Wandering Eyes

It’s Friday – and it will be all action at Addington and Auckland tonight. Six Group 1s, including the $225,000 Tennant Engineering Pacing Oaks, will be held at Addington with two Northern Metro Finals and two Country Cups headlining the night at Alexandra Park. Racing at Addington starts at 5.03pm with Auckland at 5.22pm. Re-match of the fillies in NZ Oaks By Michael Guerin Duchess Megxit may have started this month as our best pacing filly but she has both momentum and the barrier draw against her in tonight’s $200,000 Tennant Engineeering NZ Pacing Oaks (8.32pm) at Addington. So she is going to need some help from her rivals if she is claim her crown as the princess of pacing back. The northerner headed south last month as the clear top seed of her crop and hasn’t really been disappointing, it is more that Treacherous Baby has caught up to her, or last start usurped her. In a shift that few would have seen coming Treacherous Baby dead-heated with Duchess Megxit two starts ago then beat her fair and square in the Nevele R Fillies Final on Cup Day. “We had no excuses, she was too good that day,” says Duchess Megxit’s co-trainer Scott Phelan,. “Our filly had to sprint a few times but Treacherous Baby worked hard too and beat us. “She has definitely closed the gap and that has surprised us because we know how good our filly is.” Perception has changed so much Treacherous Baby opened the $1.80 favourite for tonight’s Oaks with Duchess Megxit at $5.50 and while they won’t start that far apart the disparity is enticing form punters. If Treacherous Baby is able to work straight to the lead and gain a clear advantage from her better draw then she is the logical choice but it may not be that simple, particularly with Victoria Oaks winner Coastal Babe drawn inside her. Her connections were keen for driver Matty White to stay in front against the boys in the $500,000 Velocity last start and while that didn’t pay off they might be keen on the same tactics again in tonight’s weaker field. If Coastal Babe does lead then racing luck comes into play for Treacherous Baby and she could be vulnerable to the moves of others. “We’d like to see some speed on up front and then come into the race later,” says Phelan. “But we know she is well and if she has to come sit parked later in the race she can still go close no matter who is in front.” Phelan and senior training partner Barry Purdon also have Ultimate Racy Girl in the Oaks and he says she is working every bit as good as Duchess Megxit. “She was working well before her last start too but raced terrible but I wouldn’t be surprised if she went a lot better this week.” The enigma of the race is Northern Oaks winner All You Need Is Me, who looked a star in the making when she beat all of tonight’s major players at Alexandra Park back in March but has struggled to perform to anything like that level again. Add in Coastal Babe, Louies Girl, Ruby Roe and Classic Elegance and this is an Oaks with a lot of moving parts. New week new hope for northern trainers By Michael Guerin Gareth Hughes isn’t letting a horror Cup week deter him from going into Friday’s huge Addington meeting full of hope. Whether that translates into a win for either Captain Sampson (R6, No.4) or Hot And Dangerous (R9, No.1) is another matter. The smart juveniles are both trained by Hughes and his father Bunty both had an off week at Cup time, Captain Sampson over-racing in the Sires’ Stakes Final behind Marketplace while Hot And Dangerous lost her action and never looked comfortable in her feature three days later. They return on Friday for the Betavet Ace of Spades (2YO Colts and Geldings) and the Renwick Farms Ace of Diamonds (2YO Fillies) and Hughes says both should be better. “We just had one of those weeks and we have to put it behind us,” says the South Auckland horseman. “Captain Sampson pulled too hard on Cup Day but he has been good in his work since and we expect him to go better. “But the problem will be Reg’s horse,” Hughes says in reference to mate Regan Todd and his outstanding young pacer Marketplace. Marketplace came from behind and around Captain Sampson to beat him last start but is drawn inside him this Friday. “I am not saying we will beat him because he was too good last start but we also aren’t conceding to him. “I think we can beat him one night but maybe drawn outside him it won’t be this week. “But either way this trip has made our horse and he has come down here a boy and will go home an adult.” Marketplace will start red hot as he should and will be run through a stack of multis as he has looked something special and it will take something freakish to deny him two-year-old of the year hours. Hot And Dangerous got things all wrong on her Addington debut but Hughes expects way better on Friday. “It was just one of those things last time but I have been tinkering with her gear and I am confident she will pace a lot better this week. “I think Tim Williams (driving Stella Rouge) will go forward and if he leads I can see him staying there and if she sits in the trail I think she can get some of it.” Stella Rouge opened $4 but it will surprise if she goes around that long on race night with the two other favourites Captains Mistress ($2.60) and Arafura ($4.50) drawn the second line. Early pressure or lack thereof could decide the race because if they go hard the swoopers will get their chance in a race that could go a long way to deciding who wins the Juvenile Pacing Filly of the Year title. Are Meant To Be and Keayang Zahara beatable? By Michael Guerin Phil Williamson has won enough major trots to be a realist. So his thoughts on Friday’s Addington meeting are far more about steering punters towards the favourites rather than his stable’s chances of upsetting them. Williamson has winning chances runners in both Aces Trots on Friday, with Tarragindi in the IRT Ace of Clubs for the 2YO Colts and Geldings to open the night and Atlantic City in the TAB Ace of Hearts 2YO Fillies Trot. He also has Empire City facing both Keayang Zahara and barrier 9 in the $140,000 NZ Trotting Oaks later in the night. “They are all good horses facing tricky situations,” says Williamson. “Tarragindi (R1, No.2) is a lovely horse but I don’t know how he is going to beat Meant To Be. “He was too good for us last time and our horse is still very much learning. “I think the small field helps Meant To Be. If he had to go back to last in a 14-horse field we would be a long way ahead but in a five-horse field I can see him getting parked or even the lead when he wants it. “So I think he will win.” Atlantic City has barrier 1 and Williamson says that will suit her as she is still learning to race. “She is only doing things on natural ability at the moment so to get a trail behind one of the favourites would be ideal. “But can I see her running past a horse like Habibti Pat? Maybe not.” The fillies trot is a bigger field so obviously has more chances with one of the best value options being Ocean Eyes for a place. The northern filly ran on strongly against the boys last start and while she couldn’t beat Habibti Pat (fourth to her third) then she was the best of the other fillies so back to her own sex she looks a great Top 3 chance if not better. Later in the night Williamson knows beating Keayang Zahara may be beyond Empire City but he is just as confident she is the second best filly in the What The Hill NZ Trotting Oaks. “The problem is the draw,” he admits. “We have to start from out wide and if we go forward and burn we use up gas and then Keayang Zahara will come attack later, if she doesn’t go forward straight away as well. “But if we go back from out there (barrier 9) then we probably get stuck behind horses who aren’t going to take us anywhere. “So I will leave that up to Ricky (May, driver).” View the full article

By Larry Stratton There is no disputing the impact that French-bred runners have had on British and Irish jump racing over the past two decades, or the mileage journalists and broadcasters have got out of it. There is, though, a serious divergence of opinion over the cause of French-bred dominance, which has been ascribed variously to earlier education of young stock, the wide spread in the geographical location of French stallions, and access to a more talented pool of race mares. Jump racing at a young age is not a new phenomenon on the continent, dreamt up as a 21stcentury selling tool for their horses in training. I recall back in the 1980s a filly (from a Flat family commercially hot at the time), repatriated to Ireland by a breeder, whose form claim to fame was “placed in a steeplechase in Belgium at three”. But the schooling and racing of horses over jumps at a younger age did not give the French horses any more advantage then than it does now. It does not make those horses intrinsically better; it just helps them fulfil their potential, and to run to the level their ability allows, at a younger age. So, given that, two questions arise. 1) Why are British- and Irish-bred six- and seven-year-olds (who by that age have had similar, if later, levels of schooling and racing to those their younger French rivals enjoyed) not able to mix it, statistically, with those younger French horses?, and 2) how is it that the list of the very best horses to have emerged from the ranks of Irish four-year-old point-to-points is disproportionately heavy with French-breds? The argument that the geography of France gives breeders there an advantage is based on the premise that sires standing in remote locations get better opportunities since breeders are more inclined to use local stallions than travel extreme distances to patronise more commercially obvious horses. Some irony right there, as breeders bypass excellent stallion opportunities in Meath or Kildare to walk in a mare from Northern Ireland to this year's must-have sire in Cork. So, high-class racemares, that has to be the key: the French are breeding better horses than us because their programme for young fillies produces such a great pool of top racemares. Well….the three best French-bred horses of the past 25 or so years are Kauto Star, Sprinter Sacre and Master Minded. Kauto Star is out of an unraced mare whose own dam scored in two of her three provincial hurdle races and in 11 minor provincial Flat races – from 59 starts! Sprinter Sacre's dam placed on the flat as a three-year-old on her only outing, which was a significant improvement on the record of her dam who was fifth on her only flat try and unplaced in four attempts over fences. The story is a little better for Master Minded, whose dam was first and third in hurdle races; but her dam, while a two-year-old winner, could only manage a handful of placings from 36 starts over jumps. Among the top current horses the story is much the same: Galopin Des Champs is out of a mare who won four Flat claimers and a provincial hurdle from 28 starts; Il Est Francais's dam ran twice unplaced over hurdles; Star Face, the dam of Douvan and Jonbon, ran once, unplaced; Bravemansgame's dam ran twice unplaced; Gerri Colombe's dam ran three times unplaced. In fairness, there are mares who had ability to be found amongst the mothers of some of the top current runners – the dams of Protektora, Royale Pagaille, State Man and Fastorslow all showed some ability and managed some black type. In short, there is no evidence that French breeders are breeding out of mares which are any better quality than those in Britain and Ireland. So why are the French-bred horses so good in recent years? My answer is that their stallion line-up is drawn from a widely diverse gene pool and is not short on speed. The sires of the best current jumps sires are an eclectic group of lesser-knowns – where we have Sadlers' Wells and Cape Cross, they have Garde Royale, My Risk, Smadoun, Saint Des Saints, Robin Des Champs, Cadoudal, Lost World. Hybrid vigour is not an advertising jingle, nor a construct dreamt up by a marketing whiz asked to come up with a catch phrase to help sell a sire lacking in the blood of the current 'commercial big thing'. It is real, and while it is not the answer to all of the French success, it surely looks to be a better alternative than sending a stream of mares by Old Vic, King's Theatre, Oscar and Kayf Tara to sons of Galileo and Montjeu, or daughters of Galileo horses to sons of Sea The Stars. Nor do the French have any qualms about using entire jumpers as stallions, even when they have shown little ability: Kapgarde was a Graded hurdle winner second in a Grade 1 chase; Saint Des Saints was a Grade 1 level hurdler; Blue Bresil a Grade 2 placegetter; but Robin Des Champs earned no black type in his four wins from five starts; and current wunderkind Jeu St Eloi ran in six hurdle contests without managing to win a race of any description. The other main attribute which French sires possess ahead of the jumps stallions in these islands is a bit of speed. No Risk At All was a Listed winner over 1600m and a Group 3 winner at 2000m; and he was by a horse who won four Group 3 1600m races; Doctor Dino may have scored his biggest successes as an older horse over a mile and a half, but had plenty of good 1600m form as a younger horse; Blue Bresil, before he was sent hurdling, was placed in Group 2 company over 2100m. Not convinced about the speed element? Well, here's a question: who's been the best pound-for-pound sire, with the best Cheltenham strike-rate, over the past couple of decades? Bit subjective I know, but smart money would be on Jeremy, whose Cheltenham Festival roll of honour from just two National Hunt crops from his time at Garryrichard House Stud includes dual Festival winner Corach Rambler (also a Grand National winner), and the Grade 1 novice hurdle scorers Sir Gerhard and Appreciate It. He also got Triumph Hurdle winner Our Conor in the first of five ostensibly Flat-bred crops sired at the Irish National Stud. Jeremy was by the seven-furlong Group 1 two-year-old winner and subsequent sprinter Danehill Dancer and his own best form was at a mile, at which trip he won in Group 2 company and placed in both the Queen Anne and the Sussex Stakes. And here is another question: best jumps sire in Britain and/or Ireland in the past 50 years? This is not up for discussion. The horse concerned stayed a mile and a half at three, and stuck on well enough to finish a distant second to the Derby winner Reindeer in the then-Classic Irish St Leger, but his best form came at two when runner-up in the Dewhurst Stakes and again as a four-year-old when second to Nijinsky over seven furlongs in the Gladness Stakes. He played a significant part in the early growth of what would become the world's greatest bloodstock empire. He also set the description template for National Hunt sires in the five decades since, because it was and still is a given that to be considered for a career as a jumps sire – let alone to be successful at it – you have to be bay and 16.1½hh. He was chesnut and 15.3hh. His name was Deep Run. The post Op/Ed: Vue Alternative appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The launch of Turf Stars was announced on Thursday, a new venture creating plush toys in the image of famous racehorses. The toys are designed to closely resemble the famous racehorses they are based on, complete with distinctive colours and markings. Each horse also wears a saddlecloth, made in the colours of their racing silks, which bears their unique number in their respective collection and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity detailing their pedigree, connections and achievements on the track. The first member of the Turf Stars collection is the dual Champion Hurdle heroine Honeysuckle (GB) (Sulamani {Ire}), the brilliant mare who won 17 of her 19 starts under Rules for trainer Henry de Bromhead and owner Kenny Alexander. Fans can head to www.Turf-Stars.com to vote for their favourite horse to be the next to join the collection. Turf Stars is a passion project of racing presenter and breeder Sally Ann Grassick, who said, “I have been working on Turf Stars for the past two years and I am so excited to finally be launching it. I am so passionate about racing and sharing these wonderful racing legends with the public. “Hopefully this will bring new racing fans, both young and old, into our wonderful sport. We have exciting plans for the future too as we build the Turf Stars collection.” The post Turf Stars to Create Plush Toys in the Image of Famous Racehorses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A press release from Tattersalls back in September took a lot of folk in the business by surprise, announcing as it did the departure of marketing director Jimmy George. The man who can fill many a quiet hour with a word-perfect monologue on the merits of the Book 1 Bonus first joined the company back in 1986 and, bar a brief stint on the bloodstock magazine Pacemaker, has been a stalwart of the team at Terrace House and Park Paddocks. George is not going far though – in fact, a bit of investigative field reporting has revealed that it is a total of 168 steps to his new office, just down the hill at the International Racing Bureau (IRB), where he will succeed Alastair Donald as managing director. It will however be a major adjustment for the man who was born to wear the Tattersalls tie. “Well, not the tie, I hate those ties,” he says. “But definitely a Tattersalls pen. I will literally have it around my neck all day, every day, in the office. I fancy walking out with an armful of Tattersalls' pens that will hopefully last me a lifetime.” The advice then, to chairman Edmond Mahony, is to check George's pockets as he leaves Terrace House in the weeks after the end of the sales season at Tattersalls next Thursday. What George will deserve as he decamps to the IRB is a long-service award and, as our accompanying photograph shows, George was plainly only just out of his school blazer when he signed up to Europe's major sales company. Presenting the prize for the Jimmy George Final Fling Hurdle at Straford “It was '86 when I started here,” he says, before adding with a laugh, “Then, after three years, and I mean I'd got to the ripe old age of about 25 and they hadn't put me on the board or made me chairman, which came as an extraordinary surprise to me. So I left to join Pacemaker but I came back here in '94. I've done 33, 34 years in total, which is well over half my life.” He adds, “I remember the first sale I ever did here, which was the July Sale, 1986, and I'm not even sure it numbered 200 lots.” The sales scene has changed a bit then? “It's quite unrelenting now,” he agrees. “It's definitely changed a lot since the summer of '86. I was talking with an American agent who will be coming over for the December Mares this year, who said that in the course of one week he had bought horses in four different countries. “That's the biggest change in my time, the sheer number of sales taking place, the sheer volume of horses changing hands, and obviously the advent of the online platforms. And it's growing as we speak – they're changing the make and shape of the industry as well.” We're now accustomed to seven-figure lots being sold from the ring at Tattersalls, but back in 1997 it was a different story. So when the full-brother to Derby winner Generous (Ire) (Caerleon) appeared at the December Foal Sale and set a new record of 2,500,000gns, it was a pretty jaw-dropping moment. “It was off the charts,” George recalls. “I mean, not just a Tatts record or a European record, but a world record for a foal, by a country mile. I mean, we were fairly confident he would top the sale, because he was an own-brother to a Derby winner and he was a smashing colt. But to top it by that sort of a margin and to shatter the previous world record for a foal by such a margin was something that you couldn't have foreseen, and nobody did foresee.” He continues, “And I remember taking calls from bloodstock or racing journalists that night, one in particular from Australia, and the ripple of that particular transaction, it turned into a bit of a tidal wave fairly quickly. It was pre-social media, of course, and people were just staggered by the fact that this foal could make that sort of money. I always likened it to the Bob Beamon long jump in the Mexico Olympics, when he literally jumped out of the pit. But I'm showing my vintage a bit there.” Still smiling: George has been with Tattersalls for more than half his lifetime | Laura Green George adds of the foal bought by Satish Sanan and later named Padua's Pride (Ire), “It's no longer a world record, but it's still a European record by a very wide margin. Because I think the next best would've been the Giants Causeway filly out of Urban Sea, who ended up being a slightly better racehorse than Generous's brother. She turned out to be My Typhoon, who was a Grade I winner. She made 1,800,000gns, which again is a huge sum of money for a foal, but still a full 700,000gns less than dear old Padua's Pride, who was a fair way off being a Grade I winner.” George is not entirely signing off from Tattersalls as he will continue to represent the company in America and Japan, both of which have been happy hunting grounds over the years. But he leaves his day job on a high after the record-breaking returns of this year's October Yearling Sale. “The world is a funny old place at the moment, and there are a lot of reasons out there why people might not feel a burning need to go out and buy a shiny new thoroughbred,” he says. “But by the end of Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale at Tattersalls this year, there were a lot of people with a renewed spring in their step and at least a feeling of, 'Wow, okay, there's life out there.' And a feeling that the sport of racing and the world of thoroughbred breeding is not in such a bad spot. “And you could feel the confidence returning. So to get to the end of that and know that there were so many different people who'd benefited from the strength of that market, unexpected as it was, was fantastic.” The international aspect of the business, both on the racecourse and at the sale paddocks, has been another major change during George's tenure and he has played his own ambassadorial role in encouraging potential buyers from across the world to visit Newmarket. “I think that's been one of the great things about this job at Tattersalls, it's taken me places that most ordinary jobs wouldn't take you, actually most jobs, not even ordinary ones,” he says. “It's taken me to every continent in the world, in a working capacity, which is pretty extraordinary, and it's given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people along the way. “Sometimes there's a little bit of a language barrier, but I think a shared love or enthusiasm for the sport of horse racing or the world of thoroughbred breeding, covers a lot of language deficiencies. “Everywhere you go in the world, if you find a racecourse, you'll find somebody to talk to, if you enjoy our sport and our world. It's been very varied and hugely enjoyable, and the contacts you make on these overseas trips, they can be contacts that last a lifetime and prove to be invaluable from the word go. Others can be slow-burners but their time will come.” There is of course a natural synergy between his current role and that of the job he will take up come January with the IRB, which plays a vital role in aiding trainers and their teams at overseas meetings. “Obviously it doesn't have quite the 250-year-plus history of Tattersalls, but it's not a million miles off 50 years that the IRB's been going,” he notes. “And it has carved an important niche in that it was probably a company a bit ahead of its time in some ways, in almost anticipating the growth of international racing and the importance and significance of international racing. I'm looking forward to working with the team there, and and the international side of racing is only going to continue to grow and thrive, I think.” George adds, “I'll still have a small role for Tattersalls in certain overseas markets but I shall remain Tattersalls through and through for a very long time – and I'll certainly still be wearing the pen, even sitting at my desk at the International Racing Bureau.” The post Jimmy George: ‘This Role Has Taken Me Places That Most Ordinary Jobs Wouldn’t’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The dates for the monthly sales to be held by Tattersalls Online in 2025 were revealed on Thursday. The schedule is as follows: January Online, January 14-15 February Online, February 11-12 March Online, March 4-5 April Online, April 1-2 May Online, May 7-8 June Online, June 3-4 July Online, July 1-2 August Online, August 12-13 September Online, September 16-17 October Online, October 22-23 November Online, November 18-19 December Online, December 9-10 The post Tattersalls Online Announce 2025 Sales Dates appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Of all the horses he has ever owned, none have been as meaningful to Robert LaPenta as one who is racing for him now and is winless in two career starts.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a Wertheimer homebred. 18.40 Deauville, Mdn, €30,000, 2yo, c/g, 9 1/2f (AWT) Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's PACIFISTE (FR) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), one of two homebred newcomers entered, is a son of GI American Oaks and GI Del Mar Oaks heroine Lady Of Shamrock (Scat Daddy) and thus a half-brother to this term's G3 Prix Chloe victrix Blush (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) and stakes-winning sire Martel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). The Christophe Ferland nominee encounters 11 on debut. 16.18 Deauville, Mdn, €30,000, unraced 2yo, c/g, 7 1/2f (AWT) Rebecca Shepard's AURORA BOREALIS (FR) (Earthlight {Ire}) is an Anastasia Wattel-trained half-brother to G1 Prix Jean Prat hero Intellogent (Ire) (Intello {Ger}). His 13 rivals include Cuadra Mediterraneo's Franciscano (Fr) (Invicible Spirit {Ire}), who is a homebred son of G1 Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Marieta (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), from the Mauricio Delcher Sanchez stable. The post Son of Dual Grade I Heroine Lady of Shamrock Set for Deauville Bow appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A galaxy of racing's stars are set to take part in the Treo Eile Christmas Show at the Emerald Equestrian Centre on Thursday, December 12. Oisin Murphy, Colin Keane, Davy Russell, Barry Geraghty, Nina Carberry, Robbie Power and more will be on show in the popular event. The Horse Racing Ireland Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic is the feature class on the night and is a team competition to showcase the very best of Ireland's retrained racehorses. Teams of four will compete in a timed competition. Captained by a jockey, each team will have a professional and amateur rider, who will all ride former racehorses. The fourth team member will be a talented pony rider. Each rider will jump a course of fences followed by a jump-off to decide the winners of the coveted Horse Racing Ireland Perpetual Trophy. Hosted by Racing TV's Kevin O'Ryan and Brendan McArdle of The Irish Field, the Christmas show will begin at 12 noon. Household names Tiger Roll, Al Boum Photo, A Plus Tard and General Principle will also be on show in the Moyglare Stud Parade of Champions. Co-Founder of Treo Eile, Caoimhe Doherty, said, “The Treo Eile Christmas Show is the pinnacle of our year. It is a wonderful event full of fun, friends and most importantly, celebrating the ex-racehorse and showcasing their abilities in a second career. It is such a pleasure to bring together so many different sectors of the equestrian community – racing, showjumping, and eventing, all for the good of the horse. We are excited for what will be our fourth annual show and hope to see friends new and old in Emerald Equestrian Centre on Thursday December 12.” Tickets cost €15 per person, family ticket (two adults, two children) for €40, groups of 10 for €100 and can be bought online https://www.itsplainsailing.com/org/te. The post Galaxy Of Racing’s Stars Set To Support The Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kia Ora Stud owner and Vinery Stud part-owner Ananda Krishnan has died at the age of 86. The news was announced by the billionaire's private investment firm Usaha Tegas on Thursday. “The family has requested privacy to mourn his passing. Ananda made significant contributions to nation-building and the corporate world. His philanthropic initiatives have touched many lives,” a statement read. Krishnan bought Kia Ora Stud in 2000. The operation returned to standing stallions in 2021 with G1 Golden Slipper winner Farnan, and has since added Captivant and Prague. During his 24-year ownership of Kia Ora Stud, the farm became renowned for introducing Northern Hemisphere bloodlines to their broodmare band. Almost a quarter of the stakes winners bred by Kia Ora over the past 10 years result from Northern Hemisphere purchases. The farm bred horses such as Loving Gaby, Wild Ruler and his Group 3-winning half-sister Pavitra. Stars on the international scene included South African champion mare Igugu and Hong Kong's multiple Group 1 winner Wellington. Krishnan, a renowned philanthropist, is survived by his wife, his only son, who reportedly is a Buddhist monk in Thailand, and two daughters. The post Death Of Kia Ora Stud Owner Ananda Krishnan At 86 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray collected their second Group Three success in a matter of days at Otaki on Thursday, with Tuxedo(NZ) (Tivaci) stamping himself as an early Derby prospect when winning the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m). The Cambridge training partnership won last Saturday’s Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) with Nereus, and partnering up once again with jockey Joe Doyle, they travelled to the Central Districts with a promising horse having just his second race-day start. The son of Tivaci won on debut at Te Aroha on October 30 and had strong form behind him, starting a $7.40 fourth-favourite with Island Life on top at $3.40. Jumping from a wide draw, Doyle opted to settle back in midfield on the gelding, with Ocean Miss taking the early lead before Dubai’s Potiki found the top at the 1000m. Island Life found the perfect split turning for home and hit the lead early with Ocean Miss the main danger, before Tuxedo began to power down the inside and found an extra kick late, denying the favourite by a long head. Doyle was full of praise for Tuxedo following the three-year-old feature. “He’s a gorgeous horse, big, scopey and a good mover, he has everything going for him,” he said. “We had to pick and choose runs today, he was brave where he went then he chased down the two running up to the line, so well done to Colm and Shaune. “He’s far from (the finished product), he’s got a lot to learn but once he pulls it all together, I think we really have a proper horse on our hands. As soon as he learns just to relax a little bit, I can put him to sleep and stay in races. “We could have some fun.” Ritchie was thrilled with the result, with the $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day in March presenting as a long-term goal for Tuxedo. “We’ve always fancied him as a talent, he got it wrong first-up and he was pulling early and got to the front a bit early, but he’s beaten a horse (Withallmyfaith) who has gone out and won two races impressively since, so the form was there,” he said. “We were keen to ride him cold today and we think he’ll end up a nice stayer, he’s got a lot to learn but jeez, it’s nice winning a Group Three at your second start. “He needs experience and obviously the money’s at Ellerslie, but it’s nice to come down here. We were keen not to go there (on Saturday) and hit a firm track too early, and it was a nice step-up here with good give in the ground. “We’ll head to Ellerslie next, we might give him a week to himself and then pick some races over a bit further. He’s a big strong horse, he’s got a lovely action about him, and you’d think he’ll get further than a mile for sure. “He’s exciting.” Tuxedo was purchased for $70,000 out of breeder Waikato Stud’s draft at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales, the first foal out of an O’Reilly mare in Ball Gown. The victory extends his prizemoney to $67,860, with two wins from as many attempts. View the full article

A tilt at the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in January is on the cards for promising juvenile Romanoff(NZ) (Belardo) following his maiden victory in the Uza Bus Two-Year-Old (1100m) at Otaki on Thursday. The son of Belardo showed plenty of inexperience on debut at Te Rapa earlier this month when over-racing during the middle stages and fading to finish last in the seven-horse field, and on Thursday he showed he still has plenty to learn despite posting his maiden victory. He jumped well for jockey Michael McNab and raced outside pacemaker Hello My Dear for the majority of the journey until he was asked to improve at the turn and he quickly shot clear of his rivals. Romanoff looked to be a comfortable victor, however, he almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory when running out in the final 50m, but despite his late indiscretion he was still able to win by a length over Curzon Park. McNab had been warned prior to the race about the colt’s quirks, and he didn’t disappoint. “He was explained to me as cheeky,” McNab said. “When they were pushing me to ride him, I had two phone calls and three people talked to me about him. “He was perfect until the last bit. Although he was doing a little bit (wrong) the whole way up the straight, he was still going forward alright, and I didn’t expect him to stop and duck (out) like that. But well done to the team.” Romanoff has proven to be Jekyll and Hyde in nature as a younger horse, but trainer Pam Gerard expects him to mellow as he matures, and she believes he is an exciting colt with plenty of upside. “He departed company from the rider a couple of times at the trials, but in saying that his behaviour is generally very good,” she said. “He’s a very quiet colt, but at the moment as a young and inexperienced horse he just has a switch where he randomly surprises you with something he does. “Watching the race, he was left in front way too early because he then has the chance to gawk around. “He has always shown a huge amount of ability and amazingly enough he just keeps copping the campaign despite having done some unnecessary extra work at the trials. “He’s just natural at the moment and we have no extra gear on him, but there are plenty of things to help if required. “We thought the overnight trip away to Otaki might be just what he needs, and now he’s won, so mission accomplished. We’ll just see how he does when he comes home before making any immediate plans, but it helps to get some prizemoney if we go towards the Karaka Million.” Gerard was rapt for his group of owners, particularly Hugh Fletcher, who was celebrating his birthday trackside at Otaki. “We’ve got lots of good owners in him and they’ve been patient,” she said. “You don’t find many two-year-olds that can take as much as what we’ve chucked at him and he just keeps going away and eating up. “It’s Hugh’s (Fletcher) birthday today and he went down for the race, so it was a great outcome.” Bred by Marie Leicester out of stake-producing mare Tsarina Belle, Romanoff was purchased by Ballymore Stables, in partnership with bloodstock agents Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman, out of Haunui Farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $75,000. “He was very strong, athletic, and a beautifully balanced colt when Mike (Moroney) bought him at the sales,” Gerard said. “It’s a super, super, family, he had a great walk on him, was a real two-year-old type, and bought for a pretty realistic price. Paul (Moroney) buys a type, that’s what they’re looking for and they found what they wanted in this colt.” View the full article

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club (KBRC) has sent out an SOS message as they face a significant challenge as it’s upcoming racing season is jeopardised by a critical shortage of recycled water required to maintain its turf racing surface. This water scarcity threatens not only the continuation of races but also the economic and social benefits that horse racing brings to the Goldfields-Esperance region. The KBRC is working closely with Racing WA, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and state government officials to address the pressing issue. Without a sustainable solution, the potential cancellation or disruption of the racing season could have a severe impact on the local economy, which relies heavily on the horse racing industry. Contributing $1.3 billion annually to Western Australia’s economy, with $54.5 million benefiting the Goldfields-Esperance area, the racing sector also provides 430 full-time jobs locally, making it a vital employer in the community. Beyond the economic implications, horse racing events are a cornerstone of social life in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The annual Race Round, in particular, attracts both local residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community and drawing significant tourism. The loss or reduction of such events would be felt deeply by locals who rely on the festivities to strengthen community ties. The KBRC is committed to keeping stakeholders informed of developments and is actively seeking input and solutions from the community. Feedback and recommendations can be directed to their administrative team at admin@kbrc.com.au. Resolving the water shortage requires collaborative efforts between the community, local authorities, and industry stakeholders. The KBRC remains determined to preserve the racing tradition that has long been an integral part of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s identity, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive despite the challenges ahead. Horse racing news View the full article

Tuxedo winning the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki on Thursday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray collected their second Group Three success in a matter of days at Otaki on Thursday, with Tuxedo stamping himself as an early Derby prospect when winning the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m). The Cambridge training partnership won last Saturday’s Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) with Nereus, and partnering up once again with jockey Joe Doyle, they travelled to the Central Districts with a promising horse having just his second race-day start. The son of Tivaci won on debut at Te Aroha on October 30 and had strong form behind him, starting a $7.40 fourth-favourite with Island Life on top at $3.40 with horse racing bookmakers. Jumping from a wide draw, Doyle opted to settle back in midfield on the gelding, with Ocean Miss taking the early lead before Dubai’s Potiki found the top at the 1000m. Island Life found the perfect split turning for home and hit the lead early with Ocean Miss the main danger, before Tuxedo began to power down the inside and found an extra kick late, denying the favourite by a long head. Doyle was full of praise for Tuxedo following the three-year-old feature. “He’s a gorgeous horse, big, scopey and a good mover, he has everything going for him,” he said. “We had to pick and choose runs today, he was brave where he went then he chased down the two running up to the line, so well done to Colm and Shaune. “He’s far from (the finished product), he’s got a lot to learn but once he pulls it all together, I think we really have a proper horse on our hands. As soon as he learns just to relax a little bit, I can put him to sleep and stay in races. “We could have some fun.” Ritchie was thrilled with the result, with the $1.25 million Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day in March presenting as a long-term goal for Tuxedo. “We’ve always fancied him as a talent, he got it wrong first-up and he was pulling early and got to the front a bit early, but he’s beaten a horse (Withallmyfaith) who has gone out and won two races impressively since, so the form was there,” he said. “We were keen to ride him cold today and we think he’ll end up a nice stayer, he’s got a lot to learn but jeez, it’s nice winning a Group Three at your second start. “He needs experience and obviously the money’s at Ellerslie, but it’s nice to come down here. We were keen not to go there (on Saturday) and hit a firm track too early, and it was a nice step-up here with good give in the ground. “We’ll head to Ellerslie next, we might give him a week to himself and then pick some races over a bit further. He’s a big strong horse, he’s got a lovely action about him, and you’d think he’ll get further than a mile for sure. “He’s exciting.” Horse racing news View the full article

Idyllic winning the Levin Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on Thursday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Idyllic is far from what Kate Hercock would describe the past 10 days, but a speedy mare with that name afforded her a moment of solace in Thursday’s Levin Stakes (1200m) at Otaki. Hercock tragically lost her fiancé Danny Champion last Monday and the Otaki meeting was her first back in the saddle since his passing. In a competitive open sprint, she continued her association with Stephen and Kevin Gray’s Idyllic, of whom she partnered to win the Rating 75 1000m contest at Tauherenikau earlier this month. The daughter of No Nay Never has trademark early speed, and despite being slightly slow away, she soon kicked up to take over the pacemaking role with Amend in close quarters. The $3.10 favourite with BlondeBet, Lazio, settled in the one-one and was giving away a decent margin to Idyllic turning for home, but the mare was never in danger as she powered to victory by just shy of two lengths to Amend and Perfectsister. Hercock saluted crossing the line and was understandably full of emotion returning to scale. “Everyone thinks that I’m really tough, but at the end of the day, I’m still a human,” she said. “I know what we do for a job is tough, but I think the last seven days of my life has been the toughest part. “The only reason you want to get out of bed is to live Dan’s dream of training the horses and making him proud. “She’s an easy ride, she loves being out in front and she rates herself. She botched the start a little bit and I thought oh no, I’m going to be slow away, but she’s got such good turn of foot. “When I got to the 400m, I thought right, this one’s for Danny. I did everything, I didn’t care if I was going to get excessive use of the stick today, I wasn’t getting beat.” Idyllic is establishing herself as a serious prospect for the upcoming summer sprint features, with Kevin Gray expressing plenty of pride in the six-year-old. “She’s a front-running horse, she works that way, and I don’t do anything to try and change her,” he said. “I’m very proud of her, she’s put on nearly 20kgs since last year and she’s doing everything you want her to do. “It’s not easy to get horses like this, John Cameron who manages and part-owns her has been very good to me and I’ve known him for a number of years. To have a horse like this for him, as well as the stable, I’m very pleased. “I’d like to say that the young girl that does the work with her, she does everything on her and has been brilliant. She’s not an easy horse to ride, because man, can she pull.” Initially passed in when presented by Wentwood Grange at the 2020 Karaka Yearling Sales, Idyllic was retained by breeder John Cameron and she has gone on to win five races from 17 starts and just shy of $130,000 in stakes. Out of a Lonhro mare Idlewild, Idyllic is a half-sister to promising filly Romilly, who contests Saturday’s Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui. The Gray’s have put in a nomination for the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 4 where Idyllic currently sits a $41 chance with horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Recommendation arrives at Sha Tin. Photo: HKJC After leading a tour group of clients to last year’s Hong Kong International Races (HKIR), Australia’s biggest trainer Ciaron Maher will return to the 2024 Sha Tin showpiece on December 8 – but this time around he’ll be mixing business with pleasure. While there will again be a large contingent of Maher’s clients as members of his touring party at Sha Tin and also at the International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley on Wednesday, December 4, the big difference this year is that the prolific winning-trainer will have his first runner in Hong Kong when five-year-old gelding Recommendation tackles a crack field in the HK$26 million Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m). Recommendation is yet to win at the highest level, but has four Group 3 victories, including three in succession at Flemington on 7 November lifted his prizemoney to $1.02 million. Maher has more than 400 horses in work at his Victoria and New South Wales stables and is getting bigger. He recorded one of the stable’s biggest pay days when Duke De Sessa won the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Bella Nipotina won theThe Everest (1200m) on the same day on October 19. After getting a taste of the big feature races last year, Maher was keen to return to Hong Kong with his clients and is enthusiastic about the opportunity of having a runner in one of the four Group 1 races at Sha Tin. “Got a heap of clients coming up and all the owners are pretty well up and about,” Maher said. “The horse seems in good form, but the local (Ka Ying Rising) might be hard to beat. “He (Recommendation) is a gelding that has had a really good spring and has gone to another level and the owners were keen to travel with him.” Maher said he is expecting to get some advice from his former co-trainer David Eustace, who has made a successful start as a trainer in his own right in Hong Kong after being granted a training licence at The Hong Kong Jockey Club. “I will be catching up with Dave for sure and he has started very well,” he said. “And we’ll be having a chat for sure.” Maher said he wasn’t surprised when Eustace grabbed the opportunity of training in his own right when offered a training licence in Hong Kong. “He was a great asset to our business and it’s good to see him starting quite well,” he said. Maher and Eustace combined to win more than 1,560 races and 30 Group 1 victories, including Gold Trip’s 2022 Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) win. At this stage, Maher said there hadn’t been a definite booking for a rider for Recommendation but it could be Mark Zahra, who will also ride 2023 Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight, a leading contender in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m). Maher said he would definitely like to return to Hong Kong to contest more future feature races if he rates his first foray as a success. “Plenty of people have travelled over there before and it will be good to take Recommendation up and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said. Maher will arrive in Hong Kong on Sunday to supervise Recommendation’s work leading up to the race. Horse racing news View the full article

James McDonald, Derek Leung, Tony Cruz and Cody Mo hit top form while Hugh Bowman and Alexis Badel struggle.View the full article

Race 7 STELLA ARTOIS 1500 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER 1400m INSPIRED BY ART (W Pinn) – Co-trainer Mr. S Bergerson advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, INSPIRED BY ART has now been sent for a short spell. Race 8 TAB COUNTIES CUP 2100m (G3) WOLFGANG (M McNab) – Co-trainer Mr. P McKay reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, and it is the stables intention to continue on with WOLFGANG’S current preparation. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing @ Pukekohe Park, Saturday, 23 November 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk What a Friday night Melissa Whyte is going to have. In the space of just over half an hour two trotters that she bred will race in two $100,000 Group 1s at Addington. Chester Gold (One Over Da Moon – Natives Lasting Love) will line up in Race 1, the IRT – Ace of Clubs 2YO Colts and Geldings Mobile Trot (5.02pm) while Natives Cullerdamoon (One Over Da Moon – Cullermein) is in Race 2, the Ace of Hearts 2YO Fillies (5.38pm). The Christchurch-based Whyte has a long-held fascination for coloured horses. Many of her horses have carried the “Native” name and the fact that she bred and owns Natives Cullerdamoon, who is a pinto (bay with white patches), makes it all the more special. “He’s the first race horse I’ve had, usually I lease them out,” says Whyte, “Natives Cullerdamoon is the first horse I’ve actually raced in my name.” Trained by Kyle Cameron, “Pippi” as she’s known has had four race day starts with one placing. She’s currently the $71 outsider in the five horse field in a market dominated by Meant To Be ($1.50). “I never thought she’d make a two-year-old and she’s a really nice horse,” says Whyte. Pippi’s mum Cullermein was a three-win skewbald by Christian Cullen out of Splashed. “I was lucky enough to buy her through Gavelhouse as a 17-year-old broodmare.” Chester Gold, in contrast, is a chestnut gelding. Whyte bred his mum Natives Lasting Love and leased her to North Canterbury trainer Austin Thornton. She went on to have seven wins from 99 starts. Chester Gold’s best showing in three career starts so far is a fourth at Rangiora a week ago, one place behind Natives Cullerdamoon. “I sold him as a weanling to Kyle (Cameron).” Cameron co-owns, trains and will drive Chester Gold, a $101 longshot. Habibti Pat is the favourite at $1.75. Win or lose, for Whyte, a long-time breeding enthusiast, it promises to be quite the start to one of Addington’s biggest nights of the year. “It’s a bit exciting.” View the full article

Otaki trainer Johno Benner will be hoping for a late Christmas present when he heads to Ellerslie on Boxing Day with his promising gelding Tikemyson(NZ) (Highly Recommended). The five-year-old son of Highly Recommended is on track to contest the Dunstan Horse Feeds Stayers’ Championship Final (2400m) after recording his third career victory in the Dunstan Horse Feeds Championship Qualifier (2200m) at his home track on Thursday. Backed into $2.60 favouritism, Tikemyson settled three back on the fence for Australian hoop Harry Grace, who bided his time before navigating his charge into clear running room four-wide with 500m to go. He entered a dogfight with fellow Otaki-trained runner Free Spirit down the home straight and was able to get the better of his rival in the concluding stages to win by a nose. Benner, who also part-owns the gelding, was pleased with the victory and was full of praise for Grace’s ride. “It was a bold move by the young fella (Grace) to go to the fence. I said to him ‘just be mindful the tempo is going to come out of this’, but he did a good job of containing him,” Benner said. “Although he was over-racing a little bit, he was able to contain him enough. Maybe that blunted his finish a little too. They don’t generally come from three back the fence when they are walking and win.” Benner said Tikemyson has taken a lot of improvement into this season and he is looking forward to testing him against stiffer competition at Ellerslie next month. “He (Tikemyson) has come a long way because last preparation he would have gone over those horses or the running rail, you wouldn’t know. To get out of traffic and close off like he did, he is definitely a horse that is fulfilling what we think he can do,” he said. “Free Spirit has won seven or eight races, so I think this form might stack up and hopefully he can head to Auckland for Boxing Day now for the Dunstan Final. It is another 200m and he has got to continue to settle, but it might be a nice race for him.” Grace echoed Benner’s sentiments, and he believes Tikemyson will handle the step up in grade. “The horse is much better this prep, he showed that in both runs before today,” he said. “We stepped up in trip and it wasn’t run to suit him, but he was absolutely the best horse in the race and he should improve up in grade.” View the full article

Idyllic is far from what Kate Hercock would describe the past 10 days, but a speedy mare with that name afforded her a moment of solace in Thursday’s Rose City Cars Levin Stakes (1200m) at Otaki. Hercock tragically lost her fiancé Danny Champion last Monday and the Otaki meeting was her first back in the saddle since his passing. In a competitive open sprint, she continued her association with Stephen and Kevin Gray’s Idyllic, of whom she partnered to win the Rating 75 1000m contest at Tauherenikau earlier this month. The daughter of No Nay Never has trademark early speed, and despite being slightly slow away, she soon kicked up to take over the pacemaking role with Amend in close quarters. The $3.10 favourite Lazio settled in the one-one and was giving away a decent margin to Idyllic turning for home, but the mare was never in danger as she powered to victory by just shy of two lengths to Amend and Perfectsister. Hercock saluted crossing the line and was understandably full of emotion returning to scale. “Everyone thinks that I’m really tough, but at the end of the day, I’m still a human,” she said. “I know what we do for a job is tough, but I think the last seven days of my life has been the toughest part. “The only reason you want to get out of bed is to live Dan’s dream of training the horses and making him proud. “She’s an easy ride, she loves being out in front and she rates herself. She botched the start a little bit and I thought oh no, I’m going to be slow away, but she’s got such good turn of foot. “When I got to the 400m, I thought right, this one’s for Danny. I did everything, I didn’t care if I was going to get excessive use of the stick today, I wasn’t getting beat.” Idyllic is establishing herself as a serious prospect for the upcoming summer sprint features, with Kevin Gray expressing plenty of pride in the six-year-old. “She’s a front-running horse, she works that way, and I don’t do anything to try and change her,” he said. “I’m very proud of her, she’s put on nearly 20kgs since last year and she’s doing everything you want her to do. “It’s not easy to get horses like this, John Cameron who manages and part-owns her has been very good to me and I’ve known him for a number of years. To have a horse like this for him, as well as the stable, I’m very pleased. “I’d like to say that the young girl that does the work with her, she does everything on her and has been brilliant. She’s not an easy horse to ride, because man, can she pull.” Initially passed in when presented by Wentwood Grange at the 2020 Karaka Yearling Sales, Idyllic was retained by breeder John Cameron and she has gone on to win five races from 17 starts and just shy of $130,000 in stakes. Out of a Lonhro mare Idlewild, Idyllic is a half-sister to promising filly Romilly, who contests Saturday’s Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui. The Gray’s have put in a nomination for the Gr.1 TAB Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 4 where Idyllic currently sits a $41 chance on the TAB Futures market. View the full article

Explosive filly Hankee Alpha(NZ) (Proisir) made a big statement at Te Aroha on Wednesday, with a phenomenal performance putting her firmly in the conversation for the major three-year-old races this season. Hankee Alpha caught plenty of attention on debut in late October, putting over six lengths on a field which included subsequent winners Adelante and Ocean Miss. Her trainers, Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, were eager to test the filly’s ability on a Good surface, and punters had every faith she could repeat her first-up effort backing her into $1.60 ahead of Egyptian Queen, who placed behind Crocetti in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) in January. In the hands of Masa Hashizume, Hankee Alpha was immediately back near the tail of the field from the jump, settling into a comfortable rhythm while Goldburg set a solid tempo up-front. With the entire field ahead of her on the turn, Hankee Alpha had a task on her hands, but when the gaps came, she powered through them like an experienced campaigner and caught Egyptian Queen just short of the line, taking the victory by a neck. O’Sullivan was thrilled with the daughter of Proisir, who swiftly shortened to $14 on the TAB Futures markets for the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the $4.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). “We’d planned to go back a little bit, possibly not that far but that was just how the race turned out,” he said. “I thought she was going to need a lot of luck, it was a really good ride and he (Hashizume) rode with a lot of patience. A lot of times, the gaps don’t open up, so we were fortunate that things went our way. “The pleasing part from the stable’s point of view was it was good to see her doing it on Good ground, as opposed to last time out on a heavy track, albeit a summer heavy.” While Hankee Alpha may have won each of her only two starts to date, O’Sullivan credits much of that to six trial appearances over her juvenile and early three-year-old preparations, with patience a key factor in her development. “At the trials, we never really asked her to extend, it was just all about educating her,” he said. “By the time she went to a race meeting, she wasn’t scared or timid to go through the field and things like that. “You have to have good track riders, they’re very important and they’ve done a very good job with her. It was a while before we got her to the races, but it was all a matter of slowing her down, getting her to breath and relax. “It was just a long, slow, steady build-up to give her confidence and she’s repaid us. In saying that, they’ve got to have ability to do that as well.” There are plenty of strong three-year-old races looming and O’Sullivan indicated Hankee Alpha would likely be targeted towards the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m), run at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. “We’re still yet to discuss with the owners, but our immediate plan at this stage would be to run her on Boxing Day in the three-year-old 1400m race there,” he said. “Without confirming, that looks pretty likely.” Hankee Alpha is the fourth foal out of Guillotine mare Queen Of Navarre, a winner of four races for the filly’s breeders Tony and Nikki Brown. When offered by Highline Thoroughbreds at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales, Hankee Alpha was purchased for $35,000 by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman, and she is raced by Bryan Black, Dee Black and Jenny Courtney. Later on the Te Aroha card, Wexford completed a winning double with Sax ‘n’ Silks, who earned a deserved maiden success in the Stables Books (1400m). The four-year-old by Saxon Warrior showed plenty of promise early in her career, finishing fourth in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m) on New Year’s Day, and after finishing second to sharp stablemate Checkmate last-start, it was her turn in the spotlight. Also ridden by Masa Hashizume, who picked up a winning quartet on the day, Sax ‘n’ Silks lead from the outset and was never headed, powering away from her rivals to score by 1-3/4 lengths to Chinook. “We were really pleased to see her rewarded with a win, and it’s certainly not her last,” O’Sullivan said. “It was a good strong performance, they weren’t really winning from the front all day and she’s done that, so she’s only going to continue to improve. She’ll probably head to a race on Boxing Day as well.” View the full article

What Winterbottom Stakes Day 2024 Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, November 30, 2024 First Race 12:34pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes will headline the nine-race card at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, with warm weather forecast in the lead-up, it is expected that racing will take place on a perfect Good 4 surface. The rail will be in the +7m position for the entire circuit, with opening race set to kick off at 12:34pm AWST. Read HorseBetting’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes betting preview and strategy here. Lee-Steere Classic tip: Mai Aloha Mai Aloha will clash with a number of her rivals that she faced in the Placid Ark Stakes; however, her connections will be hoping for more luck this time. The Grant & Alana Williams-trained filly travelled sweetly for William Pike, but she was held up behind slowing runners for the first 200m of the home straight, which ultimately cost her any chance of winning. Stepping up to 1400m will suit this girl, and with even luck, Mai Aloha can turn the tables and record another win. Lee-Steere Classic Race 6 – #8 Mai Aloha (11) 3yo Filly | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (53kg) +300 with BlondeBet Jungle Dawn Classic tip: The Boss Lady After jumping slowly from the barriers and being forced to settle worse than midfield, The Boss Lady was never a winning chance in the Jungle Mist Classic. The leader and eventual winner held a six-length margin over the Michael Lane-trained mare turning for home, but to her credit, she made up a stack of ground in the final 200m to finish second. If Chris Parnham can get her to jump better from barrier four, The Boss Lady will settle closer to the speed and prove hard to hold out late. Jungle Dawn Classic Race 7 – #7 The Boss Lady (4) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Lane | J: Chris Parnham (55kg) +380 with Picklebet Best Bet at Ascot: Jokers Grin Jokers Grin is one of the rising stars in Western Australia, and he will be seeking his sixth straight win after recording a breathtaking victory over 1000m on November 16. The Bernie Miller-trained gelding was made to travel three-wide with no cover but still proved way too good for his rivals as he glided past them in the final 100m. If Patrick Carbery can find some cover and produce Jokers Grin at the 300m mark, he will win again. Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Jokers Grin (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Bernie Miller | J: Patrick Carbery (55.5kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Royal Toronado It is hard to go past Royal Toronado in the second event, as the Grant & Alana Williams-trained gelding drops back from 2100m to the same distance that he won at two starts back. After encountering some trouble early in the home straight, this son of Toronado came from the back of the field and flashed up the inside rail to go down by a nose on the line. William Pike will stick with this four-year-old gelding, and if he shows a similar finishing burst to his previous runs, Royal Toronado will bounce back. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Royal Toronado (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (57kg) +140 with PlayUp Ascot quaddie tips for Winterbottom Stakes Day Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, November 30, 2024 1-3-8 1-4-7-8-10 1-2-5-6-13 1-5-7-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Festival Stakes Day Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, November 30, 2024 First Race 12:35pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) headlines the action at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-part program set for decision. The rail reverts back to the true position the entire circuit, and with heavy rainfall likely to hit the course proper leading into the weekend, punters can expect the track to deteriorate into the Heavy range at some stage throughout the card. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 12:35pm local time. Festival Stakes Tip: Mighty Ulysses The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Mighty Ulysses represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers in the 2024 Festival Stakes. The European import relished the Soft conditions first-up in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 19, going on to score by a half-length. The six-length defeat second-up may appear disappointing on paper; however, getting back onto wet ground will be ideal, and with barrier three allowing Adam Hyeronimus to stalk the speed, Mighty Ulysses looks massive overs at the $10.00 available with Neds. Festival Stakes Race 8 – #2 Mighty Ulysses (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Adam Hyeronimus (58.5kg) +900 with Neds ATC Cup Tip: Naval College No one missed the run of Naval College in the Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle on November 6, where the son of Dartmouth should’ve won with an ounce of luck. The five-year-old had to check off heels on multiple occasions and didn’t see daylight until it was all over. Coming back in trip is a minor concern, but with the lightly raced gelding still possessing plenty of upside only third-up into the campaign, Naval College appears primed to claim his seventh career victory. ATC Cup Race 9 – #2 Naval College (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Jason Collett (59kg) +450 with BlondeBet Starlight Stakes Tip: Our Kobison It wasn’t long ago the Angela Davies-trained Our Kobison was in serious talks of gaining an Everest (1200m) slot. Things didn’t go to plan after a disappointing effort in The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 21, with the son of Kobayshi failing to fire a shot before being put away and prepped for this first-up assignment. He’s well-weighted here with 55.5kg on his back, and with Kerrin McEvoy likely to land into the one-one from barrier five, Our Kobison looks poised to get back to winning ways in the 2024 Starlight Stakes. Starlight Stakes Race 7 – #4 Our Kobison (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Angela Davies | J: Kerrin McEvoy (55.5kg) +550 with Picklebet Best Bet at Rosehill: Bullets High Bullets High has been defeated less than a half-length across his last two starts, with his latest barnstorming effort coming up just short behind Dazzle Legend at Newcastle on November 16. Stepping out to 1800m should be ideal for the son of Ace High, with the four-year-old crying out for a staying journey after being the eye-catcher in his last two performances. Gate five should allow Tim Clark to take closer order, and provided Bullets High can get clear air at a crucial stage, the $4.00 available with Playup will seem like a big price when the whips are cracking. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Bullets High (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Tim Clark (59.5kg) +300 with Playup Next Best at Rosehill: Jewellery Jewellery returns after a 133-day spell and appears primed for a first-up assault on the back of two strong barrier trials. Her latest piece of work at Warwick Farm on November 19 particularly caught the eye, with the daughter of Lonhro storming through the wire under a stranglehold. She’s never missed the frame fresh, and with Adam Hyeronimus being legged aboard from stall five, Jewellery should get every chance to keep that record intact and send punters home with a winner in the Rosehill finale. Next Best Race 10 – #10 Jewellery (5) 5yo Mare | T: James Cummings | J: Adam Hyeronimus (58kg) +450 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Rosehill Rosehill quadrella selections November 30, 2024 1-4-5-10 1-2-4-6-10-15 2-3-12-14-18 10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, November 30, 2024 First Race 12:18pm AEST Visit Dabble The Group 3 George Moore Stakes will headline the massive 10-race meeting at Doomben this Saturday afternoon, with the first race scheduled to jump at 12:18pm AEST. With rain forecast to fall on Friday and Saturday, it is expected that racing will go ahead on a genuine Soft surface. After racing in the true position on Wednesday, the rail will be pushed out to the +4.5m position for the entire circuit. George Moore Stakes tip: Cifrado Cifrado finished as an impressive runner-up on resumption at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m, where the Rex Lipp-trained gelding flashed home down the middle of the track on Heavy ground. The son of Encryption settled at the rear of the field and appreciated the strong tempo before peeling out wide to let down with a blistering turn of foot. Rising to 1200m second-up will suit, and if Cejay Graham can find a back to follow around the home turn, Cifrado will prove hard to hold out late. George Moore Stakes Race 8 – #6 Cifrado (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Rex Lipp | J: Cejay Graham (54kg) +600 with Picklebet Best Bet at Doomben: Metalart Following his scratching from Wednesday’s meeting, Kelly Schweida has found the perfect race for Metalart to claim his first victory of the campaign. This son of Better Than Ready has been crying out for a softer track, and he will get that here, along with a good barrier (3). Michael Rodd will push forward from the gate to settle outside the leader before attempting to run away with the race in the final 300m. Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Metalart (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Michael Rodd (56kg) +150 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Icarian Dream Icarian Dream will drop back in grade to race in the Phelan Ready Plate following her fourth-place finish in the Group 3 Golden Gift at Rosehill. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was crowded upon straightening, but once she switched back to the inside rail, the daughter of Blue Point let down with a strong finish at the end of the 1100m contest. Dylan Browne McMonagle will be legged aboard for his first ride on this girl, and if he can settle Icarian Dream in the first six, she will get every chance to claim a second win in third career start. Next Best Race 4 – #7 Icarian Dream (10) 2yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Dylan Browne McMonagle (55kg) +180 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Mister Bianco Paul Shailer and Michael Rodd will combine with Mister Bianco as they seek to go a couple better after recording a third-place finish fresh at this track and trip on November 9. The son of Zousain settled midfield, tracked up behind the leaders nicely, and took an inside run to sprint through along the rail. With a run under his belt and a better race shape expected to suit Mister Bianco, the $12 on offer with horse racing bookmakers looks like a great price. Best Value Race 9 – #3 Mister Bianco (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Paul Shailer | J: Michael Rodd (56.5kg) +1100 with Dabble Doomben quaddie tips – 30/11/24 Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, November 30, 2024 2-3-6-8-14 1-2-3-6 1-3-4-6 2-3-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Group Two winner will stay in the city and look towards March’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m).View the full article