Wandering Eyes

The eighth installment in the 2024 OwnerView webinar series was held Oct. 1 and discussed the benefits that come with owners having professional advisors and agents and the importance of having a business plan. View the full article

McKinzie Street, Citizen Bull, and Getaway Car, second through fourth in the Del Mar Futurity (G1), vie again in American Pharoah Stakes (G1) Oct 5 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Starfield Stud's first-crop sire King Of Change (GB) (by Farhh {GB}) has a black-type winner after his daughter Lady With The Lamp (Ire) caused a 66-1 upset in Friday's Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Legacy Stakes at Dundalk. Third behind Powerful Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation) over this track and five-furlong trip last month, the Joseph O'Brien-trained €14,000 Goffs Orby Book 2 purchase was held up towards the back early by Declan McDonogh. Arriving wide in a frantic finish, the daughter of the Godolphin cast-off Caring Touch (Elusive Quality) from the family of Fortify (Distorted Humor) gained the edge close home to prevail by a head from Revoke (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), with Powerful Nation a neck behind in third. https://x.com/i/status/1842256537831489581 The post First Black Type Winner For King Of Change appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site as a sponsor this year for The Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY October 9-12. The event is the largest retraining competition for recently retired Thoroughbred racehorses and showcases the versatility and adaptability of these athletes as they transition into new careers while highlighting the importance of aftercare in ensuring successful second careers for Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth located in the Covered Arena during the Thoroughbred Makeover. Riders and patrons are encouraged to stop by to learn more about accredited aftercare and the role it plays in the future of retired racehorses. In addition, branded merchandise will be available at the booth in exchange for donations, offering supporters a way to contribute to accredited aftercare which supports the ongoing care and retraining of these amazing Thoroughbreds. Out of the 353 horses entered in this year's Thoroughbred Makeover, 53 horses will be representing 11 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations. These horses will be competing in eight of the 10 disciplines offered at the event. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be a sponsor of The Thoroughbred Makeover,” said Operations Consultant for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stacie Clark Rogers. “Both Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Retired Racehorse Project are deeply committed to facilitating the retraining and rehoming of these incredible athletes. The Thoroughbred Makeover is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the remarkable second careers these horses can have.” The post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On Site At Retired Racehorse Project’s TB Makeover appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' and GISW Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo–Borealis Night, by Astrology) will stand at Hill 'n' Dale next season for a fee of $30,000 Live Foal, the farm announced Friday. A sales-topping $2.3 million purchase from the 2022 Ocala Breeders' April 2-Year-Old Sale, Arabian Knight became a 'Rising Star' on Breeders' Cup day that year at Keeneland, where he drew clear to win by 7 1/4 lengths in 1:21.98. In his second start, the Zedan Racing Stables'-owned colt won the GIII Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park by 5 1/2 lengths. In last year's GI Pacific Classic, he became the first horse to win the 1 1/4-mile race with only three previous starts. “He showed his brilliance from day one of the 2-year-old sale where he was a man amongst boys,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “We knew he was special from the moment we saw him. He has what I love in a horse: beautiful conformation and brilliance.” Hill 'n' Dale owner John Sikura added: “I was at Keeneland the day that Arabian Knight broke his maiden. He was brilliantly fast yet effortless in his first start, winning off without being asked. The first time I saw him in person, Bob Baffert said, 'Let me show you the perfect racehorse. His presence and conformation are flawless.' The breeders who have come to see him at the farm have a true understanding of that statement.” “As a Grade 1-winning son of Uncle Mo, Arabian Knight has the brilliance, physicality, and effortless motion that are so important for a sire to possess,” Sikura continued. “He was the star at the 2-year-old sale making $2.3 million and has the 'it' factor we all look for. We anticipate he will be very popular at this fee.” The post Arabian Knight To Stand For $30,000 At Hill ‘n’ Dale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The following statement was sent to media by Cristina Keith, Dr. Scott Stanley's attorney, Oct. 4: Dr. Scott Stanley, former director of the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (UK-EACL), is speaking out in response to the media's coverage of the allegations made in the recent Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) report. The damage indicted on Dr. Stanley's personal and professional reputation is irreparable and has been fueled by media narratives that unquestioningly parrot HIWU's claims. The HIWU report levies serious accusations against UK-EACL, including “persistent delays,” “unprofessional behavior,” and “falsifying results.” Yet, these claims are made without evidence. The report offers no concrete documentation–no email records, timelines, or verified communications–leaving the allegations vague and unsupported. Nevertheless, the press has accepted these accusations without scrutiny or fact-checking, painting an incomplete and misleading picture. UK-EACL has consistently adhered to the highest professional standards, recognized, and accredited by both the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC). The suggestion that UK-EACL engaged in fraudulent activity is baseless. The report's insinuations do not re?ect the rigorous testing protocols in place or the long-standing integrity of UK- EACL under Dr. Stanley's leadership. It is crucial to understand the operational context in which UK-EACL was functioning. Dr. Stanley and his team repeatedly communicated the logistical challenges arising from the transition to HIWU's regulatory oversight, including the implementation of an updated Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), an increased workload from HIWU's requests for Florida sample analysis, and ongoing resource limitations. These concerns were ignored by HIWU, which remained fixated on rigid deadlines rather than addressing the real, systemic issues involved in shifting regulatory frameworks. HIWU's failure to standardize procedures across labs compounded these problems, creating inconsistencies in testing methods and results that were system issues, not specific to UK-EACL. Dr. Stanley categorically denies the allegation the he falsified results. UK-EACL follows a standard two-stage testing process, where initial screenings are followed by confirmatory tests only when necessary. The claim that Dr. Stanley would falsify results is an unfounded attack on his reputation, a reputation built on decades of dedicated service to the industry. Further, the accusation of improper invoicing is equally unsubstantiated. UK-EACL's billing processes have always been transparent and rigorously documented, with every sample tested according to established protocols. If there were discrepancies, they stemmed from HIWU's inconsistent guidance and lack of standardized operating procedures, not from any wrongdoing on the part of UK-EACL or its leadership. Dr. Stanley remains unwavering in his commitment to integrity and excellence in equine testing, values that have defined both his career and UK-EACL's service to the industry. He will continue to stand for these principles in the face of HIWU's baseless and harmful accusations. –Click here for a link to the TDN story, which includes HIWU's Sept. 17 statement concerning the Stanley investigation. The post ‘Claims Are Made Without Evidence’ As Dr. Scott Stanley’s Attorney Responds To HIWU Accusations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Galbertstown Stables boss Pa Doyle described trade at Goffs this week as “very strong for the nice horses” after selling a Sioux Nation half-brother to Diego Ventura (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) to Tally-Ho Stud for €135,000. That was the highest-price paid on Friday as the curtain came down on Book 2 where a 72% clearance rate [down 3% on last year] was posted. The turnover for 322 sold was down 18% to €6,603,800 while the average fell by 8% to €20,509 and the median by 14% to €15,000. As is clearly illustrated in the numbers, the demand is for the top tier horses. Below that level, things get a little trickier. Tally-Ho boss Tony O'Callaghan has seen his share of market trends and reiterated that trade was strong if you had the right horse. For those in the lower brackets, they struggled. “He has the pedigree and is a good stamp of a horse,” O'Callaghan reflected on the half-brother to the 104-rated juvenile. “The trade is good enough–there were six or seven bidders for that horse. Trade is good for the nice horses. Everyone wants the nice horses. Nobody wants a bad horse.” Asked if the Sioux Nation colt (lot 837) was bought to go breezing, O'Callaghan said, “For the moment anyway. Things change. But sure we raced the half-brother [Diego Ventura]. We breezed him, sold some of him to Gavin Cromwell and, as the saying goes, the rest is history. “Everyone needs to up the ante and, if they don't get a good horse, take the hit and be done with it. Nobody wants a bad horse. The standard in Ireland is massive. You go to the Curragh, Aidan [O'Brien] could have three in a maiden. That's an eye-opener. They set a great example. We may try and compete.” Doyle agreed. And on top of that, the leading consignor singled out Goffs for special praise for attracting a diverse buying bench, even in times of increased polarisation. “Sean Ronan bred the Sioux Nation,” he explained. “They put a lot into it and this was as good a horse as I have ever brought to Book 2 here. We sold his brother here last year but I think this is a more balanced horse. You'll definitely hear more of this horse when he hits the racetrack. He's by a proper sire and everything worked out in time for the sale. He was always going to come here and hopefully it'll be onwards and upwards as he's gone to a good home. “Coming up here this week, we didn't know what to make of the market and nobody could predict how it would go. But this was a good sale. Definitely. It was full of nice horses and there was a lot of money here for those nice horses. Plenty of people were here from all over the world for Book 1 and Book 2 so fair play to Goffs.” Reflecting on Book 2 in particular, he said, “I thought Book 2 was a very simple sale to work. Any sort of a nice horse made money. Even our own horse, everybody wanted him. But again, the credit has to go to Goffs. Book 2 here last year was bad. But typical of Goffs, they went away and upped their game. Everybody came back here because Goffs do a great job and the sellers have a lot of trust in the sales company. If they make a mistake, which they did last year, they correct it twice over. I think we saw that here this week. It was very strong for the nice horses.” The O'Callaghans also signed for a Cotai Glory (GB) colt alongside Valfredo Valiani for €60,000, with the Italian agent reporting lot 808 would likely be for breezing as well. Valiani said, “He's not the first horse I have bought for them. They did well with a Blue Point (Ire) filly that I bought for them as well. I saw this Cotai Glory colt who I liked a lot and Roger, Henry and Tony went to look at him and they liked him as well. Thankfully he was a nice horse. You know, they are great people and I love working for them. They are extremely professional and I am always learning from them as well. They are very good at what they do.” He added, “I bought an Earthlight (Ire) filly for €90,000 in Book 1 for a big Italian stable and I have bought a few more in Book 2 who are going back to Italy as well. It's been a good week.” Beeby Addresses Dip In Book 2 Figures It's not like Henry Beeby has gone around this week with the attitude of, 'well, the market is black and white so we have to just accept the middle bracket is going to struggle.' The team worked hard to get the horses and the buyers here and, as Doyle pointed out, there was a healthy buying bench at all levels. The figures were down drastically on last year's Book 2 session, but Beeby was keen for that not to take the gloss of what was respectable trade during Book 1. He said, “On Wednesday we celebrated a superb renewal of Orby Book 1 that defied many pre-sale predications with a sale of vibrancy and depth as a truly international buying bench did battle for many of the finest thoroughbred yearlings to be offered this year. We are extremely proud of the results with feedback from both vendors and purchasers proving overwhelmingly positive about the quality of horses, the Goffs service and the results in the ring as we grew the numbers in each metric over the average headed by the magnificent top price of €2 million. “The last two days have been very different however, as the numbers are some way off what any of us would like and well behind the last two years. A clearance rate of 72% is not the most positive and all the key statistics are back to 2021 levels which is disappointing notwithstanding they mirror trends seen at every other second tier European yearling sale so far and competition for the good ones has been as fierce as ever.” He added, “As an auction house we exist to serve breeders and provide a marketplace to the best of our ability by investing huge time and resource into every area with marketing, travel, incentives and so much more. That we have done, even if some may say it is not enough, and it could be that these two days are simply following the market correction trends that are going to be the story of 2024. So, we will analyse, review and discuss with the benefit of time and reflection before we make any finite decisions about the format or numbers in Orby Book 2. Frankly it is too easy to say “catalogue less” when so many breeders look to Goffs to sell their produce and our question in reply would be to ask “what about the rest?” There is no silver bullet to the current issues and the “polarisation” of the market has been building momentum for a few years as evidenced by so many sales company statements (ours included) and commentators making the word the most overused in the bloodstock world. Indeed, it has become very evident that those yearlings that do not have it all – pedigree, “fashionable” sire and conformation – are roundly rejected as there is always another to buy with so much choice and catalogues growing. That means the market is speaking, and loudly, and it is up to all of us to work together to navigate our way through this latest downturn although when one considers events in the wider world it could be argued that we aren't doing too badly. “Accordingly, we will take our time to reflect and decide how we react for the benefit of Irish breeders as Goffs primary function is to serve them. We'll work with ITM to explore how to make the sale more attractive to overseas buyers who are so vital to the marketplace although that will not happen until we see the take up and footfall at our Autumn Yearling Sale in a few weeks' time as it is worth remembering the huge numbers of Italian and Eastern European purchasers that have flocked to Kildare Paddocks in early November over the past few years. “For now, I repeat our supreme appreciation of every purchaser and each vendor for their support throughout the week. The Irish National Yearling Sale is arguably the most important week of the year for Irish breeders and there were so many true highlights for a lot of vendors including some great stories across all four days whilst we were proud to welcome so many international visitors to Kildare Paddocks.” Lupini Continues Support Of Saxon Warrior Natalia Lupini is one of the most upwardly mobile trainers in Ireland. Along with her partner Craig Bryson, the Italian native swooped for a Saxon Warrior (Jpn) colt from the Castlebridge Consignment for €65,000. Bryson said, “Saint Brandon (Ire), who won his maiden at Down Royal, will go for a valuable auction series final at Naas next week and he is by Saxon Warrior. We've another lovely horse by the sire in the yard so we are big fans of him. We like Saxon Warrior crossed with Invincible Spirit, so we were happy to get lot 887. He has a good walk and is a nice-looking horse. People have probably gone a little bit off the sire but he gets nice horses and they have a wee bit of class so they suit us.” Lupini's stable is a trading one. The wheels need to keep turning in order to keep the stable lights switched on. After an admittedly sluggish start to the campaign, the stable has posted nine winners domestically, five of which were two-year-olds. Bryson continued, “We were a bit quiet at the start of the year but we just bided our time a bit and the horses came to themselves in the second half of the season. It's all come good in the end and we're happy with the season we've had. We've had five two-year-old winners and there are a few nice ones still to run. We've bought four yearlings this year.” Pinhooking Fortunes On Friday Of the 220 horses catalogued during Friday's session, 49 were pinhooks, and after two withdrawals, 47 horses visited the ring. A total of 11 did not meet their reserves and were buy-backs, leaving 36 yearlings marked as sold. Of the latter group, nine made a profit ranging from €1,400 to €17,200. A total of 27 lots lost money. We have multiplied the price of the foal by 1.1 and added a running cost of €12,000 for keep, feed, veterinary, shoeing, sales prep and sales entry fees. Depending on whether someone has their own farm, or where they choose to board a horse, will obviously mean that costs for each individual can vary significantly. It is worth noting that sometimes a horse can appear to be bought and sold by different names but have actually not changed ownership at all. Buy of the Day Janda Bloodstock is an important buyer at the middle market and there is a strong chance that the Eastern European buyer picked up a nice prospect for his clients in lot 923, a Tamayuz (GB) colt who cost €30,000. Offered by Coneyboro Stud Farm, the colt is a half-brother to the 97-rated Maximilian Caesar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and looks every inch a racehorse. He looks very well bought. Thought for the Day Goffs is without doubt one of the best sales companies to socialise at. The balcony restaurant in particular offers a brilliant dining experience and many a good evening/night has been spent there. But do you know what would elevate the whole experience? A live feed from the back ring. Think about it. You're having your lunch, and rather than a big green bid board with numbers that mean nothing to look at, you could have the horses parading in the back ring to feast your eyes upon. If one person happens to look up at the screen, see something they like and then follow that horse into the ring, well then it has to be deemed a worthwhile idea. It can be exhausting work bargain hunting at the sales. In these days where such technology is relatively easy to utilise, this could be something that might take off and could complement the bid boards that are placed within the restaurants and bars around the complex. The post Praise For Goffs As 135k Sioux Nation Colt Brings Curtain Down On Orby Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wagering on U.S. races was lower, but available and paid purses both saw increases when compared to a year ago in September, while the number of race days and races themselves saw an uptick during the month, according to information released by Equibase on Friday. Total wagering of $783,857,564 on races during the month represented a 10.96% decrease over the same period from 2023, while available purses of over $138 million were up by 2.90%. The figure of over $131 million for paid purses in September was up 2.26%. As for the total number of race days, they went from 375 to 390 (+4.00%) and the number of U.S. races was up from 2,930 in September 2023 to last month's tally of 2,996 (+2.25%). Average field size in September was lower from over a year ago when it was 7.34, and checked in at an average of 7.25 runners, a decrease of 1.30%. Average daily wagering decreased by 14.39% to $2,009,891 and the average available purse number per race day was down 1.05% to $354,078 from the figure of $357,846 in 2023. When it comes to the year-to-date figures, through September of 2023 wagering on U.S. races came in at $9.1 billion, while this year the amount is 8.865 billion (-2.89%). Those numbers include worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races. The post September Economic Indicators, Wagering Lower Even Though Purses Rose appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A quartet of Flat horses owned by Paul Wildes will be sold on ThoroughBid on Sunday, Oct. 13. Bidding will open at 9 a.m. and close at noon. The dispersal features the two-for-two Minnie Wildes (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) (lot 1); Chester winner Stapleford Park (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) (lot 2); multiple-placed filly Cressida Wildes (GB) (Grain Race {GB}) (lot 3) and the 85-rated gelding Way To Dubai (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (lot 4). Paul Wildes, whose priorities have shifted since his children are more involved in sports, said, “I've been in horse racing for around 12 years, and this is certainly one of the nicest strings of horses I've had running in my colours. “It's a shame to let them go but my life has changed a fair bit. I barely get to go to the races anymore. I didn't go to Newcastle on Tuesday night [where Minnie Wildes won her second start to remain unbeaten] as Minnie, my daughter, was playing hockey, so that's a case in point really. “[The mare] Wynter Wildes (GB) (Tamayuz {GB}) is going off to the mares' sale, while these four horses in-training are all being sold with ThoroughBid, as I felt they were the best auction house to handle the situation.” CEO of ThoroughBid, James Richardson, said, “It's great to be offering a quartet of exciting horses in this bespoke on-demand sale. They are a talented string of horses, not least Minnie Wildes, who maintained her unbeaten record in stellar style at Newcastle on Tuesday night and looks a very bright prospect. “We're excited to announce that from this sale onwards our agent's commission will be in effect. We're offering a 5% agent's commission to the purchaser of any horse bought for £20,000 or more provided they are a recognised bloodstock agent or a licensed trainer. We believe this will be a really attractive incentive to agents looking get involved in our future sales.” To view the catalogue, please visit the ThoroughBid website. The post Paul Wildes Dispersal Set For ThoroughBid On Oct. 13 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a two-time winner at the highest level, leads the 16-strong G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe field by Timeform ratings at 125, the company announced on Friday. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, the 4-year-old is rated four pounds inferior to Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who finished second to Al Riffa's third behind City Of Troy in the G1 Eclipse earlier this season. Another rated higher is Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who is two pounds above the G1 National Stakes and G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin hero. Both Calandagan and Goliath are ineligible for the Arc, as they are geldings. Timeform handicapper Graeme North said, “This year's Arc looks short of the quality that we can usually expect heading into Europe's premier weight-for-age race over a mile and a half. “There are several reasons for that. Horses who might have been considered top contenders like Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), City Of Troy, Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) all have other targets, while several of the top older horses from last season, such as the first three in the 2023 Arc, Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), are no longer in training. But above all else it's because some of the best horses at the distance are geldings and so are disqualified from running. “Timeform thinks this is wrong as permitting geldings to run would increase competition and give a better indication of the merit of horses from different crops. “Calandagan and Goliath would have headed the ratings by some margin had they been allowed to participate, while high-class French middle-distance horses Iresine (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}) and Zarir (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) [both also geldings] would also have added considerable spice to what currently looks a substandard running.” The post Al Riffa Tops Timeform Ratings Among Arc Field appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

His voice was hoarse from yelling and his hand was a little sore after an overly exuberant high five, but Taylor Cambra was grinning from ear to ear as he weaved through the crowd at Santa Anita and made his way down to the winner's circle. The assistant trainer to Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella was one of the first out on the track to greet Mike Smith and Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify) after their hair-raising victory in the GI California Crown Stakes. It was the inaugural running of the $1 million Grade I and with his hard-fought win in a three-way photo over National Treasure (Quality Road) and Newgate (Into Mischief), Subsanador earned an automatic entry into the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. The following morning as Subsanador enthusiastically inhaled his breakfast in the stall just outside Mandella's office, Cambra proudly reflected on the win. “That was all heart,” he said. “To fight on like that was very impressive. We're very proud of him. Not many horses will fight when they have a horse on each side of them, but he dug in and that's kind of how he is. He's got that grit.” A champion juvenile and three-time Group 1 winner in his native Argentina, Subsanador moved to the U.S. late last year and made his first two starts in California for John Sadler and Stud Facundito, including a narrow second in the GI Santa Anita Handicap. He was then sold privately to Wathnan Racing and transferred to the Mandella barn this spring. Cambra said the first two things he noticed about the 5-year-old chestnut were his looks and his intelligence. “He's a beautiful horse,” he noted. “He wasn't very big, but he had a presence about him that stood out a bit. We already knew he was a good horse coming in, but he was pretty. It was definitely the first thing I noticed. And he's smart. He's got a mind of his own. With the pony, sometimes he tries to out-strengthen them. He's a little bully.” In his debut for Mandella, Subsanador sat nicely in second in the GII Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes, but faded in the stretch and settled for fourth. He more than made up for it in his next two starts, scoring his first graded victory in the U.S. in the GIII Philip Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park on Aug. 17 and then earning his 'Win and You're In' berth in the California Crown. All systems are now go for the colt to take a trip to Del Mar next month for the Breeders' Cup. “The Breeders' Cup is our Olympics; it's the end goal,” said Cambra. “As long as he just keeps improving the way he's doing right now, I think we'll have a pretty good shot.” Subsanador battles to the wire in the GI California Crown Stakes | Benoit Living a Childhood Dream Usually seen on the Santa Anita backside sporting his signature cowboy hat and belt buckle, 27-year-old Cambra looks as if he would be just as comfortable sitting on the back of a roping horse as he would the track pony. And he has plenty of experience with both. From growing up on the backside of a racetrack to his teenage years following the rodeo circuit, all the chapters of Cambra's young life have led him to his current role as assistant trainer to Richard Mandella. Growing up, Cambra tuned into big races like the Breeders' Cup and the Kentucky Derby from his home in Northern California and he dreamed of what it would be like to work with those equine stars. His father was an outrider and trained a few racehorses on the side at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows, so Cambra would go along with him to the track every morning before school. “All I ever wanted to do is be a racehorse trainer,” Cambra reflected. “My first job was raking hot walking rings. I'd go around barn to barn and exercise riders would pay me $5 or $10 to clean bridles for them so that they could go home earlier. I started walking horses for Monty Meier when I was ten years old. I've groomed, I've hot walked and I've ridden the pony. I've done just about everything.” As a young teenager, Cambra had firm goals of first becoming a jockey and then eventually making his way to a training career, but those dreams of riding were dashed when he hit a growth spurt and soared past six foot. Taylor Cambra in the shedrow at Richard Mandella's barn | Katie Petrunyak “I was really trying to keep my weight down, but by the time I was 16 I was 6'1 and 130 pounds and killing myself trying to make weight. I knew it wasn't going to happen.” Still, he hoped that he could maintain a weight that would allow him to continue exercise riding. When he was 19, Cambra spent his first summer in Southern California and decided that he was there to stay. He wandered the backstretch at Santa Anita for two weeks in search of a job. “I would get an odd horse here and a horse there galloping, but nobody wanted to hire me,” he recalled. “Everybody said I was too big to gallop, even though I wasn't that heavy. Finally, I was going to give up and go home back to Northern California. There were two trainers who I hadn't asked yet. One was Richard and one was Bob Baffert. So I said, 'You know what? Before I leave I might as well give it a shot. They're probably going to say no. They're Hall of Famers and all the little trainers are telling me no, so these guys will surely say no.' But when I came here, Richard asked me if I could ride bad colts. I told him I could ride anything he had.” Not only had Cambra developed a strong seat from years of riding racehorses, but he had furthered his abilities at the rodeo. Cambra's father and other family members were all involved in the rodeo and Cambra had starting riding calves when he was around seven. He moved on to junior bulls and then started riding bucking horses professionally when he turned 18, traveling to competitions all throughout the West. “It was a lot of broken bones and an empty wallet, so I said it was probably time to go back to racehorses,” Cambra said with a laugh. Looking back, Cambra readily acknowledges that the experience was more than worth it as being a cowboy made him a better rider and vice versa. On his first day with Mandella when he was assigned a tough colt that flipped over on him, Cambra hopped back on the horse without so much as blinking an eye. Over the years since, Cambra has ridden many of Mandella's top trainees. There was United (Giant's Causeway), a multiple graded stakes winner who was second in the 2019 GI Breeders' Cup Turf, and Jolie Olimpica (Brz) (Drosselmeyer), another multiple graded winner who was second to Rushing Fall (More Than Ready) in a record-setting edition of the GI Jenny Wiley Stakes in 2020. The star of Cambra's riding career was undoubtedly Omaha Beach (War Front), a three-time Grade I winner who was runner-up in the 2019 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. “He was the full package,” Cambra said. “He was classy. It's hard to explain the way he felt underneath you. He was so strong, so smooth, so intelligent. And he's turning out to be a pretty good sire too.” Eventually, Cambra's riding days came to an end when the battle to maintain an exercise rider's weight became impossible to overcome. He transitioned into the position of barn foreman and last year, was promoted to assistant trainer. This new role came with a new set of responsibilities. “There's a lot more you have to do,” explained Cambra. “You don't just have to worry about getting on your horses and going home. In my case, I have 45 horses that I've got to make sure are all sound and happy and I have 45 employees that I have to make sure are happy and doing their jobs correctly. There's a lot to do, a lot to oversee and obviously I report to Richard.” In Mandella, Cambra said that he could not have picked a better boss and teacher. “He's hard on me, which is good,” he noted with a grin. “I need that, keeps me in line. He's fair though and he's very sharp. He finds things that I miss. Iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another and he's a pretty sharp man, so he's working on me.” Cambra's aspirations to become a trainer one day are as strong as ever, but for now he is content with where he is, honing his horsemanship skills and living his childhood dream. “A day not learning something new is a day wasted, so I'm very happy with where I'm at,” he said. “It's a dream come true. We used to watch the great horses on TV when I was a kid. Never did I ever think that I would get to be around them, let alone ride a horse like Omaha Beach or get to work with a horse like Subsanador every day. It's a dream come true.” The post Breeders’ Cup Connections: Taylor Cambra and Subsanador, Born for This appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien provided a positive bulletin on Ballydoyle star City Of Troy (Justify) after he galloped at Southwell last month. The Coolmore partners' talented son of Together Forever (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is gearing up for start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in November. “He's very good. We were delighted with him at Southwell and everything has gone very well with him since,” O'Brien told Sky Sports Racing. “He's started his build up now and so far everything seems good.” The bay is riding a three-race winning streak, having claimed the G1 Derby, G1 Eclipse and G1 International Stakes in June, July and August, respectively. The Coolmore partners have never won the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, with their 'Iron Horse' Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat) getting closest when second by a neck to Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy) in 2000. “I think they'll all go the Friday or Saturday the weekend they need to be there [Nov. 1 and 2], I think that's the plan,” O'Brien added of his Breeders' Cup team. “They'll be in quarantine for a few days and then they'll be out on the track on the Monday or Tuesday.” The post O’Brien ‘Delighted’ With City Of Troy As He Preps For Breeders’ Cup Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will partner with FOX Sports to present live coverage and analysis of Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe from ParisLongchamp, the track said in a release on Friday. Sunday's special broadcast will air on FS1 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. ET., with Greg Wolf offering stateside updates live in studio from Aqueduct Racetrack. Post time for the race, which is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series and offers entry into the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, is set for approximately 10:20 a.m. ET. The post FOX Sports To Broadcast L’Arc De Triomphe From ParisLongchamp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Sunday running at Tokyo and Niigata Racecourses: Sunday, October 6, 2024 3rd-TOK, ¥13,720,000 ($92k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600m MALIBU ORANGE (f, 2, Vekoma–Malibu Pier, by Malibu Moon), whose dam won a trio of graded stakes on the turf and was runner-up in the GI La Brea Stakes on the main track, is a half-sister to SW & GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf second Coasted (Tizway), who has become a commercial success since being purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for $1.3 million at Fasig-Tipton November in 2017 and exported to Japan. Coasted's first foal is Danon Beluga (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), a Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed at home and twice runner-up in the G1 Dubai Turf who sold for nearly $1.5 million as a foal. She is also the dam of Bond Girl (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Ire}), a $1.54-million yearling and placed four times at group level. Coasted's foal of 2024, a filly by Saturnalia (Jpn), was purchased by Susumu Fujita for $1.06 million this past summer. B-Newtownanner Stud Farm (KY) JUNE EOS (f, 2, Constitution–Lights of Medina, by Eskendereya), a $400,000 Keeneland September acquisition, is out of a stakes-winning mare who was also second in the 2017 GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and whose first foal, Pioneer of Medina (Pioneerof the Nile), was third in the 2022 GII Louisiana Derby and won the 2023 GIII Mineshaft Stakes. The yearling half-sister to June Eos by Twirling Candy was knocked down to C2 Racing Stable for $300,000 at the recently concluded September Sale. B-International Equities Holding Inc (KY) 5th-NII, ¥13,720,000 ($92k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200m POULSEN (c, 2, Into Mischief–Separationofpowers, by Candy Ride {Arg}) is the second foal and first to make the races from his dam, winner of the GI Frizette Stakes in 2017 and the GI Longines Test Stakes at three before changing hands for $2.1 million at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. A Feb. 11 foal, Poulsen was bought back for $535,000 as a Keeneland November weanling in 2022, then fetched $350,000 at last summer's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Consigned by Scanlon Training & Sales to this year's OBS April Sale, the bay colt drilled an eighth of a mile in :9 4/5 and was hammered down to Naohiro Sakaguchi for $925,000. B-Hunter Valley Farm & Mountmellick Farm LLC (KY) SONG COLLECTOR (f, 2, Collected–Kylers Song, by El Corredor) cost $47,000 at OBSAPR after breezing in :10 flat, having originally been purchased for just $1,500 as a short yearling at the 2023 Keeneland January Sale. The May 18 foal is the first to race out of a winning daughter of five-time stakes winner and dual graded-placed Summer Song (Sunday Break {Jpn}), the dam of GII Amsterdam Stakes runner-up Excitations (Into Mischief). Third dam Lost Expectations (Valid Expectation) produced GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes heroine and GI Breeders' Cup Distaff runner-up Don't Tell Sophia (Congaree). B-Marette & Canice Farrell & Zoe Cadman (KY) The post Expensive Into Mischief Breezer Gets Going at Niigata appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. “Executive finished with a flourish to get third.” Those were the words of Saratoga track announcer Frank Mirahmadi–with an emphasis on flourish–as Executive (c, 2, Constitution–Low Pressure Zone, by Curlin) flew home to round out the trifecta going 1 1/16 miles over the lawn on debut at the Spa Aug. 31. Overlooked at 16-1 in his unveiling for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, Executive lunged at the start and trailed the field of nine passing the stands for the first time. He continued to caboose the field through fractions of :23.96 and :48.76 and was produced by Junior Alvarado off the far turn. Still with a ton of work to do as they straightened, he finished up full of run in a field-best :29.28 while crossing the wire 1 1/2 lengths behind the Chad Brown-trained firster Early Adopter (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}). Early Adopter subsequently lost all chance after checking in deep stretch to finish a troubled third in last weekend's GII Pilgrim Stakes. Executive, a $900,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Jim and Dana Bernhard's Pin Oak Stud, earned a 60 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort. “We thought a lot of this horse when we purchased him and our farm trainer Joss Saville was very impressed with his progress through the early breaking and training process,” Pin Oak's Racing Manager Matt Weinmann said. “He was training steadily with Bill (Mott), but never showed a ton of speed in the mornings, so we knew we wanted to get him some distance and that he may need a race before showing his best. We went into his debut hopeful, but knowing that he might not be at his best yet. He lunged at the start, which put us in the back early, but Junior (Alvarado) did a great job of letting him settle and get into a rhythm.” Weinmann continued, “He closed extremely well down the stretch and showed the kind of talent and heart we all thought he had. We were very pleased with his debut and are looking forward to seeing him develop into a talented, two-turn colt.” Two turns on debut is no easy task, but #8 Early Adopter passed the test in R2 at Saratoga at 4/1! Chad Brown trains this 2YO colt and @jockeyfranco was in the saddle. pic.twitter.com/CsvOXhx8Fv — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 31, 2024 Executive returned to the worktab with a four-furlong breeze in :49.68 (30/140) over Saratoga's Oklahoma training track Sept. 28. He is being aimed at a maiden special weight going 1 1/16 miles on the grass at the Belmont at Big A meeting Oct. 12. WinStar Farm's leading sire Constitution is responsible for 36 graded/group stakes winners worldwide. The Constitution x Curlin cross has also produced Promise Keeper, winner of the 2021 GIII Peter Pan Stakes. Executive is the first foal out of Low Pressure Zone, an $850,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase by Peter Brant's White Birch Farm. The maiden of two career starts brought $425,000 from Gage Hill while carrying Executive at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. Executive's third dam is bluehen mare Miss Macy Sue (Trippi), best known for producing Taylor Made's leading young sire and narrow 2016 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up Not This Time and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner and Lane's End stallion Liam's Map. Bred in Kentucky by Gage Hill Stable II, LLC, W. S. Farish and Ken Langone, Executive first brought $100,000 from Jim Fitzgerald, agent, as a Keeneland January short yearling prior to topping the sixth session of last year's Keeneland September sale. “We like to concentrate on physiological measurements when it comes to purchasing yearlings and this son of Constitution had very similar physiology to his sire,” Weinmann said. “Nice-sized, scopey colt with a big two-turn cardiovascular system. The Pin Oak team of Clifford Barry, Michael Hardy and Joss Saville inspect all of our potential prospects at the sales, so when you have a colt with excellent physiology that talented horsemen like them also like, it gives you all the confidence in the world to take a big swing like that at the sale. Having a deep back family with Broodmare of the Year Miss Macy Sue, Not This Time and Liam's Map showing up on the page was an added bonus.” Parchment Party | Coady Pin Oak and Mott also campaign another promising son of Constitution, the two-for-two 'TDN Rising Star' Parchment Party, who kicked off his career with a pair of visually impressive come-from-behind wins at two, including an optional claimer at Churchill Downs last time out back in November. He could potentially launch his sophomore campaign in a Keeneland allowance Oct. 12, Weinmann said. “We decided in January to give him some time off to grow and mature,” Weinmann said. “He is a June foal and he is a very big horse. After his two impressive wins, we felt he deserved a few months at the farm and we could get him back going later in the year. We have high hopes for him these last few months of his 3-year-old campaign and are hoping for a very exciting 4-year-old campaign next year.” The 'Second Chances' Honor Roll is headed by Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and GISWs A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), Honor A. P. (Honor Code), Locked (Gun Runner), Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and Speaker's Corner (Street Sense). The post Second Chances: ‘He Closed Extremely Well and Showed the Kind of Talent and Heart We All Thought He Had.’ – Constitution Colt Executive Catches Eye with Rallying Third on Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are 13 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, October 5. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Randwick, Flemington, Doomben, Kalgoorlie & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – October 5, 2024 Randwick Racing Tips Flemington Racing Tips Doomben Racing Tips Kalgoorlie Racing Tips Darwin 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 October 5, 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 prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 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 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 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. 5 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. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Wine and racehorses. What, as they say, is not to like? It worked for Marchese Mario Incisa della Rochetta, whose delicious drop of Tuscan red, Sassicaia, is revered the world over, and who found fame in the Thoroughbred world as the co-owner and breeder, with Federico Tesio, of the great Ribot (Ity) among others. Now Graham Smith-Bernal, who bought Newsells Park Stud from the Jacobs family in 2021, is aiming for a similar sideline in excellence. In the name of proper and thorough journalistic research, a crack team of wine drinkers from the TDN was dispatched to Hertfordshire to learn more about this project, which is now in its early growth stages across 170 acres on a corner of Newsells Park. “My brother-in-law is Italian and he comes from a wine-producing family, so my interest in making wine peaked over the last 10, 15 years when my sister married him,” says Smith-Bernal, who is famed as the entrepreneur behind transcription software for the legal system. “We then found when we did the due diligence [on the purchase of Newsells Park Stud] that of the 1,200-plus acres here, 170 acres were south-facing chalk slopes, which is absolutely the perfect soil for growing vines that go on to make sparkling wine.” The breeder-turned-viticulturist is encouraged by the boost in appreciation of English sparkling wine in recent years. “I think there's something like 400 vineyards here in England now,” he adds. “We are the very first that brings together, if you like, the reputation for breeding top racehorses with the aspiration to make the finest sparkling wine.” From the first vines being planted in 2022, two climate-friendly summers have aided their establishment, but this spring was not so kind. “This year has been a washout, a terrible year right across the board,” he says. “Partly because we had a late frost on the 26th of April. We were going to have our first harvest this year, probably enough to make 10,000 bottles of wine – 60,000 is where we'll be at full production. “But we decided because of that, and then the very wet spring that followed, to drop the grapes, and that again reinforced the vine structure. We'll look to next year, but in the interim, because it will be three to five years before we can drink anything that we've harvested, what we're doing is effectively building our brand by selecting some of the very finest English sparkling wine that has at least five years of age on it. So it is top-table stuff. And then just like Harrods or Harvey Nichols do, we put our brand on it.” That brand is where the proper cross-pollination with the horse side of the business kicks in. Newsells Park Stud's leading sire Nathaniel (Ire) has lent his name to a zinger of a sparkling wine which definitely passed the TDN taste test, while the farm's late, great broodmare Shastye (Ire) is remembered in the naming of a classic cuvée. “When you drink a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne, you see the bottle and the label, you see the name and you taste it, but you're not usually able to turn the label and then see the story. Nathaniel's story – about the Coral Eclipse, the King George, and then of course Enable – is there. My dream is through that sparkling wine, in 20 years' time, long after he's gone, he will be remembered through this,” says Smith-Bernal, who has plans in place to build a winery amid the vines, with splendid views across the stud's rolling pastures. “We also have a rosé coming at the end of October, which is going to be called Shambolic.” Which brings us back to the key focus of Newsells Park Stud: breeding top-class horses. Through her offspring, Shastye was the toast of Book 1 for many a year. No fewer than six of her yearlings sold for seven-figure sums, led by the subsequent Group 3 winner Sir Isaac Newton (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) at 3.6 million gns. His full-siblings include the dual Group 1 winners Japan (GB) and Mogul (GB) as well as G2 Middleton Stakes winner Secret Gesture (GB). Two years ago, the first foal of Shambolic (Ire) (Shamardal), who is owned by Newsells Park and Merry Fox Stud, brought 1.5 million guineas when offered at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Sale. This time last year the filly, now named Ylang Ylang (GB), won the G1 Fillies' Mile. Her half-sister, by Siyouni (Fr), is one of 27 yearlings heading to Tattersalls next week for Book 1, the elite sale at which Newsells Park Stud has been leading consignor for the last six years, and on two occasions prior to that. She will be joined by a Dubawi (Ire) filly out of Waldlied (GB), a three-part-sister to the Arc winner Waldgeist (GB) from one of Newsells Park's signature families, and a Frankel (GB) colt who is very closely related to another of the resident stallions, Without Parole (GB), and consigned on behalf of his breeders John and Tanya Gunther. A draft chockful of sire power to match some pretty elite female families will no doubt be playing a leading role once more at Park Paddocks. “Sometimes you have good years on the track and sometimes you have bad years,” says stud manager Julian Dollar. “I try and think of Juddmonte's Oasis Dream advert, which says 'Form is temporary, class is permanent.' Hopefully we've proven over the years that we get it right.” In addition to the commercial element of the business, Newsells Park Stud has recently set up a bloodstock syndicate in a bid to encourage investors and would-be breeders to become partners in racing and broodmare prospects. The star of the project to date is this year's Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me (GB), who is of course a daughter of Nathaniel and is owned in partnership with Valmont. The bloodstock syndicate members will soon also be beneficiaries of the Newsells Park wine club. “We are also creating a local community membership,” adds Smith-Bernal, who owns the pub in the stud's local village of Barkway and will host open days at the stud for residents. “You pay your annual subscription, you get your 12 bottles of wine, but then you get to get involved in some of the events that we're holding here. So in the spring you'll get to see some of the foals and the mares. You're going to see a stallion parade. In the autumn, you're going to see a yearling parade. There'll be a barbecue, which is for our members. So it's a community thing that we're building.” The stud also played host to leading clients of the bookmaker Fitzdares during the summer for a Royal Ascot preview hosted by Nick Luck. “They had a tour of the stud, to see what this is all about,” says Smith-Bernal. “And then they're part of the audience, this wine was served, canapés and everything else, and they got insights from trainers for Royal Ascot, and we had people coming back after that saying that was one of the best events that they've been to. “Fitzdares now want to do that every year, and the reason we do it is it just brings more people who've got an interest in this world into our orbit, and from there they may not only interested be in that, but in coming into a bloodstock syndicate.” Encouraging new people to become involved in the world of Thoroughbred breeding? Now that's something we can all drink to. The post Newsells Park Preparing to Sparkle at Book 1 and Beyond appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The eighth installment in the 2024 OwnerView webinar series was held on Oct. 1 and discussed the benefits of owners having professional advisors and agents, The Jockey Club of America said in a release early Friday. The panel consisted of Braxton Lynch, co-founder and racing manager of BBN Racing; Clark Shepherd, founder of Shepherd Equine Advisers; and Jeffrey R. Bloom, founder of Bloom Racing. A Q&A was sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, and attendees were able to ask questions through a link, which were then answered at the end of the webinar. Hosted by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and presented by Bessemer Trust, Stoll Keenon Ogden, and The Green Group, the panel was sponsored by Walmac Farm. The next OwnerView session entitled, “State Incentive Programs” will be held Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. ET. Click here to register, access past videos and for a schedule of upcoming presentations. The post OwnerView Webinar Covers Advisors and Agents appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

Perfect through two eyecatching wins at Deauville in August and Chantilly last month, 'TDN Rising Star' Maranoa Charlie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Koubalibre {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) continued his impressive rise with an untroubled pillar-to-post triumph in Friday's G3 Prix Thomas Bryon Jockey Club de Turquie at Saint-Cloud to retain his perfect record in style. The 1-5 favourite was swiftly into stride and soon established a clear lead. Tanking along in hand throughout, he was in another parish turning for home and required minimal encouragement in the straight to easily outclass Iowa City (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) by much more than the official winning margin of eight lengths would imply. Thomas Bryon Jockey-Club de Turquie (Gr3, 2ans, 1600m) à #SaintCloud Le grand favori Maranoa Charlie (Wooton Bassett) gagne détaché devant un des supplémentés, Iowa City Territories). pic.twitter.com/J4MVUP1SPV — France Galop (@francegalop) October 4, 2024 The post TDN Rising Star Maranoa Charlie Saunters to Thomas Bryon Success at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mickael Barzalona has been appointed first jockey for the French-trained horses of the Aga Khan Studs from January 2025. A Classic-winning jockey in France and Britain, Barzalona shot to wider prominence for his flamboyant celebrations when winning the 2011 Derby for Andre Fabre and Coolmore aboard Pour Moi (Ire) at the age of just 19. A former retained jockey for Godolphin, he won France's Cravache d'Or (jockeys' championship) in 2021 and is currently in second place in the table for this season behind Maxime Guyon. During 2024, Barzalona's significant victories in the red and green silks of the Aga Khan Studs have included the G3 Prix de la Grotte aboard Candala (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and G3 Prix d'Aumale on Zarigana (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). The latter, a granddaughter of the Aga Khan's brilliant Arc winner Zarkava (Fr), whose retirement from breeding was announced this week, will be partnered by Barzalona in Sunday's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac. The post Mickael Barzalona Retained by Aga Khan Studs for 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Andrew Forsman always intended to aim Positivity at Saturday’s Gr.3 Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington, but the Cambridge trainer has been caught off guard by what his rising star stayer has already achieved this spring. The Almanzor mare has made a big impression in her first two starts as a four-year-old, running second in the Listed Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) before securing a ballot-free entry into the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) with her tenacious last-start victory in the Gr.3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m). That stellar start to the spring caps a rapid rise for Positivity, who made her debut less than 10 months ago with a fourth at Matamata in late December. She rose to prominence as an autumn three-year-old with wins in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie and Gr.3 SA Fillies’ Classic (2500m) at Morphettville, along with a runner-up finish in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Positivity has now won four of her 10 starts and more than A$450,000 for prominent owner Ben Kwok. “She seems to have gone to a new level this spring,” Forsman said. “It’s never easy for a four-year-old mare coming out of their three-year-old season, but she’s really stepped up and run a couple of the best races of her career. “She’s been great since that Group Three win at Caulfield. Her work has been spot on and I can’t fault her at all. “Stepping up to 2500m at Flemington on Saturday should be ideal. It’s always looked like a suitable race for her, and coming into this campaign, it was probably the first one that we really wanted to target and have her firing for. Having said that, it’s a full field and won’t be an easy race for her at all, but hopefully she’s up to the task.” Positivity will continue her partnership with jockey Harry Coffey, who was in the saddle for both the Heatherlie and the Foundation Cup. The pair will jump from the extreme outside gate in a full field of 16 plus four emergencies. The TAB rates Positivity a $13 chance in a market headed by Berkshire Breeze ($4.40), Point King ($6) and Saint George ($7). Safely through the Bart Cummings, Forsman is keen to take advantage of Positivity’s golden ticket into the Caulfield Cup on October 19. “Provided she runs another solid race this weekend and comes through it well, there’s no reason not to give it a crack,” he said. Forsman also has a busy day in store on home soil on Saturday, with eight runners entered across the Tauranga and Hawera meetings. For both Mustang Valley and Wessex, Saturday’s assignments are a deviation from Forsman’s original spring plans. Dual Group One winner Mustang Valley made a highly promising start to her campaign with a close fifth in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa in August, but abandonments have wreaked havoc with her preparation since then. She missed an intended run in an open handicap at New Plymouth on September 14, then headed to Hastings last week for the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and again got back on the float without a race. Forsman scratched Mustang Valley from the rescheduled Arrowfield at Matamata on Wednesday, and the six-year-old will instead contest Saturday’s Team Wealleans (1600m) at Tauranga. “It’s been far from an ideal prep,” Forsman said. “Hopefully we’ve got enough work into her and she can get things back on track with a nice performance on Saturday. “She’s got to give a bit of weight away to some talented horses, but she’s looking good and I think she’s as fit as we can get her without racing.” Mustang Valley will be ridden by Donavan Mansour, who is 11 rides into a popular return to jockeys’ ranks this season. The expat South African has spent several years working in different roles in the industry after suffering serious injuries in a starting-gates incident at Te Aroha back in 2019. “It’s good to give him an opportunity on a quality mare like her,” Forsman said. “Hopefully she might help him get a bit of momentum up in his comeback.” Mustang Valley is still in line for a shot at the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m), which will now be run at Te Rapa on October 12. The Vanbrugh mare is currently at a $9 quote in the TAB’s Livamol market. “The Livamol is still in our plans, although a lot is going to depend on what happens on Saturday and how she does in between times,” Forsman said. Forsman also had to come up with a Plan B this weekend for Wessex, who will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera. The daughter of Turn Me Loose was being aimed at the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m), which was removed from Saturday’s card when Matamata staged the Arrowfield on Wednesday and Tauranga took over the weekend meeting. “She’s going great,” he said. “The only frustration is that we really set her up to run in the Matamata Cup. Racing over 1400m at weight-for-age is quite a different scenario to a handicap over a mile. “But on her best form, we know that she’s well capable of being competitive in a race like this.” View the full article

Graeme Rogerson has seen promising signs that Sharp ‘N’ Smart is rediscovering the form that earned him Horse of the Year honours as a three-year-old, but Saturday’s Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington will put his resurgence to the test. The Redwood gelding won five of his eight starts as a three-year-old, three of them at Group One level. He captured the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in Sydney, then defeated older rivals in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) before completing his elite treble in the New Zealand Derby (2400m). He also won the Gr.3 Gloaming Stakes (1600m) and was runner-up in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), and he closed out his superb season with a fourth in unsuitable heavy track conditions in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m). Sharp ‘N’ Smart was a long way off that form during an illness-plagued four-year-old season, collecting just one third placing from six disappointing starts. But his first two starts as a five-year-old have hinted at a welcome turnaround. After resuming with an eye-catching late finish behind the placegetters in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), Sharp ‘N’ Smart carried 63.5kg into a gallant second in a 1600m open handicap at Te Rapa on September 15. He was beaten by a long neck by Islington Lass, who had only 54kg on her back. “I think he’s back,” Rogerson said. “He had that bacterial viral issue that caused him a lot of problems last season, but he’s put all that behind him. He looks fantastic, the horse. “He trialled up nicely and has gone well in his first couple of races. It was a super performance under his big weight last time. It’s so far, so good. “I think he’ll run well this weekend, but this race will really tell us how he’s going. There’s nine Group One winners in the field, so that’s going to test him. But I don’t see any reason why he won’t put in a strong performance.” Rogerson will use Saturday’s A$750,000 weight-for-age feature as a guide when it comes to shaping the rest of Sharp ‘N’ Smart’s spring campaign. “His performance in the Turnbull will help us decide where we go with him from here,” he said. “He’s qualified for the Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m), but hasn’t met the qualification criteria for the Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m). He’ll need to run in the first three in the Turnbull to go there. “We could look at the Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m), or there’s races like the Geelong Cup (Gr.3, 2400m) and Moonee Valley Gold Cup (Gr.2, 2500m). We’ve got a range of options to choose from, and I think we’ll know a lot more after this weekend.” Sharp ‘N’ Smart was bred by Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey and was bought by Rogerson Bloodstock for $55,000 at Karaka 2021. His 20-race career has produced six wins, six placings and more than $3.1 million in stakes. View the full article

The curtain will come down on 182 years of racing in Singapore on Saturday with the 100th and final running of the Singapore Gold Cup. Renamed the S$1.38m Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) for the final edition, the race will be run at 10:40pm New Zealand time as the last of ten races. For the host of participants at the magnificent Kranji facility, it will be a bitter-sweet feeling as a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000 cheer on the local racing stars, only to see the state-of-the-art training and racing centre closed for business forever soon after. The tiny island’s need for land requires the Singapore Turf Club’s entire 120 hectares (297 acres) be handed back to the government in 2027 for redevelopment into public and private housing. Trainer Daniel Meagher will be gunning for a third Singapore Gold Cup with leading chances care of last year’s victor Lim’s Kosciuszko and Raffles Cup (1600m) hero Lim’s Saltoro. Both horses were sourced from New Zealand. Under the handicap conditions of the Grand Singapore Gold Cup, Lim’s Kosciuszko will give the second highest-rated horse and his heir apparent Lim’s Saltoro six kilos, and eight kilos to 11 of the other runners in the capacity field of 16. It would be a tough ask indeed for the ‘little horse’, with Meagher pointing to Lim’s Saltoro, a son of Shamexpress, as the obvious danger. “My heart says ‘Kosi’ but my brain says (Lim’s) Saltoro,” Meagher said. “He (Lim’s Saltoro) had a tough week before the QEII (Cup) and I thought his run was exceptional (ran third). “He beat ‘Kosi’ in the Raffles Cup (over 1600m on 11 August) at his previous start. Both those races were run under weight-for-age conditions, so he gets a massive pull in the weights on Saturday, and 2000m isn’t a problem for him. “I can’t fault Lim’s Saltoro either. He does his own things at trackwork, but we are very happy with how he is going into Saturday.” Meagher, who will relocate to Pakenham in the coming months, will be kept busy with 15 runners on Saturday but knows it will be an emotional ending regardless of the results. “This place has been my life for over 25 years. My wife (Sabrina), kids (Caiden, Harper and Vienna) and God knows how many good mates I’ve made here. “No work come Monday after so many years. I’m heartbroken but I have a job to do this week. Win, lose or draw, we will have a gathering with (fellow trainer) Jason Ong and all our workers back at the stables on Saturday night. “I think that’s when it will sink in.” Kiwi trainer Donna Logan will return to Byerley Park. Photo: Trish Dunell Kiwi expat Donna Logan will also be represented by six runners on the final day including Gold Cup runner Istataba but said it was a strange feeling. “I think everybody’s emotions are running very high,” Logan said. “It’s just an empty feeling. Can you actually get your head around that this is our last week? “I did my video of a gallop yesterday morning, and I said, ‘this is such a historical moment, this will be the last gallop I will video at Kranji’ and the reality has really kicked in. “We’ve got six runners and we’re hoping we can get a winner. We had Elliot Ness win last week for Fortuna Racing with Manuel Nunes in the saddle and it would be nice to get a winner on the final day.” Logan has found homes for every horse in her stable, with some to continue racing across the border in Malaysia. “I’ve homed every horse that we have left here. The majority of our staff we’ve already had to let go. So, we’re down to a real skeleton staff,” she said. “There’s a few staff that haven’t worked out what they’ll do. I’ve got a couple I’m trying to bring to New Zealand with me, but that’s all up to immigration. “I’d love to bring them all over because they’re great staff. They’re very dedicated and they really have a love of their horses and they’re so calm, which is a big contributing factor to the animal. “It is so sad to see such a wonderful racing industry close after so many years. All the history of this place (Kranji) and Bukit Timah before that.” Despite the emotional week, Logan has plenty to look forward to as the highly-regarded trainer returns to a rejuvenated New Zealand racing industry. “We will be setting up stables back in New Zealand at Byerley Park and I’m getting good support from owners back home,” Logan said. “You want to be where the action is and Ellerslie will be the pin-up venue with the high stake-money races so I decided to be as close to Ellerslie as I could get, which is an important factor for me and my clients going forward.” View the full article

Chad Schofield will be bidding for his share of the family bragging rights when he attempts to join his father Glyn on the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) honour roll. Schofield has picked up the mount on $6 equal favourite Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) and regards the Joe Pride-trained gelding as his best chance yet to emulate the feat of his jockey father, who won the 2013 renewal on Boban (Bernardini). “That would be nice and it’s definitely the best ride in the Epsom that I’ve had,” Schofield said. “My first ride on him will be Saturday, but that’s nothing rare, it happens all the time. “I have been watching the horse for a number of preps now. He is a top-class horse and I feel like he’s a horse that keeps getting better. I also feel like he’s had a great Epsom prep.” Runner-up in both the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Gr.1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m) in the autumn, Pride did contemplate pursuing a Gr.1 Metropolitan (2400m) path with Ceolwulf. However, after two sharp performances at his return runs, including a strong 1500m win at Rosehill in August and an equally impressive second to rising star Eliyass (Le Havre) in the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) last start, Pride opted to go to the feature spring mile. Ceolwulf came up with barrier 14 at Tuesday’s draw, a gate Schofield said would give him flexibility. “I loved his run the other day, he showed terrific acceleration,” Schofield said. “I quite like the drop back in trip into the Epsom and the draw gives us a few options. We’re not going to be hammered away on the rail, which is good. “With 54 (kilos) on his back and the type of acceleration he has, he is a major winning chance.” If Schofield can claim the feature on Ceolwulf, it will continue a successful partnership between the Pride stable and the Schofield clan. Glyn Schofield was the regular rider of Pride’s Ball Of Muscle (Dubawi), winning a host of stakes races on the smart sprinter between 2014-19, and also collecting the 2014 Gr.2 Warwick (1400m) (now Winx Stakes, (Gr.1, 1400m)) Stakes on Tiger Tees (NZ) (Dubawi). Pride has every bit as much confidence in Chad Schofield and believes he will be a good fit for Ceolwulf. “I’ve got a lot of faith in Chad. He’s a great rider and I think he will suit the horse,” Pride said. “You can see looking at Ceolwulf’s ratings last preparation he just gets better as the prep goes on, and I think the timing is perfect for him. He is ready to go on Saturday.” View the full article