Wandering Eyes

Jes Sikura, son of Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa president John Sikura, will be the new Director of Bloodstock at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, according to a Wednesday afternoon release from the Central Kentucky farm. The younger Sikura has spent the last two years working in the farm's bloodstock division while attending college. He recently graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in marketing. “Jes has demonstrated a great passion and acuity for the business,” said John Sikura. “He loves the farm and working with clients to serve their goals. This appointment is strictly about my belief in his integrity, ability, and commitment and has nothing to do with him being a 'Sikura'. It is rewarding to think that Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa can be a generational business fostered by such passion and love of place. We have a great tradition here of having exceptionally talented and committed people who have meant so much to our success. I expect Jes to do the same.” Jes Sikura added: “I am extremely excited to officially join the team at Hill 'n' Dale. I feel ready to join at a time of tremendous opportunity. We have a lot to look forward to in the immediate future, from launching and managing the careers of several of our important young stallions to building on the momentum of a monumental year in 2025 which saw Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency top both Keeneland September and the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. In addition, Hill 'n' Dale acquired an ownership interest in Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, who has joined our elite broodmare band. I will be enthusiastically working towards the bright future we have here.” The post Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa Welcomes Jes Sikura as Director of Bloodstock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU)'s “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Among this week's rulings, trainer Carlos Acosta, Jr. has been banned a combined four years and fined a combined $25,000 after out-of-competition hair and blood samples taken in April from his trainees, Storm Leader and Tucum, tested positive for Albuterol, a banned bronchodilator. At the time of the required testing, both horses were stabled at a private farm near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Acosta reportedly refused to allow HIWU personnel access to the private farm and instead took the horses to Albuquerque Downs Racetrack for testing. According to a final decision signed by case arbitrator Barbara Reeves, Karina Gonzalez, the owner of Storm Leader and Tucum, initially explained that their regular licensed veterinarian, Lane Dixon, had examined the horses and prescribed Albuterol to be administered via an inhaler, due to the horses suffering exercised-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Though classed a banned substance, Albuterol is permitted only if it was given as an inhaled bronchodilator, and only if it was also prescribed by a licensed veterinarian in the context of a valid veterinarian-patient-client relationship, according to HISA rules. Furthermore, HISA requires anyone who medically treats a “Covered Horse” to report every treatment to the HISA portal within 24 hours. According to the final ruling, there are no Albuterol treatments reported in the HISA portal for Storm Leader and Tucum. During the adjudication process, Acosta forwarded to HIWU a single email, purportedly from Dixon, to say that he had been prescribed Albuterol due to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, the final decision states. Gonzalez also testified that she paid Dixon in cash for his services. Acosta, however, did not call or subpoena Dixon to testify at the hearing, “nor did he produce or subpoena veterinary records from Dr. Dixon,” the final decision states. Furthermore, after being told that authentic medical records would need to be produced to be part of a valid case, Gonzalez reportedly changed her argument to claim her horses had been intentionally contaminated, according to the final decision. Acosta's four-year ban started on Dec. 29. According to Equibase, he has trained on and off since 2013. He has 62 career wins to his name from 439 starts. Resolved ADMC Violations Dates: 12/30/2025 Licensee: Nick Canani, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Bloodline, who finished sixth at Churchill Downs on 11/6/25. Dates: 12/30/2025 Licensee: Jamie Ness, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on December 31, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Mepivacaine–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Uncle Irish, who finished second at Laurel Park on 9/13/25. Dates: 12/29/2025 Licensee: Carlos Acosta, Jr., trainer Penalty: Combined 4-year period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on December 29, 2025; a fine of $25,000. Final decision of arbitral body. Explainer: Out-of-competition medication violations for the presence of Albuterol–a banned bronchodilator–in samples taken from Storm Leader on 4/22/25; and from Tucum on 4/22/25. Pending ADMC Violations 12/30/2025, Carlos Rafael Figueroa, Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Foxy Cara, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 11/19/25. 12/30/2025, Jeremiah Englehart, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Oxymorphone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Neigh Baby, who finished second at Belmont at the Big A on 10/9/25. 12/29/2025, George Lopez, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole and Methocarbamol–both class C controlled substances–in a sample taken from Tiz Lissett on 11/26/25. 12/29/2025, Kieron Magee, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Neolithica, who won at Laurel Park on 10/11/25. The post National Rulings December 27 – 31, Carlos Acosta Banned 4 Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing Alberta has approved the 2026 budget, reflecting a disciplined approach in response to current economic conditions while maintaining strong support for the province's racing and breeding industries.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The New Year will also see a new driver step out for the first time. Josh Lane will make his race day debut with two drives at Rangiora’s 11 race meeting which starts at 12.25pm. “It’s been a goal for a long time, ” he says. The 31-year-old, who works for Robbie Holmes at his Balcairn barn in North Canterbury, will take the reins behind Inquizitive Man for trainer David McKenzie in Race 4, the Jack Behrns Memorial Trot (1.50pm) and then MM Sunshine (30m) for Holmes in Race 10, the Thank You North Canterbury Trotting Club Handicap Trot. Both are at double figure odds with Inquizitive Man at $71, and MM Sunshine at $19. Lane is originally from Whanganui and has been a successful greyhound trainer. But harness racing has always been a big interest. He co-owned Motu Great Sensation who had five wins for him and trainer-driver Brent Borcoskie. “That was about eight-nine years ago and I drove her every day I could.” Driving on race day then became a goal. In preparation for today Lane has had “about 30 trial drives”. He won one with the Holmes-trained Spirit Of Atlanta. “I’m just excited to get out there, I just want to enjoy the occasion.” He is realistic about his chances and knows it will be a learning experience. “In Sunshine’s races there are 15 or 16 horses, she’s off 30 metres as the highest-rated horse and I’ve never raced in a field that big.” She has had 10 wins in her 100 starts. So is this the start of something? “I guess I’ll know pretty soon if I’m good at this or not,” he laughs. View the full article

Sent off the 3-2 second choice in this second career start at Aqueduct, Ottinho (Quality Road), a half-brother to Horse of the Year and leading sire Gun Runner, broke sharply and cut out early splits of :24.02 and :49.79. Pressured by longshot Grey Bull (Essential Quality) through most of the early going, the homebred colt dispensed of the rival turning home, while his more fancied stablemate Hadrian's Wall (Curlin) mounted his challenge on the outside. Battling with the $1.3 million Keeneland September yearling purchase late, Ottinho lost the lead for a moment, however, proved gutsiest late, eking out a head score. GSW Quiet Giant is also responsible for GSW Pretty Ana (Quality Road). 5th-Aqueduct, $85,000, Msw, 12-31, 2yo, 1 1/8m, 1:54.07, ft, head. OTTINHO (c, 2, Quality Road–Quiet Giant {GSW, $405,389}, by Giant's Causeway) Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $56,950. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Three Chimneys Farm LLC (Goncalo B. Torrealba); B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. *1/2 to Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), Horse Of The Year, Among The Leading Sires, Among The Leading Sires, Ch. Older Dirt Male, Among The Leading Sires, MGISW-USA, G1SP-UAE, $15,988,500; Full to Pretty Ana, GSW, $203,869. The post Gun Runner’s Half-Brother Ottinho Graduates at the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two of the most prominent figures in Oaklawn history, executive Louis Cella and the late trainer D. Wayne Lukas, will be part of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame's 2026 class, the ASHOF's 68th overall. “How about that?” Cella said. “That was a little shot out of the dark that surprised me, but I was very honored. A little bit over my skis. But when you're in a category with D. Wayne Lukas, you have to check your pulse and see what the hell is going on.” Cella has been Oaklawn's president since December 2017, succeeding his father, Charles Cella, who died earlier that month. Under Louis Cella's leadership, Oaklawn has become a tourist, entertainment and racing destination after completing a reported $100 million expansion in 2021, highlighted by a 198-room luxury resort hotel that overlooks the track's first turn and 1,500-seat event center. Lukas was an industry giant. A 1999 inductee into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Lukas amassed 4,953 career Thoroughbred victories (the ninth-highest total in North American history), including 15 Triple Crown events. Lukas, a one-time basketball coach, was Oaklawn's leading trainer in 1987 and 2011 and is its eighth-winningest trainer in history with 384 victories, the last coming a little more than two months before his death June 28. He was 89. Oaklawn will honor Lukas' memory with Friday's inaugural $135,000 “The Coach” Overnight Stakes for 4-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles. The ASHOF induction ceremony had been held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Ark., before Oaklawn wrestled the event away in 2025. The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Apr. 10 in the Oaklawn Event Center. The post Cella, Lukas Selected to Arkansas Sports HOF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and Gulfstream Park announced Dec. 31 a three-year agreement that, with each passing year, lowers the minimum number of required racing days at Gulfstream Park in South Florida.View the full article

After breaking her maiden by an impressive 3 lengths over Woodbine's all-weather track Nov. 29, Dunmore Beach will make her dirt debut Jan. 1 in the $175,000 Cash Run Stakes at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Universe, a closing second in the 2025 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) after two earlier graded stakes placings, aims to turn the stakes corner as a newly turned 3-year-old in the Jan. 3 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

Santa Anita Park canceled racing Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 due to a strengthening rainstorm coming in from the Pacific Ocean.View the full article

Retired jockey and Thoroughbred aftercare advocate Rosie Napravnik will return to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Saturday, Jan. 3 to lead the sixth annual “New Vocations Day at the Races.” A four-time local riding champion who was instrumental in the opening of the New Vocations facility in Covington, Louisiana, Napravnik will join the Fair Grounds' broadcast team to help build awareness, promote success stories, provide adoption options and inspire donations for Thoroughbred aftercare. “I am very proud to be part of the sixth annual New Vocations Day at Fair Grounds,” Napravnik said. “To my knowledge, there isn't another racetrack in the country that dedicates an entire racing day to aftercare initiatives. I'm incredibly grateful to the Fair Grounds and the New Vocations staff for their efforts, on-air host Joe Kristufek in particular. He's personally invested and goes above and beyond to make this day special.” She continued, “Our mission is to raise awareness. Louisiana horsemen, at the end of their careers, we are here locally to serve your horses in aftercare. Raising funds to support this initiative is also important. We appreciate the support from the entire industry–the jockeys to the owners to the racing fans. Every little bit helps. The New Vocations satellite program in Covington, Louisiana has been a massive success. I'm super excited that New Vocations' program director Anna Ford will be joining us this year to help us celebrate that progress.” The post Napravnik Returns to Fair Grounds for Sixth Annual New Vocations Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tally-Ho Stud took the unprecedented decision earlier this month to announce that Starman, the runaway winner of the first-season sires' championship in Britain and Ireland, was fully subscribed at a fee of €40,000 – up from €10,000 this year – for 2026. So, did the O'Callaghans make a boo-boo by setting the fee too low given they have effectively had to turn breeders away? How fully booked correlates to paying customers remains to be seen but you can bet your bottom dollar that Starman will cover in excess of 200 mares next season. And it's easy to see why. He didn't just win the first-season sires' championship, he annihilated his rivals by amassing 41 individual winners and 52 wins from 103 runners in Britain and Ireland. Across Europe, he has had 45 winners in total. Given the demand, it's hard to argue that many, if any, of those lucky breeders booked to visit Starman with a mare next year would have baulked at a fee of €50,000 or even more. But maybe the O'Callaghans haven't got the fee wrong at all. We can all agree that stallions like Starman don't come along very often and, when they do, commercial operations like Tally-Ho need to make hay when the sun shines. Yes, the stud has been blessed with Kodiac and Mehmas in the past but the anticipation appears to be even stronger for what Starman might be able to achieve off the back of siring four Group winners – Group 1 scorer Venetian Sun, Group 2 winner Green Sense and Group 3 winners North Coast and Lady Iman – in his debut crop. Having a sire as hot as him on the roster can only be good news for every other stallion within the ranks at Tally-Ho given potential breeders are likely to support younger guns like Good Guess, Big Evs, Maranoa Charlie and King Of Steel in order to secure a slot to Starman. A win-win for everyone, if you like, and nobody can see the bigger picture better than the O'Callaghans can. But the trickle-down effect doesn't end there. One of the fascinating subplots to Starman's supersonic performance has been the number of smaller breeders who got a touch out of the stallion in the sales ring. Again, this is more good news. Venetian Sun: provided Starman with a Group 1 success | Scoop Dyga Tally-Ho boss Tony O'Callaghan summed it up brilliantly at the November Foal Sale at Goffs when he revealed one breeder, who had described himself as “disillusioned” with the game earlier in the year and didn't cover any mares as a result, had regained his appetite for breeding following the sale of his Starman foal for €125,000. Such price tags were made possible after a memorable season on the track that just didn't let up; from Lady Iman delivering on all of the hype to win one of the opening maidens of the season at Dundalk in March before going on to land the G3 Molecomb Stakes right through to Venetian Sun's defeat of Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) in the G1 Prix Morny Stakes at Deaville, there didn't appear to be a week or big festival that went by without Starman making an impact. And while it must be noted that a large portion of Starman's highest-rated runners are fillies, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf-placed North Coast and Mill Reef runner-up Into The Sky illustrates that the young stallion is more than capable of coming up with a high-class colt. Not only did Starman win the first-season sires' championship in a canter, but his 41 individual juvenile winners were only bettered by Wootton Bassett on 45. Furthermore, only elite stallions Wootton Bassett, Starspangledbanner and Night Of Thunder managed to amass more prize-money with their juveniles in Britain and Ireland than Starman managed to achieve (€1,402,212). Starman finished the year with no fewer than 11 black-type horses. A remarkable performance from a stallion who has all the capabilities of going on to bigger and better things. He looks the real deal so there's no surprise to see a queue out the door at Tally-Ho. Big Things Expected From Classy St Mark's Basilica St Mark's Basilica was a pretty outstanding racehorse and the early evidence suggests that he will not disappoint at stud. The exceptionally-bred Diamond Necklace, who is out of Ecurie des Monceaux's Blue Hen Prudenzia, has provided an early indication of what St Mark's Basilica might be capable of. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Diamond Necklace signed off on her unbeaten juvenile campaign with victory in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac and is as short as 7-1 for the 1,000 Guineas. She is one of two Group winners the stallion was represented by in 2025, with the second being the Karl Burke-trained Aylin, who landed the G2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. All told, St Mark's Basilica sired 22 individual winners – who achieved 26 wins – from 53 runners in Britain and Ireland. That haul included six black-type performers and St Mark's Basilica can call upon a host of high-class entries for next year which would suggest that much better things can be expected from those runners at three. Fair to say the future is extremely exciting for the young Coolmore stallion who was left unchanged at €40,000 for 2026. Space Blues Deserving Of More Respect Space Blues | Marc Ruhl A strong case can be made for Space Blues not being given the credit he deserves for coming up with a Group 1 winner in Power Blue in his first crop given Starman and St Mark's Basilica are the only other stallions to have managed to achieve such a feat this year. A winner of the opening two-year-old maiden of the year at the Curragh, which connections have managed with similarly classy horses Bucanero Fuerte and Arizona Blaze in previous years, Power Blue went from strength to strength in 2025 and his all-the-way win in the G1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh was by no means a fluke. The form of that race was provided with a significant boost when the second, True Love (No Nay Never), landed the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket on her next start and Power Blue rates a pretty serious colt for Robson Aguiar and the Amo Racing team to look forward to in 2026. So, why has Space Blues been dropped ever-so-slightly from €16,000 to €15,000 at Kildangan Stud? Despite coming up with a Group 1 winner in his debut crop, the market didn't exactly flock towards Space Blues, which was evident with a 36% drop in his yearling average in Britain and Ireland to 34,629gns. That can only be described as one of the oddities of this breeding game as Power Blue was not the only classy runner that Space Blues came up with in 2025. Bourbon Blues and Polly Shelby have done well for the stallion in France, with the former hitting the frame in a Group 3 and the latter placing in at Listed level while the maiden, Do Or Do Not, chased home Gstaad in the Coventry Stakes, filled the runner-up spot behind Zavateri (Without Parole) in the July Stakes and also managed to fill the frame in pair of Group 2 contests for Ed Walker before being snapped up by Jamie Osborne, who is campaigning the colt in Dubai over the winter. Put simply, Space Blues is far from a one-hit wonder. He enjoyed 14 individual winners from 44 runners and his prize-money tally of €669,454 was only bettered by Starman. The case can be made that he represents value at €15,000 given what he achieved in 2025. Meanwhile, fellow Darley stallion Palace Pier made a massive impression with three Group winners to call upon in Europe, headed by G2 Lowther Stakes winner Royal Fixation and G3 Solario Stakes winner A Bit Of Spirit. What's more impressive is that Palace Pier can call upon six different horses rated 98 or above in Britain and Ireland this year. Notable performers include Morris Dancer, beaten just a short head behind Zavateri in the G2 Champagne Stakes before landing the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury at his leisure along with the Group 3-placed pair of Pacifica Pier and Sirius A. While Palace Pier didn't set the world alight in terms of winners -11 winners from 49 runners – he certainly came up trumps in terms of producing quality performers. With seven per cent black-type winners to runners, he rates a pretty serious stallion going forward and few will crib his unchanged £32,000 fee for 2026 at Dalham Hall Stud. Lucky Vega Looks Up To The Task Lucky Vega: has made a good impression | ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy It wouldn't be a stretch to say that there were some anxious moments for the supporters of Lucky Vega in Europe earlier in the year. This may well have been fueled by the fantastic start the stallion made in Australia, where he was represented by the Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Within The Law, coupled with his big first-season sire rival Starman blazing a trail and then, most likely, down to the fact Lucky Vega's progeny took a little longer to come to hand than they did in the southern hemisphere. The 15 individual wins that Lucky Vega posted in Britain and Ireland placed him fourth in the table on that metric but, more importantly, there was plenty of quality in there. Lam Yai flew the flag with distinction in Britain for the son of Lope De Vega, going down fighting in the G3 Firth Of Clyde before signing off on her campaign with a Listed win at Doncaster. The 97-rated Senorita Vega, who placed third in the G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes, along with the lightly-raced Poatan, Jungle Ruler, Lost Signal and more contributed to a highly respectable debut performance in the northern hemisphere for the stallion. As a result, the Irish National Stud have held firm on a stud fee of €12,500 – the same fee that he has been operating at since 2004 – which is more than fair for a stallion who appears to have a lot more to offer next year and beyond. Fernandez Fires In Winners Lope Y Fernandez, another son of Lope De Vega, performed creditably with 19 individual winners accounting for 21 wins in total. Isle Of Fernandez, placed in the G3 Firth Of Clyde, and the Listed-placed Spanish Waltz were Lope Y Fernandez's only black-type performers and plenty will crib the fact that they are among only three horses by the stallion to achieve an official rating of 90 or above in Britain and Ireland this year. However, 140,000gns yearling purchase Ray Mon Dough couldn't have won any more impressively than he did on debut in the Valmont silks at Lingfield last month and he could be a nice horse to follow by the stallion next year. Similar sentiment applies to the French-trained Chill Y Flama, who wasn't far off bagging black-type this year. The post Supersonic Starman Sets First-Season Sires’ Championship Ablaze appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and Gulfstream Park announced Dec. 31 a three-year agreement that, with each passing year, lowers the minimum number of required racing days at Gulfstream Park in South Florida.View the full article

Very near the final hour, the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA) and Gulfstream Park have landed on a three-year live racing agreement, some details of which were shared in joint press releases issued Tuesday. This agreement is a federal requirement for a racetrack to conduct live racing and simulcast its signal nationwide. Gulfstream Park, owned by The Stronach Group (TSG), is statutorily required to conduct a minimum of 40-days live racing to operate its casino. Without a horsemen's agreement, Gulfstream Park would still have been able to conduct live racing–and presumably by extension, its casino–but it wouldn't have been able to export its signal out of state. According to the FHBPA press release, the agreement is for three-years and provides for the following minimum live racing schedule, with flexibility to add more race days: No less than 180 live race days for calendar year 2026 No less than 140 live race days for calendar year 2027 No less than 120 live race days for calendar year 2028 This year, Gulfstream Park has carded 199 race days. “These agreed upon days establish the minimum number of guaranteed racing days for the next three years, but leave open the opportunity for additional days to be added. In order to provide horsemen and women time to plan, the racing schedules will be set well in advance. The schedule for 2027 racing will be finalized in March 2026, and the schedule for 2028 racing will be finalized no later than March 2027,” the FHBPA press release states. According to Gulfstream Park's press release, the agreement reached reflects “a commitment of the parties to run as much live racing as possible provided average field sizes and the condition of the purse account remain commercially reasonable.” “As always, our objective is to run as much as we can,” wrote Aidan Butler, CEO of TSG's 1/ST Racing. “The reality is that the industry is changing and this framework is focused on providing a quality racing product rooted in economic reality giving horsemen and women, fans, our employees and the industry greater clarity and stability.” According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Florida horsemen did not agree to provide a financial “backstop” to support the track's operational budget, as was reportedly demanded by Gulfstream Park's corporate leadership. Gulfstream Park already receives considerable financial support from the state. Earlier this year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a budget package that included $15 million annually for purses and facility maintenance for Gulfstream Park alone. The track also gets $6 million from the state to be used as purses and purses supplements specifically for Florida-bred and sired horses, and is exempt from having to pay its $2 million annual slot machine licensing fee. In their respective press releases, both organizations allude to the fragile nature of the relationship between Gulfstream Park's corporate owners and the state racing industry's stakeholders, as well as to the long-term future of racing in Florida. Efforts by Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to decouple the live racing requirement to operate their respective casino and card rooms were ultimately thwarted in the state legislature. In August, Gulfstream Park filed a lawsuit suing the Florida Gaming Control Commission over the decoupling requirement. The commission subsequently asked the Florida state court to dismiss the lawsuit. A new decoupling bill was introduced last week, meaning the fight will spill over into the latest legislative session in Tallahassee. “While the Agreement guarantees racing through 2028, it does not state that racing will end at that time or prohibit an extension or new agreement. With this level of stability secured, the FHBPA will continue to look for opportunities to enhance racing in the short-term and explore solutions for the long-term future of racing in South Florida,” the FHPBA stated in their press release. FHBPA president Tom Cannell added: “There are many unknowns in the world today, especially in horse racing; I am so proud of the work of your Board of Directors and their tenacity to fight to provide some clarity to our membership over the next three years.” In Gulfstream Park's press release, Butler wrote, “this proposal is grounded in good-faith collaboration with the FHBPA and an understanding that together we must work toward a new model for racing in Florida that is operationally sound, financially responsible and aligned with the long-term interests of racing in the state.” The post Florida HBPA And Gulfstream Park Reach Three-Year Horsemen’s Agreement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Billy Loughnane set a 21st century record for winners in a calendar year when taking his 222nd race of the year at Lingfield Park on December 31. Loughnane was the first to ride 200 British winners earlier this year. He was aboard George Boughey trainee Invited (Kodiac) on Wednesday. The previous record holder was Kieren Fallon, who rode 221 winners in 2003. Oisin Murphy earned 220 victories in 2019. Loughnane told Sky Sports Racing, “I'm feeling relieved, there was a little bit of pressure today, but I'm delighted to get it done and on one of George's as well means a lot. “I wouldn't be where I am without George and he's been everything for me since I started and has supported me the whole way up. I'm delighted to get him his 100th winner of the year as well. “I've been trying to ride as much as possible, I'm bored when I'm not riding and I love my job. I'm very lucky to partner some really nice horses now and to George, dad [Mark Loughnane] and everyone at Charlie's [Appleby] and the Gololphin team and anyone who has supported me, I need to say a massive thank you. “I can't believe I've broken the record, I was looking it last night and the list of jockeys to be at the top of it is extraordinary. I'm nowhere near as good as a lot of them yet, but hopefully one day I will be. It's great, and a relief, the last couple of days have been full on, but it's a great feeling.” Boughey added, “It's an amazing achievement and the biggest thing for me is he wanted to ride 200 winners at the start of the year, which was always going to be a hard ask with him going to Australia for much of the winter. “He was always going to build his book of rides around our horses and I think between Billy, Tony Hind [agent] and myself we tried to make sure he was on the best horses wherever he could be. “To stay fit and healthy and be able to ride at every meeting – he hasn't missed a ride all year – is huge credit to him and he deserves every success he gets. “I think the most fundamental part of it is whether it's a 0-55 handicap at Wolverhampton on a Saturday night or a Group 1 on a weekend, Billy is meticulous in his preparation. I have always said he knows more about what's going on in races than anyone I've ever worked with, which just makes him a pleasure to deal with.” Loughnane senior said, “It's some achievement isn't it? Fair play to him as he is so dedicated and hard working and it is paying off. “He has some top people behind him, George Boughey and Charlie Appleby, and Ian Williams has given him lots of winners, and as a family it is a very proud moment for us because he is just some young man. “We're bursting with pride and we are busy at the moment so had to watch the race at home and didn't go. There was me, his mum and his brother Jack and it is just a phenomenal achievement. “We know how hard he works behind the scenes and the dedication he has and what he puts into it, we see it every day. “He was pushing for 200 winners and always sets a new goal so once he got to 200 he wanted this 222 and it's great, what a year and it will be very hard to top it next year won't it?” The post Billy Loughnane Wins Record 222nd Race In 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caoimhe Doherty is best known for managing Forenaghts Stud and co-founding the hugely-successful Treo Eile organisation which specialises in rehoming thoroughbred racehorses in Ireland. But did you know that Doherty came dangerously close to becoming an Olympian? There is plenty more that Doherty shares in today's Hot Seat Q&A. Enjoy! What is your defining memory of 2025? I don't think I have just one memory. For me, it seems to have been a year where things have just seemed to come together for us professionally. I think the biggest kick I got out of the horse game was seeing Chicago Call win his maiden.That kick-started a great summer of fun and a successful yearling sale season. Away from that, I have also taken huge satisfaction in seeing Treo Eile grow so much and seeing so many horses now in second careers. Tell us something people don't know about you? My family spent five years in the Middle East when I was young and so I spent a lot of time in the swimming pool. I had aimed to be an Olympic swimmer and spent years on high performance and youth development squads before I decided I would rather spend the time on a horse. I still swim a lot….just much slower now! What keeps you awake at night? I try not to worry at night because the nighttime worries are never actually a problem during the day. Stay positive! What motivates you? I love life and I love my job. And if you choose to see the good parts it makes it very easy to get up in the morning. Give us an underrated sire to follow… There are quite a few. I complain all the time about the lack of proven horses that are commercially priced. But if the sales ring wasn't so important for so many breeders to make a living, maybe we would look differently at stallions who consistently produce winners and top class horses year on year. Make Believe, for instance, is a good example as he had two Group 1 winners in 2025. Biggest regret? Not being an Olympian! Realistically, I wish I made more of my summers when I was younger, travelling and seeing more of the world. Other than that, I don't have many regrets. I like to think most things happen for a reason. You live and you learn. Your favourite sale? Tattersalls September Yearlings at Fairyhouse. There is always a great atmosphere there and we are stabled with a great bunch of neighbours. It's a fun sale. Go-to karaoke song? Hakuna Matata. After my time in Japan I'm a professional at it these days. Biggest inspiration? Professionally, I think Helen Jones and Donna Vowles are geniuses. They manage fabulous farms, produce beautiful sales horses that go on to be racehorses and they're also just great people. But on a larger scale, I think it's similar to the motivation question, I just want to do my best and be happy. Guilty Pleasure? Doing nothing. It's such a treat to actually do nothing but, alas, what's rare is wonderful! Horse to look out for … Hankelow. I know it's probably a bit obvious but he was pinhooked by great friends of mine, Mimi Wadham and Violet Hesketh, and I'm proud of them that they've found another nice horse. I hope he is a proper horse for next year. The post In The Hot Seat: Caoimhe Doherty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If you've attended the Preakness Stakes (G1) in recent years, you're no doubt well aware of trainer Brittany Russell. View the full article

Santa Anita Park canceled racing on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Thursday, Jan. 1, due to a strengthening rainstorm coming in from the Pacific Ocean.View the full article

Santa Anita Park has canceled live racing Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Thursday, Jan. 1 because of a strengthening rainstorm coming in from the Pacific. The storm, which was forecast to hit on Thursday, has gathered strength and is now expected to impact Southern California around noon Wednesday. The two-day storm is expected to bring up to three inches of racing to the area surrounding Santa Anita Park. The canceled races will be rescheduled in the coming weeks with the first make-up day coming next Thursday, Jan. 8. The post With More Rain Coming, Santa Anita Cancels Wednesday, Thursday Cards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Parx Racing and the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announce the addition of three Thursday race dates in January 2026: Jan. 8, Jan. 15, and Jan. 22. View the full article

The Hipódromo Camarero will host the Puerto Rican Best Jockeys Event Jan. 6 as part of a 10-race program celebrating the Clásico Día de Reyes.View the full article

In response to winter weather cancellations earlier in December, Parx Racing, along with the PTHA and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, has added three Thursday race dates for January 2026, January 8, January 15, and January 22, the track announced Wednesday. “Winter racing always comes with challenges, and flexibility is critical,” said David Osojnak, Parx Director of Racing. “Adding these January race days allows us to respond constructively to December's weather-related cancellations while continuing to support our program and horsemen to deliver a consistent racing product. We try to help our horsemen whenever possible and look forward to them showing continued support of our program by entering to race on these added days.” “These added race dates are about opportunity and balance,” added PTHA Executive Director, Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr. “When winter weather takes away race days, it impacts owners, trainers, and our overall backstretch community. This collaboration ensures those lost opportunities are restored in a fair and thoughtful way. I'd like to thank Parx Racing and the PHRC for working with us on getting these dates back on the calendar as soon as possible, having a real and immediate impact for our horsemen.” The post Parx Adds Three Thursday Cards In January To Offset Dec. Cancellations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jay Rooney CIRCUIT GRAND SLAM - R11 (1) Followed a brilliant first-up win with another good run, hard to beat here Owen Goulding CIRCUIT GRAND SLAM - R11 (1) Won on local debut and finished best latest from out of the clouds, go in again Trackwork Spy CIRCUIT GRAND SLAM - R11 (1) Has impressed in his two local runs with a win and a third and can win again Phillip Woo SPEEDY SMARTIE - R4 (12) In a rich vein of form and can strike with his third win this term Shannon (Vincent...View the full article

BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport's leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.View the full article

Gewan, one of the leading fancies for the 2,000 Guineas, will race under new ownership in 2026 among a group of horses transferred from Yulong Investments to the newly launched Forz Europe, the racing arm of Harris Li's Ace Stud. Winner of the G1 Dewhurst Stakes and G3 Acomb Stakes, the Andrew Balding-trained Gewan previously raced under the name of Yuesheng Zhang, the owner of the primarily-Australian based Yulong racing and breeding empire who has already enjoyed Classic success in Europe with Irish Oaks winner Magical Lagoon. The fillies Evolutionist and Noble Honour, who hold entries for the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Irish Oaks, will also be transferred to Li, his son-in-law, as of January 1. The horses racing under the Forz Europe banner will race in white silks with green-and-white-checked sleeves and a green cap, a reversal of those carried by the Yulong runners, which include the brilliant 12-time Group 1 winner Via Sistina. Earlier this month it was confirmed that the G2 Lowther Stakes winner and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes third Royal Fixation had been bought by Ace Stud and would move from the stable of Ed Walker to Karl Burke. Ace Stud also bought Gewan's weanling half-brother by Native Trail at the recent Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 500,000gns. “Launching our Ace Stud racing silks at the beginning of the new year marks an exciting future for Harris Li and his vision for Ace Stud. We have some top-class runners to look forward to next year,” said the operation's bloodstock and racing manager Paul Curran. “We can't wait to see what the 2026 season has in store for Ace Stud.” Ace Stud, formerly known as Dullingham Park, is home to the young stallion and top sprinter Shaquille, who is about to embark on his third covering season at the farm just outside Newmarket. The post Gewan to Race for Forz Europe as Yulong Horses Transfer to Harris Li appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article