Wandering Eyes

By Mike Love Splashem produced an impressive debut victory at Addington Raceway last night to win the Chester’s Plumbing And Bathrooms Mobile Pace for Russley trainer Laura McKay. In conditions that tripped up a few runners throughout the night, Splashem splashed through the surface without a worry. Driven by junior driver Sam Thornley, the three-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding was restrained toward the rear of the field. There they bided their time until the 600-metre mark when Thornley unleashed the winning run three and four wide, seizing the lead from the 400 metres and pulling away to win by four and a half lengths. “They went really hard the whole way, so I thought I’d save him for a sit, but when we got to the 600m I thought I may as well just go. It worked out well,” said driver Sam Thornley in a post-race interview. The win gave Thornley his 196th career win, while McKay picked up her sixth. “I didn’t really expect him to win from that draw!” said McKay. Having qualified at Rangiora just three weeks ago on June 4th, Splashem has come a long way in a short time this campaign. “I’m really stoked. He’d been going well at the trials.” Splashem was a $25,000 purchase from the Auckland leg of the NZB Standardbred Sales, and is now raced by McKay’s brother and father. “They’ll be pretty happy when they see the result. They’re actually both in the UK at the moment on holiday.” McKay works for trainer Steve Dolan. “I work my horses in with him. He’s really helped me out a lot.” Downbytheseaside made it three wins as a sire for the night; other winners were two-year-old Helius for trainer Cheree Wigg, driven by Blair Orange, and Ocean Of Tears for trainer/driver John Morrison. Ocean Of Tears’ victory contributed to a double for Morrison as a trainer/driver, with Amass winning the final race on the card. View the full article

By Courtney Buchanan Relief and emotion came hand in hand as Fergus Schumacher brought up his 50th career driving win at Alexandra Park on Friday night. Guiding Dear God to victory in the Junior Driver race for trainer Wayne Anstis, Schumacher broke a dry spell in the best possible fashion, notching up a milestone. He admitted it had been a while since he last tasted success, with his last win over a year ago aboard Matty A but described recent times as a quiet patch. “I’m not in a racing stable anymore, so I’m driving less,” he said. “But I still have contacts if needed.” Though he’s no longer driving as often — having stepped away from a racing stable — Schumacher has stayed close to the industry through his role at Breckon Farms, and remains ready to drive when opportunities arise. “I do still love the driving,” Schumacher said. “There’s nothing better than competing out there — especially against the elite drivers. They’re the ones who push you to outdrive them.” Looking ahead, the junior reinsman has a two-year-old trotting filly by What The Hill that’s starting to show some promise. “She’s a work in progress, but she’s improved a lot this time in,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll see her step out at the end of this year or early next year. Fingers crossed she can do a nice job — we’ll just see how far she goes.” And when it came time to mark the occasion? “Just a couple of beers with a few friends — nothing too big.” View the full article

Track specialist Sinbin (NZ) (Derryn) returned to her favourite Trentham track to claim her biggest victory to date, when she stormed home against the outside fence to win the Bill Tito Book Repair Specialist North Island Challenge Stakes (1200m). The Robbie Patterson-prepared daughter of Derryn had won two of her three career victories at Trentham and made it three wins and two runner-up finishes from just nine starts there in the hands of Mereana Hudson. Hudson was content to settle Sinbin at the rear of the six-horse field but crucially she got her away from the inside running rail after 300m and enjoying open spaces before angling across to the outside rail and better going rounding the home bend. With the field in a line across the track at the 400m, Sinbin quickly dashed to the front and put the result beyond doubt as she won easily by more than three lengths from Old Town Road (NZ) (El Roca) who chased her hard all the way home. Patterson has his eyes set on a special, home track prize for his mare as he targets the Listed Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth on 19 July. “She (Sinbin) is thriving on the wet tracks but more importantly we now know she has to have her races spaced,” Patterson said. “She is quite a nervous type but enjoys Trentham although she doesn’t have to have a bottomless track to perform on. “She has matured nicely and while she is in this sort of form we might as well have a shot at the Opunake Cup as she will get in with a light weight on her home patch. I will also have Our Jumala (NZ) (Zed) in that one so we will have two good chances.” Raced by Sandie Cookson and Angeline Porter, Sinbin is the only foal out of Handsome Ransom mare Monie O’Ceirin (NZ) and is closely related to the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) winner Rememba Howe (NZ) who also finished fourth in the 2010 Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m). The day’s other major flat race was captured by Bradman (NZ) (Pins) who took out the MJH Engineering Limited Whyte Handicap (1600m) in similar fashion to Sinbin as he found the coveted strip of ground against the outside running rail and held out the challenges of Chantilly Lace (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) and Chase (NZ) (Zed) in a driving finish. Prepared by Roydon Bergerson at Awapuni, the consistent seven-year-old son of Pins was always handy to the pace before rider Jim Chung angled him wider on the track at the 700m to claim the fast lane in the home straight. Left in front at the 400m Bradman fought hard as he fended off all challenges to win by nearly two lengths at the winning post. Bergerson paid tribute to a stable favourite who is always thereabouts in his racing and who tries his heart out. “He is such a tough little bugger and he always gives his best,” Bergerson said. “I do kick myself a little that I haven’t placed him quite right as he won a Listed race early on and has tended to carry the grandstand in a lot of his starts since. “He ran third in the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m) down at Riccarton last year so that’s where we are going to take him again. “I don’t think he will have a run before then, but I may give him a trial just to keep his fitness up.” The Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) is the feature flat event at Riccarton on 2 August. Bradman is out of the champion broodmare mare Baggy Green (Galileo) and is the younger brother of Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) winner No Compromise (NZ) (Pins) and a half-brother to four-time Australian Group One winner Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park). He has now won nine of his 59 starts and along with 23 placings has amassed more than $340,000 in prizemoney for his large group of owners. – View the full article

Jesko (NZ) (Atlante), the new steeplechasing star in New Zealand, produced another quality performance in the hands of his co-trainer Shaun Fannin to capture the time-honoured Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) at Trentham. Fannin, who prepares the seven-year-old alongside his wife Hazel, produced a remarkable ride that was befitting of the status of the event as he dictated all of the pace while conserving as much energy as possible for the last 600m slog in tough conditions. Jesko jumped superbly throughout and shook of the attentions of another champion jumper in The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) with one fence left to clear, but was immediately challenged again by the Kevin Myers-trained Call Me Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry). That pair went stride for stride through the crossing and onto the course proper with Jesko following an inside line that put him two lengths in front clearing the final obstacle. Fannin asked for the supreme effort and Jesko responded as he forged away to the joy of his many supporters to win by three and a half lengths from Call Me Jack with a huge gap back to The Anarchist (NZ) (Raise The Flag) who battled solidly for third. Fannin was proud of the way his charge stuck to his guns throughout while admitting he hasn’t been an easy horse to prepare on his journey to where he currently sits. “Satisfaction is the word, as a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes with this horse to get him to where he is today,” Fannin said. “Hazel and I and a lot of owners are involved in this horse, which is what racing is all about and I’m sure they have got a big thrill out of this win. “I was concerned when we saw the field come out as there didn’t look to be a real leader in the race and although he was keen in front he can also baulk at the fences when he is like that. “He landed in front (over every fence) and grabbed the bit when something came up to challenge him. I wasn’t concerned when Call Me Jack came up beside us as it probably helped my horse a little bit. “He does stay really well and came away at the finish.” Fannin now has his eyes on the $200,000 Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton in August, a race he has won the last three editions of aboard reigning New Zealand Jumper of the Year West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) and looks likely to try and defend his crown once again. Raced by a large group of owners that includes Fannin himself and recent additions the micro share syndicator RNZ Frac Club 6 Syndicate, Jesko has won seven races and placed in a further six for over $170,940 in stakes after Fannin purchased him for just $3,300 via gavelhouse.com in 2021. View the full article

A tenacious front-running performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill added a first city victory to Puntin’s (NZ) (Super Seth) burgeoning record. The New Zealand-bred three-year-old gelding has now had six starts for four wins and two seconds, earning A$184,400 for his big group of owners. Puntin stepped up to 1400m on Saturday after a narrow last-start defeat over 1250m at Canterbury on June 9. Drawn gate seven in a nine-horse field, Puntin was pushed forward by jockey Ash Morgan and quickly took up the lead. He never relinquished that position, digging deep when challenged in the straight and holding on to score a tough win by a short neck. “I was open to taking a sit today, but they put me into a position where had to grab the bull by the horns a little bit,” Morgan said. “Luckily, when he was there, he relaxed for me really well. “I felt like I was going to be vulnerable late because of that work in the first furlong, but he is an incredibly tough horse with a lovely attitude. He kept sticking his head out.” Puntin brought up the 150th win of a career-best season for expat New Zealand trainer Bjorn Baker. “It’s never easy to win on a Saturday and I think there is more in store for Puntin, he has a great winning record,” Baker said. “He was tough and it was a good ride. I still think the best is yet to come, once we get him up over a bit further.” Puntin was bred by Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock, who also raced the gelding’s Caulfield Guineas-winning sire Super Seth. Now standing at Waikato Stud, Super Seth has made an enormous impact this year with Group One-winning progeny Feroce (NZ), Linebacker (NZ), La Dorada (NZ) and Maison Louis (NZ). Puntin is out of the winning Encosta De Lago mare Stella Grace, who is a full-sister to the stakes winner Risk Aversion and a half-sister to the multiple Group Two winner Shania Dane (Danehill). Three-quarter-sister Subsequent is the dam of Group One winner Summer Passage (Snitzel). Haunui Farm offered Puntin during Book 1 of Karaka 2023, where Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock bought him for $60,000. View the full article

Matamata trainers Ken and Bev Kelso sent Levakia (NZ) (Priosir) on a big road trip on Saturday in search of reasonable track conditions, and the plan paid off with victory in the $60,000 ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Ruakaka. Seventh over 1400m and 1500m in two appearances at Te Rapa in April and May, the Proisir filly stepped up to 1600m on Saturday and was strongly backed into $2.90 second favouritism behind Acapelago (NZ) (Belardo). Jockey Jasmine Fawcett took up a midfield position in fifth along the rail, then angled Levakia to the outside coming up to the home turn. She warmed into her work stylishly down the straight, finishing over the top of Casemiro (NZ) (Contributor) to win by half a length. “She did a good job today,” Ken Kelso said. “It’s a big trip to Ruakaka, but it’s not a bad stake for this time of the year and we thought she’d appreciate the better track conditions up there. We also have a feeling she might be a little bit better right-handed. So it worked out well today. “We’ll get her home now, have a look at her and make a plan. We won’t be in any rush with her. She doesn’t like the really heavy winter tracks, and going all the way to Ruakaka and back is a big day – we wouldn’t want to ask that of her too many times in a preparation. “She’s continuing to improve with a bit of time. In the long run I think she might get up over a bit more ground. She’s out of a Rip Van Winkle mare and can take a while to really wind up, so a bit more distance might be her go eventually.” Saturday’s race was Fawcett’s first raceday ride on Levakia. “We ended up in quite a handy position, and then I got her out before the turn and I knew she was going to have a good turn of foot in the straight,” she said. “They sent her up here today for a better track, which she seemed to appreciate.” Levakia has now had nine starts for two wins, three placings and $63,815 in stakes. The promising filly races in the colours of Ancroft Stud’s Philip and Catherine Brown, who along with co-owners Tony and Mary Enting have had an incredible run with daughters of Proisir in the Kelso stable – headed by the multiple Group One winners Legarto (NZ) and Levante (NZ). Levakia was offered by breeders Curraghmore in the 2023 NZB National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, where Ancroft Stud bought her for $105,000. View the full article

New Zealand-bred gelding Rolling Magic (NZ) (Per Incanto) continued his progress through the grades with a stylish first-up win in the A$120,000 Midway Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The son of Per Incanto disappointed his trainers Richard and Will Freedman in the early stages of his career, but turned a corner last spring with three wins and then a placing in the A$500,000 Four Pillars (1500m). “After his first prep, he was only a stone’s throw away from the Inglis Digital Sale,” Will Freedman said. “We tipped him out for five months and he came back a 50 times better horse than what he was. As soon as you threaten the box door, they put in a good one.” Rolling Magic was troubled by a foot abscess earlier this year and finished fourth and sixth in a preparation that was limited to two appearances in February and March. But he returned to action on a winning note on Saturday, finishing over the top of the front-runner Khumbila (All Too Hard) to score by a half-neck. “His coat is quite woolly and he was really fresh pre-race in the mounting yard and even in the barrier,” jockey Josh Parr said. “I think there is good improvement to come, but thankfully he has got the job done today.” Rolling Magic’s 11-start career has now produced four wins, three placings and A$184,950 in stakes. “I probably got it wrong because I told not only the press, but the owners it was quite unlikely he’d win,” Freedman said. “There is certainly a lot of improvement left in him, but he is getting closer to where he was when he had a good run of form. “If he didn’t win today, we were going to have another crack at the Four Pillars, but that probably gets thrown out the window now with the ratings points.” Rolling Magic was bred by John Anderson and is out of the unraced Iffraaj mare Not A Jaffa (NZ), who is a half-sister to the Hong Kong Horse of the Year and triple Group One winner Werther (NZ) (Tavistock), the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) winner Toffee Tongue (NZ) (Tavistock), Group Three winner Gobstopper (NZ) (Tavistock) and Group One placegetter Milseain (NZ) (Tavistock). Offered by Sledmere Stud at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Rolling Magic was bought by Will Freedman for A$100,000. View the full article

Tony Pike-trained juveniles Boombox (NZ) (Spirit of Boom) and Ashoka (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) ran their second quinella of the month in the ITM/GIB 2YO Championship Final (1200m) at Ruakaka on Saturday, with Boombox getting the better of his stablemate on both occasions. The talented pair had their first clash in a 1200m race at Ellerslie on June 7, where they fought out a tight finish and Boombox edged out Ashoka by a head. That Ellerslie assignment marked Ashoka’s raceday debut and the second start for Boombox. With the benefit of that experience under his belt, Ashoka ($2.60) was the favourite to turn the tables on Boombox ($4.20) in Saturday’s $60,000 rematch. Instead, Boombox increased his winning margin. Most of Saturday’s seven-horse field pushed forward out of the gates in search of the lead, but it was Boombox and jockey Triston Moodley who came out on top after the first 150m. They controlled the speed from there and were travelling well up to the turn. Ashoka was in close pursuit and loomed as a threat, but he got his head to the side and drifted wide around the corner. Boombox stayed perfectly straight along the rail and kicked hard in the straight. He quickly put the result beyond any doubt and opened up a winning margin of two and a quarter lengths. Ashoka took second by a length and a quarter, with the Stephen Marsh-trained Battle Tycoon (Written Tycoon) and Miss Moet All (Russian Revolution) completing an all-Cambridge first four. “I was planning to go forward, and then I just let him do everything on his own terms,” Moodley said. “He showed in the straight how good he is. “He’s definitely improved since his last-start run at Ellerslie. He was still a bit green that day, but he was a lot more professional today.” Saturday marked the fourth edition of the Winter Championship Finals at Ruakaka, and Pike has now won the 2YO Final on two occasions. He saddled Pacific Dragon (NZ) (Charm Spirit) to win the inaugural edition in 2022. Pike was represented on course on Saturday by Chris McNab. “They don’t seem to be making much ground from the back today, so we told both riders to try to jump and run in the first 100m,” McNab said. “Boombox kicked away impressively in the straight. He definitely has the makings of a very nice three-year-old next season. “The other horse was pretty green too and has plenty of improvement to come. He was just inclined to get on one rein. “We’re looking forward to what’s in store for both of them.” Bred by Alan Jones and Edwina Morris, Boombox was purchased for $50,000 by Jim Bruford under his Brewers Bloodstock banner from the Berkley Stud Book 2 draft at Karaka in 2024. The Spirit Of Boom gelding is the first foal out of five-race winner Viaductress (Sharkbite) and comes from a family line that includes dual Group Two winner King Ivor (Fairy King). Boombox has now had three starts for two wins and $58,500 in stakes. View the full article

Race favourite Billy Boy (So You Think), who was having just his third start over hurdles, produced one of the great staying performances to capture the Aztech Engineering Wellington Hurdle (3200m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Jo Rathbone-prepared son of So You Think made a winning debut over fences at Woodville in September last year before returning to the hurdling caper at Trentham three weeks ago to take out the Manawatu Hurdles (2500m) at his second jumping start. Punters installed the seven-year-old a solid $4 Fixed Odds favourite for Saturday’s contest and in the hands of Joshua Parker he delivered in spades, simply refusing to be beaten after leading throughout the gruelling two mile journey on a deep and testing Heavy 10 surface. Parker had no hesitation in leading on his charge and he set up a steady speed that soon had the field stretched out and chasing as Billy Boy applied pressure with his faultless jumping. Auckland visitor Mont Ventoux (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu) kept hard on his tail as runner by runner the rest of the field tired with only topweight and superstar hurdler Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) (72.5kgs) making any significant headway on the leader as he approached the home bend. Out on his feet as his efforts told, Billy Boy refused to yield and eventually broke clear of Mont Ventoux over the second last fence to win by just on ten lengths from the gallant runner-up who held out a determined late charge by Nedwin. Parker was all smiles as he celebrated the victory in remarkably clean silks while his rival jockeys looked as though they had been dragged around the track behind a tractor. “I just can’t believe it but he is such a tough horse and he just tries so hard” Parker said. “Jo (Rathbone) has done a super job with him as she has never rushed him and he gives you his all as you just saw. “Billy was the one in charge out there, not me, although the plan was to go forward and dictate and hope a few stuffed up before we went again. “He is a very fun horse, quite quirky and lazy at times at home but he has proven himself now and he just keeps doing it.” Billy Boy was bought for just $5500 on Gavelhouse.com in 2021 by then owner Dennis Leamy, who sadly died at Palmerston North Hospital just six days before his horse’s Manawatu Hurdles win. From 31 starts, Billy Boy has now recorded six wins and seven placings and has earned $132,990. View the full article

Dreams came true in the GIII Penn Mile Stakes Friday evening when Dream On (c, 3, Not This Time-Mamma Kimbo, by Discreet Cat)–winner of Aqueduct's Woodhaven Stakes in April–split horses in late stretch after trailing throughout to capture the first graded victory of his career. Cairo Caper (Cairo Prince), a stakes winner at two who finished seventh in the Woodhaven, got up for second while Out On Bail (Tiz the Law), who has never been off the board in eight career starts, held third after pressuring the frontrunning 3-5 favorite Mi Bago (Vekoma). The final time for the mile on the Penn National lawn was 1:35.62. After being twice postponed due to weather complications, the Penn Mile finally ran Friday night only to suffer yielding turf conditions and three scratches in the field of eight. The remaining quintet made an even start with Mi Bago taking the initiative to find his preferred spot up front. Under stiff restraint, he led the field through :23.97 and :48.30 fractions while Out On Bail tracked from his outside. Panagiotis (Violence), the longshot in the field at 39-1, kept pace in third while glued to the rail. Entering the far turn, Javier Castellano gave Dream On his cue and the D J Stable runner responded in an instant from the back. He joined the fray, split horses in mid-stretch, and powered clear in the final sixteenth to win by a length. Like the pacesetter, Dream On is trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse. Dream On has been on the grass since his second career start, when he captured an Ellis Park maiden special weight last July. Sent to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf after placings in both the GI Summer Stakes and Soaring Free Stakes at Woodbine, he finished fifth. Regrouping with an optional allowance win at Gulfstream in January, he faltered in Tampa's Columbia Stakes in March before finally getting his first black-type victory in the Woodhaven. Casse has been publicly high on the $380,000 OBS April 2-year-old. The Penn Mile was his first graded win. Pedigree Notes: The newest of 24 graded winners for Taylor Made's Not This Time, Dream On is also one of 47 black-type winners for the son of Giant's Causeway. Bred by long-time Taylor Made patrons Aaron and Marie Jones, Dream On is out of 2012 GII Fantasy Stakes winner Mamma Kimbo, whom the couple purchased for $1.2 million in 2013 at the Fasig-Tipton November sale. The mare's first foal for the couple was black-type winner Balandeen (Bernardini); her most recent is a Mar. 28-foaled Arabian Lion colt. Mamma Kimbo is a granddaughter of dual Canadian champion Deputy Jane West. DREAM ON ($6.00) made a huge move up the rail under @jjcjockey to take the $400,000 Penn Mile (G3) at @HollywoodPenn! @markecasse trains the talented son of Not This Time (@TMStallions) for @DJ_Stable. Bet the next: https://t.co/TRYSLJ5hdW pic.twitter.com/eYUKzqjEtg — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 27, 2025 Friday, Penn National PENN MILE S.-GIII, $400,000, Penn National, 6-27, 3yo, 1mT, 1:35.62, yl. 1–DREAM ON, 122, c, 3, by Not This Time 1st Dam: Mamma Kimbo (GSW, $242,250), by Discreet Cat 2nd Dam: Bag Lady Jane, by Devil's Bag 3rd Dam: Deputy Jane West, by Silver Deputy 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($295,000 RNA Wlg '22 FTKNOV; $245,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $380,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-D. Stable LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse; J-Javier Castellano. $240,000. Lifetime Record: GISP-Can, 9-4-1-1, $487,740. *1/2 to Balandeen (Bernardini), SW, $372,352. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Cairo Caper, 122, g, 3, Cairo Prince–Summer Clothes, by Summer Front. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Maple Lane Farm LLC; B-Bret Jones (KY); T-Phil Schoenthal. $80,000. 3–Out On Bail, 122, c, 3, Tiz the Law–Judge Lee, by Street Cry (Ire). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG; $110,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Case Chambers, Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher; B-Matthew Nestor (NY); T-Michael J. Maker. $44,000. Margins: 1, HD, 1. Odds: 2.00, 15.20, 3.80. Also Ran: Mi Bago, Panagiotis. Scratched: Barbadian Runner, States' Rights, Zulu Kingdom (Ire). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Not This Time’s Dream On Wakes Up in Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

His stablemate Mi Bago was bet down to less than even money and on a clear lead through reasonable fractions, but D. J. Stable's Dream On came running when it mattered to win the $400,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G3T) June 27 at Penn National Race Course.View the full article

Executing a well-timed turn of foot like a seasoned professional, Laurelin (Zarak {Fr}) ran to her odds and in the process swept up the Penn Oaks at dusk. The chestnut came in as a deserving favorite, since her record was without blemish. After breaking her maiden at first asking during the Belmont At The Big A meet last October, the filly picked up the Tepin Stakes at the Big A in mid-November. Turned out for the winter, Laurelin returned to Ozone Park and promptly took home the Memories of Silver Stakes Apr. 27. With four scratches and the field down to five, the Graham Motion trainee was slammed at the windows to the tune of 60 cents on the dollar here. The 3-year-old broke from the outside gate and set up shop towards the rear as a longshot tried the pillar to post method. Laurelin knew what game was afoot and her middle move up the backstretch put her in good stead into the far turn. With a sweeping three wide tip, the chestnut began to turn up the pressure on new leader Candy Quest (Connect) in the final stages. Laurelin shifted into high gear and asserted her authority like the black-type winner she has become. The winner's dam last registered foal is a current 2-year-old colt by Space Blues (Ire). Bari claims six foals, three to race and has tallied a trio of winners, including Maud Gonne Spirit (Ire) (Intello {Ger}) who captured an Irish listed race. As for Bari's immediate family, her half-sister is English stakes winner Brindisi (GB) (Dr Fong) and the dam of G2 Doncaster Cup hero Thomas Hobson (GB) (Halling). Digging a little deeper into Laurelin's extended female line, we find G1 Investec Epsom Oaks heroine Talent (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. PENN OAKS, $150,000, Penn National, 6-27, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.54, yl. 1–LAURELIN (IRE), 122, f, 3, by Zarak (Fr) 1st Dam: Bari (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire) 2nd Dam: Genoa (GB), by Zafonic 3rd Dam: Yawl (GB), by Rainbow Quest (€160,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Newstead Stables LLC; B-M. H. Dixon & Mount Coote Estates (IRE); T-H. Graham Motion; J-Jose G. Ruiz. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $296,250. 2–Candy Quest, 118, f, 3, Connect–Candy Crush, by Candy Ride (Arg). ($225,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Glassman Racing; B-G. Watts Humphrey (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $30,000. 3–Reining Flowers, 122, f, 3, Midnight Storm–Mi Fiori, by Congrats. O/B-4G Racing LLC (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $16,500. Margins: 1 1/4, 3, HF. Odds: 0.60, 3.40, 7.90. Also Ran: Bessie Abott (Ire), Pure Majestic. Scratched: Accent (GB), Love You Anyway, Love and Poetry, Midway Memories. LAURELIN (IRE) ($3.20) keeps her undefeated record intact while winning the $150,000 Penn Oaks at @HollywoodPenn. Jose G. Ruiz was on board the 3YO. The filly by Zarak (Fr) (@AgaKhanStuds) is conditioned by @GrahamMotion. It's time for the Penn Mile: https://t.co/EpTihNew82 pic.twitter.com/IrfTbgyGKN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 27, 2025 The post Laurelin Swipes Penn Oaks Late, Stays Perfect appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat secured his 2,000th career victory in North America aboard Iron Max as part of a memorable five-win day June 27 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

11th-Churchill Downs, $122,025, Msw, 6-27, 3yo/up, 6 1/2f, 1:16.02, ft, 1 1/2 lengths. TAYLOR'S VERSION (c, 3, Into Mischief–Taylor S {SW & GSP, $121,519}, by Medaglia d'Oro) endured a wide trip from a high draw on his belated racetrack debut May 18 and retreated through the stretch to finish about a dozen lengths behind repeat winner Camp Hale (Mo Town) in eighth. Off right at his 8-1 morning line for this second go, the Albaugh homebred scratched down into the one hole and left there running, covering the opening quarter in :22.41. Going along nicely on the bend, he had those immediately behind him hard at work and turned for home with a bit of a cushion. Able to put more daylight on his rivals at the furlong grounds, Taylor's Version kept on well enough to report home a 1 1/2-length winner, giving Corey Lanerie his 1,233rd winner at Churchill Downs and surpassing Calvin Borel for second place on the track's all-time leading jockeys' list. The debuting Bold Strength (Constitution) made up a stack of ground from the back of the field to complete the exacta, then galloped out strongly. The winner's dam is a homebred daughter of Miss Macy Sue (Trippi), who won this track's GIII Winning Colors Stakes and was third in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in 2007. Miss Macy Sue has gone on to excel in the breeding shed as the dam of MGISW sire and 'TDN Rising Star' Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song) and the Dale Romans-conditioned GSW/GISP stallion Not This Time (Giant's Causeway). Taylor S was herself named a 'Rising Star' after graduating in front-running fashion at first asking at this track in September 2014 and was third in the 2015 GII Forward Gal Stakes before annexing the Any Limit Stakes. The cross of Into Mischief over Medaglia d'Oro is now responsible for 28 winners from 34 runners, among them seven stakes scorers. Taylor S is also the dam of the 2-year-old filly Aunt Sheryl (Authentic) and a yearling filly by Flightline. She was barren to Constitution for 2025. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $70,555. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Albaugh Family Stables LLC (KY); T-Dale L Romans. No clowning here, Taylor's Version was #1 in the finale @churchilldowns at 8/1 for trainer @romansracing with @coreylanerie aboard! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/TVh7aDv8k1 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 27, 2025 The post Immaculately Bred Into Mischief Colt Taylor’s Version Graduates at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, The Curragh, post time: 15:30, PADDY POWER PRETTY POLLY STAKES-G1, €180,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Jancis (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Magical Hope (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Survie (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Wemightakedlongway (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Whirl looks set to gain compensation for her narrow and game Oaks defeat and continue the progression she has shown throughout her career. Getting 12 pounds weight-for-age from last year's G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes winner Kalpana, she should be able to make that count with everything in her favour. Fourth in the Oaks, Wemightakedlongway has work to do to get on terms with the Ballydoyle filly and might not be suited by a drop in trip. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 13:45, AIRLIE STUD STAKES-G2, €72,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Artista (Ire) (Caravaggio), Beautify (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lady Iman (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Leblon Queen (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Luna Mia (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Skydance (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: All eyes on the unbeaten Lady Iman, looking to become the official queen bee after True Love boosted her Listed First Flier Stakes form. Ballydoyle fire another bullet at her in the course-and-distance maiden third Beautify, while Al Shira'aa Racing's €1million Arqana Deauville August sensation Skydance is an intriguing candidate off a promising debut effort. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, York, post time: 14:25, AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI CRITERION STAKES-G3, £100,000, 3yo/up, 7T Field: Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never), Lethal Levi (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Paborus (GB) (Recoletos {Fr}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Room Service (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Formal (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: With an eye on the G1 City of York Stakes, William Haggas lets the Golden Eagle winner Lake Forest enjoy a spin over the course and distance. Successful in this track's G2 Gimcrack Stakes at two, it all looks like a carefully worked plan for the 4-year-old, whose main rival is the Listed Surrey Stakes winner Formal from the in-form Andrew Balding yard. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newcastle, post time: 14:10, JENNINGSBET CHIPCHASE STAKES-G3, £90,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Kind Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Al Shabab Storm (GB) (Advertise {GB}), Alyanaabi (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Array (Ire) (No Nay Never), Diligent Harry (GB) (Due Diligence), Ferrous (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}), Fair Angellica (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Havana Pusey (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). TDN Verdict: Kind Of Blue needs to prove that what happened at the start of the G3 Prix du Gros-Chene was a one-off as he bids to put himself back in the conversation for Europe's leading sprinter. All-weather specialist Ferrous is on the upgrade, while Shadwell's enigmatic Alyanaabi is dropped in trip and tried in blinkers as Owen Burrows looks to find the key to this talented performer. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:55, AL BASTI EQUIWORLD, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL STAKES IN HONOUR OF KEVIN PRENDERGAST-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, 10fT Field: Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Deepone (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Layfayette (Ire) (French Navy GB}), Elizabeth Jane (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Roosevelt (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Gotomylovely (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Trustyourinstinct looked an improved performer in the Listed Orby Stakes over 12 furlongs last time and sets the standard, especially as he gave Jan Brueghel something to think about in this last year. As a daughter of Sapphire, Dermot Weld will be looking to get a Group win out of Moyglare's beautifully-bred Elizabeth Jane and she is still unexposed. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:20, JEBEL ALI RACECOURSE AND STABLES ANGLESEY STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 6f 63yT Field: Flushing Meadows (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Killourney Reigns (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Stop The Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), She's Too Kool (Ire) (Far Above {Ire}), Suzie Songs (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). TDN Verdict: Flushing Meadows looks to add his name to past Aidan O'Brien winners Johannesburg, One Cool Cat, Oratorio and Little Big Bear and there was a lot to like about his debut win here earlier this month. Moyglare's Cork debut winner Suzie Songs looks the only credible threat if he lives up to expectations in a weak renewal. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 15:32, TATTERSALLS PRIX DE SAINT-PATRICK-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, c/g, 8fT Field: Diego Ventura (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Darius Cen (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Sahlan (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Dreamliner (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Reach The Sky (Fr) (Calyx {GB}), Dynamitic (GB) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), TIego The First (Fr) (Blue Point {Ire}), Madero (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: With Listed Surrey Stakes runner-up Saqqara Sands boosting the form in style earlier this week, Diego Ventura's third in that Epsom contest stands out as a benchmark for this open renewal. Wathnan Racing's consistent black-type performer has been well placed to add to his victory in May's Listed Prix de Pontarme. Patrice Cottier trainee Reach The Sky was just over three lengths behind Henri Matisse when seventh in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and, brought here after running fourth to Maranoa Charlie in this month's G3 Prix Paul de Moussac, rates an obvious danger. Al Shaqab's G3 Prix de Fontainebleau runner-up Sahlan was 1 1/2 lengths and two places adrift of Reach The Sky in that ParisLongchamp Classic. TDN Rising Star Tiego The First failed to fire in four starts after annexing last year's Listed Prix Roland de Chambure and needs to step up markedly coming back off a narrow handicap win at Saint-Cloud earlier in the month. The same applies to Antoine Griezmann's hitherto undefeated Compiegne conditions winner Uthred. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 16:42, TATTERSALLS PRIX DE BAGATELLE-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, f, 8fT Field: Vadinska (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Eponine (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Alsaba (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Yoga Master (GB) (Persian King {Ire}), Kaadi (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), Relaxx (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Iron Bird (GB) (Showcasing {GB}). TDN Verdict: Aga Khan Studs homebred Vadinska attained TDN Rising Star status over this course and distance on debut last month and lines up for this third start returning off a fifth in Chantilly's G2 Prix de Sandringham. She encounters a sextet stacked with experience, which includes Sandringham second and fourth Eponine and Relaxx. Kaadi and Iron Bird have already registered black-type placings while the Andre Fabre-trained duo Alsaba and Yoga Master come back off conditions wins at ParisLongchamp last month. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 16:10, DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY-G1, €725,000, 3yo, c/f, 12f Field: Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Lazy Griff (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Pride Of Arras (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Puppet Master (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Serious Contender (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Shackleton (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Thrice (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: There is nothing not to like about the chances of Lambourn completing the Derby double, with this track sure to suit even more than Epsom but past experience suggests this is no done deal. Tennessee Stud is one of those certain to enjoy this more conventional circuit, Green Impact comes here a fresh horse spared the stresses of the big tests so far and if Pride Of Arras comes back to his Dante form he poses a genuine danger to the favourite. That isn't even mentioning how much Lazy Griff will appreciate a stiffer stamina test than the Derby and the omnipresent threat from Lambourn's stablemates, which include the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master. Ryan Moore might not need to lead from the front, but as it worked so well for Wayne Lordan in the Blue Riband it could be a case of rinse and repeat. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 17:30, GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €400,000, 4yo/up, 12fT Field: Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Iresine (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}), Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Francis Graffard saddles two leading contenders in this small-but-select field. Calandagan was outwitted by Jan Brueghel in Epsom's G1 Coronation Cup earlier in the month and bids for a Group 1 breakthrough having run second in all four prior starts at the highest level. His Resolute Racing-owned stablemate Goliath, winner of last year's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will head postward coming back off a confidence-boosting victory in ParisLongchamp's G3 La Coupe earlier this month. This stellar renewal also features Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and G1 Prix Vermeille runner-up Aventure and fellow Wertheimer homebred Junko, who has already saluted twice at the highest level. Dual Group 1 winner Iresine completes the quintet. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Whirl And Kalpana Vie In Pretty Polly Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat, who has been riding in the United States full time since 2015, scored the 2,000th North American victory of his career Friday afternoon aboard the Brad Cox-trained Iron Max (Caravaggio) in Race 7 on the inner turf at Belmont at the Big A. Prat didn't stop there, as he also added victory 2,001 as part of a five-win day. “Honestly, when I started riding, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be here in New York and celebrating 2,000 wins, so I'm very grateful,” said Prat. “There's a lot of people along that way that believed in me and gave me an opportunity, so I'm very thankful. The trainers, owners, and my agent has done a great job, and my family have supported me as well.” Prat, France's champion apprentice jockey in 2009, led the U.S. jockey standings last year with over $37 million in purse earnings. He closed 2024 with an Eclipse Award as outstanding jockey after setting the record for stakes wins in a single year with 82 and graded wins in a season with 56. Among his top mounts have been Horse of the Year Flightline and last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone. He's won the Breeders' Cup seven times, the GI Preakness Stakes in 2021 with Rombauer, and the 2019 GI Kentucky Derby with Country House. “Being on Flightline, the whole journey was just amazing,” said Prat. “Wins in the Preakness, Kentucky Derby, obviously Sierra Leone last year was a key horse for me. But all of the horses as well. Every win is special. It's been a great journey and I try to enjoy it as much as I can. I'm fortunate to have good people around me.” Brad Pegram, Prat's agent, added: “He's very disciplined. He's very even-keeled. He's never too high and never too low, just steady–one race at a time. He's very dedicated and extremely competitive. He loves what he does, loves the sport, and is always moving forward.” The post Flavien Prat Gets North American Career Win 2,000…and 2,001 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has settled into a reliable format over the last several years, starting off its first week with a two-day Book 1 and Book 2, followed by a dark day, before the sale resumes with two-day books through the remainder of the auction. With an extra dose of quality entries this year, sales officials have decided to conclude the 2025 auction with a four-day Book 5 separated into Parts 1 and 2. Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy, Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach, and Director of Sales Operations Dean Roethemeier sat down with TDN to discuss the change, and to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions on book placement are made for the industry's bellwether two-week yearling auction. TDN: You're just coming off a season of yearling inspections and placements. What behind-the-scenes factors go into this process in how you construct the September Sale that people might not even be aware of? Tony: The process begins with each consignor's wish list, and we move horses only when necessary to balance the catalogue. Dean: We often get asked: “Why don't you just sell more horses earlier in the sale?” Simply put, session sizes are limited by stabling space. We also have to allow buyers the necessary time to look at yearlings, which is why we catalog fewer horses in Books 1 and 2 to provide plenty of time and space for inspections Cormac: Behind the scenes, we rely heavily on data to help us make informed, objective decisions. The make-up of the catalogue evolves year over year, and we do our best to adapt. This approach has contributed to record-setting results for the September Sale in recent cycles and shows the confidence of our customers in this marketplace. TDN: We've heard a lot about the rise in overall “quality” in recent years. What impact has that had on commercial breeding and how has that changed the sale process? Tony: Commercial breeders have become remarkably sophisticated. The cost of breeding and raising a yearling is substantial, making it economically challenging to produce anything less than a quality individual. Today's market demands quality at every level and breeders are consistently meeting that challenge. As a whole, the yearling crop is at a higher level than it was a decade ago. Cormac Breathnach and Tony Lacy | Keeneland TDN: How have larger stallion books and the presence of first-crop sires shaped your approach to organizing the catalogue? Cormac: Our approach to organizing the catalogue has not changed, but this is a trend that we have seen over the last few years, particularly this year. This catalogue includes more than 1,400 yearlings by first-crop sires–compared to last year's figure of around 850. Eleven of those sires stood for $25,000 or more, compared to just five in the previous class. It's an exceptionally deep and commercially appealing group. TDN: Beyond individual quality, what are some of the key considerations that determine book placement? Dean: We treat every entry as an individual. We've seen well over 3,000 of these yearlings. Physical conformation and athleticism are the top priorities when it comes to book placement. But sire power, strength of female pedigree, and recent sales history are also significant factors. These indicators help us structure the books accordingly. TDN: You've made the decision to divide Book 5 into two parts. Can you walk us through the thinking on this decision? How does this change better reflect the quality and structure of the sale? Dean: This decision reflects the strength and depth in this year's catalogue. With so many high-quality yearlings, including a strong crop by first-season sires, we recognized that the level of quality extends deep into the later sessions–right through to the 12th day. Tony: In 2021, we had an appropriate number of entries to offer a three-day Book 5. The horses in Book 6 were consolidated into a third session of Book 5, and it was well received. We're expanding on this concept this year. With a high volume of entries, we will have four sessions in Book 5 divided into 5A and 5B. While the shift in language is subtle, it's designed to recognize the rising standard of the yearlings in the later sessions. Dean Roethemeier | Keeneland TDN: How have buyer perceptions of Book 6 evolved in recent years, and how do you expect this update to influence how they look at Book 5? Cormac: In the last three years, we've seen excellent activity in Book 6. Over 1,150 horses have been sold to 520 unique buyers, with a very healthy 10% RNA rate across those three years. Tony: The broader perception of what constitutes a particular “Book” is shifting. With today's breeders producing quality stock more consistently across the board, the traditional notions of book segmentation are evolving. We believe buyers will approach all books–including the newly expanded Book 5–with strong engagement Cormac: The later sessions continue to draw serious buyers, including many of the leading domestic trainers and agents, as well as international participants. In recent years, you've seen buyers like Kenny McPeek, Wesley Ward, Donato Lanni and many more among the names on the summary sheets to the very end of the sale. TDN: Is there anything else you'd like to add about this change? Tony: We're very excited about the group of yearlings that have been entrusted to us, and we think the market is going to be just as excited as we are. We'll be spending the rest of the summer actively recruiting buyers from the U.S. and around the world to participate throughout the entire sale. The post More Quality Lengthens Book 5 at Keeneland September Sale 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. Saturday's Observations features a son of Newspaperofrecord. 1.15 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, c/g, 7fT BENVENUTO CELLINI (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is the second foal out of the accomplished Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega) after the Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Giselle also by Frankel. Not Ryan Moore's choice in this Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden won by countless top-class colts including City Of Troy, Coolmore and White Birch Farm's homebred is joined by the once-raced first-string Dorset (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a relative of Winter, and another newcomer New Zealand (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), a son of the G3 Albany Stakes winner and dual Group 1-placed Different League (Dabirsim). 3.40 York, Novice, £25,000, 2yo, 7fT HANKELOW (IRE) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) debuts for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum in a potentially hot affair, with the 750,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase in deep against some experienced peers. A half-brother to the Listed scorer Epic Poet (Lope De Vega), the Karl Burke trainee is from the family of the high-class Perfect Power and last week's G2 Norfolk Stakes runner-up Wise Approach. The post Ballydoyle Unveil Son Of Newspaperofrecord At The Curragh appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Emerald Downs' racing community is mourning the loss of longtime trainer Bonnie Jenne, who succumbed to lymphoma Thursday at age 76. A mainstay since the track's opening in 1996, Jenne saddled 247 winners at Emerald Downs, including 15 stakes victories and over $2.9 million in earnings. “Today is a very sad day in the Washington Thoroughbred community,” said Emerald Downs Director of Publicity Joe Withee. “Bonnie Jenne has been part of every Longacres, Yakima Meadows, and Emerald Downs race meeting since the late 1960s as a highly respected horsewoman. Bonnie usually took the winters off and came back every year to Barn 10 with her hard work and mischievous smile and laugh.” Under Jenne's care, Ladyledue won six stakes and honors as track and state champion filly of 2008, and track and state champion 3-year-old filly of 2009. Other top runners for her included Couldabenthewhisky, Mr. Makah, Naab the Win, Colony Lane, Makah Lane, and Itsallabouttheride. Jenne's final stakes victories were in 2024 with He's Not Talking in the Washington Cup Juvenile Colt & Gelding and Dynamic Secret in the Emerald Derby. Sporting the familiar yellow and green silks that date back to the 1960s, Dynamic Secret romped by 2 3/4 lengths and subsequently took honors as Emerald Downs' champion 3-year-old colt or gelding. Born Dec. 30, 1948, Bonnie Jenne grew up in a house across the street from Yakima Meadows, where her father Ed Lewis won training titles in 1977 and 1978. Bonnie's beloved husband, Wally, a former track superintendent, preceded her in death in 2020. The post Pacific Northwest Trainer Bonnie Jenne Dies as 76 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual champion and classic winner Essential Quality was represented by his first winner June 27 when 2-year-old filly Chopsticks won the third race at Churchill Downs in her career debut.View the full article

The June 28 Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) at the Curragh brings an intriguing clash of the generations as Whirl and Wemightakedlongway, second and fourth in the Epsom Oaks (G1), do battle with their elders, headed by the high-class Kalpana.View the full article

A bay gelding by Poet's Word caught the eye of Ballyboy Stables' Denis Murphy and was knocked down for €52,000 to top the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale Part II on Friday. This year marked the first time the Derby Sale Part II had been staged since 2017. Sold by Drumloose Stables, the gelding just the second lot in the ring, and Murphy said, “I know this pedigree well and I love Poet's Word – this is the first by him that I have bought, I have not been able to buy them. He is one for myself and Cormac Doyle.” The gelding, one of six on the day purchased by Murphy for €210,000, is a 3-year-old half-brother to four winners, including Wild Romance (Kalanisi), runner-up in a Grade 2 hurdle. She was produced by Murphy to finish second in her point-to-point. A total of 113 lots sold from 162 offered (70%) and grossed €1,995,500. The average was €17,659 and the median was €16,000. Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins said, “After two electric days of trade earlier this week, we approached Part II of the Derby Sale with measured expectations. While the market remains selective, the demand followed through from Wednesday and Thursday and it was encouraging to see strong competition on a good number of horses and several new faces ringside once again. “We're grateful to the vendors who supported today's session and to the buyers – particularly those active in the point-to-point sphere – who remain such an important part of this trade. We thank all those who took part this week and look forward to seeing these horses succeed on the track in the seasons ahead.” The post Poet’s Word Gelding Tops Derby Sale Part II appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has released the initial catalogue for its July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, to be held on Tuesday, July 8 in Lexington, Kentucky, immediately following the conclusion of the July Selected Yearling Sale that same day. Fasig-Tipton will continue to accept approved entries up until sale time. “July Selected Horses of Racing Age is a fantastic complement to our July Selected Yearling Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “This year's catalogue has quality at all levels, from graded stakes winners down to impressive debut performers still eligible for their maiden condition.” Offerings of note include: Giant Mischief (Hip 313): Grade I performing son of Into Mischief was recently third in GIII Aristides S. at Churchill Downs May 31. Consigned by Elite, agent. New King (Hip 324): Four-year-old stakes-placed son of Into Mischief won his most recent start in an allowance June 7 by more than three lengths. Consigned by Elite, agent. Red Route One (Hip 329): Multiple graded stakes winning son of Gun Runner won this year's GIII Essex H. at Oaklawn. He has current earnings of more than $2,100,000. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Rosie Jeeks (Hip 332): Four-year-old filly has won both her starts this year, including the Goldwood S. at Monmouth June 21. Consigned by Elite, agent. Star of Wonder (Hip 339): Four-year-old son of Uncle Mo was third in the GIII Pimlico Special S. May 18. Consigned by Elite, agent. Batten Down (Hip 346): Four-year-old son of Tapit is a multiple stakes winner, including the GIII Ohio Derby. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for Juddmonte. Since the sale's launch in 2013, graduates of the July Selected Horses of Racing Age have now notched 86 stakes wins and nearly $100 million in earnings. Entries may now be viewed via the sale's enhanced online catalogue, which features pedigrees, race replays, statistical links, Ragozin “sheet” numbers, and continuously updated Daily Racing Form and Thoroughmanager past performances. The post Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Catalogue Available Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Now that the Derby and Royal Ascot are in the rearview mirror, it is time for Flat Season Part 2 and that begins at The Curragh this weekend. Every year, there is a distinct shift that follows the high-pressure action on Epsom Downs and Berkshire as the summer envelops all and the paths open up for the various movements of the main players over the next weeks. While Sunday's Irish Derby is the key event of the next two days, the most notable change in tempo is with the 2-year-olds now that the speed tests of the Royal meeting are done and dusted. Saturday's G3 Anglesey Stakes sees Ballydoyle's exciting son of Wootton Bassett, Flushing Meadows, take centre stage in one of the few races in which Aidan does not current hold the record. For the time being, that still rests with Dr Vincent O'Brien, whose list of 13 include the revered Nijinsky, Roberto and Storm Bird. Opening Saturday's Curragh card is a key maiden for Ballydoyle, with the seven-furlong Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden now a time-honoured Classic pointer and window into the stable's pecking order. It is the one that City Of Troy took two years ago, the one that played host to Rip Van Winkle, Gleneagles, Roderic O'Connor, Duke Of Marmalade, Horatio Nelson and Lambourn's sire Australia. Ryan Moore is on Dorset, another Wootton Bassett who is grey like his dual Guineas-winning relative Winter, with two newcomers joining in including Peter Brant's colour-bearer Benvenuto Cellini, a son of Frankel and Newspaperofrecord. Get ready for 2,000 Guineas moves if either of these impress. Saturday's feature is the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, where Juddmonte's Kalpana (Study Of Man) takes part in her King George prep confronted by the Oaks runner-up Whirl (Wootton Bassett) in a fascinating clash of the generations, while the six-furlong G2 Airlie Stud Stakes sees the O'Callaghans' unbeaten Lady Iman look to extend her record. At Newcastle, where Saturday's action revolves around the marathon Northumberland Plate, the handicap better known as the “Pitmen's Derby”, Wathnan Racing's Kind Of Blue (Blue Point) bids to get back on track in the G3 Chipchase Stakes having blown the start on his comeback in Chantilly's G3 Prix du Gros-Chene. James Fanshawe and the Wathnan team are hoping that proves an aberration and not a sign of things to come as last year's G1 British Champions Sprint Stakes hero is very much one of the country's leading sprinters. “We left Ascot behind in favour of coming here to hopefully give him a chance to start his season properly and we're looking forward to seeing him run,” Wathnan's racing adviser Richard Brown explained. “I think the July Cup will come too soon, but we will see how this goes before making any firm plans. At the moment, we want to see Kind Of Blue show us he's as good as he was on Champions Day last year. All the signs are positive and he's been working very well but he's got to go and show it on the racecourse.” Also on Saturday, York stages the G3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes for the first time, with the seven-furlong contest moved from Newmarket to serve as a prep for the newly-promoted G1 City Of York Stakes in August. Always alive to big opportunities in his native county, William Haggas saddles No Nay Never's Lake Forest. You know, the one that beat Lazzat in the Golden Eagle. After Royal Ascot, that looks an even mightier achievement than it did at the time. Amazingly, this is only his third run at or around this trip which is threatening to break out of its former “niche” categorisation and give all those “in-betweeners” the chance to shine at the highest level. The post A New Chapter Begins On Irish Derby Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 6-27, 2yo, 7fT, 1:26.43, gd. COMPOSING (IRE) (f, 2, Wootton Bassett {GB}–Epona Plays {Ire} {MGSW-Ire, $208,285}, by Australia {GB}), the subject of support into 3-1 second favouritism, was up in the front line from the outset in this maiden won 12 months ago by stablemate Lake Victoria. Pressed by Cape Sounion (No Nay Never) inside the final two furlongs, the first foal out of the Group 2-winning dam stayed on to score by 3/4 of a length. “She's a filly that will get further, she's uncomplicated,” Aidan O'Brien said of the winner, who had been fifth over six furlongs here on debut last month. “Wayne [Lordan] said she went to the line with her ears pricked and she probably has the makings of a lovely filly. She's out of an Australia mare, so she's going to stay as well.” Epona Plays, who captured the G2 Ridgewood Pearl Stakes, G3 Park Express Stakes and G3 Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Stakes, is a half to the G3 Athasi Stakes winner Dolce Strega (Zoffany) and to the dam of Siyouni's G1 Kingston Town Classic winner Amelia's Jewel. She also has a yearling colt by Lope De Vega. Sales history: €300,000 Ylg '24 GOFORY. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $14,497. O-Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg; B-Renzo Forni; T-Aidan O'Brien. Off the mark €300,000 buy Composing (Wootton Bassett) steps forward nicely from her debut to strike @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/a5C57j6nWI — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 27, 2025 The post ‘She Has The Makings Of A Lovely Filly’: O’Brien Sweet On Wootton Bassett’s Composing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article