Wandering Eyes

The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July. This year’s sale boasts a quality selection of both young and proven mares plus stallion shares in Reliable Man, Santos, Shamexpress and Wrote. gavelhouse.com and New Zealand Bloodstock representative Patrick Cunningham is pleased with the assembly of stock. “This annual sale of premium breeding stock holds plenty of appeal for breeders looking to source commercial mares. There are 11 stakes-performers catalogued, and no less than nine black-type producers also on offer.” “With the calibre of stallion currently available in New Zealand, now is a terrific time to invest in some quality bloodlines that could prove very prosperous either through the sales ring or racetrack in future.” Covering sires represented among the 32 in-foal mares include Ace High, Almanzor, Ardrossan, Armory, Bivouac, Circus Maximus, Hellbent, Hello Youmzain, Noverre, Ocean Park, Paddington, Per Incanto, Profondo, Satono Aladdin, Shamexpress, Swiss Ace, Sword of State, Vanbrugh and War Decree. Broodmare sires among the country’s top 50 represented include Darci Brahma, Fastnet Rock, High Chaparral, Iffraaj, Mastercraftsman, O’Reilly, Pentire, Per Incanto, Pins, Rip Van Winkle, Savabeel, Shocking, Showcasing, Snitzel, Stravinsky, Swiss Ace, Tavistock, Volksraad and Zabeel. View the full article

Coolmore's G1 Derby hero Lambourn (Australia) will renew rivalry with Epsom second and third, Lazy Griff (Protectionist) and Tennessee Stud (Wootton Bassett), and heads a field of 10 declared runners for Sunday's €1.25-million G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. He is one of five contenders set to represent Aidan O'Brien and has been allocated stall five. Lazy Griff is alongside in four while Tennessee Stud is on the wing in stall 10. The Ralph Beckett-conditioned G2 Dante Stakes winner Pride Of Arras (New Bay) is the only other Epsom runner backing up in Co. Kildare having posted a disappointing 17th in the Blue Riband. He has drawn stall eight and will be accompanied by stablemate Sir Dinadan (Camelot), who will depart from stall two. The Marc Chan colours of Sir Dinadan will also be carried by Jessica Harrington trainee and G1 2000 Guineas sixth Green Impact (Wootton Bassett), who will load alongside Lambourn in stall six. Wootton Bassett is the numerically strongest sire with four declared and is also represented by Ballydoyle nominees Serious Contender and Thrice. The Aidan O'Brien quintet also includes Puppet Master (Camelot) and Shackleton (Camelot). The post Irish Derby Attracts Field of 10, Lambourn, Lazy Griff and Tennessee Stud Set for Epsom Sequel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Richard Kingscote will return to Hong Kong, Ben Thompson will depart and Tony Cruz has been permitted to train beyond the age of 70, the Jockey Club’s licensing committee confirmed on Friday. Kingscote is the only addition to a riding cohort that will lose Antoine Hamelin, who returns to France at the end of this term after five years in Hong Kong, the retiring Alfred Chan Ka-hei and Ben Thompson, who has opted to head back to Australia after nearly 18 months in the city. A multiple Group One...View the full article

Harness Racing New Zealand has released a new regulation that will shape how meetings are conducted and races are programmed, handicapped, and rated. The new Conduct of Meetings, Programming, Handicapping and Rating Regulation comes into effect on Monday 30 June 2025, and replaces the existing Handicapping Regulation, Programming Condition – General Regulation, and Ratings Handicapping System Guiding Principles. HRNZ acknowledges the short notice of this release. However, it follows a lengthy consultation process across the industry. The organisation has aimed to give due consideration to all feedback and incorporate it where appropriate, while still working to the 30 June implementation date. These changes are the result of a collaborative 18-month process involving the Utilisation Reference Group, National and Regional Forums, and feedback from industry participants. The updated regulation reflects the recommendations from this work, with a focus on improving field sizes, simplifying programming, and supporting consistent racing opportunities. Key outcomes include: A clearer rating transition structure: All one-win horses will now be rated R40, two-win horses R45, and three-win horses R50, regardless of when those wins occurred. Retention of junior driver concessions in a revised format, with potential further reforms to be considered separately. Scratching penalties will not change at this stage – an alternative approach will be developed and consulted on. Updated procedures for the Bureau based on feedback and operational learnings since its introduction. Clarifications to existing wording to remove anomalies and support fairer programming. HRNZ has committed to closely monitoring the implementation of the new regulation and will establish a small external team to independently review outcomes. A formal report is due in February 2026 Click here to view the official notice View the full article

by Jonny Turner Teamwork helped turn frustration into winning delight when The Greek Freak broke through at Winton on Thursday. The trotter produced a gritty effort to break maidens, handing husband-and-wife trainers Richard and Fiona Stevens their first trotting win. The teamwork that went into The Greek Freak’s win goes beyond what the Stevens have poured into the horse themselves. Earlier this year, the five-year-old was struggling to trot around the first bend in his races, let alone prove competitive at the finish. But after getting his manners and gait in check, the squaregaiter built solid form before digging in to win for driver Brent Barclay. The Stevens were quick to credit several of their southern harness racing counterparts for their support in helping The Greek Freak’s progression. “I know little about pacers and even less about trotters,” Richard Stevens quipped. “He wasn’t trotting any good, and Nathan Williamson reckoned he needed more weight in front.” “So Franksy (Brendan Franks) has worked away at his shoeing and done a great job.” “Matty Williamson was a big help too — he helped him get his confidence.” “And Tommy Beckett has been doing chiropractic work on him lately, and it has made a real difference.” The Greek Freak was purchased in an online auction on Gavelhouse for just $1300, sending him on a journey from Auckland to Winton. “He cost $1300, and it was $1600 to get him home,” Stevens said. “At the time, there were only about six or eight maiden trotters going around, so we thought we might be able to pick a race up with him.” “When you get a new horse, it always takes a month to figure them out, but with this guy, it has been a lot longer.” “But to say he has tested our patience would be an understatement.” “He went through a stage of doing 360-degree turns on the track going full speed.” “He took out the galloping pacemaker one day.” “But we have worked away with him — it has been a real team effort, and today’s result is very satisfying.” Given the headaches The Greek Freak has given the Stevens, and the great progress they are making with the trotter, a stint in the spelling paddock isn’t on the horse’s agenda. “I don’t think he is done with yet.” “As much as we want to give him a break, we will probably keep ticking away with him.” “He will tell us when he is ready for a break, but because he is a bit highly strung, he might have a few short breaks here and there.” Thursday’s victory was win number two for the Stevens’ training partnership. View the full article

Ashburton trainer Gerard O’Reilly will be looking to turn the tables on Akatea ($2.60FF) in the inaugural running of the Silk Road Series Final tonight at Addington Raceway with his mare Esmeralda. The four-year-old Always B Miki mare has compiled a sound record to date — winning four from nine and placing a further four times. Her most recent victory at Addington over 2600m showcased her tenacity and strength after being pressured a few times during the running. “She’s handling all the racing really well,” said O’Reilly. But they have yet to beat home race rival and close second favourite Akatea, who is gunning for five wins in a row — a feat achieved only by great horses. “Akatea has been too good for us the last few times. It will be hard to beat,” said O’Reilly of their race rival. Esmeralda and Akatea have met twice in their careers. “She’s got enough gate speed to hold her own. She’s tough enough to do a bit of work. We will see what’s going on early.” A match race is certainly not a given, with other strong winning hopes such as the Mark Jones-trained Francent ($10.00FF) with Samantha Ottley, and the Bob Butt-trained and -driven Dynasty ($6.00FF). “It’s a great little field.” “She’ll have a spell after this, then we will get her back for the springtime.” The Plumbing World ‘Silk Road’ Mares’ Series Final over 1980m for a stake of $34,000 is carded as race seven on the programme and gets underway at 8:02pm. Earlier in the night, O’Reilly also trains and drives My Royal Break ($34.00FF) in race five, the Harrison Bloy Plumbing & Bathrooms Mobile Trot over 1980m. The four-year-old Royal Aspirations mare is still learning the racing game; however, she comes into tonight’s fixture off the back of some steady performances. “She’s been getting too far back, but she’s holding her own.” “It’s a tidy field, and it depends on where we end up in the running.” My Royal Break performed well two and three starts ago at Timaru and Ashburton respectively, before running a credible seventh behind Lottie’s Moment on June 8th at Addington. “She’s still doing a few things wrong, but when she gets her head around it all, she’s capable of winning a few races.” O’Reilly will also drive Swift Guy ($10.00FF) for his brother Kerry O’Reilly in race two, the Chester’s Plumbing & Bathrooms Mobile Pace over 2600m. The consistent twenty-one-start maiden will suit the longer journey of 2600m, according to O’Reilly. “The two-six will suit him. He’s run in good races but keeps getting beaten.” Meanwhile, Ivan Court trains last-start winner Stylish Lustre ($23.00FF), which O’Reilly will drive in race eight, the BC Plumbers Pace over 2000m. “She won well the other day. If she begins well and gets a nice run, she should be a top-four chance.” Race one starts at 5:14pm. View the full article

The late Mike Moroney always believed Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir) had the potential to be a Group One winner. As a three-year-old, Coeur Volante started favourite in the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield, finishing fourth to Joliestar (Zoustar), while placegetters in that race were subsequent Group One winners Kimochi (Brave Smash) and Skybird (Exosphere). Coeur Volante was Moroney’s last winner when successful in the Gr.3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February before dying in his sleep just days later. Under the care of Glen Thompson, Coeur Volante did not run again at Group One level until this year’s Sydney Autumn Carnival where the mare finished in the second half of the field in both the Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) and the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m). Now in the care of the Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will & Jd Hayes, Coeur Volante is down to run in the final Group One race of the 2024-25 season, the Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m), another contest for the fillies and mares, at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Coeur Volante will be having her second outing for the Hayes brothers, having finished ninth in the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on June 7. Will Hayes said Coeur Volante had made good progress from that first-up outing having had two trials for the stable after joining the Lindsay Park operation following the Queen Of The Turf Stakes. “We are very happy with how she’s progressed out of her first-up run,” Hayes said. “We were seven weeks between runs, not by design, just with the floods and the weather up there, we couldn’t get a run into her. “But she has tightened up nicely and we expect her to run a forward race.” Jockey Jordan Childs will have to be at his best if he is to get Coeur Volante home. Coeur Volante drew gate 20 at Wednesday’s barrier draw but will come into barrier 15 if the five emergencies do not gain a start. Lindsay Park collected the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 14 with the former Moroney-trained galloper War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel). View the full article

With Jim Chung’s two-kilogram claim reducing his weight to 57.5kg, Bradman will attempt to break a year-long absence from the winners’ circle in the MJH Engineering Limited Whyte Handicap (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Pins gelding has won eight races and more than $317,000 in stakes, but has endured a frustrating run through the last 13 months. Since his last victory in a 1400m open handicap at Trentham in May of last year, Bradman has run second in the Listed AGC Training Stakes (1600m), fourth in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m), third in a three-way photo finish in the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m), second under 60kg in the Masterton Cup (1400m), fourth in the Listed Rangitikei Cup (1600m), third in the 2025 edition of the AGC Training Stakes, and a last-start second at Wanganui when he was giving 4kg to the winner Belles Beau. Bergerson is proud of the seven-year-old’s performances, often under hefty imposts. “He’s been so consistent,” the Awapuni trainer said. “He’s racing in good form again this time in and is just a really honest horse who tries his best every time. It’s just a shame that his rating means he ends up carrying 60kg in so many of his races. “We can claim a couple off tomorrow, so hopefully that’ll help him. It looks like a suitable race for him.” Two weeks on from Bradman’s runner-up finish over 1340m at Wanganui, Bergerson expects the step up to 1600m at Trentham to suit. “We haven’t done much with him in between times,” he said. “It’s just a matter of keeping him ticking over. He goes to the beach and does a little bit of jumping here and there. These older geldings can get a bit cunning, so it’s good to mix things up and keep it interesting for him. “I think he’s a better horse at a mile than 1400m, so he’ll appreciate that distance this weekend. With that in mind, I’m not sure whether we’ll drop back to 1400m for another crack at the Opunake Cup next month. He might find a few of the others a little bit sharp over 1400m. “We’ll get through this one before making a decision on that. We may end up just giving him a trial somewhere in between times, trying a gear change and then going straight to Christchurch for the Winter Cup. That’s the main goal.” Bergerson and Chung will also team up with Farravallo in Saturday’s Bill Tito Book Repair Specialist North Island Challenge Stakes (1200m). The four-year-old son of Belardo was a last-start fifth at Wanganui on June 14. “I was a bit disappointed with that performance, but he did end up stuck in the worst part of the track,” Bergerson said. “He was a bit slower to leave the gates than I expected. He usually flies the gates and can get to the lead. Hopefully he can get away a bit quicker again tomorrow, find his way to the front in a small field and be the first into the straight so he can get to the better ground.” View the full article

Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud has committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. Karaka 2026, which marks the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, will debut a new format that features condensed quality throughout Book 1 and Book 2 and the introduction of a third session, the Karaka Summer Sale. Cambridge Stud has a long-standing history of selling yearlings, dating back to their debut at Trentham during the 1978 National Yearling Sale, with Sir Patrick Hogan at the helm and Sir Tristram’s inaugural crop on offer. Almost five decades later, now Stud Principals Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, continue to ensure the rich Cambridge Stud legacy lives on in the fabric of the National Yearling Sales. “With the 100 year milestone of the sales in New Zealand, it is fitting that Cambridge Stud give their full support to Karaka 2026.” “We will be selling all of our yearlings at Karaka this season, which gives buyers clarity about where they need to be to source our stock.” “Sir Peter and the Vela family have done an incredible amount for the industry for many years, and it is important to acknowledge and support their ongoing investment in the industry here.” With Karaka 2026 due to take place from 25 to 29 January, NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook is gearing up for the new sales season and the countdown to the historic 100 year milestone. “It is certainly an exciting time in New Zealand, and having spoken to a number of people here on the grounds at Karaka at our weanling sale, they are all keen to get behind the 100th National Yearling Sale celebrations.” “Cambridge Stud’s commitment that they will be selling 100% of their yearlings at Karaka 2026 is incredibly positive for our industry. “We need to preserve our flag-bearing sale as the cream of the crop with our best stock, and we need the support of our breeders and vendors to do that. “We look forward to celebrating the history of the National Yearling Sale over the coming months, as well as ensuring the future of the Sale is just as successful.” View the full article

Darryn and Briar Weatherley are hoping a quick back-up into Saturday’s Gr.3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm might bring a change of fortunes for Dark Destroyer. The winner of five races and more than $640,000 in stakes, headed by the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) in the spring of 2022, Dark Destroyer struggled to find his best form in a 10-race preparation as a five-year-old last season. He showed promising signs last month with a second placing in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m), earning a trip across the Tasman alongside his high-class stablemate Pier. Dark Destroyer’s two appearances in Queensland have produced a 12th in the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (1400m) and a 10th in last Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m), but Darryn Weatherley believes those results paint an incomplete picture of the Proisir gelding’s performances. “I thought his Ipswich run was a bit better than it might look on paper,” he said. “He jumped okay, but then got squeezed back through the field and ended up a lot further back than we were anticipating. “You can only follow the horse that you’re following, and unfortunately the horse in front of him stopped at the corner. It’s a tight track at Ipswich with quite a sharp turn into the straight. He was stopped in his tracks when that horse came back into his lap. He’s not a sit-sprint type of horse, he needs to be up and rolling. He actually ran through the line pretty well, but he’d lost his chance at the turn. “We’re training him on the track there at Eagle Farm, and he’s pleased us with how he’s come through last weekend. This race presented itself, right on his doorstep and over 2400m. We thought it was well worth giving him a shot. “The track’s a Soft6 at the moment, which is probably okay for him. His first run over here, the ground was just too testing. He’s got that bit more race fitness under his belt now.” The Tattersall’s Cup initially drew a field of 10, but it has been reduced to seven by scratchings. “It’s going to be an interesting race with quite a small field,” Weatherley said. “We’ve got Mark Du Plessis in the saddle. “These days he seems to prefer being out in the open and rolling along, so we’ll try to ride him forward. Hopefully, if he can roll along in front where he’s comfortable, we might see him put his best foot forward.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Samantha Logan has had success campaigning horses in the South Island before, and she is hoping following a similar blueprint will pay off with I’ll Hava Semillon, who will bid to breakthrough for her maiden win in Sunday’s KB Contractors (2200m) at Wingatui. Stablemate Wry Smile campaigned in the south over summer, scoring his maiden win at Riccarton in January before placing at Wingatui a month later. The four-year-old gelding was based at trainer Krystal Williams’ Burnham base, and Logan has once again called on her lifelong friend to assist her in her current southern venture. “She will have this one run for me (down south) and if she shapes up down there, she will probably go into Krystal Williams’ stable,” Logan said. “We grew up together in Ruakaka. She has moved down there (Canterbury) and I have always been based in Cambridge. We were really good childhood friends and have carried that on. We help each other out as much as we can.” Logan is hoping the change in scenery will work wonders for her mare, and she has already received positive reports from Williams, who said the daughter of Redwood has settled in well. “Krystal has a lovely property and she managed to get out into the paddock for a few days and get her head down, so she bounced through it (travel) quite quickly,” Logan said. “She went down there ready to go and she has settled in well. Krystal said she worked really well yesterday (Thursday) so everyone is happy with her.” I’ll Hava Semillon will jump from barrier four on Sunday with in-form Central Districts hoop Leah Hemi in the saddle. Logan is hopeful of a positive showing, with TAB bookmakers sharing her optimism, opening I’ll Hava Semillon as a $4.20 winning chance for her southern debut. “Hopefully she goes well, they all seem to get a new lease on life with a change in scenery,” she said. While confident in her charge, there is doubt around Sunday’s meeting, with significant rain expected over the weekend. While the track was deemed safe to race on following an inspection on Friday, a further inspection will take place on Saturday to reassess the situation. “Fingers crossed it goes ahead, otherwise there should be something else coming up for her,” Logan said. Meanwhile, Logan hasn’t ruled out sending reinforcements south over the coming months and is eyeing the Grand National Festival of Racing at Riccarton in August in particular. “I have got another horse called Jelly Roll,” she said. “If he showed a bit of potential up here we might look to take him down for the Grand National week.” View the full article

Fresh off a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, Matthew Chadwick heads to Sha Tin on Saturday looking to continue his good form and pursuit of Tony Cruz Award leader Matthew Poon Ming-fai. By moving to 34 wins for the season with victories aboard Superb Capitalist and Another Zonda, Chadwick closed to within two of Poon in the race for leading local jockey and he has 10 chances to trim the gap even further this weekend. “I know where we’re standing, so it is on my mind,” said Chadwick of...View the full article

John Size saddles up Wunderbar and Stellar Express as he looks to claim Sha Tin’s Saturday feature, the Class One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (1,000m). The 12-time champion trainer, who heads into Saturday with a commanding nine-win lead over nearest rival David Hayes in this season’s premiership, will be chiefly relying on his winning machine Wunderbar to extend his buffer. The Rich Enuff galloper won four of his five starts as a three-year-old and kicked off this campaign with a pair of...View the full article

Simon and Katrina Alexander could be in for a healthy payday when they head to Ruakaka on Saturday with a couple of leading chances in the ITM/GIB Northern Winter Championship Finals. The husband-and-wife training duo have two warm favourites in Major Major and Acapelago, who will both be vying to secure the $60,000 purse on offer in their respective finals. Seven-year-old Pins gelding Major Major has won two of his last three starts and will meet a similar line-up in Saturday’s ITM/GIB Whangarei Gold Cup Stayers’ Final (2100m), for which he is currently a $2.60 favourite. “I am very pleased with the way this part of his preparation has tracked to date, he has delivered each time,” Katrina Alexander said. “I can’t fault the way he has trained on between runs, nothing has changed for him, he has just kept up his momentum. “I think he has well and truly settled into that distance now fitness-wise and it should be very comfortable for him to get around over the 2100m again.” Major Major has drawn barrier 11 and Alexander said they will most likely push forward from that gate. “He has proven now as he goes along that he is a lot more tractable than what he used to be, so having to go hard and get a lead, I think that will still potentially be our focus and get him into his rhythm where he is comfortable,” Alexander said. “Kelly (Myers, jockey) knows him well enough now to know what she can and can’t do with him. We will just have to see how the track plays throughout the day as to what our game plan may be closer to the race. I don’t think it will bother him too much, let’s just hope he doesn’t get stuck wide for too long.” Saturday’s run will likely be Major Major’s season swansong, with Alexander looking ahead to the spring with her charge. “If we can match a likewise performance as last time, I will be absolutely rapt and he can go out off the back of that for a little breather,” she said. “Then we can plan what the spring may look like for him.” The Alexanders also have a leading hope in the ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Final (1600m) in the form of Acapelago. The three-year-old filly has been a model of consistency this preparation, winning one and placing in three of her four starts this time in. She will jump from barrier three on Saturday, with jockey Kelly Myers donning the silks of owner-breeder Haunui Farm. Alexander is confident of a bold showing, which is matched by TAB bookmakers, who currently have her sitting atop of the market as a $2.50 favourite. “She is a filly that just tries so hard,” Alexander said. “I am really keen to get her to this mile distance, I think it is probably where she is better suited going forward. “As she gets older and matures a bit more, I think it will be more likely the case than staying at the lower distances for too much longer. It’s just the fact that there have been the three-year-old races on offer that we have maintained her down a little bit further. “Her work suggests that she is ready to go up in distance now. It will be very interesting to see how she deals with that little bit of extra distance, but I think it will be within her range quite comfortably.” Acapelago will be joined in Saturday’s contest by stablemate Vadanova, who will jump from barrier two, with apprentice jockey Elen Nicholas aboard. “She really does prefer wider draws,” Alexander said. “I think that she has shown to me a few times now that when she gets shut down on the rail, like she did last time at Matamata, that she is not 100 percent comfortable there, she likes room to see where she is. “It is a shame Elen has to jump on her for the first time in that situation, but we will have a chat about that beforehand. It is a small field, so if she has to manoeuvre her a little bit, there are not a lot of horses that she has to deal with. “She may jump away nicely, she can do that, but I am more so wary of pushing her out of her comfort zone. She may not take advantage of that inside draw, but we will see how the racing plays out.” Alexander is looking forward to racing for the prizemoney on offer this weekend and said the Winter Championship Series is a great initiative over the colder months. “It is nice to have those stakes up for grabs in the winter,” she said. “Our winter horses are just as important. Just because they race on the wet doesn’t mean they are any lesser animal, it is just what they need to be comfortable. It’s great to have this series and having that sort of money up for grabs.” View the full article

Champion jumps jockey Shaun Fannin has tasted success in the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase (4900m) on two occasions, and on Saturday he will attempt to claim his first title as a trainer. The Awapuni horseman will ride his rising stable star Jesko, who is making waves in the jumping scene, having won a hurdle race before transitioning to the bigger fences where he has accrued a faultless record, winning both of his steeplechase starts, including the Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) at Trentham earlier this month. He will return to the Upper Hutt venue this weekend where he will face his stiffest test to date against former New Zealand Champion Jumper The Cossack, and befitting the match-up, the race will be called by renowned race caller Matt Hill. Fannin, who trains in partnership with his wife Hazel, has been pleased with Jesko’s progression since his last start triumph, and he is looking forward to tackling the infamous figure-eight circuit this weekend. “He had an exhibition gallop at Otaki last Friday and he went well there, so he is tracking pretty well,” he said. “He has performed quite well on the way through, and it is another step up again to face a horse like The Cossack who has got such a wonderful record. “It is another test for him on Saturday, but he seems to be going the right way and we are pretty hopeful he will run just as well.” Jesko is a sentimental favourite of Fannin’s, who bought him off Gavelhouse a few years ago as a foundation member of his burgeoning stable. “I saw him on Gavelhouse in November 2021. He was there as an unraced four-year-old and they said he was quite tough and one that they couldn’t do a whole lot with,” Fannin said. “He looked like he had a bit of size to him in the photos so I thought he might be a good one to start off with. He was the first horse that I bought, and I thought I could get him going and maybe tip him off as a jumper, but that hasn’t eventuated.” While he hasn’t sold Jesko as first planned, he has introduced several parties to the ownership group, the most recent being the Frac Club, with Fannin now sporting their gold colours aboard Jesko. “I have had him since I started training and I have brought in a few different owners, and Hazel has joined the partnership,” Fannin said. “He is quite a special horse to us all.” While he has partnered a number of top jumpers, Fannin said it is special to train one himself. “It is quite exciting,” he said. “Everything that I have learned through my career I have been able to put that to use, and to see it come off is quite rewarding.” All going to plan after Saturday, Fannin 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. “As long as he goes well and pulls up well, we will have to have a look at the Grand National with him,” Fannin said. “It is worth very good prizemoney down there.” Fannin said it will be a bittersweet moment when he eventually meets West Coast with Jesko, but he is looking forward to the challenge of attempting to usurp his previous charge. “It would be very special,” Fannin said. “He (West Coast) has won the last three of them (Grand Nationals) and it is where he goes best, so it will be a good clash. I am hopeful that we can give West Coast a good race.” The Mark Oulaghan-trained West Coast will continue his path towards defending his crown in the Riccarton feature when he appears on the Trentham undercard in the Wellington Lunch Club Supporting Racing At Trentham 2200, where he will be ridden by amateur jockey Tylah Mercer. View the full article

Zeefa Zed’s record hasn’t always emulated his talent, and John Wheeler is hoping the gelding can put his true ability on display in Saturday’s Norm Bevan Memorial Maiden Steeplechase (4000m). A 10-year-old by Zed, Zeefa Zed has won seven races including one over the hurdles last season, but hasn’t kicked off this term how Wheeler would have anticipated, losing the rider at Te Rapa on two separate occasions. “He’s a bit of an arrogant horse, but also he’s a pretty good horse that hasn’t had a lot of luck,” he said. “His last start, he jumped the jump itself well, but he slipped on landing as it’s pretty slippery down the back there at Te Rapa, and the rider fell off. The start before that, it was basically a rider error, so I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t get around on Saturday. “If he does, he’s a winning chance.” The race will be Zeefa Zed’s debut around Trentham’s unique figure-eight circuit, with Emily Farr back in the saddle on this occasion. “I think every horse likes the figure-eight, it’s more like a steeplechase with the open country,” he said. “It’s really interesting, it would be disappointing if we ever lost it.” Wheeler’s familiar colours will also feature over the smaller fences, with the consistent Sir Maverick chasing a maiden success in the Autotech Doors Maiden Hurdle (2500m). “He’s only four and he’s got a fair bit in front of him,” Wheeler said. “He’s a gifted jumper, he may not have the biggest ticker in the world, but I think as he matures, he’ll get a lot tougher. “I’ve been pretty happy with his runs, he’s come through the last one terrific and he looks fantastic.” On the flat, impressive last-start winner Keen On Bubbles will relish the heavy track conditions, but Wheeler holds concerns around her 66.5kg impost in the Wellington Lunch Club Supporting Racing At Trentham (2200m). “I’m a little bit worried about having an amateur on, with the weight they have to carry,” he said. “She’s not a very big mare, so that’s a negative. “But she won super the other day and she’s going very well at the moment. It’s just her stature that will be a disadvantage this time.” Completing his representatives will be Jetalal, who he is hoping for an improved performance from when she contests the Sport Of Kings Upper Hutt Cossie (1600m). “I’ve been disappointed in her, I thought she was going to be a reasonable horse, so I’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t go well on Saturday,” he said. “She’s a big, grouse mare and takes a bit to get fit, so hopefully, fingers crossed we can get a result.” View the full article

Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka. The Cambridge trainer has form runners Boombox and Ashoka in Saturday’s ITM/GIB 2YO Championship (1200m), in what will be a rematch of their Ellerslie meeting earlier this month. On that occasion, it was the former who held bragging rights, but it wouldn’t come as any surprise to Pike if Ashoka was able to reverse that result. “He was good at Ellerslie, he just kept drifting out to the middle of the track,” he said. “There’s obviously natural improvement off a debut run and he has drawn well again with the ace and a very similar trip, so he could easily turn the tables.” Ashoka is a son of this season’s champion freshman sire in waiting Hello Youmzain and was bred by Pike’s parents Wayne and Vicki and sold to Hong Kong clients after trialling. His dam Lismore Diamond is a winning daughter of the late Darci Brahma mare Waterford, who Pike trained with Mark Donoghue to win the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m) and finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Spirit Of Boom youngster Boombox finished fifth in his summer debut before a break and returned to triumph last time out. “He’s trained on very well and will plant himself up on speed again, so they are both going to be two very nice chances for us,” Pike said. “I haven’t had to do a lot with them and was more than happy with the way they worked on Tuesday.” Purchased out of breeder Berkley Stud’s Karaka draft for $50,000, Boombox will be ridden by Triston Moodley again while Jasmine Fawcett retains the mount on Ashoka. “It’s one of the last two-year-old races worth a bit of money ($60,000) and they will definitely head out for a bit of a break after Saturday,” Pike said. He is also bullish about the chances of Turn Me Loose’s son Roederer in the ITM/GIB Whangarei Gold Cup Stayers’ Final (2100m). He has placed at his last two appearances and is another good ride for the in-form Moodley. “I thought he could go close, he’s going really well and improved off his Ellerslie run where he probably covered a bit too much ground on the corner,” Pike said. “All the others are genuine each-way chances with the right runs.” They are Starlit Express (Ruakaka Your Best Bet In Winter, 1200m), Delz Abeel (Northland Business Systems Maiden, 1600m) and Urlar (ITM/GIB Progressive Championship Final (1600m). View the full article

Race 6 MANNING INVESTMENTS 1550m STAREESE (L Satherley) – Co-Trainer Ms. R Rogers advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, STAREESE has been sent for a freshen up. Race 7 THE OAKS STUD 1550m PAX MUNDI (Y Okubo) – Trainer Mr. T Pike reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of PAX MUNDI, and it is the intention to continue her preparation. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Cambridge Synthetic, Wednesday 18 June 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The Alberta Division of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) has launched a $60,000 incentive program which is designed to reward owners of 2-year-old Alberta-breds who graduated from the 2024 yearling sale and make their first start during the current season, the group said in a press release late on Thursday. Beginning Friday, June 27, the program offers a $1,500 payout, which will be processed and issued monthly as horses qualify. The incentive might be limited to the first 40 starters according to the release. “This program is about rewarding owners who invest in Alberta-breds presented for sale at the CTHS sale and get them racing early,” said Breed Improvement Chair of CTHS Alberta Dave Lovile. “By issuing monthly payouts, we're putting money back in the hands of those who are moving the industry forward right now.” The post CTHS Launches Incentive Program For Alberta-Bred 2-Year-Old Runners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Drayden Van Dyke, sanctioned for exceeding the maximum number of strikes from the crop in riding Soul of an Angel to victory in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) last fall at Del Mar, has been issued reduced penalties.View the full article

Miguel Clement, the 34-year-old son of the late Christophe Clement, is sure to win many major races during his career, but the one he will surely never forget was when Deterministic (Liam's Map) took the GI Manhattan Stakes June 8. The win came just 13 days after his father passed away from cancer. But for this one race and one moment in time it was as if nothing had changed. Christophe Clement collected three Manhattans over the course of his career and Miguel almost pulled off a one-two finish as his stable's Far Bridge (English Channel) was third. “My father would have been very proud, Clement said. “He loves this race, the Manhattan, and he's won it three times in the past. The Manhattan is a great race because is brings together some of the best turf stayers and some of the best turf milers. Anything that is a Grade I in New York is a big deal.” The last month-and-a-half had to be a challenging one for the younger Clement. He had to largely run the stable all by himself, while he was dealing with his father's illness. The Clements tried to get licensed as co-trainers, which is allowed in Europe (e.g. John and Thady Gosden), but weren't permitted to do so in the U.S. “How did I get through it? Plenty of work and a strong support group,” he said. “As hard as you have to work as a trainer, that's probably not healthy, but during a difficult time like this I think it is a blessing. The outreach from everybody was overwhelming in a positive manner, but it was also tough because his passing was very much a public affair. Most people are able to take some personal time to grieve after losing a family member. In this profession, there's no time for that.” The Clement stable has been a major force stateside–particularly on the turf–since Christophe emigrated to the U.S. from France in 1991. The elder Clement, who was 59 when he passed away, knew he wanted his son to be a major part of the team and eventually take over. But he thought it was important for Miguel to learn not only from him, but from some of the best horsemen in the world. After he graduated from college, Miguel entered the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start program and he then apprenticed with several European trainers. Deterministic (inside) wins the Manhattan at the Spa, with Far Bridge (center) in third | Sarah Andrew Once Miguel returned to the U.S. and went to work with his father, it was a joint production with Christophe being the boss. However, the father was always open to hearing ideas from his son. “He was very open-minded,” Miguel said. “He liked to be challenged. He might not agree with you, but he was always open-minded and ready to adapt. You have to adapt to be able to survive in this industry. It's very competitive. Many top horsemen don't win as much as they used to. It's not that they forgot how to train a horse, it's that they didn't adapt to the times. Training regimens, managing owners, dealing with bloodstock advisors, forces you to always adapt. “Have there been times when I felt lost or had a moment where I thought I needed my dad?” he said. “Well, whatever questions I had, I probably already asked him 700 times over the span of the last 10 to 15 years.” There has been at least one major change since his father's passing. Miguel became responsible for the stable's bottom line. His father earned a career best $12,722,301 in 2024, but that didn't mean the stable was making a lot of money. “I'm actually cash flow negative,” Miguel said. “Welcome to working in an industry where there seems to be a negative cash flow at all times. You get 25 pieces of bad news hoping you get one piece that's good. That's what my dad and I were dealing with for many years. It was a constant stress. “You find ways to deal with it,” he said. “To be based in New York, financially, it's not the wisest thing to do. The labor costs are through the roof. Financially speaking, I would be much better off to have a string in Kentucky or New Jersey. But we'll accept the consequences and work here.” Clement is married to the racing television personality Acacia Clement. Dylan Davis with Clement after the trainer's first win | Tod Marks “I'm happily married and I'd like it to stay that way,” said Miguel. “If I told Acacia that we were going to move to Kentucky or New Jersey one day, I may not be as happily married as I thought.” Miguel said that one of his regrets is that his father won't be around to see this upcoming group of juveniles run. “He would have loved to see these 2-year-olds get to the races,” Miguel said. “He picked them out, he bought them. Some would have disappointed him. He'd say that they were not as strong and powerful as he had hoped, and they were not moving as great as he thought. “There's also the other side to that,” he said. “I have a $100,000 New York-bred yearling I like a lot. When he bought it, he was saying he's too big. I would agree, but he's turned out to be a phenomenal mover and really efficient. So, thank goodness we bought him.” With each day handling everything becomes easier. Miguel is 6-for-38 (16%) since taking over the stable and he picked up a second stakes win with Love Cervere (Into Mischief) in the Alywow Stakes at Woodbine last weekend. Of course, Saratoga is an important meet for the stable because so many grass races are carded there. “What I learned about myself as a human being, a boss and as a horseman, is that a tremendous amount comes from my dad,” Miguel said. “I'd much rather be doing this with him, but we were very aware that we might have to go on without him some day.” The post With Miguel Clement In Charge, The Stable Hasn’t Missed A Beat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A record price for a store sold anywhere in Ireland this year, combined with a record number of 38 lots sold for €100,000 and above, were among the highlights at this year's Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale, which concluded on Thursday. The sale topper was lot 338, the Walk In The Park gelding out of the smart racemare Posh Trish (Stowaway), who went the way of trainer Dan Skelton and Ryan Mahon for €285,000 to cap a successful sale for John Dwan's Ballyreddin Stud and Katie Rudd's Busherstown. On Wednesday, the partnership also consigned the top-priced two-year-old, the filly by Ectot (lot 216), who made €100,000 and was also bought by Skelton and Mahon. “He has incredible movement, he has good size, and has everything we want,” Skelton said of the Walk In The Park gelding. “He is a proper athlete, comes from a good hotel, he is out of a great mare and by the right sire. We thought he'd make €250,000, and then it was just a few arm wrestles after. He deserves to be a lot of money because he is a beauty–he is the most expensive store we have ever bought!” Later on Thursday, agent Tom Malone – buying with trainer Gavin Cromwell and on behalf of owner Owen Daley – went to €260,000 for lot 370, a filly by Tunis named Moscovite and sold by Moanmore Stables, who enjoyed a fine pinhook return having secured her last year for just €43,000. Overall, the sale also recorded its highest turnover since 2022 at €17,576,000, an increase of 26% on last year's aggregate. Of the 401 lots offered, 330 sold at a healthy clearance rate of 82% (from 79% in 2024). The average increased by 11% to €53,261 and the median was up by 13% to €43,000. The post Walk In The Park Gelding Headlines Record Derby Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy will appear at Reading Magistrates' Court July 3 after being charged with drunk driving and failing to take a roadside test following a car crash near Newbury in April.View the full article

The Chris Waller team is hoping that Firestorm will get race conditions to suit in the 1,400-meter (about seven-furlong) Tattersall's Tiara (G1) at Eagle Farm Racecourse June 28.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. Friday's Observations features a Ballydoyle juvenile in what is traditionally an informative maiden. 5.20 The Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 2yo, f, 7fT MINERVA (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) bids to build on her debut third at Leopardstown earlier this month in the maiden won 12 months ago by stablemate Lake Victoria and other Group 1 winners Ylang Ylang and Discoveries. A 1.5million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 daughter of the multiple Graded-Stakes-winning dam Prize Exhibit (Showcasing) from the family of Mohaather, she is slated as the hot favourite meeting a dozen peers. The post Mohaather’s Relative Minerva Ballydoyle’s Pick for the “Lake Victoria Maiden” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article