Wandering Eyes

Jack Bolton and Nico Case, friends since they were teenagers attending the same prep school, are young and they are smart. Bolton is a senior at USC and Case just graduated from MIT. For many such college graduates that might mean entering the work world with an eye on becoming a CEO or a lawyer or perhaps starting a hedge fund or doing something else on Wall Street. Not Bolton and Case. They have decided to get involved in the horse racing business. The two are partners in Triple Crown Trading, a recently launched racing syndicate that will, like Myracehorse.com, offer micro shares in horses at affordable prices. But there's more. Investors in Triple Crown trading will be able to buy and sell their shares on a secondary market. If someone paid $300 for a share in an Into Mischief colt and that colt breaks his maiden by a dozen lengths, the partners can try to cash in and sell his or her share on Triple Crown Trading's secondary market at a profit. If that same horse loses by 10 lengths, then the investor might have seen enough and dump their shares at a loss. In their partners, they have an impressive line-up working with them. The normal course of action will be to buy into horses purchased at the sales by some combination of Lane's End, Woodford Racing and Belladonna Racing. Triple Crown Racing's first offering is now available on its website. The colt's name is Savion (Tapit), who is an unraced soon-to-be 3-year-old. He was purchased for $450,000 at Keeneland September by Belladonna Racing. Triple Crown Trading owns 20% of the horse. For this offering, the required minimum investment is $2,500, with shares selling for $500 each. Still dealing with issues that all such start-ups have to deal with, Triple Crown Trading intends to lower the minimum costs with additional horses it buys into. Bolton said the buy-in price for subsequent offerings should be around $100. Savion will be trained by Cherie DeVaux. If all of this sounds a lot like Myracehorse, that's because it is. They developed the concept of selling microshares and have been very successful. Their recent purchases include GI Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) and GI Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser (Speightster). “Horse racing is generally only accessible to people with massive amounts of wealth,” Bowden said. “The fact of the matter is that the average American or the average horse racing fan can't afford to get involved. We want these people to get affiliated with the industry in the same way that people with far more money than them do. We think creating a marketplace for shares that are reasonably priced that the average individual can get in on without emptying their pockets is the way to go. That's something that should make the sport more fun for everyone involved.” Bolton said that the costs involved with owning a horse with Triple Crown Trading versus owning a Myracehorse horse will be about 20% less. “[Myracehorse] has this lane all to themselves,” said Lane's End's Bill Farish. “There shouldn't be a monopoly when it comes to the smaller investors. Jack' s intention is to improve on their model.” “Myracehorse has seen very impressive growth and is doing very well as a company,” Bolton said. “We saw what they were doing and saw some opportunities to improve on that. What sets us apart will be the secondary market.” Bolton and Case are still trying to iron out some issues with the SEC, and, for that reason, there will not be a secondary market for shares in Savion, who is expected to make his debut in February or March. But they expect those matters to be cleaned up quickly and that it won't be long before the secondary market is up and running. “After this offering, we plan to raise a little bit of money and go out and create a platform that will allow people to buy and sell their shares,” Bolton said. “Our long-term vision is liquidity. Rather than bet on a race, you can invest in a share and then sell it afterwards or hold for a longer period and customize your portfolio. Nico kind of developed the second part of that ideal. We asked ourselves how are we going to make this better and that's when we saw this as the solution.” On the home page of their website reads the slogan, “Don't Bet. Own.” “If you are a person gambling, your incentives aren't really being cared for very well,” Bowden said. “That's where we saw an opening to say to people that if you are gambler, why don't you become an investor? The people who own the horses are incentivized to make you happy and to make the horses win because at the end of the day they have a stake in the same thing you did. When those incentives align, that's where we thought we found a better business model and a way for people to get involved. We wanted to create something that would really stick out from any other opportunities people have to become financially involved in the horse racing industry.” Bolton and Bowden realize this won't work with just one horse or even 10. The secondary market won't work without an adequate amount of liquidity, which means many horses and many owners. Though they're still in one-step-at-a-time mode, the goal is to have a large stable and hundreds of investors. They will be working closely with bloodstock advisor David Ingordo, whose clients include Belladonna. He says that Triple Crown Trading is an ideal way to get new people interested in the sport. “Anything that brings new people into the business is a good thing,” Ingordo said. “Jack Bolton is young and they're attempting to build a foundation of younger horse owners. You never know where the next Mike Repole, Sol Kumin, Jerry Moss, pick your favorite big owner, is going to come from. To me, this looks like ownership development. If someone can get involved for a minimal amount of money they will have an incentive to go from there. That's something our sport should endorse in general because where are we going to get this next generation of owners?” The post With Help from Major Industry Players, Whiz Kids to Launch Unique Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There is one horse racing meeting set for Australia on Tuesday, December 24. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Wagga. Tuesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – December 24, 2024 Wagga Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 24, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

BH Interview with Solomon Sharpe of Caymanas ParkView the full article

Churchill Downs is title sponsor of the 2025 UAE Two Thousand Guineas Trial, while The Jockey Club in the United Kingdom will sponsor the Jumeirah Stakes at Meydan Race Course. Dubai Racing Club is sponsoring a stakes in July at Newmarket. View the full article

Shamrock Farm near Woodbine in Carroll County has been selected as the home of Maryland's new Thoroughbred training center, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority announced Monday. Designed to accommodate more than 800 horses with room for future expansion, the new facility is located just 20 miles from Pimlico Race Course. “Our goal is to design and build one of the great equine training centers in the world,” said Gregory A. Cross, chairman of the MTROA. “A rigorous examination of many locations in the region showed that this site provides the best combination of size, cost and construction approval process. The collaborative decision to build at Shamrock Farm included input from Maryland's horsemen and other key stakeholders. This project truly continues the path for our racing industry to thrive.” Alan Foreman, general counsel to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and a member of the MTROA board, added, “The selection of Shamrock Farm as the year-round training center marks a pivotal step forward for Maryland's racing community as part of the Pimlico Plus Plan. Located in the heart of Carroll County, Shamrock Farm provides horsemen with a convenient and accessible training facility, close to many of their current operations. This proximity will ease travel burdens and ensure trainers, horses, and their teams have the resources they need to thrive. Paired with the revitalization of Pimlico, this decision demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with the state of Maryland to strengthen the infrastructure and sustainability of our historic racing industry.” The Carroll County facility is expected to contain a one-mile dirt oval built with the same material and layout as the Pimlico track, which will become the primary home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing once reconstruction of the track is finished. The facility will have at least 800 stalls, with housing, kitchen areas and a recreation center for stable-area workers. Shamrock Farm had been under final consideration for acquisition for more than a year, after a consultant retained by the Authority, Populous, ranked it highest on a scoring mechanism that evaluated criteria including location, natural resources, topography, transportation and access, utility infrastructure, jurisdictional approvals, size, and cost of acquisition and development. Populous is also the architectural firm retained by the Maryland Stadium Authority for the project. The Authority will use the Laurel Park racing complex as a transition facility while Pimlico and the training facility are constructed, after which all racing at Laurel Park will end and the property will be redeveloped. The post Shamrock Farm Selected for Maryland Training Facility appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What made the Preakness Stakes (G1) so special was the 88-year-old man who orchestrated it. View the full article

The Dubai Racing Club has announced a new partnership with Churchill Downs which will see the Louisville-based operation sponsor the AED300,000 ($81,660) UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (allowance) to be held Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Meydan Racecourse. The 2024 renewal was won by the Michael Costa-trained Ma Yetal (Flameaway). Commenting on the partnership, Erwan Charpy, Manager, Racing Operations & International Relations for Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are constantly inspired by our leaders to set the bar higher and in working with international partners such as Churchill Downs, we are enhancing racing's profile on the global stage. “We are fortunate that, thanks to the UAE Derby's inclusion on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, we already enjoy a strong relationship with Churchill Downs and this is the next step. “It was fantastic to see G2 UAE Derby winner Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) run so brilliantly to finish third in the 'Run for the Roses' this year and we hope to one day see a horse win both races.” Gary Palmisano, VP of Racing for Churchill Downs Incorporated, added: “Churchill Downs is thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with the Dubai Racing Club through the Kentucky Derby's sponsorship of this prestigious race. “We hope to see the UAE 2000 Guineas Trial winner competing in the [G2] UAE Derby and ultimately earning a spot in the starting gate of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby next May.” The UAE Derby offers the winner 100 points on the Road to the Derby. The G3 UAE Oaks, run in February, is a 50-point race for the GI Kentucky Oaks which is staged at Churchill Downs on the first Friday in May. In recent years two winners of the Meydan race, 'TDN Rising Star' Shahama (Munnings) and Mimi Kakushi (City of Light), have gone on to run with credit in the Kentucky Oaks. The post Churchill Downs To Sponsor UAE 2000 Guineas Trial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Todd Claunch, the farm manager at William Farish's Lane's End Farm, will retire at the end of this month following a 34-year career, the nursery said in a release Dec. 23. He is to be succeeded by Peter Sheehen, a 16-year veteran at Lane's End and its current stallion manager. Claunch joined the yearling division at Lane's End in 1990 and had the distinction of working with champion and Horse of the Year A.P. Indy as a yearling. He was named yearling manager in 1994, managing all aspects of horse care and sales prep while overseeing the developments of Mineshaft, the late Lemon Drop Kid, Code of Honor, Fierceness, Palace Malice, Elite Power and Secret Status, homebred winner of the GI Kentucky Oaks and daughter of A.P. Indy. He was also responsible for preparing client yearlings for the premier sales and counts his greatest challenge and sentimental favorite as champion Rags to Riches, the daughter of A.P. Indy who sold for $1.9 million at the 2005 Keeneland September Sale and who would go on to defeat Curlin in the 2007 GI Belmont Stakes. Claunch served as an assistant farm manager until 2020 when he took over from the retiring Mike Cline, who had served as farm manager from the inception of Lane's End in 1979. “Todd's service and contributions to Lane's End over three decades have been immeasurable,” said Lane's End Farm President Bill Farish. “Todd is a true horseman, and I feel that his commitment to the horses and love of the farm provided the foundation of our successful yearling and sale operation. As farm manager over the past four years, Todd worked tirelessly to lead the farm staff and to position us for the future. We are very grateful for his years of dedication to Lane's End.” He continued, “We are pleased to announce that Peter Sheehan will serve as farm manager beginning with the new year. Peter has been a member of the Lane's End team for 16 years and was mentored by Todd in the yearling division. Peter's knowledge of all divisions of the farm is unparalleled and I look forward to working with him in this important role.” Of his tenure at Lane's End, Claunch said, “It has been an incredible privilege to work for Mr. Farish and Bill. They task their managers and team with putting the horse first. Being part of the great operation they have built has been the opportunity of a lifetime and I am immensely thankful. I look forward to following the farm's future generations of racehorses and stallions.” The post Lane’s End Farm Manager Todd Claunch Retiring appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Since Down Broadway became the first horse to transition to a second career via New York's TAKE THE LEAD Thoroughbred Retirement Program, the organization has contributed better than $2 million to accredited aftercare organizations, and by year's end, the total will be over $2.3 million. TAKE THE LEAD's partner program, TAKE2, has now distributed more than $1 million in prize money and awards to Thoroughbreds competing at recognized hunter/jumper shows across the country. “We could not have accomplished so much on the path that Rick Violette started us on more than 10 years ago without the support and dedication of so many people,” said TAKE THE LEAD and TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore. “First and foremost, we thank New York's owners and trainers and jockeys who provide not only the majority of the funding for our programs but also work with us to make sure that our racehorses get the safe retirement they deserve. “The aftercare organizations do incredible work transitioning the horses to second careers that suit them the best, and we have a team of veterinarians and vanning companies to make the transition from the track as smooth as possible.” TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD were created by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) during Violette's tenure as president. “There are also countless private donors who give what they can, they are all part of our aftercare family, and we are so appreciative of their support,” TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg said. “It is both awe-inspiring and humbling to be a part of a cause that is solely focused on doing right by these amazing horses. They give so much to us, and it is our duty to do all we can for them. This is the perfect time to say thank you to the horses, and to all who support TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD.” The post Milestone Year for TAKE THE LEAD, TAKE2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dubai Racing Club has today announced a new partnership with the Jockey Club, the UK's largest racecourse group. The partnership will see a little slice of England come to Meydan on Friday, January 3 when the AED300,000 Jumeirah Stakes, for three-year-olds over seven furlongs on turf, becomes the Jumeirah Stakes Sponsored by The Jockey Club. Representatives from Dubai Racing Club will also travel to Newmarket's July Course on Friday, July 11, during the prestigious July Festival, when the club will sponsor the Dubai Racing Club Handicap Stakes over five furlongs. Erwan Charpy, manager of racing operations and international relations for Dubai Racing Club, said, “Our leaders teach us always to look forward and in working with global partners to enhance the sport, we are embodying that. “Racing, now more than ever, is an international sport and we are very happy to work with the Jockey Club in boosting relationships between the UAE and the UK.” Sophie Able, Newmarket Racecourses and international director for the Jockey Club, added, “We are delighted to be partnering with Dubai Racing Club in 2025 and to be working together to promote each other's race programmes to our horsemen, existing racegoers, followers of the sport and to new fans.” The post Dubai Racing Club Partners With The Jockey Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If this seems a strangely specific category, that's because it is. There are two dozen sires standing in Kentucky at $10,000, a fee that attempts to preserve their dignity against a candid slide into the bargain basement. Though you're only a cent away from offering your stallion at four figures, you want him to look accessible without being low-rent. Only a couple are newcomers, all of which were dealt with separately in opening this series. Otherwise this is chiefly the bracket of youngish stallions whose rookie vogue is spent, anxious for fresh momentum after launching either at the sales or on the racetrack. But there's also the occasional older sire, who has achieved an elusive viability through a record of understated accomplishment. MIDNIGHT LUTE is one admirable example, with as many Grade I performers as he has crops, but most venerable of all is MINESHAFT who approaches his 25th birthday dignified by fourth place in the general sires' table. This, of course, has primarily been the work of Senor Buscador in the desert, but Mineshaft has had seven other Grade I winners across his career and another millionaire operating right now in Hoist the Gold. With those aristocratic genes, there can't be too many better options for affordably proving a mare. One of his studmates had a similar outlier, Country Grammer, a couple of years ago. But TONALIST has never really been given much of a chance by commercial breeders despite actually delivering black-type and graded-stakes performers at a similar ratio to his neighbor Liam's Map, whose undoubted merit is reflected in a fee four times higher. Another in the same barn, UNION RAGS, has meanwhile completed a dizzy fall from grace, having traded at $60,000 as recently as 2020, but has just come up with a sixth elite winner in Power Squeeze and surely rates as very good value now that he has reached this humbling level. CONNECT is another Lane's End stallion down in price, having traded at $25,000 a couple of years ago, though his flagbearer Rattle N Roll has confirmed how well his stock matures by winning a graded stakes for the fourth year running. It feels pretty remarkable that even siring the GI Kentucky Derby winner hasn't sufficed to elevate GOLDENCENTS from this fee. Admittedly his overall body of work remains more about quantity than quality, but those that look like runners have every right to prove so. Certainly Mystik Dan's breeders are glad that they used one of Into Mischief's first stars even at what has proved a career-high $25,000 (a fee Goldencents had earned through the endeavors of his own first crop, which included millionaires By My Standards and Mr. Money). Goldencents was the most prolific freshman of 2018, but that brings no guarantees and last year's champion rookie MITOLE now finds himself trimmed from $15,000 (opened at $25,000) despite entertaining as many as 168 mares last spring! He has obviously always had volume behind him, and this year (as last) mustered a solitary graded stakes winner, but cumulatively Mitole boasts the highest ratio of winners to named foals among the principals of the intake. Goldencents | Sarah Andrew Among his peers AUDIBLE has taken a similar cut, his book having come right down this year, but he can point to sophomores like millionaire My Mane Squeeze moving him up the class rankings, from fifth as freshman to second this year. Those to have launched their first juveniles this year include the sire of Grade II winner Minaret Station, INSTILLED REGARD, while HONOR A.P. is a horse I have always really admired. Vexingly underrated on the racetrack, he made a perfectly respectable start with his first runners for one that was never going to break out as champion freshman. Watch for his sophomores round two turns in 2025. Standout performer at this fee at the weanling sales was DRAIN THE CLOCK ($55,038) who conspicuously sent hardly any foals home: 39 sold of 43 offered, an exceptional clearance rate. His speed has plainly made him of compelling interest to pinhookers. The trio that opened for business this year, meanwhile, all take a small clip from $12,500 despite successfully assembling a three-figure debut book: 159 mares for TWO PHIL'S, 158 for ZANDON and 102 for DR. SCHIVEL. VALUE PODIUM Bronze: TACITUS (Tapit–Close Hatches , by First Defence), $10,000, Taylor Made In contrast to his days on the racetrack, where even a haul of $4.3 million could not wholly mask a win ratio that fell somewhat short of his ability, Tacitus appears to be making the most of his opportunities early in his second career. Having covered 188 mares in his debut book, he was never going to leave buyers short of catalogue choice. But he processed 71 of 86 yearlings offered at an average $66,876, a striking advance on their weanling yield of $31,614. That suggestion of auspicious physical development is matched by the progress of his page, featuring what is currently perhaps the most dynamic branch of a great dynasty (Best in Show is fifth dam). Full siblings Scylla and Batten Down have been doing their bit for their dam, herself of course a champion; and likewise Idiomatic (Curlin), whose mother is a sister to Close Hatches. These genes might have earned Tacitus a place on a regional program even if he had never even made the track. As it is, he repeatedly demonstrated their functionality at the highest level, notably in outclassing the GII Suburban Handicap field by nearly nine lengths. His juveniles seem unlikely to be early but whatever foundations he can lay in 2025, Tacitus retains greater potential than we would expect in most launched at this kind of fee. Silver: CARACARO (Uncle Mo–Peace Time, by War Front), $10,000, Crestwood Hats off to the team at Crestwood for doing what had begun to feel impossible. As a rule, the kind of below-the-radar success former 'TDN Rising Star' Caracaro has achieved with his first few juveniles tends to be smothered by the hundreds of mares sacrificed to launch what usually turn out to be mediocre sires on more industrial farms. Caracaro, however, has not only demanded attention but is now also receiving it. Things started solidly, with the 26 members of his first crop through the ring as yearlings achieved an average of $41,745. Then a filly who reserved her sales dais for OBS in April topped the session at $775,000-all this, remember, off a $6,5000 conception fee! Since then, 21 of Caracaro's 43 named juveniles have so far made it to the starting gate–and his seven winners include three stakes performers, notably Kentucky Juvenile Stakes winner West Memorial. His Ocala auction sensation, meanwhile, has turned into 'TDN Rising Star' and dual graded stakes runner-up Casalu. And, just for once, the market read below the fold of the newspaper. Caracaro became one of those rare down-table sires to maintain his sales yield between first and second crops. Still more unusually, moreover, his book last spring soared from 67 to 151. After the devastating loss of his sire, a pronounced Uncle Mo stamp on these horses will be prized more than ever. Caracaro rose through the ranks fast enough to run second in the GI Travers Stakes on only his fourth (and sadly final) start, and that ability was consistent with his page: all three of his siblings either a stakes winner or graded stakes-placed; while the second dam is GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Santa Catarina (Unbridled). Bravo Crestwood, bravo Caracaro. Gold: COLLECTED (City Zip–Helena Bay {GB}, by Johannesburg), $10,000, Airdrie What a tough class in which to make your name! Justify. Good Magic. Here's Oscar Performance, emerging almost overnight as the heir to his late sire. City of Light chips in with Fierceness. Horses like Girvin and Army Mule punching way above weight. The list goes on. Yet elbowing his way through them all is Collected, after three crops, behind only the big two (Justify at $250,000, Good Magic at $125,000) on 16 stakes winners–and meekly asking no more than $10,000. Six of these black-type scorers have won at graded stakes level, including two juveniles on the same card at Santa Anita in October, one of whom went on to be denied by just a neck at the Breeders' Cup. Collected is getting plenty of turf action, which should definitely commend him to European pinhookers, among others, but was of course himself top-class on dirt (shocked Arrogate in the GI Pacific Classic, and beaten only by Gun Runner in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic). His class is rooted in a pedigree that replicates the dam of Blushing Groom (Fr) top and bottom, with classy horses proliferating through the family from Europe to Japan. That's the quality you would expect of a horse co-bred and raised by Runnymede Farm, and he has now finished his career in the best of hands, as well. Actually a Collected filly from Runnymede made $240,000 deep in the September Sale this year. So while he has had to sweat out the usual 'bubble,' welcoming just 53 mares last spring, his results on the track have given Collected every chance now to confirm himself one of the outstanding bargains currently available at any level of the market. Collected | Sarah Andrew Value Sires: The Breeders Speak TANYA GUNTHER In the hunt for value, factors I have taken into consideration include progeny racetrack success, commerciality and the potential for upside. At the $10,000 fee level, I have landed on the following three stallions. BRONZE: Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo–Callingmissbrown, by Pulpit), Spendthrift Farm, $10,000 Mo Donegal is untested as a sire with respect to progeny performance at the track so my pick here is based on the balance of other factors that may work in his favor. He was precocious enough to win the GII Remsen Stakes as a 2-year old and had the class to win multiple graded stakes races as a 3-year-old including the GII Wood Memorial Stakes in a speedy time and a Classic, the GI Belmont Stakes. If I were asked to take a punt on an unproven sire, a son of a prolific sire of sires would be high on my list. The tragic and much-too -soon passing of Uncle Mo brings with it a poignant reminder of the legacy he leaves behind and I think there is a reasonable chance that Mo Donegal could add to this legacy and prove value at the 10k level. His first foals sold well enough and he has solid mare numbers at sufficient quality to be in with a chance. His fee is half that of his starting fee, which I think is a reflection more of the plethora of newcomers than anything else and could present an opportunity. SILVER: Caracaro (Uncle Mo–Peace Time, by War Front), Crestwood Farm, $10,000 Another son of Uncle Mo gets the nod for silver: Caracaro. While it takes a scroll to reach his name on the first-season sire list, Caracaro seems to have outperformed expectations. He has shown some commerciality through respectable median and average selling prices in addition to a 2-year old sale session topper purchased by one of the most astute horse judges in the industry. He is also making a strong case for becoming a stallion that improves his mares, a quality I love to see in a young stallion. Together with the solid support in terms of mare numbers, Caracaro is on a positive trajectory. If he can continue the positive momentum with his first three year olds and next batch of two year olds, his current fee (reflecting a modest increase from the prior year) could prove value. GOLD: Mitole (Eskendereya–Indian Miss, by Indian Charlie), Spendthrift, $10,000 Champion first-season sire last year and current #3 ranked second-crop sire, Mitole takes gold by a pole. In 2024, he has produced six black-type winners and 13 black-type horses. He has also produced a lot of winners (96, the highest on the TDN second-crop sire list) at a strong clip of 51.9% winners/starters. Commercially, he has generated numbers that show his progeny have a chance to pay the bills as well, a nice option. With sizable books of mares throughout his stud career to date, Mitole also has a chance to avoid the dip in headline action which can happen when a young stallion's third and fourth crops come online and he can build on his current momentum. TIM HAMLIN BRONZE: Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo–Callingmissbrown, by Pulpit), Spendthrift Farm, $10,000. I'm impressed with his foals. They have lots of balance and lots of leg and they should sell well as yearlings. SILVER: Dr. Schivel (Violence–Lil Nugget, by Mining for Money), Taylor Made Farm, $10,000 Dr. Schivel has all the right angles for me. He is also is a very athletic-looking horse who should have correct, athletic-looking babies. GOLD: Drain the Clock (Maclean's Music–Manki, by Arch), Gainesway, $10,000 It's all about the athleticism for me. Drain the Clock's foals were so balanced, correct and smoothing-moving. They look like fast, early runners. The post Kentucky Value Sires For 2025–Part 3: The $10K Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The late Hall of Fame jockeys Walter Blum, John Rotz and Bobby Ussery will be honored at the 10th annual Jockeys and Jeans Fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) to be held Saturday, Jan. 11, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Blum was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of a newspaper delivery person, and was inducted into the Jewish Hall of Fame in 1986 and into the National Museum of Racing the following year. The recipient of the 1964 George Woolfe Memorial Jockey Award, he became president of the Jockeys' Guild until he retired in 1974. Blum, winner of nearly 4400 races, passed away in March 2024. Rotz joined racing's hall of fame in 1983, riding such stars as Carry Back, Ta Wee, Dr. Fager and In Reality. Rotz took a controversial running of the Preakness Stakes in 1962 and added the 1970 Belmont Stakes. Rotz died in Illinois in July 2021. Bobby Ussery passed away in November 2023 at his home in Hollywood, Florida, and his ashes were scattered across the Gulfstream Park winner's circle earlier this year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980, Ussery won the 1960 Preakness Stakes and the Kentucky Derby back-to-back in 1967 and 1968, the latter aboard the subsequently famously disqualified Dancers Image. All three won the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, the site of the upcoming Jockeys and Jeans event. It will include videos of each of the three riders and a commemorative plaque presented to special people in their lives. Tickets for the event can be purchased here. The post Deceased HOF Jockeys To Be Honored At Jockeys And Jeans Event 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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Luxembourg (Ire), a four-time Group 1 winner at ages two, three, four and five, has been introduced on Coolmore's National Hunt roster at a fee of €7,000. The son of Camelot (GB) will stand at The Beeches Stud in Co Waterford. Bred by Ben Sangster, who sold him as a yearling for €150,000 to MV Magnier, Luxembourg's top-level wins came in the Futurity Trophy, Irish Champion Stakes, Tattersalls Gold Cup and Coronation Cup. Coolmore's team of jumps stallions runs to 16 and includes the 2015 co-Horse of the Year Crystal Ocean (GB), whose fee is €8,000, along with winners of the Derby, Irish Derby and Deutsches Derby: Wings Of Eagles (Fr) (€4,000), Hurricane Lane (Ire) (€5,000), Santiago (Ire) (€5,000) and In Swoop (Ire) (€3,000). The reigning champion National Hunt sire Walk In The Park (Ire), who is based at Grange Stud, stands for a private fee. Westerner (GB), who turns 26 on January 1, and Soldier Of Fortune (Ire), who is rising 21, have both been retired from the roster for 2025. The post Luxembourg To Stand at €7,000 at The Beeches Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matscot will take his place in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. Photo: Race Images South Sharon Robertson had a taste of the Group One action at Ellerslie nearly 16 years ago, and on Boxing Day she will return to the northern headquarters with Matscot taking on the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2050m). Back in 2008, the Canterbury horsewoman took her stable star Delbrae to Ellerslie to contest the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m), where he finished just out of the placings behind Sir Slick. The race was Delbrae’s final start in a highly successful career, where he won just shy of $500,000 in stakes, with victories in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m), Listed Spring Classic (2000m), Group 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) and Group 2 Coupland’s Mile (1600m). “We travelled up from Canterbury then and Vinnie (Colgan) rode him, I think he got fourth,” Robertson said. “He’s about 24 now, still happy and he’s got a lovely home.” Matscot, a horse co-bred by Robertson and her partner Alan Reeves, had big shoes to fill and has come close to matching the feats of Delbrae so far in his career, winning the Listed Spring Classic (2000m) and $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) last term. As a seven-year-old, his upward trajectory only continued, placing in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Group 3 TAB Mile (1600m) through the spring. The gelding was awkwardly away from the barriers in the Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) earlier this month and finished ninth, but his closing sectionals were only bettered by Ladies Man and La Crique, indicating a step-up over ground was looming. Colgan partnered the son of Haradasun in the Arrowfield and will be back on board this Thursday, having drawn the ace barrier in a high-class field. “He missed away a bit and his sectionals were very good, but he’s looking for 2000m now, which he will get here, and we’ll have Vinnie back on him,” Robertson said. “He will fly out today (Monday). Hopefully everything goes to plan on Thursday. I think he can be right there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Rory Hutchings has returned to New Zealand for a three-month riding stint. Photo: Trish Dunell A decade ago, Rory Hutchings had the most successful day of his career at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and the expat Kiwi hoop will kick off a stint riding in his homeland at the iconic meeting this Thursday. Hutchings was a three-time champion apprentice jockey in New Zealand whilst under the tutelage of Graeme Rogerson, for whom he won his first Group One aboard Soriano in the 2014 edition of the Zabeel Classic (2000m). “That was the greatest day I’ve had on a racecourse for sure, I was apprenticed to Rogey and he trained her,” Hutchings said. “Denise (Howell) owned Soriano and she was like a second mother to me while I was an apprentice, I still keep in touch with her now. That trophy sits pride of place in the trophy cabinet at my house.” Hutchings has spent much of his twenties riding in New South Wales, winning a champion apprentice crown in Sydney while indentured to champion trainer and fellow New Zealander Chris Waller, alongside victories up to Group Two level. Taking notice of the increase in stakes back home this season, Hutchings decided to return to the Waikato temporarily, enjoying his first Christmas at home in a number of years. “It had been playing on my mind, I talked to Aidan Rodley about three months ago and we started to get the ball rolling,” he said. “It’s been a pretty good season so far (in Australia), I’m riding at a pretty high strike rate and had a few metropolitan winners, which is always good. I’ve noticed probably in the last month that the rides have slimmed up a little bit, there are a lot of UK and Irish riders over on their winter break which makes things a bit more competitive. “Obviously with the increase in prizemoney, I saw a good opportunity here and thought I would come back and have a go for a few months. It’s really good, probably in the last 12 months it’s gotten the boost that it really needed. New Zealand is a jurisdiction that’s always had the promise and I think we’re finally going to see that potential come to fruition now. “I’ll just spend Wednesday with my family, I don’t think I’ve been home for Christmas for about seven years, so that will be good. My little sister has just had a baby a couple of weeks ago, so it’ll be nice to spend time with them.” Hutchings has picked up rides in each of the three Group races on Thursday, including course-proven Group One winner El Vencedor in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m). The son of Shocking upset star mare Legarto when claiming the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) in March, a performance he emulated when winning the Group 3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. At his most recent appearance, El Vencedor finished at the tail of the field in the Group 1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m), a run Hutchings is happy to look past ahead of the feature. “At his best, he’s going to be very competitive,” he said. “He missed the kick the other day and had to do a lot of work early, so you can probably forgive that run at Wellington.” The 29-year-old will also partner Customized in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and Real Class in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m). “I’ve got a couple of up-and-coming three-year-olds in tough races for Steven Cole and Jenna Mahoney,” he said. “Jenna’s horse (Real Class) won really nicely at Te Aroha. “I have a couple for Tony Pike too (Poetic Justice and Overdrawn) and his team is going very well.” Hutchings will be based at Matamata, with his former agent in Rodley doing his rides over the coming months. “Aidan did my rides before I left and he was more than happy to help me out while I’m here,” he said. “The plan is to stay for three months at this stage and hopefully be busy and take opportunities.” Horse racing news View the full article

It's all about family for Tom Frary in selecting his favourite horse of 2024, and that extends to this talented sprinter's exciting young sire. Horse of the year: Kind Of Blue There is nothing better than seeing families produce good horses time after time, particularly when they are associated with the same owner-breeder-trainer combination down the years. Kind Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) represents just that, with his original owners Michelle Morris and Jan and Peter Hopper having also enjoyed much success with the dam's brother Deacon Blues (GB) (Compton Place {GB}). Kind Of Blue went on to emulate that former Fanshawe trainee in winning Ascot's British Champions Sprint Stakes, but he did it a year earlier having had some tough battles along the way including when edged out of the Haydock Sprint Cup. When a TDN Rising Star tag was put on him at Doncaster in May, there was little in the way of expectation that he would hit the heights so soon and justify that decision. Deacon Blues was just a useful handicapper as a three-year-old, while his half-brother The Tin Man (GB) (Equiano {Fr}) had a go at the Champions Sprint at that age but could manage only fourth before he went on to mature into a top-class sprinter. He won this last Group 1 at the age of six, while another ex-Fanshawe member of the dynasty, Warningford (GB) (Warning {GB}), was the grand age of eight when taking his third renewal of the old G3 Leicestershire Stakes. Kind Of Blue has all their class, but the key may be that he is by Blue Point who has injected that bit of x-factor to take him to the next level. Have a look at his debut win at Kempton and you'll see it was all there at the beginning, just as it was when another of the stable's kingpins Soviet Song (GB) won on her debut there in 2002. When a Fanshawe horse wins first time out, you have to take notice and it was great to see the humble maestro of Pegasus Stables have such a banner year again thanks to this crack sprinter and the Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). One for next year: Falakeyah This one came late in the day, but the manner of Shadwell's TDN Rising Star performance at Wolverhampton last month suggests she could be one to take seriously. Trained by Owen Burrows, whose horses usually need time to flourish, she is a granddaughter of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Lahudood (GB) from that amazing family of Hukum (Ire) and Baaeed (GB). Like Kind Of Blue, she did what she wasn't supposed to win on debut and although that probably wasn't a strong race she couldn't help but showcase her class. By the high-achiever New Bay (GB), she should stay at least 10 furlongs next term and whatever she does on the track she could be a significant addition to Shadwell's broodmare ranks in time. Stallion to follow: Blue Point Not exactly a leftfield suggestion, but after the start this boy has had at stud the sky is the limit. Shamardal has already given us Lope De Vega (Ire) and now he has supplied another star sire. With Kind Of Blue, the brilliant St James's Palace Stakes and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Rosallion (Ire) and the super-charged Big Evs (Ire) already in his locker along with the exciting two-year-old Sky Majesty (Ire), the way is clear for him to get some top producers and some stouter mares to deliver those Classic horses year after year. The post Horse Of The Year; One For Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Victorian-based jockey Jason Maskiell celebrates with the trophy after guiding the Phil Cole-trained Smuggling to back to back wins in the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) on Alice Springs Cup Day at Pioneer Park last May. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography) Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have concluded their investigation into jockey Jason Maskiell’s ride aboard My Schieller Wood in the Insuremyfleet Maiden Plate over 1600m at Seymour on Friday, November 15, 2024. The $10 PlayUp hope finished 12th out of 13 starters, trailing the winner by 25.55 lengths. Following a thorough inquiry, the Stewards issued Maskiell with two charges, one under AR 129(1) and an alternative charge under AR 129(2). Both charges pertain to the horse’s handling during the race. Jason Mskiell’s Summary of Charges Charge 1 – AR 129(1): Failure to Ride on Merits The Stewards allege Maskiell did not ride My Schieller Wood to its full potential, citing the following incidents: 300m to 250m: Maskiell restrained the horse and failed to improve its position between Just Riff Raff and Vidocq, despite the opportunity to do so. 250m to 150m: He continued to restrain the horse, neglecting another opportunity to improve. Post-150m: After Frontline Action shifted out, Maskiell allegedly persisted in restraining the horse for the remainder of the race, failing to capitalise on available opportunities. These actions are alleged to have resulted in the horse not being ridden on its merits. Charge 2 – AR 129(2) (Alternative): Failure to Ensure Best Possible Outcome During the Race, Mr Maskiell failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that My Schieller Wood was given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible place in the field, in that: a) From approaching the 300m until approximately the 250m, he restrained My Schieller Wood and failed to improve his mount’s position between Just Riff Raff and Vidocq where there was an opportunity, and it was reasonable and permissible to do so; and/or b) From approximately the 250m until approaching the 150m, he restrained My Schieller Wood and failed to improve his mount’s position where there was an opportunity, and it was reasonable and permissible to do so; and/or c) After Frontline Action shifted out in advance of his mount at approximately the 150m, he continued to restrain My Schieller Wood for the remainder of the race and failed to improve his mount’s position when there was an opportunity, and it was reasonable and permissible to do so. Mr Maskiell’s actions resulted in My Schieller Wood not being given the full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field. The charges, classified as serious offences under the Rules of Racing, will be heard by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT). A hearing date is yet to be determined. Under Section 50O of the Racing Act 1958, serious offences such as those under AR 129(1) and AR 129(2) must be adjudicated by the VRT. The Stewards cannot impose penalties in these cases. If found guilty, Maskiell could face sanctions under the Rules of Racing. No mandatory minimum penalty applies to these charges, leaving the tribunal with discretion in determining any potential penalty. The tribunal’s decision will set a precedent in the ongoing effort to uphold integrity in Victorian racing. Horse racing news View the full article

Sharon Robertson had a taste of the Group One action at Ellerslie nearly 16 years ago, and on Boxing Day she will return to the northern headquarters with Matscot taking on the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m). Back in 2008, the Canterbury horsewoman took her stable star Delbrae to Ellerslie to contest the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m), where he finished just out of the placings behind Sir Slick. The race was Delbrae’s final start in a highly successful career, where he won just shy of $500,000 in stakes, with victories in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m), Listed Spring Classic (2000m), Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) and Gr.2 Coupland’s Mile (1600m). “We travelled up from Canterbury then and Vinnie (Colgan) rode him, I think he got fourth,” Robertson said. “He’s about 24 now, still happy and he’s got a lovely home.” Matscot, a horse co-bred by Robertson and her partner Alan Reeves, had big shoes to fill and has come close to matching the feats of Delbrae so far in his career, winning the Listed Spring Classic (2000m) and $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) last term. As a seven-year-old, his upward trajectory only continued, placing in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) through the spring. The gelding was awkwardly away from the barriers in the Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m) earlier this month and finished ninth, but his closing sectionals were only bettered by Ladies Man and La Crique, indicating a step-up over ground was looming. Colgan partnered the son of Haradasun in the Arrowfield and will be back on board this Thursday, having drawn the ace barrier in a high-class field. “He missed away a bit and his sectionals were very good, but he’s looking for 2000m now, which he will get here, and we’ll have Vinnie back on him,” Robertson said. “He will fly out today (Monday). Hopefully everything goes to plan on Thursday. I think he can be right there.” View the full article

A decade ago, Rory Hutchings had the most successful day of his career at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and the expat Kiwi hoop will kick off a stint riding in his homeland at the iconic meeting this Thursday. Hutchings was a three-time champion apprentice jockey in New Zealand whilst under the tutelage of Graeme Rogerson, for whom he won his first Group One aboard Soriano in the 2014 edition of the Zabeel Classic (2000m). “That was the greatest day I’ve had on a racecourse for sure, I was apprenticed to Rogey and he trained her,” Hutchings said. “Denise (Howell) owned Soriano and she was like a second mother to me while I was an apprentice, I still keep in touch with her now. That trophy sits pride of place in the trophy cabinet at my house.” Hutchings has spent much of his twenties riding in New South Wales, winning a champion apprentice crown in Sydney while indentured to champion trainer and fellow New Zealander Chris Waller, alongside victories up to Group Two level. Taking notice of the increase in stakes back home this season, Hutchings decided to return to the Waikato temporarily, enjoying his first Christmas at home in a number of years. “It had been playing on my mind, I talked to Aidan Rodley about three months ago and we started to get the ball rolling,” he said. “It’s been a pretty good season so far (in Australia), I’m riding at a pretty high strike rate and had a few metropolitan winners, which is always good. I’ve noticed probably in the last month that the rides have slimmed up a little bit, there are a lot of UK and Irish riders over on their winter break which makes things a bit more competitive. “Obviously with the increase in prizemoney, I saw a good opportunity here and thought I would come back and have a go for a few months. It’s really good, probably in the last 12 months it’s gotten the boost that it really needed. New Zealand is a jurisdiction that’s always had the promise and I think we’re finally going to see that potential come to fruition now. “I’ll just spend Wednesday with my family, I don’t think I’ve been home for Christmas for about seven years, so that will be good. My little sister has just had a baby a couple of weeks ago, so it’ll be nice to spend time with them.” Hutchings has picked up rides in each of the three Group races on Thursday, including course-proven Group One winner El Vencedor in the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m). The son of Shocking upset star mare Legarto when claiming the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) in March, a performance he emulated when winning the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day. At his most recent appearance, El Vencedor finished at the tail of the field in the Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m), a run Hutchings is happy to look past ahead of the feature. “At his best, he’s going to be very competitive,” he said. “He missed the kick the other day and had to do a lot of work early, so you can probably forgive that run at Wellington.” The 29-year-old will also partner Customized in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) and Real Class in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). “I’ve got a couple of up-and-coming three-year-olds in tough races for Steven Cole and Jenna Mahoney,” he said. “Jenna’s horse (Real Class) won really nicely at Te Aroha. “I have a couple for Tony Pike too (Poetic Justice and Overdrawn) and his team is going very well.” Hutchings will be based at Matamata, with his former agent in Rodley doing his rides over the coming months. “Aidan did my rides before I left and he was more than happy to help me out while I’m here,” he said. “The plan is to stay for three months at this stage and hopefully be busy and take opportunities.” View the full article

Don Goodwin, the breeder of 11-time Group One winner Verry Elleegant, has passed away, aged 86. Goodwin was a proud student of thoroughbred pedigrees, and it was this passion that led him to acquiring Verry Elleegant’s dam, Opulence, to send to Grangewilliam Stud stallion Zed, for whom he was a shareholder. It was purchasing Opulence off trainer Nicholas Bishara that set the wheels in motion for the formation of a lucrative partnership and friendship between the pair, which took them on the ride of a lifetime. “I had the mare, Opulence, we won a couple of races and she ended up flipping over in a freak accident in the paddock and hurt her spine, so she couldn’t race on,” Bishara said. “We put her in-foal to Towkay and we didn’t have land at that stage so we decided to sell her. We put her in the sale and Don, who was into his pedigrees, bought her (for $14,000) specifically to go to Zed. “He put the weanling filly foal in the sales, so we snaffled that up (for $2,000) and she turned out to be (three-time winner) Black Lace.” Opulence went on to have a further six live foals, five of those by Zed, including Group Three performer Verry Flash, Grand National Hurdle (4200m) winner Affluential, and most notably Verry Elleegant. Verry Elleegant showed immense talent from day one and won two of her three starts for Bishara before she was partly sold, with the ownership group expanding to include John, Mark and Rachael Carter and a group of their Auckland friends, along with a number of Australians, including Aziz “Ozzie” Kheir and Brae Sokolski. She was subsequently transferred to leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir, for whom she had four starts, including victory in the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) and placed in the Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), before she joined leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller’s barn following Weir’s disqualification. Verry Elleegant was a very raw individual with her eccentric and ungainly galloping style, but under Waller she matured into a world-class racehorse and won a further 13 races, 11 of those at elite-level, highlighted by her popular victory in the 2021 edition of the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Conquering Europe was on the minds of a few of her owners and the decision was made to head to France with the mare, who had an unsuccessful four-start campaign for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard before she was retired from racing and was subsequently served by Sea The Stars. Her performances on the track earned her a string of accolades, including Australian Horse of the Year (2020-21), Champion Australian Stayer (2020-21 and 2021-22), Champion Australian Middle-Distance Horse in (2020-21), and Joint Head of 2021 WBR Rankings (Ext.). Bishara, who remained in the syndicate of owners of Verry Elleegant with Goodwin prior to selling their shares ahead of her European campaign, said he shared some of his biggest highlights with Goodwin when racing the great mare. “We had a lot of good times together, particularly with Verry Elleegant,” Bishara said. “We had a magical ride. “The only regret we had is that we couldn’t get to Melbourne during COVID to see her win the Melbourne Cup, that was a real disappointment.” While they enjoyed plenty of memorable moments with Verry Elleegant, they also enjoyed plenty of success with her full-brother Verry Flash, who won 14 races, including the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m), and placed twice in the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). “He was a terrific horse in his own right but was overshadowed by Verry Elleegant,” Bishara said. “I think it is an appropriate time to retire him now and he will go to Rowena (Smyth, former jockey) who rode so many wins on him, she will give him a great life.” Through the success of his breeding endeavours through his broodmate gem Opulence, Goodwin was named the inaugural winner of the New Zealand Small Breeder of the Year Award for 2020-21. While racing was Goodwin’s passion later in life, rugby was his first love, and he spent years dedicated to the sport. “He played and coached a lot of rugby, he was very passionate about the sport,” Bishara said. “He was in Suburbs Rugby and he coached the Carter boys (John and Mark of Jomara Bloodstock), and that’s how they got them into the (Verry Elleegant) syndicate.” While Goodwin lost Opulence in 2022 and Zed passed away earlier this year, he was excited about the prospects of their last daughter Verry Stella, who is in training with Chris Waller, who also has her full-brother, So Suave, in work. “Waller has got the cracking full to Verry Elleegant, and they tell me that she is a gorgeous filly,” Bishara said. “It’s a shame he (Goodwin) wasn’t around a little bit longer.” Bishara said Goodwin would be greatly missed, and he will forever remember the great times they shared. “He was a generous man who was into his horses and pedigrees,” Bishara said. “We had a great time racing Verry Elleegant, she was an absolute freak.” View the full article

Trainer saddles up six runners on the expanded card, which is believed to be the first 10-race night meeting at the city circuit.View the full article

What Wagga Races Where Murrumbidgee Turf Club – Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 When Tuesday, December 24, 2024 First Race 1pm AEDT Visit Dabble Christmas Eve racing heads to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Tuesday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. Participants will be racing on the Riverside circuit, and with warm conditions forecast in the lead-up, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet at Wagga: Associate The Danielle Seib-trained Associate appears set to peak third-up in the campaign and looks perfectly placed in the $40,000 Wagga Wagga Ryder Cup (1675m). The Star Witness gelding caught the eye when closing off impressively in the Nowra Cup (1600m) on December 15, getting too far back before exploding through the line to go down by a length. Barrier six should allow Pierre Boudvillain to take closer order, and provided Associate can sit within striking distance turning for home, this guy should justify the short price with Neds. Best Bet Race 6 – #7 Associate (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Danielle Seib | J: Pierre Boudvillain (55kg) +150 with Neds Next Best at Wagga: Tap ‘N’ Run Tap ‘N’ Run returns from a 200-day spell and must be considered the class runner in this BM82 contest. The son of Reward For Effort is undefeated at this course and distance, and although his first-up record appears average on paper, this contest lacks depth compared to what he’s faced in the past. He needs to lug 63kg to victory, but with gate one allowing the seven-year-old to land on the leaders’ back throughout, Tap ‘N’ Run should get the job done despite his lengthy absence. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Tap ‘N’ Run (1) 7yo Gelding | T: Ron Stubbs | J: Jason Lyon (63kg) +300 with BlondeBet Best Value at Wagga: Ferrari Man Ferrari Man drops back significantly in grade after contesting a BM70 at Canberra on December 13. He was only beaten less than a half-length on that occasion and showed plenty of fight when attempting to make all. Glenn Cahill takes 3kg off his back after the claim, and provided Ferrari Man can tick-over a soft sectional or two in the middle stages, this guy will give a bold sight at the each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #1 Ferrari Man (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Andrew Bourke | J: Glenn Cahill (a3kg) (62kg) +700 with Picklebet Tuesday quaddie tips for Wagga Wagga quadrella selections December 24, 2024 1-2-7-13 2-3-7 2-3-4-10 2-9-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

HRNZ will be closed from midday Tuesday, December 24 and will re-open on Monday, January 6 at 8.30am. In the meantime we have staff assigned to cover core roles and will answer email enquiries. The contact point is : admin@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

A new initiative is being launched by Harness Racing New Zealand to encourage new owners. Labelled “Next Gen”, the scheme’s ambition is to be a game changer. “We want people to ‘Own The Thrill’,” says HRNZ Chief Executive Brad Steele, who’s the architect behind the project. “We need to get new and younger people involved, convey the excitement of owning and racing a horse, and provide pathways for trainers and others making their way in our sport.” Total new additional bonuses of up to $600,000 per year will be awarded to the connections of Next Gen horses during their 2YO season. Critical to the Next Gen scheme are the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales at Karaka (Auckland) on Saturday, February 15 and at Christchurch on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Horses must be purchased there and then certain criteria have to be met. Three qualifying criteria : Sire : The yearling bought at the above-mentioned NZB sales must be sired by a stallion with his first, second or third New Zealand crop. In 2025 the Next-Gen eligible yearlings must be sired by : Bettor’s Wish King Of Swing Bird Parker On A Streak Zenith Stride McWicked Tall Dark Stranger Bold Eagle Elite Stride Propulsion Timoko Captain Crunch Lather Up Stay Hungry Face Time Bourbon Ultimate Sniper To be Next Gen eligible one of the following criteria also has to be met : Trainer No member of the horse’s training partnership can have won a Group 1 Race as of January 1, 2025. Or Ownership Ownership Groups must comprise at least four people, where the horse is owned 30% or more by people who are born after 1984 or have never previously been registered HRNZ owners. To incentivise owners to get involved there will be lucrative Next Gen bonuses. Yearlings bought at the sales are eligible for the three Harness Million races – Colts and Geldings, Fillies and Trotters. A $50,000 bonus ($35,000 will go to the owner, $10,000 to the trainer and $5000 to the breeder) will be awarded to the first Next Gen eligible horse across the line in each of those three races. A $5000 2YO Second Start bonus ($4000 to the owner, $1000 to the trainer) will also be awarded to any Next Gen eligible horses that have two race day starts during their 2YO season. To be eligible for the Second Start bonus the yearling must be purchased at the NZB Sales and sired by a Next Gen sire OR it must be a yearling (regardless of sire) purchased at the sales and trained by a non Group 1-winning trainer. This will be capped at 90 horses, with a total payout of $450,000 per year. FAQs : 1. How’s Next Gen funded? HRNZ is very proud to be working alongside partners TAB NZ and NZB Standardbred in fully funding this scheme. Funding has been secured for next 3 years. 2. Who will administer the Next Gen scheme? It will be run by HRNZ, and they will be responsible for all eligibility enquiries, administration, payments etc. HRNZ’s Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden will be the first point of contact for any queries. He is at matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz. 3. Do you need to pre-register for the scheme, and if so, how? It is preferred to have people pre-register their interest but if you have a bought a yearling you can contact HRNZ after the sale and as long as the eligibility criteria are met you can be part of the Next Gen scheme. 4. Where do you get more information? The HRNZ website will have a designated Next Gen page and there will be regular updates there and on HRNZ’s social media channels. HRNZ will also be on course at race meetings with an information booth to explain the Next Gen scheme. The dates and locations will be published on the website and social media channels closer to the time. 5. How long are horses involved in Next Gen? Horses bought at the sales will only be eligible for Next Gen during their 2YO seasons. 6. Do you need to have an ownership group or a trainer in place before you buy a yearling at the sales? No, you can buy a yearling and then sort out those logistics later. As long as the criteria are met before the horse races you will be Next Gen eligible. 7. How does the eligibility criteria work to get the Harness Million Bonus? You have to meet two of the criteria. You must buy a yearling from the sales from an eligible sire and then you have to met one of the other two criteria, either through the ownership group or by using a non Group 1-winning trainer. 8. How can you tell if a horse is Next Gen eligible? At the sales all Next Gen eligible horses will have a special sticker on them alerting prospective buyers. NZB will also make people aware at the time the horse goes through the sales ring. 9. What does success look like for this scheme? We want to see people getting enthused about new ownership and racing opportunities in our sport and we want yearling buyers to place their horses with emerging trainers. From an ownership and training perspective it’s all about widening the net and providing more opportunities for everyone. 10. Is this a one off and can you imagine the scheme will become a regular feature of the NZB Sales? Our intention is for it to become a long term scheme that will see new owners get involved in the sport. As mentioned funding has been secured for next three years. We think the scheme has real potential and that 2025 will be the start of something very positive for the sport. View the full article