Wandering Eyes

The D. Wayne Lukas entry in the March 15 Virginia Derby, American Promise, delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Render Judgement and set a track record for 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.View the full article

By Jonny Turner A hugely satisfying MLT Wyndham Cup victory is set to be the starting point for a huge week for Craig Ferguson. The trainer-driver produced Wag Star for a well overdue and thoroughly deserved victory in his home track’s big feature. Wag Star has produced many big performances while being handed little racing luck over the past six months. But for just under four minutes on Saturday that changed and it delivered Ferguson a win in a race he’s always wanted to get his hands on, as well as giving owners Bill and Pauline Bain and Bill and Mary McDowell reward for their faith in their star pacer. “It’s a race I’ve always wanted to train the winner of and I’m pleased for this horse and his connections,” Ferguson said. “He’s had a lot of bad luck and things haven’t really gone to plan for a wee while.” “But we’ve got a dream run today and it all worked out.” What may not be well known about Wag Star is that the pacer has been far from straightforward for Ferguson and his staff to manage. “He’s got a few quirks to him and even today he probably should have won a bit easier than what he did.” “He got his nose in front and then just switched off and went to sleep.” “So there are still a few work-ons but hopefully we can give him a few runs like that running on at the finish and we can teach him how to do it.” Though Wag Star is owned by the Bains of Central Otago and the McDowells of Canterbury, the pacer’s win is still very much considered a home town victory. “To win any race is good, but to win a Wyndham Cup is great because the horse has spent all his life here,” Bill Bain said, “he got broken in at home and then he’s been down at Craig’s ever since.” With the Wyndham Cup secured, Ferguson can now focus on his next feature race assignments. The reinsman will link up with Marketplace who is set to start a hot favourite in the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO Final at Alexandra Park on Friday night. Ferguson will also drive Don’t Stop Dreaming in his first start for the Hayden and Amanda Cullen stable in the Group 2 City Of Auckland Free-For-All. View the full article

Trying graded company for the first time in his career, 'TDN Rising Star' Booth (Mitole–Sophia's Song, by Bellamy Road) made every pole a winning one as he took home the GIII Whitmore Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday afternoon. Earning a 'Rising Star' merit badge as a late juvenile, Booth won the Commodore Stakes in Hot Springs last month. The 5-2 choice here was sent hard out of the gate and he never looked back. Full of run down the lane, the 4-year-old won by more than a length over Giant Mischief (Into Mischief). The final running time was 1:09.79. Back-to-back wins for Booth, who wins the G3 Whitmore at Oaklawn Park! Steve Asmussen trains. It's a hat trick for Erik Asmussen! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/f08Wij47LL — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025 Saturday, Oaklawn Park WHITMORE S.-GIII, $250,000, Oaklawn, 3-15, 4yo/up, 6f, 1:09.79, ft. 1–BOOTH, 124, c, 4, by Mitole 1st Dam: Sophia's Song (SW & GSP, $155,892), by Bellamy Road 2nd Dam: Dreamscape, by Mt. Livermore 3rd Dam: Big Dreams, by Great Above 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $225,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-L. William Heiligbrodt, Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm and Whispering Oaks Farm LLC; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Erik Asmussen. $142,500. 'TDN Rising Star' Lifetime Record: 9-5-0-0, $476,191. *1/2 to Musical Mischief (Into Mischief), GSW & GISP, $519,276; 1/2 to Bright Future (Curlin), GISW, $947,940. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Giant Mischief, 124, h, 5, Into Mischief–Vertical Oak, by Giant Oak. ($475,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Steve Landers, Martin S. Schwartz, Michael Dubb, Ten Strike Racing, James J. Bakke, Titletown Racing Stables, Kueber Racing LLC, Big Easy Racing Racing LLC, Winner Win Racing and Michael J. Caruso; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. 'TDN Rising Star' $47,500. 3–Tejano Twist, 124, g, 6, Practical Joke–Haley's Lolipop, by Cuvee. O-JD Thoroughbreds LLC and Joey Keith Davis; B-Tom Durant (KY); T-Chris A. Hartman. $23,750. Margins: 2 1/4, 3HF, 1. Odds: 2.50, 2.80, 4.30. Also Ran: Happy Is a Choice, Closethegame Sugar, Miles Ahead, Jaxon Traveler. Scratched: Durante, Glengarry. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Booth Goes Gate-To-Wire In GIII Whitmore At Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unfazed by a step up to stakes company, the Graham Motion-trained Fondly outbattled more seasoned rivals to take the March 15 Virginia Oaks in only her second career start.View the full article

The Horseracing Welfare and Integrity Unit has suspended three trainers and disqualified dozens of race results as part of its investigation into an alleged conspiracy at Penn National Race Course to inject horses too close to races and workouts.View the full article

Both New York State legislative houses have accepted a plan by Gov. Kathy Hochul to provide funding for a new advanced equine imaging screening program at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists Hospital adjacent to Belmont Park.View the full article

Added to the Kentucky Derby Trail for the first time, the Virginia Derby entered a new era over the dirt at Colonial Downs on Saturday and it was American Promise (Justify–Tapella, by Tapit) who deposited 50 points into his 'Run for the Roses' account. With John Hancock (Constitution) opting to go to the GII Louisiana Derby next week, favoritism lay clearly with 'TDN Rising Star' Getaway Car (Curlin). At the break, both the chalk and the 7-1 second choice hooked up in a duel that lasted through the far turn. At the top of the lane, American Promise shifted into high gear and put away his opponent. The 3-year-old ran up the score and won easily. In the process, the colt set a new track record. The final running time was 1:46.41. American Promise dominates in the Virginia Derby at @colonialdowns to pick up 50 points towards the @kentuckyderby! @nikjuarez had the mount for D. Wayne Lukas! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pXV5QHYm14 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025 Saturday, Colonial Downs VIRGINIA DERBY, $527,500, Colonial Downs, 3-15, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:46.41 (NTR), ft. 1–AMERICAN PROMISE, 123, c, 3, by Justify 1st Dam: Tapella, by Tapit 2nd Dam: Princess Arabella, by Any Given Saturday 3rd Dam: Tortuga Lady, by Thunder Gulch ($750,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-BC Stables LLC; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas; J-Nik Juarez. $300,000. Lifetime Record: 9-2-1-1, $444,874. *1/2 to Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief), GSW, $974,465. 2–Render Judgment, 123, c, 3, Blame–Barbara Gordon, by Commissioner. ($310,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL). O-Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing; B-Green Lantern Stables (KY); T-Kenneth McPeek. $100,000. 3–Omaha Omaha, 123, c, 3, Audible–England Swings, by Kitten's Joy. O/B-On Your Left Racing, LLC (VA); T-Michael E. Gorham. $82,500. Margins: 7 3/4, 3/4, NK. Odds: 7.40, 21.00, 12.90. Also Ran: Getaway Car, Studlydoright, Rapture, Authentic Gallop. Scratched: Calling Card, Georgia Magic, John Hancock. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post ‘Run For The Roses’ Points Go To American Promise In Virginia Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a full-sister to Palace Pier GB) (Kingman {GB}). 15.10 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7fT Coolmore and Westerberg's hitherto untested WIN ME OVER (IRE) (Kingman {GB}) is a full-sister to five-time Group 1-winning sire Palace Pier (GB). The Aidan O'Brien trainee, who is set to be partnered by Ryan Moore, encounters 19 rivals in this debut. The post Full-Sister To Palace Pier In Line For Curragh Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love The final day of the Team Teal campaign gets underway today at the Banks Peninsula and Wingatui meetings. Team Teal ambassador Gemma Thornley reflects on what has been a successful campaign. “It’s been really good. Everyone really supports it and it’s been a lot of fun too doing something for a great cause,” said Thornley. Thornley heads into today with a book of six drives – and though none are stars, they will be sure to give punters a run for their money at good odds. In Race 1, the DC Installations Mobile Pace over 2000m will see Times Are A Changin ($31.00FF) have start number 95. The Barry Ward-trained mare can pop up occasionally and Thornley is hopeful it may be today. “You can never underestimate Barry’s runners – especially at Motukarara. It’s a bad draw but they can fly home late.” Superfast Gorsey ($31.00FF) for trainer Chris Thornley should at least trot all the way for Thornley in Race 5, the Waihora RFC Ttrot over 2170m. “He will trot all the way. So if we get a good enough trip he will be a top four chance.” Lay On Macduff ($31.00FF) in Race 6, the Crate & Barrel, Alpine Inn Hanmer, Mark Tweedy Pace will be looking for an economical trip to feature. “I was stoked with him at his last start. He doesn’t have a very long sprint so hopefully I can kid him a bit up the straight.” A Girl Named Vinny ($21.00FF) won well two starts back then did not have the smoothest of runs at Ashburton February 22. Thornley is hoping for a more economical trip today. “We’ll probably go forward and then look for cover. She’s a bit funny, but I think in that field she should be a good place chance.” Franco Tim ($10.00FF) returns from success at Cromwell three weeks ago to face a much different scenario – back to a stand and coming off the unruly. “He’s been racing really well. He’s on the unruly which can make it tricky. But he’s racing well enough and he likes the track. I think he shouldn’t be far away.” Just Ask Paddy ($26.00FF) also faces a stiff task in the final race of the day The Start Crew Thanks Clocktower Motors Mobile Pace over 2000m drawn 14. “I was really happy with him at Addington. No luck from the draw so I’ll have to follow them round and hopefully he’s hitting the line well.” Race one gets underway at 12:30pm. Williamson lines up strong chances at Wingatui By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson knows there are no certainties at what is arguably New Zealand harness racing’s most unique track. Williamson takes Major Boy to Wingatui on Sunday, where he will take on its famous uphill straight and wide open spaces. The pacer heads to Dunedin on the back of an excellent debut third at Ascot Park last week. The three-year-old is a clear cut-favourite following the scratching of rival Prosperity who ran to a front-running victory at Wyndham on Saturday. While Major Boy is the horse to beat in his maiden assignment at Wingatui, the race is no gimme. “His first up run was great and being a little bit green he should be a lot better for that run,” Williamson said. “It was a harder field at Invercargill, he is the horse to beat but it won’t be easy for him.” “Wingatui can be a tricky track and it is his first time on grass.” Williamson has his stablemates Haley Robyn and Mack Pack going head-to-head at Wingatui on Sunday. Haley Robyn looks a strong each way hope for junior driver Georgia Goodman. “Her last start second at Oamaru was good and even though she’s drawn wide she is one of the better form horses in the race and she looks an each way chance,” Williamson said. Mack Pack drops back in grade for Williamson, but he has to overcome barrier 13. “He will probably be driven for one run from the draw, he’s not the worst chance.” Race one gets underway at 11.55am. View the full article

With 50 Oaks points on the line in Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs, Fondly (Upstart–Lifetime Memory, by Istan) showed grit in the final jumps as she secured the haul for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. A winner on debut at Tampa back in mid-February, the 3-year-old filly led in the initial stages, but was soon joined by Anonima (Sharp Azteca). Fondly slugged it out with her rival and the pair took their battle inside the final furlong marker. However, it was the Graham Motion trainee who surged ahead before the wire. Early On (Union Rags) was up for second. The final running time was 1:42.51. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: $50,000 '23 FTKOCT. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Brereton C Jones (KY); T-H. Graham Motion. Fondly stretches out and remains perfect in the Virginia Oaks! Onto the Kentucky Oaks! @grahammotion trains and @iradortiz was aboard! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pcacBTugQL — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025 The post Fondly Signs Off On Points For Kentucky Oaks At Colonial Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After running a lengthy March 2 opinion piece by Noah Shachtman that questioned why so much money from slot machines, casinos and other subsidies was being to paid to what Shachtman describes as a dying industry in horse racing, the New York Times let its readers have their say. Saturday's edition included five letters to the editor, all from people reacting to a piece entitled “Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why Are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive?” Five letters were published, including one from NTRA CEO Tom Rooney and another from PETA Vice President Kathy Guillermo. Rooney focused in on the positive economic impact the sport produces for not just racing but for many industries. “Mr. Shachtman's essay about horse racing gave short shrift to the sport's upside,” Rooney wrote, “including its positive economic impact. Thoroughbred racing in the United States, according to 2023 data collected by the American Horse Council, has an annual economic impact of $37 billion. It supports 491,000 jobs, thousands of farms and related businesses. Protecting those jobs and reinvesting in racing is no different than measures that states take to support other sports and businesses that are important to local economies and cultures.” He continues: (Shachtman's) essay also discounted racing's safety record and its popularity. The sport has never been safer, with 2024 producing the lowest rate of fatal injury since the data have been kept. And, while the sport may not have the standing it did in the days of Seabiscuit, when the gates open for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, that event will attract 150,000 attendees and more television viewers than any single game of the World Series, the N.B.A. finals or the Stanley Cup.” Guillermo thinks the answer is to replace live racing with Historical Horse Racing Machines, completely overlooking the fact that would destroy the industry and, in particular, the breeding industry. “The racing industry also cons itself into thinking that its biggest issue is its public image, when it actually has a reality problem,” she wrote. “Hundreds of its involuntary athletes suffer gruesome, catastrophic injuries on the track every year, and you can't spin that away. “There is a solution. Historical horse racing machines–glorified slot machines that allow gamblers to bet on videos from past races from which all identifying information (date, location, names of horses and jockeys) has been removed–generate billions of dollars annually in Kentucky. “These machines circumvent the enormous expenses that make live horse racing one of the worst business models. They are not only profitable, but racing without live horses also solves the dead horse problem. Even PETA would support this.” Nicole St. Clair Knobloch of Arlington, Ma, fell into the pro-racing camp. “Horse racing is a multilevel socioeconomic enterprise that provides jobs at all levels,” she writes. “Shutting down the sport would mean that those jobs, and the livelihood and meaning derived from them, would never be replaced. Racing-related businesses run from conglomerates to individual trainers, grooms and jockeys, who are perpetual free agents, looking for the next great ride.” She continued: “It's critical that improvements to the animals' welfare are happening; there are many industries where worker treatment needs improvement. But those improvements are made possible by more public opportunity to enjoy the sport, as there surely will be with the rehabbing of storied tracks like Belmont and Pimlico, providing beauty, nature, animals and afternoon fun right on Long Island and in Baltimore.” Alex Hanson of Geneva, New York, also took exception to the New York Time story. “Noah Shachtman's essay portrays horse racing as a sport that is corrupt and dependent on government subsidies to survive while exploiting the animals and workers within it,” he wrote. “But it doesn't paint the whole picture. My father has bred standardbred horses for more than 40 years. His love and care for the animals is profound, and his work has taught me so much about building relationships with people across a range of experiences and identities. I did not recognize my father or the people I have encountered in the harness horse industry in Mr. Shachtman's piece. The good aspects of this sport and the good people involved in it deserve to be seen.” Judith Mazzucco, from Clarksburg, New Jersey focused on the slaughter issue. “While Noah Shachtman refers to the vast amounts of money involved in the racing industry, the racehorse owners, the investors, the excellent care the racehorses are given, he never addresses the horror that awaits many of these horses at the end of their racing careers,” she wrote. “Racehorses are retired once they have outlived their usefulness as sources of income for their owners. There are some responsible owners who retire their horses to green pastures. Racehorse retirement organizations strive to save many by finding them adoptive homes. Unfortunately, the fate of thousands of these racehorses each year is to be shipped to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. That is the true money trail.” The post Readers Respond to Negative Racing Coverage in the New York Times appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rolando (Vekoma) is on a roll. A sharp, wire-to-wire optional claiming winner sprinting at Gulfstream Mar. 2, he delivered again as the favorite in Saturday's Hutcheson S. Rolando pressed Mucho Macho Man S. winner 'TDN Rising Star' Guns Loaded (Gun Runner) from an outside second and took over on the far turn. He kicked for home in complete control and dug down deep in the stretch to fend off Multiverse (Practical Joke) by a neck. Rolando becomes the ninth black-type winner for Vekoma. Mixteca, a half-sister to fellow St. George Stables homebred and champion Letruska (Super Saver), had a filly by Charlatan last year and was bred back to Street Sense. “He's a horse with natural explosive speed,” winning trainer Fausto Gutierrez said. “You always want a horse that goes long, but in this case, we have a horse for one-turn, and I'm happy.” HUTCHESON S., $102,000, Gulfstream, 3-15, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.57, ft. 1–ROLANDO, 118, c, 3, by Vekoma 1st Dam: Mixteca, by Tapizar 2nd Dam: Magic Appeal, by Successful Appeal 3rd Dam: Call Her Magic, by Caller I. D. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-St. George Stables, LLC (KY); T-Fausto Gutierrez; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $61,380. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-2, $152,860. 2–Multiverse, 118, g, 3, Practical Joke–String Section, by Candy Ride (Arg). ($575,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Pin Oak Stud LLC; B-Highlight Thoroughbreds (Bryan and Peden Fraley) (KY); T-Riley Mott. $19,800. 3–Joey Muscles, 118, c, 3, Khozan–Smokin Red Hot, by Stormy Atlantic. O-John Grossi's Racing Corp.; B-John Grossi (FL); T-Jena M. Antonucci. $11,900. Margins: NK, 4, 2 1/4. Odds: 1.20, 2.80, 14.60. Also Ran: Tapirs Valor, Guns Loaded, Corta Fuego. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #5 ROLANDO ($4.40) dug in late under @Tyler_Gaff to hold off #6 Multiverse to win the $115,000 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by Fausto Gutierrez. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/5lwR1Bc96g — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 15, 2025 The post Vekoma’s Rolando Keeps it Rolling in the Hutcheson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Using copious amounts of speed down the lane, first-time starter Verifire (Authentic–Ruby Trust, by Smart Strike) sailed across the wire at Colonial Downs and earned himself a 'TDN Rising Star' in the process. At the bell, the $1 million OBS buy was in the mix, but the second choice on the tote soon was taken back to run midpack up the backstretch. Ready to fire around the far turn though, Verifire punched the afterburner and won impressively. The favorite, Hitchcock (Quality Road), was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:08.14. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $1,000,000 '24 OBSMAR. O-Resolute Racing; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Flavien Prat and VERIFIRE blaze home in the 6th at @ColonialDowns. @bradcoxracing is the conditioner of the three-year-old Authentic (@spendthriftfarm) colt for owners @resracingky. Jump on the Late Pick 4: https://t.co/B5NybnWR9P pic.twitter.com/LitMUpb9tx — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 15, 2025 The post Authentic’s Verifire Blasts Home A ‘TDN Rising Star’ At Colonial Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam F. Davis Stakes winner John Hancock, unbeaten in two starts, is the expected favorite over the seasoned Built and eight other 3-year-olds in the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G1) March 22 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots canceled racing March 15, citing high winds and corresponding electrical issues in the area. Racing is scheduled to resume Sunday, March 16, at 12:45 p.m. CT.View the full article

Looking every bit a part of the pride, Lion of Justice (Into Mischief–Ever So Clever, by Medaglia d'Oro) rolled out of the gate and scored on debut at Colonial Downs on Saturday afternoon. The effort earned the colt a 'TDN Rising Star' for the effort. Setting the pace, Lion of Justice struck the front, continued to hold sway around the far turn and won by four lengths. Dettori (Munnings) was a game runner-up in defeat. The final running time was 1:33.87. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $1,100,000 '23 KEESEP. O-St. Elias Stable, Talla Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds and C J Stable; B-Clearsky Farms; T-Brad H. Cox. LION OF JUSTICE ($4.00) roared home in @ColonialDowns race 5. @bradcoxracing trains the 3YO son of @spendthriftfarm's Into Mischief. Flavien Prat scores his third win on the card. The Late Pick 5 is https://t.co/e6LRVGsHBP pic.twitter.com/2x38vW2oCI — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 15, 2025 The post Into Mischief’s Lion Of Justice Represents Pride With ‘TDN Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As a result of the severe storms which moved through the area, and are still making their way through large parts of the country, high winds and corresponding electrical issues have forced Fair Grounds to cancel live racing Saturday. The nine-race card had six main track and three turf contests scheduled for the day, but power loss in the area forced the track to abandon the card. Live racing is scheduled to resume Sunday with a first post of 12:45 p.m. CT. The post High Winds, Electrical Issues Force Fair Grounds Cancellation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Both New York State legislative houses have accepted a plan by Gov. Kathy Hochul to provide funding for a new advanced equine imaging screening program at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists Hospital adjacent to Belmont Park.View the full article

The Jana Domino Thoroughbred Foundation (JDTF)'s annual hay drive has kicked off to provide funds for New York-based off-track Thoroughbred organizations, the group announced Friday afternoon. In addition to the drive, the JDTF is offering challenge grants to help horse care facilities raise their profile as well as funding hay purchases. Anyone interested in participating via donation, or any New York-based charitable organization that wishes to apply for a Hay Drive matching gift, can contact Carl Domino at cjdomino@gmail.com. “Hay is the number one need for all equine rescue centers and the availability of good quality hay throughout the winter season and into Springs is essential,” said JDTF founder Carl Domino. “For years, The Jana Domino Foundation has provided local organizations with donations for hay and for 2025, we want to up our game. We are issuing matching gift challenges and helping the recipient groups to raise awareness and meet their matching gift goals.” Founded in the honor and loving memory of Jana Domino, the foundation has donated more than $250,000 to causes that would have been most important to Jana. To learn more about the organization, please visit their website. The post Jana Domino Thoroughbred Foundation Kicks off ’25 Hay Drive, Issue Matching Gift Goals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Tradition since 1995, Santa Anita Park's Derby Day 5K Run & Walk is set for Saturday, Apr. 5 for the 30th running of the event, the track announced Saturday afternoon. The race will kick off at 8 a.m. with participants encouraged to arrive early between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. and horsemen as well as locals are reminded that Baldwin Avenue will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. to all but foot track. The closing extends between the 210 Freeway and Huntington Drive. The race begins from South Lot B for all participants. On the Thoroughbred racing side, first post is 12 p.m. for Santa Anita Derby day, highlighting the Kentucky Derby point race as well as four other stakes, and events will include the Spring Carnival. Derby Day 5k participants 21 and over will receive two complimentary beers, a post-race party, medal, shirt, and admission to the track to enjoy a day of racing. “The Derby Day Run & Walk embraces all that is good here in Arcadia,” said Pete Siberell, director of community events and special projects at Santa Anita. “In addition to our magnificent facility here at Santa Anita, we have access to the 127-acre L.A. County Arboretum, which is known world-over for beautiful gardens, lakes and botanical diversity.” “We also want to thank the City of Arcadia, which is a major sponsor of the race and is again providing police and fire staffing to help ensure the safety of everyone involved. Additionally, USC Arcadia Hospital is a huge supporter. They will have 250 employees participating along with as many as 40 staffers from the city. We expect to have 6,500 people running and/or walking, so this is a big undertaking that requires quite a bit of coordination between all of us.” Registration for the Derby Day 5K Run & Walk is available here, though in-person registration will be possible on Friday, Apr. 4 at the Centre Court at the Shops at Santa Anita. The post 30th Annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run & Walk Set, Record Attendance Expected appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-GP, $94K, Msw, 3yo, f, 6f, 3:00 p.m. ET. A $525,000 Keeneland September grad, DRY POWDER (Gun Runner) is set to be unveiled for Gold Square and trainer Chad Summers. The filly's dam Tell All (Broken Vow) was purchased in 2021 for $240,000 from the Pin Oak Stud consignment by Corser Thoroughbreds while the first-time starter was in-utero. Dry Powder's second dam, SW Whisper to Me (Thunder Gulch), produced MGSW Overheard (Macho Uno). Also making the barrier for her debut is Midnight Myth (More Than Ready), who went for $550,000 during the Keeneland September Sale. Owned by Morplay Racing, Joey Platts and Lady Sheila Stable, the Jose D'Angelo trainee is out of GSW Fioretti (Bernardini). Midnight Myth's extended female family includes GISW Fault (Blame) and SW South Bend (Algorithms). TJCIS PPS The post Gun Runner Filly No Flash In The Pan On Debut At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Find out what trainer says their charge has been “prepared to perfection” for the Irish Lincolnshire The Irish Flat season kicks off at the Curragh on Sunday and boy are we ready for it. The opening two-year-old maiden has been won by some top-notchers down through the years, including Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who went on to bag a breakthrough Group 1 success for the Amo Racing team. There is no shortage of intriguing runners in this year's race, with first-season sires Space Blues (Ire), Lucky Vega (Ire), Ubettabelieveit (Ire) and Supremacy (Ire) represented by their first Irish runners in the 5f contest. The feature race of the day is the €100,000 Irish Lincolnshire, where 2022 winner Raadobarg (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) will be bidding to regain his crown. However, the task is far from a straightforward one, with Raphael Freire's charge coming up against younger gun Gleneagle Bay (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who according to his handler Stephen Thorne, has been “prepared to perfection” for the race. Robson Aguiar Says Power Blue “Not Far Off” Previous Winners Robson Aguiar | Tattersalls Adrian Murray is bidding for his third successive victory in the opening Castle Star At Capital Stud Irish EBF Maiden [1.40] and the trainer's right-hand man Robson Aguiar revealed that Power Blue (Ire), the mount of David Egan, is likely the pick of the Mullingar-based handler's trio. Successful 12 months back with Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev) and in 2023 with Bucanero Fuerte, Murray is also represented by Leblon Beach (GB) and Stonezilian (Ire) in his quest for three-in-a-row. Aguiar commented, “Power Blue is a really nice horse. There is a lot of Dubawi (Ire) about him, which makes sense because he is a son of Space Blues and he is out of a Worthadd (Ire) mare. He's in good form and hopefully he will win the race. I think he is a good horse but sometimes they don't put their best foot forward on debut. If he puts his best foot forward, I think he will win.” He added, “Leblon Beach is a nice filly as well and I think she will go close. She only cost £5,000 but I like her a lot. She's by Ubettabelieveit, who is by Kodiac (GB), and he won a Group 2 for Nigel Tinkler. The Kodiac cross with Dark Angel (Ire) works very well and we think she's nice. Stonezilian will run well and will get a nice education. I think Power Blue is not far off Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte.” Meanwhile Lucky Vega, who is already up and running Down Under, will be represented by the Josh Halley-trained Zaltan (Ire). He was picked up for €37,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale and is set to be ridden by Seamie Heffernan on debut. Bolger And Coakley Bidding For Best Possible Start To New Alliance There was a time when Jim Bolger farmed the opening two-year-old maiden of the year. His most recent success came in 2021 when Missing Matron (Ire) (Vocalised) made most of the running while Bolger also sent out high-profile horses like Dawn Approach (Ire) [in 2012] to success. The master of Coolcullen relies solely on Slaney View (Ire) in this year's contest, with the Mehmas (Ire) filly set to be partnered by Ross Coakley, who moved back home to Ireland from Britain to ride what Bolger says will be “a good few” of his horses this season. Bolger said, “I think our record in this race has been shattered in recent years! Slaney View will win her maiden anyway and sure if she wins on Sunday we'll take it. She's the first Mehmas we've run and I like her anyway. I mean, Mehmas has a great record, hasn't he? I'd be a fan of him.” He added, “I'm on record as saying Dawn Approach was a cocky young fella who was starting to get above himself. I had intended to keep him for May and then look towards Royal Ascot but we needed to get his back down, and that's why we ran him on the opening day of the season. Sure, the rest is history. We won't have enough winners this season to justify having a number one jockey but Ross will ride a good few of ours.” Thorne Says Gleneagle Bay 'Has Been Prepared To Perfection' For Irish Lincolnshire Stephen Thorne: has a lot of confidence in Gleneagle Bay | Tattersalls Stephen Thorne is not someone you would describe as a shrinking violet. But after sending out 15 winners since taking out his licence late last year, the trainer has plenty to shout about. The native of Dublin will be hoping to take out the biggest pot of his career on Sunday when Gleneagle Bay (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and Independent Expert (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) line out for the Irish Lincolnshire [3.45]–and Thorne is confident that the former can do the business. “I'm hoping that Gleneagle Bay is the one to beat on the form book but it's a big-field handicap and anything can happen. We booked Colin Keane for this two weeks ago. He rode the horse in a gallop at Leopardstown and seemed to be impressed by him. We have him prepared to perfection as far as I'm concerned. My only concern is the ground as he would prefer better going but I think he'll cope with conditions. “Since we gave him a break over the winter, this horse has turned inside out and, even if he only reproduces his last run [when second in a C&D premier handicap in November] he should be in the shake-up. Independent Expert, who placed in an Irish Cambridgeshire, also worked at Leopardstown and she could be a nice addition to the team as well.” O'Callaghan Has High Hopes For New Addition One of the more interesting three-year-old maidens in the country, Copacabana Sands (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}) makes her stable debut for Michael O'Callaghan in the 7f maiden [3.10] and ought to go close. Copacabana Sands posted an eye-catching effort when third in the valuable Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final for former handler Diego Dias and O'Callaghan says that he is looking forward to unleashing his new recruit on Sunday. He said, “She's a nice filly who we happened to acquire in the spring. Her run at Naas caught my eye and I thought she might improve with experience and racing. When she matures and grows up a little, she might have a little bit of talent. Very happy with her since she has joined us and we're looking forward to starting her off. I think she'll run a nice race. I actually think she'll get a mile when she starts to relax and settle. She thinks she's a sprinter but I don't think she is.” O'Callaghan operates a unique business model in that his 40-box yard is never full on the opening day of the season. Far from it, in fact. The Kildare-based trainer has proved to be a dab hand at sourcing quality stock from the breeze-ups sales and, while he admits to finding that market tougher and tougher to compete at, says he plans on restocking again at the upcoming sales. He explained, “For a long time, I was able to identify the value to be gotten at the breeze-ups before the masses did. That has changed now and the value of breeze-up horses has soared. The business model might have to change a small bit–you need to evolve and change. Obviously the market has become extremely strong so, in order for me to still be able to compete in that market, I need to get good orders from owners. “But the breeze-ups suit me because I am dictated by the level of stock I have on the team because it's very much a commercial operation that we run here. We own a lot of the horses ourselves. Your stock level dictates when you can buy horses and there have probably been years that I had stock left over in the autumn by the time the yearling sales were taking place so it didn't make sense for me to be going investing at those sales. When you cut your cloth to suit the business model, I suppose you do get labelled somewhat as a trainer, but I'd like to think I can train whatever I have. A case in point came last week when Positive Energy (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), a horse we sourced in an online sale, won his maiden hurdle at Navan for us. You're always trying to identify different angles as to where you can find value.” O'Callaghan added, “There was a time when you could find a horse at the breeze-up sales that would win an Irish maiden for €50,000 but now that horse is making €150,000 or more. Then the breeze-up horses that look as though they could be Listed class or above, they are making €300,000 or more. The market has become harder to compete in but Steel Bull (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) only cost £28,000 and he won a Molecomb Stakes. Black Forza (Complexity) was not crazy expensive either at £220,000 and he won the Richmond Stakes. It is harder–because people have a lot more confidence in the breeze-ups and the pool of buyers is bigger–but it can still be done and we'll still be there this year. Somebody asked me the other day if I had any good two-year-olds and it made me think that I didn't have Steel Bull, Black Forza, Twilight Jet (Ire) (Twilight Son {GB}) and any of those other good horses we sourced from the breeze-ups in my yard at this time of year so we won't panic yet anyway.” Twomey's Admiral Churchill Should Be Too Strong It's well-documented that Paddy Twomey puts a huge amount of emphasis on keeping his statistics high. In other words, he only runs them when he thinks they're going to win or at least go close to winning. Therefore, Twomey can be fancied to get the turf season up and running with a bang with Admiral Churchill (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) holding obvious claims in the 1m maiden [4.20]. Bought for €200,000 at the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale last year, Admiral Churchill ran twice as a two-year-old, including when second in a 7f Galway maiden last July. He is fitted with the visor for his return and, despite the presence of former Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner A Dream To Share in the line-up, should take plenty of beating. Twomey said, “He's a nice horse who came from the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale. He stepped up on his debut effort to finish a good second in a Galway maiden last year and we left him alone after that. After he finished second at Galway, and considering he had been through the whole breeze-up process, I just felt he had enough done. He's a fine horse and he's training well.” The post Five Things To Look Out For At The Curragh On Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Willie Mullins trainee Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) made the best possible start to his Southern Hemisphere career, eking out a narrow victory in the 2000-metre G3 Sky High Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. The chestnut defeated Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (video). Now trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott for Australian Bloodstock after a reported A$2 million sale, the gelding was a two-time G1 Melbourne Cup starter for Mullins. Bott was happy with the effort and Vauban is expected to point toward the G1 Tancred Stakes, which he has garnered favoritism. “A 36 degree day today as well will help him acclimatise pretty quickly,” Bott said. “It's been a fantastic job for him. I guess he was probably meant to be at Cheltenham at the moment, it'd be much cooler there for him. It's amazing how he's come here and he obviously came over, well recognised in Australia starting as favourite in two Melbourne Cups. “He obviously brought plenty of form and talent and ability from there. I wasn't sure how sharp we could get him and it's hard to gauge over the shorter trials here. I was really impressed by that today. “I think today's been a real positive experience for him. I think he'll walk away with a lot of confidence off the back of that and I think we can see him continue to settle in and hopefully just adapt to the way of going down here.” “We'll head to the Group 1 next start – the Tancred Stakes over 2400 metres. I think that'll be a great race for him and then we decide what we do off the back of that.” Vauban is also early favourite for the 2025 Melbourne Cup. The post Vauban Off The Mark In Australia For Waterhouse And Bott appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sardinian jockey hops back aboard Pierre Ng’s import for city’s most prestigious race and rates him a strong chance.View the full article