Wandering Eyes

Former classy youngster Super Photon returned to winning form at Tauranga on Thursday when taking care of a strong line-up in the Dane Crockford Ray White Greerton 1500. The four-year-old son of Super Seth had shown plenty of ability in his formative years, winning both of his starts as a juvenile, including the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m). He continued to please as a three-year-old, adding a further two wins to his tally before undergoing a wind operation late last season. He failed to fire in his first three starts as a four-year-old, finishing last in his first two outings before running fifth at Taupo last month, and was unwanted by punters on Thursday, drifting out to a $10.80 outsider in the seven-horse field. Trainer Stephen Marsh wanted to see his charge relax during the running and utilised the services of jockey Sam Weatherley, who did just that when settling off the pace, three back on the rail. He subsequently progressed into the one-one behind Island Life when rounding the turn for home. Weatherley went in search for a run up the rail, but that gap closed inside The Underbelly, and he shifted back out to chase race favourite Dealt With. Super Photon showed glimpses of his former self when displaying a good turn of foot late to reel him in and win by a neck. “I was starting to scratch my head a little bit,” Marsh said. “He had been drawing well, he just hadn’t been settling. I put Sam Weatherley on who is very good at getting a horse to settle, he always has been. I said to him ‘I don’t care where you are in the running, as long as he is relaxed’. “He probably paraded the best I have seen him today too. He was off the bridle and wasn’t on his toes. I loved the fact that he was really nice and relaxed in the running. When he went for that inside run I thought it might have cost him, but he was really good to the line. “It was a nice field of horses and he was really good late, so I am very happy.” Marsh was rapt that Super Photon is back on track to showing the talent he promised as a juvenile. “He has had his fair share of problems along the way, he had a wind operation as a late three-year-old,” Marsh said. “He does have a lot of ability, he has got a great turn of foot, and it was good that he showed it all again today.” Following his pleasing performance, Marsh is now looking towards some feature mile targets with Super Photon, which could include the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Karaka Millions night. “He might have just put his hand up,” Marsh said. Weatherley was just as impressed with Super Photon’s performance and believes he is up to tackling stakes company once more. “Early on as a two and three-year-old it looked like he was one of our better horses going around and he just had a few different issues. He has been doing a few things wrong of late in his races and probably not finishing off like he could,” he said. “Marshy just wanted me to relax him early and if he was anywhere near his best he was going to be finishing off strongly. “It wasn’t just a midweek field. If he can take a bit of confidence out of this, which I expect him to, he will step up to Group level again somewhere.” Super Photon is raced by the Bourbon Lane Stable New Zealand partnership and their colours were to the fore once again later in the day when stable and ownership mate Kiwi Skyhawk won the Ray White Greerton 2100. “He hasn’t been getting a lot of luck,” Marsh said. “I put Warren (Kennedy, jockey) on today, who is a beautiful rider of a stayer. I said ‘use your draw’ (1) and he got him there. I thought he came off the bridle a little bit at about the 700m and I was a little bit worried, but they were going very quick. “It was nice to see him back in the winning groove and to get a couple of winners in the Bourbon Lane colours, especially going into the sales.” Doddle finished well to secure a stable quinella in the race. “Bill (Wiremu Pinn, jockey) got her nice and relaxed and she attacked the line really well,” Marsh said. “She might have been a bit inconvenienced with such a quick speed.” Marsh had a day to remember at Tauranga, also scoring wins with Battle Tycoon in the Ray White Real Estate Maiden 3YO 1300 and Bellarista in the Social Club Greerton 1200. View the full article

Regally-bred gelding Sarti (NZ) (Snitzel) has a long way to go to live up to his breeding, but he made the perfect start to his career when winning impressively on debut at Tauranga on Thursday. A son of champion sire Snitzel and Group One-winning mare Guiseppina, Sarti was bred by Sir Peter Vela, under his Pencarrow Thoroughbreds banner, and races in his familiar blue and white silks for trainers Ken and Bev Kelso. The Matamata couple have taken a patient approach with the four-year-old, who has had three trials prior to his debut, with his latest being a winning performance over 800m at Pukekohe last month. Despite his breeding and promise, there was greater fervour surrounding fellow debutant Pilates (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Keith Stringer Maiden 1200, with the three-year-old filly backed into a $1.40 favourite on the back of two trial victories late last year. From his outside draw, jockey Vinnie Colgan took Sarti straight back to settle at the rear of the field. Turning for home, Colgan was able to extricate his charge off the rail and work their way to clear running room out wide where Sarti unleashed a good turn of foot to run over the top of his rivals to win by a length over Deep Pursuit (Deep Field), with a further length back to Pilates in third. “He drew a bit niggly (8) and we elected to go back,” Colgan said. “We were going to be happy with him punching through the line, and he did a bit more than that, so it was pretty impressive.” Ken Kelso was also impressed with Sarti’s debut display. “I wouldn’t say it is a surprise. His trials have been okay, but trials are trials,” he said. “We have just had to wait for him, he is a big, lean machine and has taken time, but he has always shown ability. “I told Vinnie to let him find his feet, get him balanced up and hopefully he can find the line, and that is what he did.” Kelso has tasted plenty of success with horses he has trained for Sir Peter Vela, most recently Group One performer Supera (NZ) (Savabeel), and he is hoping Sarti can reach similar lofty heights. “We have had a lot of luck for Sir Peter and it is good to get another one,” Kelso said. “Hopefully he can go on and be as good as some of the others.” While he holds high hopes for Sarti, Kelso said he will continue his patient approach with the gelding. “He is a four-year-old and a gelding, so we will just take our time with him and he will go through the grades,” he said. “Hopefully he will keep developing as we go along.” View the full article

Tony Cruz’s bid for a remarkable eighth victory in the Classic Mile will ramp up on Sunday and the legendary horseman is confident Beauty Bolt can stamp his credentials as a leading contender. Seeking his first Classic Mile in 11 years, Cruz won the first leg of the four-year-old series three times as a jockey in the 1980s and 1990s before tasting success as a trainer with Floral Pegasus (2007), Helene Mascot (2008), Beauty Flash (2010) and Beauty Only (2015). Irish import Beauty Bolt, an...View the full article

A vote scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8 in New Jersey's Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee appears to threaten Thoroughbred racing dates in the state, cutting the required number from 50 to 25. The story was first reported by DRF's Matt Hegarty. Michael Campbell, the executive director for the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey, sent out a letter to Association members Tuesday warning breeders of “serious threat” to the New Jersey Thoroughbred breeding industry if the bill is passed. “This drastic reduction would effectively eliminate the foundation necessary to sustain Thoroughbred breeding in New Jersey,” said Campbell. Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth Park, said he disagreed with that assessment. “It's not a requirement in the law that we run 50 days,” said Drazin Wednesday evening. “It's in order to be eligible for account wagering money and off-track wagering money that we're required to run the days. “But,” Drazin emphasized, “we have no intention to cut days. We've already applied for our days for this year. We have no intention of ever cutting days unless we're forced do so because we don't have revenue. If we don't have revenue, then our choice is do we close down the operation or do we go to the horsemen and ask them to reduce days?” The state of New Jersey is slated for 60 race dates in 2026. Currently, Monmouth Park has 50 scheduled programs this year, with another nine cards in New Jersey at the Meadowlands and one date at Far Hills. The law currently allows–with written consent from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NJTHA)–the actual number of dates to total 50 annually. If passed, Senate Bill 5028 and Assembly Bill 6301 would allow those 50 race dates to be cut in half to just 25 days. “This was not a management decision of Monmouth Park,” said Drazin. “The horsemen came to us, not the breeders–they have two separate organizations in the state–and the NJTHA came to us and asked us to protect them by floating a bill that would give us the option if they consent of doing fewer days.” Drazin said race dates are dependent on purses and racing in the state relies upon a number of different sources to pay purses. “Part of that purse structure that we have is based upon a subsidy that we get from the state that goes through the budget process each year. And it's been difficult over the past years,” said Drazin, who added that New Jersey subsidizes $10 million for Thoroughbred purses that can only be used for purse money. “We go through this process, where each year the subsidy gets cut back from $10 million to $5 million,” continued Drazin. “Our legislative friends go to our aid and negotiate and get us back to $10 million. But we don't know from year to year whether or not the state will have sufficient revenues to give us the subsidy. “If you wait until you have a crisis to have a safeguard legislation, you're going to be closing a racetrack. So this bill was always intended to give the Thoroughbred horsemen the control of this. We can't reduce days below 50 unless the horsemen sign in writing that they want us to do that. And the only we'd ask them to do that and the only way they'd agree to do that is if the option is to stay open or to close.” The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal (District 11) and Senator Paul Sarlo (District 36), and the Assembly bill (A6301) is sponsored by District 11 Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul. The Assembly has not yet scheduled a hearing, but has the freedom to do so with little to no notice, according to Campbell's letter. “Frankly, this was really just trying to enable the future, not hurt anybody,” said Drazin. “The only intention of this bill was to protect ourselves so at the last minute, if we did not get a subsidy in some year going forward or we get a reduced subsidy, we have means of trying to handle that situation. Then we would go to the horsemen, we would say given these revenues, here is what the gross looks like, and we need to figure out how much to pay every day [in purses].” He continued: “I want as many days as possible but this is a defensive mechanism. We have to protect ourselves. What I like to do each year is look at the gross revenues we have, look at the purse structure required to be competitive in the region, and figure out how many days we can run in that situation.” Drazin said he and his team are working on casino expansion, a deal pending with NYRA Bets and United Tote, and other possible revenue streams. “As long as we can continue to pay purses that are competitive, there is no intention whatsoever to reduce days.” Campbell's letter to breeders promised a threat far more dire. “If this bill is approved, it will end Thoroughbred breeding in New Jersey.” The post NJ Breeders Say Bill Would End Racing and Breeding in New Jersey appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a runaway stakes victory at Gulfstream Park in November, Tessellate aims to add to her accomplishments in the $125,000 Gasparilla Stakes Jan. 10 at Tampa Bay Downs.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Bob Butt will venture north with a big team to one of his favourite tracks on Friday. The Woodend-based trainer-driver will take six to Nelson’s Richmond Park. “Along with Addington I reckon it’s the best in the country, it’s a lovely big track and they can win from anywhere,” says Butt. Butt will drive five of his own and also have two outside drives, including the Tim Trathen-trained Shanky’s Shot. “I’ve driven him in all his starts and he’s a lovely horse.” The three-year-old has had two seconds from three career starts and has drawn well (3) in Race 5, the Turf Hotel Mobile Pace (2000m). His day starts with one of his own One Eyed Bandit in the first, the BMTT/Design Art Mobile Pace (3.05pm). “He has his fair share of ability but not the best manners .. in saying that he has the ability to win it.” The Always B Miki four-year-old has won two from seven and comes into the race after a last start eighth at Motukarara after a tough run. Hawk Touie Louie will have just his second race day start in in Race 3, the Palms Motel Pace. On debut he finished third behind Zeus Lightning at Addington. “He won a trial a couple of weeks ago and looks quite a nice maiden,” says Butt.” “He’s a chance.” In Race 6 Butt will partner the Murray Pash-trained Sargent Henry in the Steph Monopoli Summit Mobile Pace, after he won his last start at Westport. “That was a good win but this is a step up in grade .. but he could go a good race on his home track.” Since his win on December 28 he has also won a trial at Nelson. Former buzz two-year-old Ukraine returns for his second run this campaign and looks like a good each way chance in Race 7, the Hoani Jack Cup (5.57pm). He was a fast finishing second at Rangiora on New Year’s Day after beginning awkwardly. “I was rapt with his run. It was his first race in 18 months and he hit the line well on a slushy track that didn’t really suit him,” says Butt. In Race 8, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Handicap Trot (6.22pm) Butt has a strong hand with two runners, Roydon Muscle and Ready Set Jet, to be driven by John Dunn. Along with his mate Connor Harker, Butt recently purchased Roydon Muscle, with the Muscle Mass seven-year-old having won six races for trainer Chris McDowell. “I had raced against the horse and always liked him so we thought we’d give him a go and see if he’d like a change of scenery.” He has since won a trial. “His work has been good but it’s going to be hard off 20 metres.” The Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup sees Butt line up impressive last start winner Dynasty. She produced one of the highlights of Phoebe Stud Harness 5000 day at Ashburton with her win but Butt says the Cup is an altogether different challenge. “Obviously there’s a couple or three in there that will be too good for her.” He cites the likes of hot favourite It’s Tough and stablemate Who’s Delight and the Amanda and Hayden Cullen-trained duo of Harrison John and Vessem. “Cocktails and Caviar is handy on his day too so I think we will battle to be in the money.” As for his overall chances? “I’d say Shanky’s Shot is my best chance and the rest are in the same boat. With a bit of luck they can get a bit of money,” says Butt. “If they don’t get luck on the first day they might get some on the second!” Both days will feature $20,000 heats of the Tasman Empress Sprint Series for 4YO+ and up to R45-60 mares. The top five from each heat will qualify for the $35,000 Final at Addington over 1980 metres on January 23,2026. There will also be the latest heats of the Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series. The series, in its third year, targets R51 and faster trotters. There are 10 heats in all around the top half of the South Island before the $30,000 Final at Addington on March 20. Day one at Nelson starts at 3.05pm, with the second day on Sunday (January 11). To see the Nelson fields click here View the full article

Well-related mare Say Satono has earned a crack at black-type following her victory in the Birchfield Ross Mining Reefton Cup (1400m) on Wednesday. Given an economical run in the one-one throughout, the daughter of Satono Aladdin was presented perfectly at the top of the home straight by jockey Tina Comignaghi and went on to score a three-quarter of a length victory over dual stakes winner Illicit Dreams, with a further 2-1/4 lengths back to Zoulander in third. “It was a good win, she is a pretty handy mare. It was a pretty handy field too, so I was very happy,” trainer Andrew Carston said. The victory continued a solid form line for the six-year-old mare, who is on lease from breeder Rich Hill Stud, and Carston will now give Say Satono her first crack at black-type in next month’s Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui. “This is our last year for the lease and I think she deserves a chance at black-type,” Carston said. She is well-bred and well-related – she is a half to She’s A Dealer and out of a Group One-winning mare (Say No More). “She is a pretty valuable mare and Rich Hill leased her to us and have retained a share in the ownership. She has been a very handy mare and if she can get some black-type it would be icing on the cake.” On Saturday Carston will return to the West Coast where the Riccarton trainer will line-up half a dozen runners at Kumara. His strongest hand comes in the opening race of the meeting, the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1150m), where he will be represented by Steezy, Shesascorcher and Taimate Warrior. “Steezy was just average first-up and was very good second-up,” Carston said. “I aimed her for the Pearl Bonus race, she is eligible for the bonus, as are all of mine in that race. I think the Pearl Bonus is great to target with the fillies and mares if they are eligible. “Shesascorcher is a very nice filly, she just struggled at the 1400m last start, so we have opted to bring her back in trip. She is definitely not without a chance. “Taimate Warrior has done nothing wrong. She was very good last start (when third) and gets a soft gate (5). “There looks like there is going to be a little bit of rain around Kumara and I don’t think that will affect any of them.” A day later, Carston will fly north to meet his Group Three performed filly Miss Ziggy ahead of her contesting the Cloudsoft Accounting 1500 at Ellerslie. It will be her first run at the Auckland track since last season, where she had three starts, including a third placing in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). She is currently ninth in order of entry for the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) on January 24, and Carston said Sunday’s race fits perfectly into their programme following her last start victory over 1400m at Ashburton on Christmas Eve. “I am happy with how she has come through her last run,” Carston said. “I am really excited to have her back up north. She arrives there this (Thursday) afternoon and will have a quiet time before Sunday. “I felt it was a nice race to fit in between her last start and the Karaka Million 3YO, hopefully we can get her there. “We like winning, but she is mainly there to have another look back around right-handed before the big dance.” View the full article

On the heels of winning a preliminary injunction last month in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform TwinSpires on Tuesday scored a victory in its overall federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan. On Jan. 6, the lower-court judge in charge of the case issued a summary judgment in favor of TwinSpires, meaning Michigan can't make that ADW partner with a brick-and-mortar racetrack in order to do business in that state. The operator of TwinSpires, Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company (CDT), has been arguing for a year that the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 preempts a Michigan licensing requirement requiring that ADW providers be linked to a licensed racetrack and live race meeting. Judge Hala Y. Jarbou of U.S. District Court in the Western District of Michigan (Southern Division) wrote in the Jan. 6 order that, “the Sixth Circuit's reasoning for affirming the preliminary injunction also warrants granting summary judgment to TwinSpires. Thus, the Court will convert its preliminary injunction into a permanent injunction and enter final judgment in this case.” Jarbou wrote that the defendants in the case, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, its director, and the state attorney general “shall not enforce the Michigan Horse Racing Law (MHRL) licensing requirement–or issue sanctions under the MHRL–against Plaintiff for accepting wagers from individuals in Michigan on races that take place outside Michigan.” TDN reached out to both the plaintiffs and defendants on Wednesday requesting their comments on the judgment. No replies were received prior to deadline for this story. It is possible that the Michigan defendants might appeal the lower court's order to a federal appeals court. Citing precedents, Judge Jarbou wrote in the order that, “Summary judgment is appropriate 'if there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and if the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.' “Here there are no relevant disputed facts, so the resolution of the motions for summary judgment is dictated by the Sixth Circuit's legal reasoning,” the order stated. “As to TwinSpires's request for a permanent injunction, the factors that the Court must consider essentially overlap with the preliminary injunction factors addressed by the Sixth Circuit,” the order stated. Again quoting from a precedent, Jarbou wrote that TwinSpires “is entitled to a permanent injunction [because] it can establish that it suffered a constitutional violation and will suffer continuing irreparable injury for which there is no adequate remedy at law.” For a more detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to the year-long standoff, click the following link to TDN's reporting from Dec. 17. The post Federal Judge Rules In Favor Of Twinspires In Year-Long Michigan Lawsuit Involving Interstate Horse Racing Act appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Racehorse Owners Association has launched a new membership designed for people involved in syndicates and racing clubs as part of the aim to improve engagement and representation across all ownership types.View the full article

The TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland returned this week with its first podcast of 2026, and the guest was John Sikura, the owner of Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa. Sikura was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. While there were several subjects to discuss with Sikura, the prominent farm owner largely focused his attention on racing in California, its problems and what he sees as the industry's obligation to improve the situations at Santa Anita, Del Mar and Los Alamitos. “We need to fix this today,” he said. While admitting that fixing the problems in California will not be easy because it is the last major racing state that does not receive alternative revenues from casinos, slot machines or HHR machines, he called on the Breeders' Cup to step up and help the sport there. According to Sikura, the Breeders' Cup has set aside $100 million in nominators' awards in what he called a “rainy day” fund. He believes that some of that money should be allocated to improving the purses in California. “I've always been a huge critic of the fact that the Breeders' Cup keeps $100 million of nominators' awards for a rainy day fund,” he said. “My joke was that if you think the flood was bad for the Noah's Ark, well, what about this? In order to have a rainy day fund that needs a hundred million dollars, there will have to be a torrential flood of epic proportions. I might be a loner in the minority so far as my critique goes, but I don't believe the founders of the Breeders' Cup, in their original statement and in their original mission, believed it was necessary to put away $100 million. When you have current crippling issues in our business that are affecting the validity of breeding programs in states and, maybe even the existence of some markets, that money, in my strong opinion, should be put into use to help the Thoroughbred industry. And if there's a cause more important than the survival of California racing, I don't know what it is.” Sikura recalled that it wasn't that long ago that the Breeders' Cup supplemented purses for several stakes races. He called on the organization to revisit that policy. “This is the proposal that I had made to the Breeders' Cup: let's supplement the Grade I races in California and make sure the purses for them are at least $500,000,” he said. “Let's work to restore prestigious races like the Santa Anita Oaks to Grade I status. Let's have a moratorium on downgrading races there for three years. And by doing so for three years, that hopefully would give some time and a spark of enthusiasm to come up with a solution for California. Obviously, it's a legislative one. They need Historical Horse Racing machines. That's a challenge because of Indian gaming. How do we tackle that? You have to boost, you have the supplement, you have to have a bottom underneath you for three years, and that would really give an incentive for somebody to try to work out a solution.” Sikura, not exactly one to mince his words, said that a “rainy day” fund should be unnecessary because the Breeders' Cup should be making money on what is such a prestigious event that takes in millions in betting handle and nominators' awards. In response to Sikura's proposal, the Breeders' Cup offered the following: “Breeders' Cup Limited maintains an endowment generated by strong financial management. As of their last publicly reported fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2025, the balance was $98.5 million, at least 85% of which is investment income. The endowment is managed by an investment committee, and all decisions regarding the endowment are carefully evaluated and approved by the board of directors.” They added, “As a non-profit whose mission is to conduct the Breeders' Cup World Championships at the highest levels of quality, safety and integrity and to promote the growth of Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and sales through proactive leadership, innovation, and service, Breeders' Cup Limited must exercise prudent fiscal stewardship while thoughtfully leveraging the endowment and related income to enhance the World Championships and advance their mission.” Sikura also discussed his acquisition of 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and his breeding plans for the superstar mare. Another subject he touched on was the promotion of his son, Jes, who was recently named to the position of director of bloodstock at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Stiglets (Spun to Run). Trained by Phil D'Amato, the sprinter earned a 107 Beyer figure in a Jan. 3 allowance race at Oaklawn Park. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the stallion Straight No Chaser. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman discussed what made them optimistic about the sport in 2026 and what made them pessimistic. Cadman, who won 311 races during her riding career, gave a moving tribute to the pioneering female jockey Diane Crump, who passed away last week at the age of 77. To watch the TDN Writers' Room podcast click here. To listen to the podcast click here. The post John Sikura Joins the TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release In a plan to transition for the future, WinStar Farm announced Wednesday that Gerry Duffy will return to become President on Apr. 1, 2026. Elliott Walden will remain CEO until Oct. 1, with Duffy taking over as CEO and President effective Oct. 1. “I have been blessed to work for Kenny Troutt for the last 25 years,” said Elliott Walden. “Under his visionary leadership we've won a Triple Crown, two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders' Cups, and four Eclipse Awards. Kenny has tremendous instincts and together we built a team with a wealth of experience. The success we've achieved has been a collaborative effort and I have loved my time supporting Kenny's vision. “Timing is everything with a transition of this magnitude,” Walden added. “Early last year, I told the Troutt family my plans of stepping down. Five years ago, I wrote in my journal my number one pick to become the next CEO of WinStar, and that name was Gerry Duffy. I couldn't be happier that he has accepted the role and I look forward to supporting Gerry, David (Hanley), and the entire team during this transition and into the future.” Regarding the leadership transition and long-term vision for WinStar, Kenny Troutt expressed his gratitude for Walden and the team, as well as his optimism for the years ahead. “I am so grateful for the team at WinStar, and what they have done for my family,” said Troutt. “We have had tremendous success over the years and are just getting started. I hope to have the farm in the family for years to come. I want to thank Elliott for his leadership over the last 25 years and look forward to the next chapter at WinStar.” Recognizing the strong foundation already in place, Duffy shared his excitement about the partnership and his respect for the Troutt family's enduring impact on the industry. “Kenny's vision has always been the driving force at WinStar,” said Duffy. “He calls us to 'Dream Big' and we plan to continue doing just that. I am excited to come back to work with Kenny, Lisa, Preston, the entire Troutt family, and the team at WinStar. It really is the privilege of a lifetime to lead a farm as prestigious as WinStar.” Reflecting on a tenure marked by significant achievements, Walden, who will remain involved with WinStar in a consultative capacity, shared his thoughts on the farm's evolution and the bright path ahead. Elliott Walden with Florent Geroux in the WinStar silks | Sarah Andrew “I am proud of the milestones we've achieved,” Walden said. “The trophies are symbolic of the years of dedication and hard work put forth by the entire WinStar team. I will always be eternally grateful for the relationships we've built, the lives we've changed, and the careers we've helped to launch. Anytime a season ends, there is always an element of uncertainty, however, one thing I am very certain about is WinStar Farm is in great hands. The future couldn't be brighter. As for me, I am excited about the next chapter in my life, and to be able to consult with WinStar into 2027. I am at a career stage where I want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience in a different way, and I look forward to what is next.” The move is the next step to continue supporting Preston Troutt, who has stepped into a larger role at the farm alongside his father, Kenny. The senior leadership team will consist of: Duffy, CEO/President; David Hanley, senior vice president of bloodstock, who will continue to play a key role in bloodstock decisions; Dr. Natanya Nieman, general manager; and Michael Holmes, CFO. Duffy began his career in nomination sales with Darley America. Duffy first joined the WinStar team in 2011 when he spent two years as stallion seasons director. His home country of Ireland beckoned, however, and he was hired by Godolphin as its general manager. A return to Kentucky came in 2018, when Duffy assumed the role of farm manager at Stonerside and Raceland Farms prior to his most recent role as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi, where he was focused on the development of equestrian lifestyle communities. “What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the last 25 years is truly remarkable,” said Preston Troutt. “Elliott's leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier operations in the industry, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. As Gerry steps into an expanded leadership role, I have tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. With the team we have in place and the strength of our current roster, WinStar is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I couldn't be more excited about what the next 25 years will bring.” The post WinStar Farm Tabs Gerry Duffy as Next CEO/President, Elliott Walden to Step Down appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, we will have a look predominantly at American-bred first-time starters in maiden races at Meydan Racecourse, with a specific focus on pedigree and/or performance in a sales ring. The flagship venue for racing in the United Arab Emirates is Meydan, which hosts racing on Fridays through the end of March, with the exception of Super Saturday on Feb. 28 and Dubai World Cup night Mar. 28, 2026. Here are the horses of note for this Friday's program at Meydan: Friday, January 9, 2026 2nd-MEY, AED165,000 ($45k), Maiden, 3yo, 1600m YAMDEEK (Yaupon) is the priciest of the four first-starters from the yard of trainer Ahmad Bin Harmash, having fetched $270,000 at last year's OBS April Sale after changing hands as a weanling and yearling at Keeneland ($75,000 KEENOV, $130,000 KEESEP). The Feb. 21 foal, second in a trial at Jebel Ali last month, is out of an unplaced daughter of MSW & GISP Hot Storm (Stormy Atlantic), whose five winners includes Japanese listed scorer A Shin Gorgeous (Exchange Rate). He will need to work out a trip from gate 13 in a field of 14. New York-bred Honest Desert (Honest Mischief) was a $60,000 acquisition at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic yearling sale in the fall of 2024, but improved nicely over the course of the next six months and raised a bid of $175,000 from Bin Harmash at OBS April (breeze video). The gelding drew outside of his stable companion in 14. Fire d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro), a son of the Grade II-placed juvenily filly Portrait (Tapizar), was a $45,000 KEESEP yearling and matured into a $140,000 OBSAPR juvenile after he worked an eighth of a mile in :10 flat (breeze video). Sam Hitchcott rides from the six hole. The post Desert Doings: Bin Harmash Saddles Four In 3YO Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Buetane, in only his second start, ran second to subsequent Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Ted Noffey in last year's Hopeful Stakes (G1) and makes his 3-year-old debut in the San Vicente Stakes (G2) Jan. 10 for trainer Bob Baffert.View the full article

The online portion of Thoroughbred Charities of America's (TCA) annual Stallion Season Auction presented by the Goodman Family is underway and runs through Friday, Jan. 9, with staggered closing times starting at 4 p.m. ET., the non-profit said via a release on Wednesday. The TCA's largest fundraiser during the year includes 175 seasons with sires such as Army Mule (by Friesian Fire), Life is Good (by Into Mischief), Flightline (Tapit), and McKinzie (Street Sense) all available for online bidding on Salering.net. The majority of seasons will sell 'no guarantee' however a few will be offered with a 2027 breed back. A silent auction will also be in the offing. For a full list of seasons click here and for tickets to the event click here. The post TCA Annual Stallion Season Auction Off And Running appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz With four drives at the five race meeting, Brooke Wilkins looks to have some genuine each way chances at Manawatu today. After having nine wins across the Tasman, 2025 was Wilkins’ first driving competitively in this country and despite only taking part in the latter half of the season she had seven wins from 42 race-day drives, with a highly respectable UDR of .2910. That momentum has carried into the new season. Wilkins wasted little time opening her account for the year, recording a winner at last week’s Tauherenikau meeting. One of her leading hopes today comes early in Race 2, the Congrats Wilson House Leading Junior Driver Mobile Pace (4.51pm). She partners the Stephen Doody-trained gelding Jahi, who’s drawn ideally in barrier two. “He’s actually one of my better chances,” she said. “With him being back to a smaller field and the likely leader (The Night Fox) drawn to our inside, we should be able to jump straight into the trail. He should get the perfect run and have every chance.” In Race 3, Join The Turbos Syndicate Mobile Pace, Wilkins takes the reins of Get Set Party, a lightly-raced mare resuming for trainer Scott Dickson. While still relatively inexperienced, the mare appeals as a competitive type in what shapes as an even contest. “She’s probably still just working out her ringcraft, but the fields are all quite even,” Wilkins said. “Scotty does a great job with his horses, so if she finds the right run I’m sure she’ll be thereabouts.” Race 4 (5.55pm) presents what Wilkins rates as her best chance of the day, driving Two Jules, now trained by Chris Garlick. The mare steps back from Alexandra Park company to Palmerston North and has drawn well — factors Wilkins feels have been overlooked by the market. “I think she’s way over the odds,” she said. “Coming from Alexandra Park to Palmy is a massive drop back and she’s got a good draw. She can do a couple of things wrong, but if we get things right she should be right with them.” Wilkins rounds out her commitments in Race 5 aboard the ever-reliable Bell Fire for trainer Chris Webber. “He’s one of those tools-of-the-trade kind of horses,” she said. “I know Chris just loves to be there.” View the full article

Frankie Dettori once again treated a bumper crowd to a flying dismount after the legendary rider chalked up another winner on his farewell tour in South America.View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Among this week's rulings, trainer Jose R. Gonzalez has been suspended 18-months and fined $12,500 as a result of his trainee Discovery N Sight testing positive for the banned bronchodilator Albuterol from an out-of-competition hair sample collected on July 23. His suspension began on January 3. Other than that the hair sample was collected from Discovery N Sight at Albuquerque Downs at Albuquerque, New Mexico, the case resolution contains few other details. Though classed a banned substance, Albuterol is permitted only if given as an inhaled bronchodilator, and only if prescribed by a licensed veterinarian in the context of a valid veterinarian-patient-client relationship, according to HISA rules. As per Equibase, Gonzalez has been training since 2005. He has 441 wins to his name from 3,080 starts. Resolved ADMC Violations Dates: 01/06/2026 Licensee: Blaine Wright, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 7, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horses' Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. The following cases treated as one violation. Admission. Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)–a class B controlled substance–in samples taken from Mr. Executive, who won at Emerald Downs on 8/16/25; from Si That Tiger, who finished second in the Muckleshoot Derby Presented by 1/ST Bet Stakes at Emerald Downs on 8/17/25; and from Clovisconnection, who finished second in the Longacres Mile S. Presented by 1/ST Bet Stakes at Emerald Downs on 8/17/25. Dates: 01/05/2026 Licensee: Hugo Andrade, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Outkissed, who finished sixth at Mahoning Valley on 11/11/25. Dates: 01/05/2026 Licensee: Vladimir Ceron, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Doncic, who won at Santa Anita on 10/3/25. Dates: 01/02/2026 Licensee: George Lopez, trainer Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole and Methocarbamol–both class C controlled substances–in a sample taken from Tiz Lissett on 11/26/25. Dates: 01/02/2026 Licensee: Kieron Magee, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 3, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Neolithica, who won at Laurel Park on 10/11/25. Dates: 01/02/2026 Licensee: Randy Lee Morse, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Allequin Summer, who finished sixth at Keeneland on 10/15/25. Dates: 01/02/2026 Licensee: Jose Roberto Gonzalez Sr., trainer Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 3, 2026; 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on July 23, 2025; a fine of $12,500. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violations for the presence of Albuterol–a banned bronchodilator–in a sample taken from Discovery N Sight on 7/23/25. Pending ADMC Violations 01/06/2026, Matthew P. Sims, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Le Bien Le Mal, who finished fifth at Turfway Park on 12/4/25. 01/06/2026, Steve Davis, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Flunixin–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Diamonds R Lucky on 12/2/25. 01/05/2026, Anna Decker, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Long Shorts, who finished seventh at Mahoning Valley on 11/10/25. 01/02/2026, Louis Linder, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Gabapentin and Tramadol–both class B controlled substances–in a sample taken from Yorkville, who finished third at Penn National on 11/19/25. 01/02/2026, Charles Frock, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Gabapentin–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Bond's Belle, who finished second at Laurel Park on 11/16/25. Violations of Crop Rule Turf Paradise Blake Nunnally– violation date January 1; $250 fine, one-day suspension Oaklawn Park Johan Roberto Rosado–violation date January 1; $250 fine, no other information The post Weekly National Rulings Jan. 1-7; Jose R. Gonzalez Suspended 18 Months appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-SA, $70k, Msw, 3yo, f, 6f, 4:37 p.m. ET A Keeneland September buyback, FEISTY RED HEAD (Curlin) changed hands for $110,000 at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton October Sale and turned in a racy gallop ahead of last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale, ultimately hammering for $650,000. The filly's dam, two-time graded-stakes winner Tin Type Gal (Tapit), is one of four winners produced by GISW Miss Shop (Deputy Minister), and the female family also includes GSW & MGISP Trappe Shot (Tapit) and GISW Power Broker (Pulpit). Three Chimneys homebred French Blue (Gun Runner) debuts for Bob Baffert and is the first foal to race out of 2021 GIII Beaumont Stakes heroine Twenty Carat (Into Mischief), a half-sister to SW Point Proven (Gun Runner). The filly's now 2-year-old full-brother fetched $1.55 million from M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm at last year's Keeneland September Sale. TJCIS PPs 9th-FG, $54k, Msw, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 5:45 p.m. ET NEXT TIME (Not This Time), a $350,000 Keeneland September graduate, carries the gold-and-light-blue colors of John Oxley and has the rail for this first career appearance. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the Apr. 13 foal is a full-brother to Easy Time, winner of the GIII Marine Stakes and runner-up in the GII Franklin-Simpson Stakes; and to MSW Softly Lit (Latent Heat), the dam of Swedish listed winner Lord Mountbatten (Connect). Touch of Fire (Constitution) is a homebred daughter of Mexican Gold (Medaglia d'Oro), Group 3 winner and Classic-placed in France for Andre Fabre and later third in the GIII Athenia Stakes for Chad Brown. This is the female family of 2025 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner and GI Kentucky Derby fourth Final Gambit (Not This Time). TJCIS PPs The post Thursday Insights: Expensive Curlin Breezer Gets Going at Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Global Tote, in partnership with the Monmouth Park racetrack, has launched of a new multi-state–and soon-to-be national–Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platform called MonmouthBets, according to a press release from BetMakers Technology on Wednesday. Live and available in 12 states, the new ADW was designed with both casual fans and experienced bettors in mind, and is a site that delivers a modern, intuitive wagering experience supported by industry-leading technology. Packed with high-quality professional data, including ratings, race comments, individual runner insights, speed maps and free past performances, these tools–previously accessible mainly to sophisticated bettors–are now available free to the broader wagering public. The platform is currently live in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming, with additional states expected to come online regularly as the rollout continues toward a national footprint. Customers in eligible states can sign-up and receive a 50% bonus in free bets, up to $200, along with a range of additional promotions planned as the platform continues to evolve. “We are excited to launch the MonmouthBets brand and give horseplayers across the country more choice, a new technology platform, and greater exposure for the sport of racing,” said Dennis Drazin, CEO of Darby Development, operator of Monmouth Park. “Our partnership with Global Tote and the launch of this new platform represent our commitment to innovation and to delivering the best possible experience for our customers.” Click here to learn more and access the site's features. The post Global Tote, Monmouth Park Launch New ADW appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coinciding with the United States of America's national celebration of the 250 th anniversary of the nation's founding, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will mark the occasion with a special exhibition, Racing at the Dawn of the United States. The presenting sponsor is Adirondack Trust Co. The exhibition will be open through December. The exhibition opens Saturday, Jan. 10 in the Museum's Link Gallery. Racing at the Dawn of the United States explores the foundation of thoroughbred racing in America from the colonial period to the emergence of the United States as a new republic in the early 19 th century. The exhibition will invite visitors to learn about the early history of the sport, highlighting key figures, racecourses, and horses of the time. It will feature selections from the Museum's collection in addition to loans from Keeneland Library and other collections. Some of the exhibition's highlights include: A letter referencing a horse race from 1793 Portraits of notable pioneering racing figures Tregonwell Frampton, Samuel Ogle, and John Tayloe III A painting of 20-year-old American Eclipse by Edward Troye An advertisement for the sire Bold Briton from 1797 A selection of early racing trophies, prints, sporting journals, and Revolutionary War items The Musuem will also offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibit, hosted by the Museum's curator Jessica Cloer, which will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Cloer will detail the process of how the new exhibition was researched and designed to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary through the lens of racing's roots in America. For tickets, click here. Tickets are free to all members. The post Racing at the Dawn of The United States Exhibition to Open Jan. 10 at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Opportune black type awaits some of the seven fillies and mares contesting the $100,000 Las Flores Stakes (G3) Jan. 11 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Veteran riders Alex Birzer and Orlando Mojica each earned career milestones, leading to the panel of racing experts voting the pair Jockeys of the Week for Dec. 29-Jan. 4.View the full article

The 2026 sales season at Tattersalls Ireland gets underway with the Winter Flat and National Hunt Sale, with 158 lots set to go under the hammer at the sale where the multiple Grade 1 winner Champ Kiely changed hands for just €5,800 in 2017. The catalogue is made up mostly of National Hunt-bred yearlings, with the sale scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 3. Among those going through the ring will be the progeny of several leading National Hunt sires, including Walk In The Park, Affinisea, Poet's Word, Blue Bresil, Crystal Ocean, Jeu St Eloi, Harzand and Jukebox Jury. The full catalogue is available to view here. The post NH-Bred Yearlings Dominate Catalogue for First Tattersalls Ireland Sale of 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coinciding with the United States' national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will mark the occasion with a special exhibition, Racing at the Dawn of the United States.View the full article

Last summer, we began “The Producers” as a way to spotlight a few of the extraordinary mares–and some of the people behind them–who produced the Grade I winners of 2025. With 83 individual North American Grade I winners in the books for the 2025 season, we return to it now, continuing with two mares who each made a massive impact at the fall breeding stock sales. Galloping Ami, dam of Kopion Galloping Ami (Victory Gallop) is a mare accustomed to making headlines. Named Outstanding Broodmare in Canada in 2016 after producing three black-type winners, including that year's Canadian 3-year-old colt champion Amis Gizmo (Giant Gizmo), she's only gotten better in the years since. In 2025, her fourth stakes winner Kopion (Omaha Beach), the GI La Brea Stakes winner of 2024, roared to a GI Derby City Distaff Stakes win with a gaudy 109 Beyer Speed Figure (one of three 107+ Beyer Figures for her on the year). Six months later, Galloping Ami's weanling by Curlin became North America's highest-selling weanling filly of 2025 when she sold to Wesley Ward for $1.25 million at Keeneland November. Nick Lotz has raised not only Galloping Ami's foals at his Briarbrooke Farm near Paris, Ky., but also Galloping Ami herself. Lotz knows his way around a good horse–in addition to a number of top-level winners to flourish under his watchful eye at Briarbrooke, he also had a significant hand in breaking the legendary Ruffian as a young man during his time at Claiborne Farm. He stresses how gratifying it is to have his hands on good horses. “That's why I live,” he said without hesitation. “That's what I live for. From the time I was 12, all I wanted to do was raise horses. This is not work. This is everything.” It's a long association–more than three decades–with Ivan Dalos of Tall Oaks Farm that led to both Kopion and the Keeneland topping filly. “I met Ivan through a bloodstock agent named Elizabeth Blythe,” said Lotz. “Ivan had a few mares in Canada and was racing some, but wanted to make a little more of a commercial effort to some extent and wanted to breed to some Kentucky stallions. Elizabeth was in the business of rounding up stallions and I was in the business of feeding horses, so that's how it got started.” Galloping Ami with her $1.25-million filly in June | Sarah Andrew Dalos was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in August, as well as honored with the E.P. Taylor Award of Merit in 2022, He won Sovereign Awards for Outstanding Breeder in 2018 and 2020. Some of the top U.S. runners he's bred have included 2020 Eclipse champion turf male Channel Maker and 1999 Eclipse champion older male Victory Gallop, whose stellar race career is celebrated most for his dramatic last-gasp GI Belmont Stakes win to deny Real Quiet the Triple Crown. “We kept three daughters of Victory Gallop,” said Lotz. “Ivan bred him, sold him as a yearling to [Dr. E.C.] Pug Hart, then turned around and bought two breeding rights in him after he retired, so we kept three daughters and they've produced 10 stakes winners and two stakes-placed horses. Galloping Ami and her full-sister [Victorious Ami] are both Broodmares of the Year in Canada.” Lotz is quick to credit Dalos “for his unselfish love and joy of creating a good racehorse. [It's the] perfect time for Kopion to show up.” Even after having his hands on so many top horses, Lotz captures the thrill of having a horse he raised for a client and friend make a big splash on the national stage. “When Kopion won the Grade I at Churchill, I beat all the dust out of the couch and tears were running down my eyes,” he remembered. “It was the fastest Beyer Speed rating of Derby day. She ran faster than the colts did. She did everything wrong–broke last, missed the break, it was on a sloppy track, she was always on the lead before but fifth then, hung out wide, came five wide around the turn, and still caught 'em and pulled away and won by three. “I've seen a lot of horses do a lot of things, but that was a big deal race.” Lotz and Dalos had sent Kopion to the 2022 Keeneland September sale, where she brought $270,000 from Spendthrift Farm. More than a dozen other fellow first-crop Omaha Beach yearlings at that sale sold for more than Kopion, but she was the first of that crop to win a Grade I. “She was gorgeous from the start,” recalled Lotz. “She was a little more feminine-looking than [the fall's $1.25-million Curlin filly], not quite as muscular. Pretty athletic. People kind of liked her right away. She was a pretty nice-looking foal and she became a pretty nice-looking yearling.” In June, when the Curlin foal was four months old, Lotz already suspected she'd go to the fall sales as she was bred “as a project between Tall Oaks and Hill 'n' Dale. She was a pretty compact foal. A lot of Curlins are a little bigger, a little leggier. She was a little ahead of her growth curve for her age and group, but she was still sort of compact. I think she'll fill out as she grows up.” Kopion was retired in November the same week her weanling half-sister sold. Galloping Ami, now 20, is in foal to extremely popular first-crop stallion Arabian Knight for this spring. What most people don't know is the mare has a deformed right front leg stemming from an injury when she was a three-week-old foal. She'd fractured her sesamoid in her left front while turned out with her dam in a paddock and compensated by carrying all her weight on her right front. “It had been straight!” said Lotz with emphasis. “When it started to torque in, we put two screws in that ankle to hold it but it didn't work. It caused that deformity, but there's nothing genetic about any of it.” Galloping Ami | Sarah Andrew The leg may look rough and may have kept her from racing, but it hasn't hindered Galloping Ami's broodmare career. “But then, about five or six years ago, she fractured a cannon bone,” lamented Lotz..”She did it out in the field and I had her booked to Into Mischief. That was when he was starting to move up, about $75,000 at that point. I bred her and two days later she fractured her leg. We had to put a cast on her, keep her in the stall. Usually, I just show her a picture of the stallion and she conceives, but not that year. It was too much stress. It was kind of shame that we missed out on that one.” Dalos still owns three daughters of Galloping Ami, including Quality Ami (Essential Quality), a 3-year-old who sports the Tall Oaks silks and was most recently runner-up in an Oaklawn maiden special weight last month for trainer Tom Amoss. Lotz said he and Dalos have always planned the matings together, but things at Tall Oaks are changing with a fresh face on the team. “Ivan's daughter Colleen has become more and more involved in the last few years; she's the heir apparent as Ivan is about 85 now,” said Lotz. “She's very enthusiastic about the sport and is learning a lot. Colleen is very business oriented, so she wants to make a profit. When Ivan and I were planning matings, it was all I could do to get him to spend $25,000 for a stallion fee.” Colleen Dalos is now the general manager of Tall Oaks. When mares like Galloping Ami–the third generation homebred of her father's first-ever broodmare prospect purchase and the granddaughter of that mare's first foal from a mating he researched and chose–get Kopion and a $1.25-million weanling filly in the same year, it's a great time to be at the helm. Lotz couldn't agree more. “Everybody needs a mare like this,” he said. “It's a lot of fun.” Streak of Luck, dam of Ted Noffey When Marie Jones bought Streak of Luck (Old Fashioned) at the 2021 Keeneland November sale for $620,000, the mare was a stakes winner at Canterbury Park, had placed in two graded events at Santa Anita, and was carrying her first foal by Authentic. Fast forward four years and that same mare, supplemented in mid-October to the Fasig-Tipton November sale, sold for 10 times that much–$6.2 million–as the highest-priced broodmare in North America in 2025. Streak of Luck at Taylor Made in September | Sarah Andrew Instrumental in the mare's increase in value was the decision by Jones and the team at Taylor Made, where she and her late husband have kept their horses for more than 40 years, to send Streak of Luck to Into Mischief for her second mating, which resulted in Ted Noffey. That 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard,' a Spendthrift colorbearer after a $650,000 Keeneland September purchase in 2024, is the champion-elect 2-year-old colt of 2025 after his unbeaten season culminated in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and two other Grade I scores. He was one of just three runners, including Sovereignty and Journalism, who won three Grade I races in 2025. Ben McElroy signed the $6.2-million ticket for Streak of Luck on behalf of Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing USA, which sent her to Archie and Michelle St George's Brookstone Farm near Paris. “She is correct, she's big-bodied, she's lovely,” said Michelle St George after two months with the mare. “To be around her, she is absolutely lovely. She is kind and gentle and has been an absolute dream. She settled right into the farm, she's so easy to do everything with. We obviously haven't foaled her out yet, but she is so easy to work with. I can't say enough nice things about her.” Due in about a month to Not This Time, Steak of Luck is likely to go back to Into Mischief for a full-sibling to Ted Noffey, said St George. The mare's yearling colt is by Into Mischief and her freshly minted 2-year-old is a Munnings filly. Jones still has the yearling, while Repole Stable bought the 2-year-old in September at Keeneland for $425,000. “I've got to be honest–this is the first time I've ever been around a $6.2-million mare,” said St George with a laugh. “It always means a lot when people entrust you with their mares. “Mares are a long, hard journey, so it's an honor that Amo trusted us enough to have her, but we're fortunate to have other mares for them as well and we really appreciate it.” Streak of Luck | Sarah Andrew St George and her husband will foal about 65 mares at Brookstone in 2026, about 10 of them for Amo. She said they usually breed approximately 150 mares off the farm each year. Streak of Luck is the obvious star. “Horses like her make it look easy,” said St George of Streak of Luck, who just turned 11. “We hope she produces a lovely racehorse for Amo and they can have as much fun as Spendthrift is having with Ted Noffey. From what the Taylors were telling us, this mare has been good to anybody she's crossed paths with. It's really fun for us and we hope things keep going.” Ted Noffey, certain to be named the champion 2-year-old colt at the Eclipse Awards in two weeks, is the early favorite for the first Saturday in May. Although trainer Todd Pletcher hasn't officially committed to his next start, the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Feb. 28 is a logical possibility with the Mar. 28 GI Curlin Florida Derby likely his main spring target leading up to the GI Kentucky Derby. See our previous stories on Luna Rosa (dam of Locked {Gun Runner}); Virginia Key and Our Khrysty (dam and granddam of Tappan Street {Into Mischief}); and Linda (dam of Burnham Square {Liam's Map}). The post The Producers: Galloping Ami and Streak of Luck appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article