sprint specialist Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the Dec. 26 GI Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita. “I think that [the time off] helped him out going into the Malibu,” explained D'Amato. “I thought he ran a really good second, career-high speed figure, and he came out of the race like it was a workout. We weren't really planning on coming here but he bounced out of [the Malibu] so well that I thought it might be an opportune time to take a shot at a $3-million purse.” Despite not being part of the initial plan to run in the Pegasus, D'Amato explained that the Kentucky-bred colt has overcome every obstacle thrown at him with aplomb, instilling the trainer with a cool confidence heading into Saturday's lucrative race. “It was a long ship, they had to go to Memphis and there was a 4-hour layover there. Luckily, he handled it very well and I haven't missed a beat with him, training wise,” he confirmed. The colt put in a no-frills maintenance gallop just after 8 a.m. Thursday, and according to D'Amato, is expected to do the same Friday. “He trained every day since he's been [at Gulfstream] and we got some nice gallops in so we're right on schedule with him.” A winner from a mile to nine furlongs, D'Amato believes the nine-furlong Pegasus distance should suit Stronghold just fine. “He won the Santa Anita Derby at a mile and an eighth before so I don't think the distance will be a problem. That's probably as far as he wants to go, but we drew a really good post [6],” he said. “He is always really good out of the gate, so he should get a real tactical position and it looks like there is some pace in there. I am thinking we will see a stalk-and-pounce scenario.” And while everything seems to be lining up just right for the California shipper, D'Amato notes that all the rain that has plagued South Florida this week remains a concern, albeit minor, come Saturday. “A heavy, deep track is really not to his liking,” he admitted. “I think he prefers it faster, because he's more of a top-of-the-ground mover. But it's been sealed off and on, and the big days tend to have a track that is nice and fast, so I am hoping he gets that Saturday.” The post California ‘Strong’ In Pegasus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Early nominations for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to become eligible for the 2025 Triple Crown close Monday, Jan. 27 with a $600 payment, a press release from Churchill Downs said on Thursday. Nominations and payments to the 2025 Triple Crown series can be made through the portal by clicking here. Horses can also be nominated during the late phase with a $6,000 payment due Monday, Apr. 7. The final opportunity for eligibility is through a supplemental nomination fee due at entry time for each Triple Crown race: GI Kentucky Derby ($200,000), GI Preakness Stakes ($150,000), and GI Belmont Stakes ($50,000). In 2024, early Triple Crown nominations included 345 horses, with an additional nine late nominees. For more information, contact representatives at the Triple Crown host tracks: Churchill Downs: Ben Huffman–Vice President of Racing/Racing Secretary: (502) 638-3820, Huffman@KyDerby.com, Dan Bork–Assistant Racing Secretary and Stakes Coordinator: (502) 638-3806, Dan.Bork@KyDerby.com, Kelly Danner–Racing Operations Manager: (502) 638-3825, Kelly.Danner@KyDerby.com; Pimlico Race Course: Jillian Sofarelli–Racing Secretary: (800) 638-1859, Jtullock@marylandracing.com; Belmont Park: Andrew Byrnes–Stakes Coordinator: (718) 641-4700, abyrnes@nyrainc.com. The post Early Nominations For 2025 Triple Crown Due Monday. Jan. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lot 87, a son of Vercingetorix (SAf) and Chestnuts N Pearls (SAf) (Horse Chestnut {SAf}) already named Chestnut Verse (SAf), was the headline horse on Thursday's Cape Racing Sales Summer Sale. Sold to Laurence Wernars's Triple 8 Clothing for R2.2 million (£96,383/€114,271/$119,098), the colt was offered by Drakenstein Stud. His dam won the G1 Golden Slipper at Greyville, and is a half-sister to Golden Dawn (SAf) (Goldmark {SAf}), who won at listed level. A Vercingetorix filly, Proud Mary (SAf) (lot 66), also went to Triple 8 Clothing, who paid a flat R2 million. Avontuur Estate consigned the daughter of Grade 2 winner Varikate (SAf) (Var). The bay is a half-sister to South African Champion Sprinter Thunderstruck (SAf) (Rafeef {Aus}), a two-time Grade 1 hero. She is bound for the revitalised yard of father-son team Mike and Mathew de Kock. Wernars's organisation ended up signing for a dozen yearlings for an aggregate of R11,050,000 (£484,084/€573,945/$598,198). Rounding out the top three was Final Say (SAf) (Trippi) (lot 55) at R1.8 million. Part of the Drakenstein Stud draft, the filly caught the eye of Jonathan Snaith. Her granddam is Captain's Lover (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}), the South African Champion 3-Year-Old Miler in 2007/2008. The de Kock duo were in action for R1.5 million buy World Attraction (SAf) (One World {SAf}) (lot 29), which they bought in partnership with Form Bloodstock. Offered by Winterbach Stud, agent, the bay colt is out of G3 Champagne Stakes heroine Major Attraction (SAf) (Vercingetorix {SAf}). This is the same clan as South African Horse of the Year, Champion Older Male and Middle Distance Horse Futura (SAf) (Dynasty {SAf}). Overall, 74 lots sold of 86 offered (86%) for a gross of R46,355,000 (£2,030,745/€2,407,715/$2,509,639). The average was R626,419 (£27,440/€32,533/$33,912) and the median was R500,000 (£21,902/€25,967/$27,068). The post Revitalised De Kock Team One Of The Beneficiaries Of Triple 8 Clothing Largesse At CRS Summer Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DUBLIN, Ireland–In an explosive turn of events surrounding the ongoing saga involving the ownership of promising young stallion Sands Of Mali, the High Court heard on Thursday of how leading owner Steve Parkin allegedly made death threats to Ballyhane Stud boss Joe Foley, his business partner and advisor of over 20 years. Parkin, who once described Foley as being “like a brother” and, up until last January was happy to have him in charge of his Clipper Logistics ownership vehicle, is seeking an injunction to have Sands Of Mali moved from the County Carlow stud farm. Representing the Jersey-based Parkin, Robert Beatty SC told Mr Justice Brian Cregan that to leave Sands Of Mali at Ballyhane Stud would be “unjust” and “a gross violation of property rights.” The plaintiff's legal team are seeking to move the horse to Micheál Orlandi's Starfield Stud, where the Parkin-owned Space Traveller and Asymmetric relocated after a 20-year relationship between the pair broke down beyond repair last year. The latter has since been moved to India. However, representing Foley, Remy Farrell SC said that his client maintains that he owns 50 per cent of Sands Of Mali. Richard Fahey and Federico Barbareni, both of whom have enjoyed fruitful relationships in their role as trainer and bloodstock agent respectively for Parkin, are understood to have provided written affidavits confirming the 50-50 ownership split. On top of that, the Court heard how Foley credited €120,000 in April 2021 to Parkin, which happens to be roughly half of what Sands Of Mali is said to have cost. The Court also heard that when Space Traveller and Asymmetric were moved from Ballyhane to Starfield last year, Parkin suggested to Foley via text message that the pair could “do a deal on SOM [Sands Of Mali].” Foley's legal team contested that Parkin would not entertain doing any deal on an asset, in this case a stallion, that he owned in its entirety. In their written submissions to the Court, Parkin's legal team acknowledged that the relationship between their client and Foley has completely broken down. They also pointed to the records showing that Parkin is the sole owner of Sands Of Mali, that the defendants [Ballyhane Stud] have made non-payments to what they say are due payments of covering fees received, highlighted a poor record of book keeping pertaining to their client's business needs and that the Foleys [Joe and his wife Jane] also failed to maintain industry standard contracts. They also say that there has been an underperformance by Ballyhane in terms of managing the stud careers of the stallions and even called into question the welfare of some of the horses. Sands Of Mali was purchased for £225,000 plus vat upon completion of his racing career. However, he is now said to be valued at £3 million by Parkin's legal team, who also shared that their client took out a mortgage for the latter amount with JP Morgan for the horse. Mr Justice Brian Cregan became visibly confused by earlier affidavits that saw Sands Of Mali valued “between two and two-and-a-half million.” The mortgage is said to have Parkin down to own 100 per cent of Sands Of Mali, despite the dispute over the breakdown of ownership. When the Court asked what the basis of Foley and Parkin's relationship breakdown can be traced back to, the defendant's legal team suggested the house of cards began to crumble when Parkin became under considerable pressure for money last year. It was around this time, in March 2024, where two separate death threats were made towards Foley. Once over the phone and the second to a third party in the Montaz restaurant in Newmarket, England. The Gardai were also involved. Foley's legal team questioned Parkin's fire sale of assets within the past 12 months. Not only have Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Fallen Angel and quality broodmares like Romantic Proposal and Dramatised been cashed in on, but Parkin's famous Rathbride Stud remains on the market. In the past few days alone, Dullingham Park–where Soldier's Call, who spent his first four seasons at Ballyhane, now stands–is being heavily linked to a potential purchase by Amo Racing boss Kia Joorabchian. The significance of such an observation by Foley's legal team is that it was back in November when Parkin told the Court that it was his intention to move Sands Of Mali to Dullingham Park which, fast-forward two months, is increasingly likely to be sold. Parkin's legal team denied a fire sale of assets and insisted their client has a net worth of £200 million. However, Beatty acknowledged that if he could turn back time, he would have disclosed that Sands Of Mali had been mortgaged with JP Morgan to the tune of £3 million in the written affidavit to the court. A decision on where Sands Of Mali is set to stand for the upcoming breeding season is set to be delivered by Mr Justice Brian Cregan within the next fortnight. The post Court Hears Of Alleged Death Threats Made By Owner Steve Parkin To Joe Foley As Sands Of Mali Saga Rolls On appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article