Wandering Eyes

Well known in New York's racing and breeding circles, Jane Mindlin Schosberg died peacefully on Mar. 15, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old. Jane Schosberg was predeceased by her husband Paul in 2017 and her daughter Jill Stoller in 2021. She is survived by her son Richard and her daughter-in-law Dawn; her sister Katherine Reinleitner; her son-in-law Timothy Stoller; grandsons Travis and Ryan; granddaughter Jenna Stoller Grimshaw and her husband Sean; and two great-grandchildren Bryce and Nora. She is also survived by Waffles, her beloved Corgi, who now lives with Jane's best friend Donna Klemas in Canada. Rescued from Lexington, KY, Waffles hitched a ride on a Morrisey's horse van to become Jane's constant companion. Schosberg grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y. and attended Scarsdale High School, where she met Paul Schosberg, her high-school sweetheart. After attending Bennington College and earning a liberal arts degree, Jane married Paul in 1959. Their daughter Jill was born in 1960, their son Richard a year later. Services will be private. Those wishing to honor Jane's life and legacy are encouraged to donate to the Mayo Clinic, to Take2/Take The Lead, or to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Jane had grown up riding horses, and it was in Virginia that she and family began the racing and breeding operation that continued to her death, and where the Schosberg family bought their first farm. Jane gave riding lessons at Deerfield Riding Academy in Great Falls, VA, while her daughter Jill became an accomplished show rider and her son Rick, in his words, “mucked out stalls as fast as I could.” In 1974, the Schosbergs purchased Pine Lane Farm near Katonah when they relocated to New York from Virginia, and Dot in Spot, who became the Schosberg's foundation broodmare, went with them. Dot in Spot produced four foals, bred in Jane's name, all bred in New York. The best of them, Lotus Delight, was multiple stakes-placed and earned $243,000, retiring in 1988. One of her daughters, Tim's Lady, produced Mellow Roll, who earned more than half a million dollars and was voted New York-bred Champion Two-Year-Old Male in 1997. Jane also bred Cyanea, the 1982 New York-bred Champion 2-year-old filly, and a winner and a runner-up of the New York Breeders Futurity, Bix in 1982 and Tons in 1977, respectively. She often visited Kentucky and was a regular at the Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton sales, developing strong relationships with Denali Stud, Ashford Stud, and Coolmore America. She had a strong friend network in the Bluegrass, and though she was pretty much a lifelong New Yorker, she was an ardent fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. The post New York Owner, Breeder Jane Schosberg Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)'s 2024 Annual Metrics Report was released Monday. The report presents data collected in 2024 as part of HISA's Racetrack Safety Program. As previously announced, the 47 racetracks operating under HISA's ADMC Program and Racetrack Safety Program recorded an aggregate racing-related fatality rate of 0.90 per 1,000 starts. The Jockey Club subsequently published the 2024 data from its Equine Injury Database (EID), announcing a North American racing-related fatality rate of 1.11 per 1,000 starts. Significantly, the 2024 EID shows that racetracks in the United States that are not subject to HISA's rules have a fatality rate of 1.76 per 1,000 starts, which is almost double the 0.90 per 1,000 starts at HISA racetracks. The rate of 0.90 is a 35% decrease from the rate of 1.39 reported by the EID in 2021–the last full year prior to the launch of HISA's Racetrack Safety Program–and a 27% decrease from the rate of 1.23 that HISA reported last year. It also represents a 55% decline since 2009, when the EID first began reporting such fatalities, at a rate of 2.00. In 2024, racetracks operating under HISA's rules (and the training facilities owned by them) reported 181 training-related deaths, equating to 0.50 deaths per 1,000 workouts (i.e., the official timed works of racehorses preparing for an official start). This is a conservative ratio, as HISA's training-related data includes fatalities that occur during all training activities, not just workouts. While it is too early to establish trends in combined racing- and training-related fatality data, transparency is a critical first step in identifying risk factors and developing targeted safety initiatives. The information collected on training-related fatalities has served to expand HISA's existing database and will be instructive as the organization moves toward identifying patterns to help racing stakeholders make more informed decisions for their horses and proposing guidance and rules designed to make training safer. Information related to HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program will be released later this month by HISA's independent anti-doping administrator, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit. The post Annual Metrics Report for 2024 Released by HISA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

FanDuel TV has launched “The Comeback With Craig Carton,” a new show focused on problem gambling recovery hosted by FanDuel's responsible gaming ambassador and FS1's “Breakfast Ball” Craig Carton. Carton sits down with those who have experienced the highs and lows of gambling addiction to amplify their stories, break down the stigma surrounding gambling disorder, raise awareness of support resources for individuals and their families, and show that recovery is possible. “As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of gambling addiction, I understand the impact it can have on your life and the lives of those you care about,” Craig Carton said. “The road to recovery isn't easy, but I've committed myself to helping others who are facing similar struggles. My mission for this show is to inspire hope, offer support, and remind everyone that the path to regaining control starts with understanding.” The first episode features former 11-year NBA veteran and recovered problem gambler Randy Livingston in addition to Randy's wife, Anita Ondine Smith Randy and Anita recently joined FanDuel as responsible gaming ambassadors launching “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting,” a new resource hub designed to equip parents, guardians and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about the risks associated with gambling and where to go for support. In addition to highlighting the lived experiences and recovery of those who have dealt with gambling disorder, The Comeback will dive into important topics such as money management, support services, self-exclusion, RG tools and more. New episodes of The Comeback With Craig Carton will air monthly on Mondays at 10:00 am ET on FanDuel's FAST channel FanDuel TV Extra and stream on FanDuel's YouTube channel. Stay updated on The Comeback With Craig Carton by subscribing to its Substack for its latest interviews, episodes and resources. The post FanDuel TV Launches “The Comeback With Craig Carton” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs and its partners Andy Frain Services, Kentucky Derby Museum, Levy and Pritchard Sports & Entertainment Group will host a job fair to recruit for Kentucky Derby Week and the Churchill Downs Spring Meet. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the First Turn Club. The job fair will include on-the-spot interviews and hiring for positions during Kentucky Derby Week, which runs from Saturday, Apr. 26, through Saturday, May 3, and the Churchill Downs Spring Meet, which continues through Sunday, June 29. Available positions include box office, cleaning/janitorial, food & beverage, gate staff, guest services, mutuel tellers, programs, retail sales, security and tour guides. Attendees should enter Kentucky Derby Drive off Central Avenue and park for free in the Yellow Lot. For more information and to register, visit www.workchurchilldowns.com. The post Churchill Downs Hosts Job Fair for Kentucky Derby Week, Spring Meet Positions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sponsorships for The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP)'s 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, are currently available. The event takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on Oct. 8-11. “Partnering with the Thoroughbred Makeover makes companies more than just a sponsor,” said Megan Garlich, RRP development manager. “Our sponsoring partners join a passionate team of individuals and organizations committed to the advancement of Thoroughbreds in equestrian sport and the development of dedicated trainers who invest in their future. We are grateful to the many sponsors who have supported our mission through this event, and are excited to welcome additional aligned businesses, agencies, and brands to help us to shape the Thoroughbred aftercare landscape for the better.” Sponsorship packages are available at levels and can be customized with print, digital and event-based advertising and assets. Higher tiers of sponsorship include naming rights to various aspects of the event, including the competition itself as well as health and wellness initiatives plus networking and social events. The Thoroughbred Makeover draws competitors and spectators from both equestrian and Thoroughbred industries, as well as from all across North America. This year's competition will culminate in a new Championships format, featuring final rounds for the top 10 in each discipline on Saturday throughout the Kentucky Horse Park. For more information about sponsorship, please visit the Sponsorship page on the RRP website, or contact Megan Garlich, development manager, at mgarlich@therrp.org. The post Sponsorships Available for 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Founded by Josephine Abercrombie in 1952, Pin Oak Stud has entered a new era under the ownership of Jim and Dana Bernhard. The Bernhards purchased Pin Oak Stud in November of 2022 and acquired an additional 465 acres from Adena Springs in September of 2023. “Pin Oak has always strived to breed horses that can compete at the pinnacle of our sport, this vision begins with the decisions that we make when selecting our matings each year,” Pin Oak's Michael Hardy said. “Our team works in close collaboration, carefully selecting physical profiles that suit each mare and then determining the most promising crosses to maximize performance on the track. This decision-making process is a collective effort, driven by our shared commitment to success on the racetrack.” Below is a look at a selection of matings for Pin Oak Stud in the final edition of TDN's 2025 Mating Plans series, presented by Spendthrift Farm. LOVE TO SHOP (5, Violence–Tiffany Case, by Uncle Mo) to be bred to Not This Time Pin Oak Stud's most recent ($700,000) purchase from the Keeneland January Sale. She is a stakes-winning mare with an active young family that traces back to a very successful Pin Oak pedigree from the Abercrombie era. She will visit Not This Time for her maiden season. It is a cross that we believe will suit her physically and get her broodmare career off to a great start. He is a stallion that we like a lot; we purchased two of his yearlings last year in the September Sale. SHOPPINGFORPHAROAH (6, American Pharoah–Smart Shopping, by Smart Strike) to be bred to Not This Time Another recent ($850,000) purchase from the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. She is a stakes-placed, half-sister to GI Preakness Stakes winner Seize The Grey (Arrogate). She too will visit Not This Time. We believe he is a great option to give a young mare the chance to succeed. MIDNIGHT TREASURE (7, Tapit–Midnight Lucky, by Midnight Lute) to be bred to Street Sense We purchased both ($100,000) Midnight Treasure and her ($100,000) Good Magic weanling at the Keeneland November Sale. She is currently in foal to Charlatan and will visit Street Sense for 2025. Street Sense continues to produce horses at the top level and looks like he will become an important sire of sires. He is great value for such a proven stallion. SWEET SAMI D (9, First Samurai–Treaty of Kadesh, by Victory Gallop) to be bred to Constitution She is a young, graded stakes-placed mare who earned over $250,000. She has a yearling by Flightline and produced a colt by Gun Runner this year. This year she will visit Constitution, who we've had success with on the track, and physically we think he will really suit this mare. Sweet Sami D with her '25 Gun Runner colt | Courtesy Pin Oak QUERELLE (9, Violence–Orbital Affair, by El Corredor) to be bred to Nyquist She is an attractive, black-type mare by Violence who earned $187,000. She has a racy 2-year-old filly by Constitution that we have retained, and a yearling by Tapit. She will visit Nyquist this year. The cross is producing a high percentage of winners, and we hope that the mating can also add some size and scope. MIND OUT (8, Tapit–Kid Majic, by Lemon Drop Kid) to be bred to Nyquist Mind Out is a stakes-placed Tapit mare with a nice, young pedigree. She has a Curlin yearling on the ground and is in foal to Gun Runner. Nyquist was a bit of a no-brainer for her; he had a tremendous 2024 and the Tapit x Nyquist cross has produced the very talented Grade I winner Tenma. We are happy to have a few mares going to him this year. BROADWAY LADY (8, Constitution–Livi Makenzie, by Macho Uno) to be bred to Twirling Candy She is a very attractive half-sister to GIII Ohio Derby winner Tawny Port (Pioneerof the Nile). She had colt by Candy Ride (Arg) this year and will visit Twirling Candy. We like the combination of Tapit and Candy Ride in this mating and physically we think that Twirling Candy will work well with the mare. CORE VALUES (7, Honor Code–Sweet Awakening, by Street Cry {Ire}) to be bred to Not This Time Core Values is a very attractive stakes winner. She is a half-sister to Canadian champion Are You Kidding Me (Run Away and Hide) and the pedigree received another update with Kehoe Beach (Omaha Beach) winning the GII Mrs. Revere at Churchill in the fall. She will visit Not This Time this year; we love the cross over the A.P. Indy line mare, which has produced G1 winner Sibelius. DIAMOND SPARKLES (8, War Front–Diamondsandrubies {Ire}, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}) to be bred to Twirling Candy A young mare with an exceptionally deep pedigree. She got her broodmare career off to an excellent start in 2024 with her first foal, Into Diamonds (Into Mischief), winning at Keeneland in April and subsequently collecting black type at Woodbine. We have retained her Quality Road 2-year-old and she had a colt by Not This Time this year. She will be covered this year by Twirling Candy, which looks like a strong cross for her with his Grade I winner Concrete Rose coming from the Twirling Candy x Sadler's Wells cross. COMPETITIVE SPEED (7, Competitive Edge–Shopped Out, by Mineshaft) to be bred to American Pharoah A talented racemare, she is a multiple Grade II-placed earner of $190,000. Her first foal is a very attractive Maxfield colt that we have retained and she has a yearling filly by Justify. She is in foal to Candy Ride and will visit American Pharoah this year. The Maria's Mon-line cross with American Pharoah has already produced Grade I winner American Theorem. GLITTER AND GOLD (10, Bodemeister–Expo Gold, by Johannesburg) to be bred to Not This Time She is a winning half-sister to MGISW and champion Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil). She has produced a very nice Tapit colt that we have in pre-training at the farm and she has a yearling filly by Essential Quality that we like a lot. She has a Tapit colt of 2025 and is booked to visit Not This Time this year. She consistently produces a strong, solid, attractive foal, so we are excited to see the foal from this cross. Glitter and Gold with her '24 Essential Quality filly | Courtesy Pin Oak CHECKERED EMPIRE (7, Empire Maker–Checkered Past, by Smart Strike) to be bred to City of Light Checkered Empire is a full sister to multiple Grade III winner and Grade I-placed Messier (Empire Maker). She is an attractive young mare currently in foal to Twirling Candy. We believe in mating young mares with proven sires that will suit them both physically and from a pedigree standpoint. She will visit City of Light this season; the cross will be very similar to the cross that produced City of Light's champion 2-year-old Fierceness. OMA THE GREAT (6, Tapit–Rise Above, by Violence) to be bred to American Pharoah She is a well-bred, young Tapit mare. Her first foal is a very attractive, racy Candy Ride yearling. She had a filly by American Pharoah and we like that cross so much that we plan to repeat it this year again. The cross has produced Grade I winner Harvey's Lil Goil among others. The post 2025 Mating Plans, Presented by Spendthrift: Pin Oak Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australian jockey will partner Californiatotality for Tony Cruz in this Sunday’s HK$26 million feature.View the full article

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By Michael Guerin Retail racing and sports punters are finally set to step into the modern world as the TAB launches new self service terminals. While the majority of New Zealand punters now bet online, increasingly through the TAB or betcha apps on their phones, there are still over 500 venues around the country where people can bet, many in pubs or clubs. The self service terminals at those venues can be a source of frustration for punters with their outdated systems, as any punter who has stood for what feels like ages behind a confused self service terminal user will know. The TAB’s new self service terminals went into use for the first time at the Manukau City TAB on Monday and are set to be placed in the 45 TAB retail stores around the country as well as the 416 pubs and clubs that provide TAB services. While the old terminals were slower and generally outdated one of their biggest issues was so few punters use them regularly they had become the slowest form of betting. And they were off-putting for occasional bettors, particularly on major sports events or Melbourne Cup day, who rarely visited retail venues at other times. Crucially the new terminals will mirror the TAB website and app, giving a seamless transition between betting on those platforms and betting in an agency. The new terminals will be also be rolled out at racetracks around the country, where plenty of punters still prefer the cash betting experience as part of the thrill of a day at the races. The managing director of Entain New Zealand, Sam Moncur, was at the launch to see the first bets on the new terminals placed, one of his first official duties since taking over Entain’s top job in New Zealand. “We want to meet our customers where they are and provide them with a seamless experience if they’re placing a bet through our new terminals or on the TAB App,” said Moncur. As part of the development of the terminals, customer feedback has led to many customer-focused solutions in the new terminals. “Customers can enjoy more bet types, easy multis with a buildable bet slip and more funding options. Plus, the new touch-screen experience is faster than ever. “Everything a TAB customer could do through the app or tab.co.nz is now possible in retail.” The upgrade of the retail terminals will comfort traditional punters who may have feared all betting would eventually end up being online only and the possibility of TAB agencies or pubs and clubs being allowed to die off. “We will be supporting our venues and customers through this change with both physical and digital resources on hand to help them,” said Moncur. “We’re committed to delivering a world-class wagering experience and this is a big step toward ensuring our venues are well-positioned to serve the needs of our customers.” “There is a lot more to come in 2025 including exclusive promotions and offers for our customers that can only be redeemed through our TAB venues.” View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness Nes Desk A third Methven Drivers’ Challenge has been confirmed for next month, and this time it is literally the biggest yet. Four teams of three will battle it out over six penalty-free races on April 13, the club’s last meeting at Mt Harding before the winter recess. Sponsored by Jonny Cox and Kimberly Butt’s Roseland Racing, the Challenge will feature 12 drivers, all wearing their own stable’s colours (or colours they are closely associated with them). The four teams : Legends – Tony Herlihy, Maurice McKendry and Ricky May Premiership Leaders – John Dunn, Blair Orange and Matty Williamson Ladies – Sam Ottley, Sheree Tomlinson and Crystal Hackett Methven – Gerard O’Reilly, Kim Butt and John Morrison It appears the 2025 edition will be the last to feature Herlihy and McKendry who was originally from Methven before moving north. “This is going to be the last year for both Tony and Maurice anyway so we want to make it count,” says Methven Trotting Club President Michael Heenan, “we couldn’t more grateful for what they have done.” In 2023 McKendry toppled Ricky May and Tony Herlihy in the “Three Wise Men” challenge. They are still the only three drivers in this country to have won 3000 or more races (Blair Orange is next on 2899). Then last year there was the ANZAC 18,000+ Challenge where McKendry and May defeated Australian stars Chris Alford and Greg Sugars, who were in New Zealand at the time for Cambridge’s Night of Champions. This year the club’s committee members decided to expand the concept further by pitting four teams, each with their own theme, against each other. “We cheated a bit with Sarah (O’Reilly) being a late scratching so we sneaked one in with Kimberly from Ashburton,” says Heenan. Sarah O’Reilly has been out of action since a race track accident last year and with Butt working for Brent and Tm White at Ashburton she got the call up as a honorary Mid Cantabrian. “Everyone I contacted wanted to be involved,” says Heenan. Bragging rights as well as a trophy will be up for grabs on a day that will also feature the Woodlands Little Green Jug for the three-year-old pacers. “It should be great racing.” View the full article

With the campaign finishing yesterday, Team Teal is likely to reach close to $25,000. Right now the figure stands at $23,495, with the final tally-up yet to be completed. With Wingatui’s four race card all being won by female drivers and Mikalya Lewis, Olivia Thornley and Jessica Young-Grant winning at Motukarara the final day of the campaign was a good one. The annual campaign, which raises money for ovarian cancer research, started on February 1 with money going to the cause every time a female driver wins a race through contributions from HRNZ, clubs and the drivers’ individual sponsors. Funds raised support the Research Nurse Grant Program and the Survivors Teaching Students Program in New Zealand. There were 79 wins by female drivers during the six-week campaign with Sam Ottley leading the way with 16, from Crystal Hackett (13) and Sheree Tomlinson (9). A total of $500 was also raised at Motukarara through the first running of the Teal Trot where Sam Ottley, Riley Harrison, Sheree Tomlinson, Devon Dolan and Gemma Thornley ran 50m down the straight pulling someone (who had bid on them via silent auction) in the sulky. Ottley and her bidder Megan Swain took the honours. For anyone wanting to donate and help push the total to $25,000 please click here The second annual Frocks at the Trots competition was held as part of a Team Teal fund-raiser at Addington Raceway on Friday night. Heats were held in recent weeks with the best dressed making the finals. Julie Argyle was judged best overall, from Pauline Pattullo and Eleanor Campbell. Janet Bramham won the Contemporary award, with the Millinery award going to Jewel Relatado. House party at Banks Peninsula By Mike Love The domination of Michael House and driver Wilson House continued at Banks Peninsula yesterday where they won two races to maintain their early season advantage on the trainers’ premiership ladder. In Race 6, the Crate & Barrel, Alpine Inn Hanmer, Mark Tweedy Pace, Miracle Memphis just held out Elektra King. The three-year-old Bettors Delight gelding was huge after scrambling away from the standing start, before catching the field and overpowering his rivals to win by a head, with a hefty ten length margin back to third. The win gave Miracle Memphis his first from five starts, which also includes three placings. The second winner on the programme came instantly in Race 7, the Lake Kaniere Sporting Club and Casino Trot with four-year-old Trixton mare Mode. Beginning well from her draw of six, Mode and House ended up sitting parked the entire trip. Up the long straight and Mode showed how gritty she can be, trotting determinedly to the line, winning by a neck from Transtasman Bubble. “We were quite unlucky with her first start for us at Palmerston North. She was in against some decent horses, and we knew going forward there were going to be some more nominations for the second day. But then we were leaping a couple of shadows around that small track (on the second day),” said Wilson House. The win made it Mode’s second career win from 25 starts, at start number three for the House team. She paid $16.90 for the win. “She was really good today, and trotted really well so it worked out nice.” The House team currently have 41 winners this season – 21 ahead of Steve and Amanda Telfer (20). Wilson House maintains his lead in the Junior Drivers Premiership with 30, five clear of Harrison Orange. House is second overall in the country, with seven time premiership winner Blair Orange leading the way with 44. Orange is now on 2899 career wins. Other highlights on the card included a driving double for Robbie Holmes (Dragonhill and The Mandalorian), a training double for Bruce Negus (Classie Linc and Buffy Northstains). View the full article

Lo Rider might have the second-lowest rating in the Hong Kong Derby but his trainer expects the four-year-old to thrive over 2,000m.View the full article

A connection to their homeland attracted Emma-Lee and David Browne to Mcgaw as an yearling, and twelve months later, the inexpensive gelding delivered the couple’s biggest victory since moving to Australia in Saturday’s $1 million Showdown (1200m). At just his second appearance on race-day, Mcgaw was forced to travel wide from an outside draw early, eventually sitting outside the leader under Damian Lane. The son of I Am Immortal kicked strongly at the top of the Caulfield straight and kept finding, outmuscling Befuddle to score by a half-length. “It was a massive effort from the horse, it was only his second start and he’d had a bit of a gap between races, he just had the one start back at the end of January,” Emma-Lee Browne said. “It was massive for the stable as well, we’ve been here for just over three years now and to get a result like that was a testament to our great team at home.” Mcgaw was bred by Havaparty Investments in Australia, as the fifth live foal out of Kiwi-bred mare Niki Piki Milo. A daughter of Librettist, Niki Piki Milo won three races from eight attempts, including the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) in the care of Peter and Dawn Williams. Formerly based in the Waikato, the Brownes recalled watching Niki Piki Milo in New Zealand and after inspecting her son at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, they secured Mcgaw for just $14,000 out of the draft of Stonehouse Thoroughbreds. Saturday’s result catapulted his earnings above A$600,000. “I just really liked his type, he’s a very athletic, leggy type of horse,” Browne said. “Also coming from New Zealand, we knew Niki Piki Milo and I remembered her being a nice horse, so that attracted us to him in the first place. “I didn’t expect him to be an early type at all, because he is quite leggy, but we wanted to get a fair bit of education into him as a two-year-old and he was doing it all quite easily. Every time we asked something more of him he put his hand up, he was quite natural. “Even now, he still looks like he needs to grow into himself a bit, he’s still quite lanky. We’ll probably put him out now and hope to target the spring with him.” Now settled into life in Victoria, the Brownes have enjoyed success at the feature carnivals, highlighted by Scary’s runner-up finish in the A$2 million Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) last November. “It’s been super, we love it here and it’s been a great move for us with the horses and also for the family,” Browne said. “Pakenham is a fantastic place to train out of, we’ve got a great group of trainers here that all support each other. We’ve got a little farm here now and are happy to call this place home.” Continuing their association with Kiwi-bred and sourced gallopers, the Brownes travelled to the Karaka Yearling Sales in January and purchased two yearlings, including a Satono Aladdin colt from the draft of Jamieson Park. “We came over to Karaka and actually bought a Hanseatic, which we didn’t expect to do, but we also picked up a really nice Satono Aladdin and he’s landed here in Melbourne,” she said. “He’s currently at the breakers.” View the full article

Vistetto is the latest of a trio of young stayers to have kicked off their careers in exciting fashion in Australia for New Zealand-based syndicators Go Racing in recent weeks. The Chris Waller-trained four-year-old was a dominant winner over 1950m at Yarra Valley on Sunday at just his second start, with Jordon Childs onboard. “He was good today,” Childs said. “He began nicely and ended up in a nice stalking position, upon straightening he just lost his way a little bit, he is still learning how to really put the races away, but he was good that last 100m.” Go Racing’s General Manager Matt Allnutt said that the son of Tavistock had a delayed start to his career which may have been a blessing in disguise. “He had an injury as a young horse which delayed his career but in hindsight that looks to have held him in good stead, and he looks like a really good stayer in the making,” he said. The son of Tavistock will step up to 2000m at his next start at Cranbourne on April 4. His win followed the wins of fellow Go Racing charges Maison Louis and Cigar Man who also look to have bright staying futures. The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained three-year-old, Maison Louis kicked off his career with a fifth placing at Hawkesbury and followed that performance with an impressive three-length win at Goulburn over 1500m in late February. “It was good to see him kick off early in his career and be so dominant,” jockey Andrew Adkins said. “He’s still pretty casual about himself which is a really good attribute to have. I gave him a tap on his shoulder as he was coming up to the bend and he reacted very quickly. He had a big job ahead of him to chase down the leader and he did it with some style, he’s pulled up excellent and returned to scale great. He’s in for a really nice preparation.” Co-trainer John O’Shea was equally happy with the performance. “He did a really good job,” he said. “We hoped that was the sort of performance that we would see. He lived up to what he’s been showing at home, he ran some lovely times, and he did it comfortably. The son of Super Seth followed his win with a frustrating second placing over 1600m at Gosford on Saturday. “There was plenty of merit in his run and I was pleased with is effort,” said O’Shea. “He got held up behind a couple of slow ones and he was unable to build momentum into the race. He was very strong through the line, and it looks like he’s going to run a little a trip which is extra encouraging.” Allnutt said that Maison Louis would step up to 2000m at his next appearance. The Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained three-year-old Cigar Man followed his debut fourth with a win over 1625m at Wyong at the end of last month and he steps out over 2000m at Hawkesbury on Tuesday. Jockey Adam Hyeronimus who was onboard for the win said that he expected the son of Churchill to be an even better horse over 2000m to 2400m. “He was brilliant,” he said. He jumped well from the gates and put himself into a nice position, when I asked him to click up, he did it in the really nice fashion of a horse that’s going to appreciate getting over further ground.” “He was a Ready To Run purchase,” Allnutt said. “Our data from the sale suggested that he was going to be a lovely stayer and that’s what he’s turning into and he’s only going to get better with time. “It’s really exciting to have had three bright young stayers start off their careers so encouragingly in Australia.” View the full article

Wexford Stables took home the major spoils at Tauranga on Saturday, and this weekend, they will venture further afield with class three-year-old Checkmate contesting the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) in Sydney. Checkmate has impressed in his first racing campaign, winning three races including the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m). The son of Mongolian Khan was selected by trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott to represent Wexford in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), and after settling beautifully in the running, he flashed home into third behind Damask Rose and Evaporate. Delighted with the Kiwi performance, O’Sullivan and Scott turned their focus to Saturday’s A$600,000 feature, with the gelding set to fly across the Tasman on Monday afternoon. “He flies out this afternoon and he’ll head to Randwick, where Ashley Handley will be looking after him for the week there,” Scott said. “We had hopes that he may head this way, and he just pulled up so well from the Kiwi and performed very well in that race. “The team is really excited, we let him do a bit of work here this morning (Monday) and he worked particularly well. We’re going over there with good levels of confidence that he will race well, but we’re under no illusion that it is a high level of racing. “It will be interesting to see how he runs out the 2000m, that is another factor for next season if he can run out the distance. That gives him some other options at four. “We are so looking forward to it.” Godolphin colt Broadsiding currently tops the TAB market for the Rosehill Guineas at $2.50, with Checkmate in the sixth line of betting at $15. Also featuring prominently are fellow Kiwi-bred three-year-olds Feroce ($11) and Aeliana ($13). The stable will have a quieter week on home soil, with promising three-year-old Cheaha heading to Trentham for the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m), possibly to be joined multiple stakes-winning filly Sethito. “Cheaha flew home for third in the Almanzor (Gr.3, 1200m) on Karaka Millions Night, so he’ll be going down for the Wellington Guineas,” Scott said. “Sethito, if she has a good week, she may also go. She won the Uncle Remus (Listed, 1400m) then possibly didn’t have all favours in the Kiwi. “They are probably the two-pronged attack heading there.” Back in Matamata, Wexford are celebrating a particularly satisfying victory in the Gr.2 Japan Trophy (1600m) by their beloved Waitak. The son of Proisir was stepping back from elite-level company at Tauranga and showed his class, dominating a quality field by three lengths under a top ride by Ryan Elliot. “It was a well-deserved win for the horse, he’s been so consistent and honest at the very highest level all season,” Scott said. “It was great for the Devines who own him, they follow him with keen interest and it’s fantastic for them. “It was a really good result for the team who have put in a lot of work behind the scenes with him, we’re tickled pink.” The versatile gelding will now step back out to a distance he hasn’t raced at in nearly two years, taking on the Gr.2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) next Saturday at Trentham. “We will step back out to the 2000m again while his fitness levels are high and he’s settling well in his races,” Scott said. “His run there will indicate what we do with him next season, but he’s certainly strong at the mile and if he can run 2000m, that opens up a lot of options for him next summer.” A stakes assignment in the Central Districts also looms for Grande Gallo, after she continued her affinity with Tauranga in the Triton Pacific Owens Plate (1200m). “It was a terrific win by her, she loves Tauranga and it was a super ride from George (Rooke).” Scott said. “She’s got a huge syndicate who get great delight from seeing her winning, which is what it’s all about. “She’s a big, powerful mare that we’ve taken along pretty quietly, because she’s a big girl that we didn’t want to push on the hard ground. We dodged that real summer quick ground and the team’s patience is being rewarded. “She’ll probably run next on the 12th of April down in the Hawke’s Bay Sprint (Listed, 1200m), but she may go to Te Aroha a fortnight before for an Open 1100m as well. “She’s a lightly-tried mare that is only going to continue to get better with age.” View the full article

Expat-Kiwi trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne. Photo: Trish Dunell A connection to their homeland attracted Emma-Lee and David Browne to Mcgaw as a yearling, and twelve months later, the inexpensive gelding delivered the couple’s biggest victory since moving to Australia in Saturday’s $1 million Showdown (1200m). At just his second appearance on race day, Mcgaw was forced to travel wide from an outside draw early, eventually sitting outside the leader under Damian Lane. The son of I Am Immortal kicked strongly at the top of the Caulfield straight and kept finding, outmuscling Befuddle to score by a half-length. “It was a massive effort from the horse; it was only his second start, and he’d had a bit of a gap between races; he just had the one start back at the end of January,” Emma-Lee Browne said. “It was massive for the stable as well; we’ve been here for just over three years now, and to get a result like that was a testament to our great team at home.” Mcgaw was bred by Havaparty Investments in Australia, as the fifth live foal out of Kiwi-bred mare Niki Piki Milo. A daughter of Librettist Niki Piki Milo won three races from eight attempts, including the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) under the care of Peter and Dawn Williams. Formerly based in Waikato, New Zealand, the Brownes recalled watching Niki Piki Milo race and, after inspecting her son at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, they secured Mcgaw for just $14,000 from Stonehouse Thoroughbreds’ draft. Saturday’s victory took Mcgaw’s earnings above $600,000. “I just really liked his type; he’s a very athletic, leggy type of horse,” Browne said. “Also, coming from New Zealand, we knew Niki Piki Milo, and I remembered her being a nice horse, so that attracted us to him in the first place.” “I didn’t expect him to be an early type at all, because he is quite leggy, but we wanted to get a fair bit of education into him as a two-year-old, and he was doing it all quite easily. Every time we asked something more of him, he put his hand up; he was quite natural. “Even now, he still looks like he needs to grow into himself a bit; he’s still quite lanky. We’ll probably put him out now and hope to target the spring with him.” Now settled in Victoria, Australia, the Brownes have enjoyed success at feature carnivals, notably Scary’s runner-up finish in the A$2 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) last November. “It’s been super; we love it here, and it’s been a great move for us with the horses and also for the family,” Browne said. “Pakenham is a fantastic place to train out of; we’ve got a great group of trainers here that all support each other. We’ve got a little farm here now and are happy to call this place home.” Continuing their association with Kiwi-bred and sourced gallopers, the Brownes travelled to the Karaka Yearling Sales in January and purchased two yearlings, including a Satono Aladdin colt from Jamieson Park. “We came over to Karaka and actually bought a Hanseatic, which we didn’t expect to do, but we also picked up a really nice Satono Aladdin and he’s landed here in Melbourne,” she said. “He’s currently at the breakers.” Horse racing news View the full article

Checkmate will travel to Sydney to contest Saturday’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Wexford Stables took home the major spoils at Tauranga on Saturday, and this weekend, they will venture further afield with class three-year-old Checkmate contesting the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) in Sydney. Checkmate has impressed in his first racing campaign, winning three races including the Listed Armacup 3YO Stakes (1500m). The son of Mongolian Khan was selected by trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott to represent Wexford in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), and after settling beautifully in the running, he flashed home into third behind Damask Rose and Evaporate. Delighted with the Kiwi performance, O’Sullivan and Scott turned their focus to Saturday’s feature, with the gelding set to fly across the Tasman on Monday afternoon. “He flies out this afternoon and he’ll head to Randwick, where Ashley Handley will be looking after him for the week there,” Scott said. “We had hopes that he may head this way, and he just pulled up so well from the Kiwi and performed very well in that race. “The team is really excited, we let him do a bit of work here this morning (Monday) and he worked particularly well. We’re going over there with good levels of confidence that he will race well, but we’re under no illusion that it is a high level of racing. “It will be interesting to see how he runs out the 2000m, that is another factor for next season if he can run out the distance. That gives him some other options at four. “We are so looking forward to it.” Godolphin colt Broadsiding currently tops the market with horse racing bookmakers for the Rosehill Guineas at $2.50, with Checkmate in the sixth line of betting at $15. Also featuring prominently are fellow Kiwi-bred three-year-olds Feroce ($11) and Aeliana ($13). Horse racing news View the full article

Driver Penalties L Hibell | Manawatu 11 March; contacted track markers; fined $100. N Williamson | Northern Southland 8 March (heard Southland 12 March); careless driving; suspended 16-21 March inclusive. M Hill | Southland 12 March; contacted track marker; fined $100. P Ferguson | Manawatu 13 March; failed to fasten chinstrap of helmet during preliminary; fined $100. S Ottley | NZ Metropolitan 14 March; careless driving; fined $250. C De Filippi | Banks Peninsula 16 March; use of whip; suspended 24-30 March inclusive. P Wakelin | Banks Peninsula 16 March; use of whip; suspended 17-23 March inclusive. R Harrison | Banks Peninsula 16 March; breach of push out rule; fined $200. Trainer Penalty S & A Telfer | Manawatu 11 March; late gear notification; fined $50. Horse Penalties KING OF DIAMONDS | Manawatu 13 March; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. BRIENNE | Auckland 14 March; laceration to leg; veterinary clearance required. RAGAZZO MAGIC | NZ Metropolitan 14 March; lame; veterinary clearance required. ABULL | Wyndham 15 March; broke in running; must complete trial. PUTERE BOY | Wyndham 15 March; sore; veterinary clearance required. CHICAGO SKY | Wyndham 15 March; respiratory tract inflammation; veterinary clearance required. MYTHICAL | Wyndham 15 March; respiratory inflammation; veterinary clearance required. TAKETHEPLUNGE | Banks Peninsula 16 March; late scratching after causing two false starts; must complete mobile start trial. Protest HIGHVIEW ROCKNROLL | Manawatu 11 March; excessive galloping in home straight; disqualified from 2nd. The post 10-16 March 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

2024 Goodwood winner, Benedetta. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Group 1-winning mare Benedetta will make her competitive Moonee Valley debut in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m). Trainer Jason Warren is eager to work the mare at the track on Tuesday. “She’s worked there once as we were thinking about racing her in this race two years ago,” Warren told Racing.com. “She probably doesn’t need it, but I’m going to take her there Tuesday to stretch the legs. I’m confident we have the right horse.” Benedetta placed in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) first-up at Flemington but could only manage tenth in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) under top-weight in her last start. “It was a pretty hard watch – but she’s in good shape, that’s the main thing,” Warren said of that effort. “I thought if we won the Newmarket, the William Reid was a no-brainer back to weight-for-age. “But in saying that, we got top weight in the Newmarket, so that suggests she’s almost out of handicap races. “Hopefully, we can go and bang out a Group 1 in Victoria and move on to bigger things.” A strong performance on Saturday would likely see Benedetta target the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 5 or the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville on April 26. Horse racing news View the full article

Jimmysstar ridden by Ethan Brown winning the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Last-start Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) hero Jimmysstar will be a fresh horse when he lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley, a strategy that the Ciaron Maher stable believes is crucial. Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the tactic worked perfectly when Jimmysstar flew home to win the Group 1 1100-metre race at Caulfield on February 22 after a three-month break. He believes the month-long gap between the Oakleigh Plate and the William Reid is an ideal time frame to prepare for his first weight-for-age Group 1. “We’ve kept him fresh, and we’ll keep him to shorter trips,” Turnbull told Racing.com. “If you keep him fresh in high-intensity sprint races, he can sit off them and make a long-sustained run, which he did the other day. “He’s got a bit of stamina, but he’s quick.” This will also be Jimmysstar’s first run at The Valley, and he will get to familiarise himself with the track on Tuesday morning. Prior to nominations closing, the five-year-old was rated the clear $3.50 favourite with horse racing betting sites to give Maher a second win in the William Reid Stakes, having previously won the race with Loving Gaby in 2020. “He’s come back how he ran last spring and stayed to that rating,” Turnbull added. “If he was to win, we would consider the T.J. Smith for his next start.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1 winner, Veight. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Group 1-winning sprinter Veight is gearing up for feature Queensland sprints, confirmed co-trainer Tony McEvoy. The now-gelded four-year-old, last year’s George Ryder Stakes winner, hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in November’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m). Following his spring campaign, connections opted to geld him. McEvoy, training in partnership with his son Calvin, expressed satisfaction with Veight’s progress towards a winter carnival campaign. “He’s had a good spell and he’s come back really well,” McEvoy told Racing.com. “I’m very pleased with him. He seems to be enjoying himself so I’m very happy at this stage. “We’re taking him to Brisbane. There’s some ripper races up there for him.” Key targets for the $2 million earner include the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) and Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). Meanwhile, McEvoy also confirmed Arabian Summer is set for Sydney’s The Galaxy (1100m) after a promising fifth place in the Oakleigh Plate. “She’s very well,” McEvoy said of the three-year-old. “She ran amazing in the Oakleigh Plate, just on the ground that was too firm for her, so I’m hoping there’s a bit of rain around in Sydney.” Jamie Melham, who rode Arabian Summer in the Oakleigh Plate, will keep the mount in The Galaxy. Horse racing news View the full article

Dan Piazza, a financial advisor from Chicago, won the 26th NTRA National Horseplayers Championship at the Horseshoe Las Vegas held from March 14-16, and took home $825,000, an Eclipse Award as 2025 Horseplayer of the Year and earned a return trip to next year's NHC, according to a press release late Sunday from the NTRA. Sticking to his strategy throughout the contest, Piazza prevailed by amassing a mythical bankroll of $356.52. “I didn't try to do anything different and didn't get me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “That strategy put me up Friday and on Saturday; it was the same thing Sunday.” The 2025 NHC began Friday morning with 800 entries from 623 players, and was reduced to 80 entries after Saturday. Bankrolls amassed during Day 1, Day 2, and the Semifinals rolled over to the Final Table, with the 10 finalists settling the NHC score in seven “mandatory” assigned races. “Thank you to all the incredible participants at this week's National Horseplayer Championship,” said Tom Rooney, NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their passion, skill, and dedication to our sport is truly inspiring. This event serves as a reminder of the vital role that horseplayers play in supporting the racing industry year-round.” The official top 10 finishers at the 2024 NHC and prize money won are: Dan Piazza, $825,000 (score, $356.52) Tom Boyd, $250,000 ($342.22) Ray Hassan, $200,000 ($328.36) Dean Malizia,$150,000 ($311.40) Dylan Donnelly, $125,000 ($298.86) Len Hanson, $90,000 ($292.24) Greg Bone, $85,000 ($289.88) Peter Dresens, $80,000 ($289.50) Alex DeVito, $75,000 ($275.28) Sean Nolan, $65,000 ($273.56) The 2025 NHC featured cash and travel awards totaling $4.878,415 million. The tournament results can be at NTRA.com. “I only missed one mandatory race.” The @NTRA #NHC2025 Champion is Dan Piazza! He spoke with @IceColdExacta about how he did it which includes the @Equibase Race Lens. pic.twitter.com/Dwanajhvdj — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 16, 2025 The post Chicago Native Dan Piazza Wins NTRA National Horseplayers Championship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rider Penalties N Yuen | Ashburton 13 March; use of whip; suspended 23-30 March inclusive. K Chowdhoory | Wanganui 15 March; careless riding; suspended 24 March – 4 April inclusive. N Hailey | Wanganui 15 March; medical clearance required. A Najib | Beaumont 16 March; failed to weight in; suspended 23 March – 5 April inclusive. Trainer Penalties L Robinson | Ashburton 13 March; incorrect gear; fined $50. T Rae | Ashburton 13 March; incorrect gear; fined $150. Horse Penalties ETIENNE | South Waikato 12 March; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. RETRO | South Waikato 12 March; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. PARKER BONNIE | Ashburton 13 March; indifferent in action; veterinary clearance required. BENGAL | Ashburton 13 March; late scratching after becoming fractious in barrier; must complete trial. LADY LIZZO | Tauranga 15 March; abnormal breathing noises; veterinary clearance including dynamic scope required. BUTTERFIELD | Tauranga 15 March; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. MARANELLO | Wanganui 15 March; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. WISH ME WELL | Wanganui 15 March; epistaxis; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. ILLUSION OF PARIS | Wanganui 15 March; late scratching after becoming fractious in barrier; must complete trial. TUESDAY | Wanganui 15 March; late scratching after becoming fractious in barrier; must complete trial. TOWN BELT | Beaumont 16 March; lame; veterinary clearance required. MAGNASTAR | Beaumont 16 March; lame; veterinary clearance required. CORTE XENA | Beaumont 16 March; laceration to knee; veterinary clearance required. AQUA MAN | Beaumont 16 March; late scratching when found to be lame; veterinarian clearance required. AMIINIT | Beaumont 16 March; late scratching with abrasions to a leg; veterinary clearance required. Protest RED MOON RISING | Beaumont 16 March; rider failed to weigh in; disqualified from 4th. The post 10-16 March 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Seven weeks in advance of the Kentucky Derby, Journalism, powerful winner of the San Felipe Stakes, closed as the 5-1 favorite in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager with Fountain of Youth winner Sovereignty the 7-1 second betting choice. View the full article

Race 3 ASHBURTON U-HIRE MAIDEN 1200m LIVE AND LEARN (A Balloo) – Trainer Mr. B Sarginson advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, LIVE AND LEARN has now been retired. The post Ashburton Racing Club @ Ashburton, Thursday 13 March 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article