Wandering Eyes

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. How stacked exactly was this year's Travers day 2-year-old maiden? Even the fourth-place finisher should be on your radar. In a race completely dominated on the front end, Godolphin homebred Sovereignty (c, 2, Into Mischief–Crowned, by Bernardini) kicked home impressively from last of 10 on debut for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott to stamp himself as one to watch. The 11-1 chance broke on top from his outside draw and was quickly outsprinted to trail as Rookie Card (Adios Charlie) (entered in Saturday's opener at the Belmont at the Big A meeting and highlighted in these same pages Sept. 7) and Tip Top Thomas (Volatile) motored along with Keewaydin (Instagrand) in hot pursuit in third through an opening quarter in :21.95. Still with a ton left to do in seventh with the top three positions unchanged at the top of the stretch, Sovereignty leveled off beautifully beneath Junior Alvarado for the final furlong and flew home in a field-best :12 while finishing 3 1/4 lengths adrift as the top three hit the wire together in an absolute thriller. The Todd Pletcher-trained Tip Top Thomas earned a 'TDN Rising Star' badge after fighting past an ultra-game Rookie Card to graduate by a head. It was another nose back to Keewaydin in third. The final time for six furlongs was 1:10.46. The top three finishers all earned 85 Beyer Speed Figures; Sovereignty received a 79 rating. “It got us excited,” Godolphin USA Director of Bloodstock Michael Banahan said. “We were delighted to see the way he finished up and it was as per usual a hot maiden on Travers day. It was a big day of racing and there were a lot of people talking about him, which is interesting, you know, for a horse that was fourth in a maiden.” Banahan added, “To see him at the top of the stretch thinking we had no chance to finishing up like he did and running by everybody a couple of strides after the wire while galloping out strongly gave us a lot of encouragement.” Sovereignty has posted two workouts since his unveiling at Mott's Saratoga base, most recently breezing four furlongs in :49 (10/71) over the Oklahoma training track Sept. 15. He could make his second career start later this month at the Belmont at the Big A meeting, Banahan said. “He's training well and doing well and showed an enormous amount of potential,” Banahan said. “He's a well-bred colt and we're looking forward to seeing him run again.” The son of leading sire Into Mischief was produced by the unraced Bernardini mare Crowned, a daughter of GISW Mushka (Empire Maker) and a $1.2-million Keeneland September yearling purchase by Sheikh Mohammed's operation. The Into Mischief x A.P. Indy has produced GISWs Atone (o/o an A.P. Indy mare) and Newgate (o/o a Majestic Warrior mare). The 'Second Chances' Honor Roll is headed by Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and GISWs A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), Honor A. P. (Honor Code), Locked (Gun Runner), Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and Speaker's Corner (Street Sense). TIP TOP THOMAS, the 2YO son of @Three_Chimneys stallion Volatile, breaks his maiden in the seventh race with @iradortiz up for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/5GCePwCdfU — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 24, 2024 The post Second Chances: ‘It Was a Big Day of Racing and There Were a Lot of People Talking About Him’ – Sovereignty One to Watch Out of Loaded Travers Day Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

During the 11th session of the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, Kazakhstan-based bloodstock agent Nadir Khassanov paid $12,000 for a colt by California Chrome–Little Emily (Castledale {Ire}). After nearly running the table in Kazakhstan and Russia, the colt that came to be called Kabirkhan took his show on the road to Dubai over the winter, where he won the G1 Al Maktoum Classic in his second start for trainer Chief Stipe Watson. Khassanov was back in Lexington on the hunt for his next diamond in the rough during Friday's opening Book 6 session at the September Sale and accounted for the day's top-priced offering when giving $95,000 for a May-foaled colt by Upstart. He was easily the dearest of six purchases on the afternoon for Khassanov and the most expensive of his 26 acquisitions (for $593,500), all since day eight of the sale. The dark bay is the second foal out of Amiens (Oxbow), a half-sister to the stakes-placed dam of Canadian multiple graded stakes winner Dragon Bay (Parading) and to the dam of GI Awesome Again Stakes hero Mongolian Groom (Hightail). The multiple Grade I-winning third dam Versailles Treaty (Danzig) produced GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero George Vancouver (Henrythenavigator) and Grade II winner Saarland (Unbridled). Hip 3965 was bred in Kentucky by Wimbledon Farm, who acquired Amiens for $80,000 in foal to Violence at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. The colt was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent. Colts accounted for the session's top five priciest horses and nine of the top 11. The session's most expensive filly was hip 4002, who was hammered down to Royal Flush Racing for $70,000. The Jan. 21 foal, who was purchased for $18,000 at this year's Fasig-Tipton Digital April Sale, was consigned to the September sale by Hartwell Farm, agent, and is the first produce for her dam Brewster Flats (Mineshaft), whose stakes-winning granddam Yoursmineours (Belong to Me) produced GSW Shared Property (Scat Daddy) and MSW Whiskey Romeo (Forestry). This is also the female family of 1987 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and Eclipse Award winner Epitome. During a session that also featured strong participation from Central American, Russian and Middle Eastern interests–so-called 'emerging markets' that Keeneland has taken pains down the years to pursue–the auction house reported sales on 206 head for $3,568,000, an average of $17,320 and median price of $11,500, representing gains of 5.8% and 4.6%, respectively. With one day of selling remaining, some 2532 horses have sold for record turnover of $409,087,500 (not including post-RNA sales), good for an average of $161,567 and a median of $80,000. The cumulative average price increased by 6.4%, while the median was up by 6.7%. Are We In Australia? The crowd gathered in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion must have been confused when they looked at their catalogue and saw that hip 3797 had been foaled on Aug. 19, 2023. Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said that the unusual foaling date was flagged when the Montana-bred yearling–a daughter of first-crop Wheresthemoneyjack (Union Rags) out of Nothinglikegold (More Than Ready)–was entered in the sale. The filly was bred and consigned by Kairos Stables & Arena, Agent. “That yearling came from Montana, and quite honestly it was one we flagged early on,” said Lacy. “The sellers were adamant they wanted to do this. We spoke to them about the fact that this was probably going to be a challenge in this marketplace. They were very reasonable people and wonderful to talk to.” Bidding stalled out at $3,500 and the filly was an RNA. “It didn't work out but they were very grateful,” said Lacy. “We are here for everyone at all levels and sectors of the marketplace. We wanted to make sure they had the best experience possible. We welcomed them here and they are heading back to Montana. The horse was well cared for, but immature and obviously in this type of market, bred on a Southern Hemisphere timeline, didn't fit in the marketplace. We try not to discriminate. The horse came in healthy and it's not something we can eliminate from the sale.” Nothinglikegold was one of 21 mares that was covered in the state of Montana in 2022, according to the state fact book on The Jockey Club website. Wheresthemoneyjack is the sire of four foals from his second crop. He has not been represented by a starter to date. —Sue Finley September Sale finishing strong! Book 6 buyers are here until the last hip. See you tomorrow for one final day! #KeeSept pic.twitter.com/dT6gyMsiqV — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 20, 2024 The post Upstart Colt Catches Khassanov’s Eye At Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's Ned Toffey has been named the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club (KTFMC) 2024 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year. Toffey has been at Spendthrift since 2004, when he worked with the late B. Wayne Hughes to rebuild the historic farm to a leading modern-day institution in the sport. KTFMC will host its annual Dinner Dance to honor Toffey at the Carrick House in Lexington on Friday, Dec. 6. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefitting a charity of Toffey's choosing. “Ned's management of Spendthrift, their racing division, and their hugely successful stallion roster on behalf of the late B. Wayne Hughes and now under Eric and Tamara Gustavson has been exemplary and a model for all to follow,” said Adrian Mansergh-Wallace, president of KTFMC. “More than that though Ned is a great family man, admired by his peers, friends, and clients alike, and has mentored countless members of the Thoroughbred industry.” As General Manager of Spendthrift, Toffey has been responsible for the stallion career of reigning five-time leading sire Into Mischief, Hall of Famer Beholder, leading sire Malibu Moon, Horse of the Year Authentic, and many others. Toffey serves on the Board of Directors for the KTA/KTOB, Breeders' Cup, Gluck Center, and KTFMC. In a release from the organization, officials from KTFMC said, “The committee felt Ned's dedication, success, loyalty, and kindness to those around him are unmatched, and under his leadership and guidance, Spendthrift has become a global powerhouse in the breeding industry.” Eric Gustavson, current owner of Spendthrift with his wife, Tammy, added: “Wayne Hughes did a lot of great things for Spendthrift Farm. The first was hiring Ned Toffey to be our General Manager. Tammy and I are so thankful to have him running the show. Ned is dedicated to the farm, extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of our business, and has an amazing team approach in his leadership style. He's well respected in the industry, but even more so by us.” Toffey has been married to his wife, Katie, for 32 years. They have four children, all adults: Matthew (married to Natalie), Megan, Daniel, and Annie. They also have one grandson, Ellis. Tickets for the Dec. 6 Dinner Dance and sponsorship opportunities will be available for purchase through KTFMC's website later this month. The post Ned Toffey Named KTFMC Farm Manager of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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. Saturday's Observations features a half-brother to Victor Ludorum (GB). 13.35 Newmarket, Novice, £8,500, 2yo, f, 8fT PEARL OF HOPE (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a notable Godolphin newcomer, being a half-sister to Shamardal's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere-winning sire Victor Ludorum (GB). Charlie Appleby sticks to tried and trusted territory for her debut, where she meets Shadwell's Suhub (GB) (Mohaather {GB}), the William Haggas-trained first foal out of the G1 Falmouth Stakes and G1 Sun Chariot Stakes heroine Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) who was a well-beaten fourth at Newbury on debut. 15.50 Chantilly, Debutantes, €50,000, 2yo, f, 8fT TAJLINA (GB) (Kingman {GB}) takes part in an intriguing affair and is one of the key members of the cast as a daughter of the G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Bateel (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Owned and trained like that talented soft-ground specialist by Al Asayl Bloodstock and Francis-Henri Graffard, she encounters another homebred of note in SARL Darpat France's Viento De Levante (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), a Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained half-sister to the sire Recoletos (Fr) and the Fabres' Aqua Mirabilis (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), a half-sister to the G1 Tancred Stakes winner Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). The post Dubawi Half To Victor Ludorum Starts At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An extensive investigation by trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. identified contamination from a freelance hot walker he used at Delaware Park. View the full article

The United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that legal challenges to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act have little likelihood of success.View the full article

Edited Press Release Jeff Matty was only 13 when Smarty Jones captured the collective heart of the horse racing world by coming within a length of winning the Triple Crown in 2004. (Queue Tom Durkin: “And Birdstone wins the Belmont Stakes.”) In his third year as executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA), Matty came up with an idea to ensure that the legacy of the best Pennsylvania-bred ever would endure for generations to come. The result is “The Ride of a Lifetime–The Smarty Jones Story,” a documentary scheduled to be shown for the first time Friday night at a party celebrating Saturday's betPARX Grade I Pennsylvania Derby and Grade I Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing. The documentary was funded by the PTHA, an initiative that was an easy sell, according to Matty. “It was an easy pitch because of what he's meant to so many people. We saw this as an opportunity to continue his legacy forever,” said Matty, who added that 100% of income earned by the PTHA from the movie will be returned to horsemen. The documentary was produced by Philadelphia-based The WorkShop, which had not previously worked on a horse racing project. The main characters in the story appear, including Patricia Chapman of Someday Farm, who bred and owned the horse in partnership with her late husband, Roy, trainer John Servis, jockey Stewart Elliott, exercise rider Pete Van Trump, and veterinarian Dr. Patty Hogan, who treated the horse after he suffered a serious eye injury as a 2-year-old. “People were thrilled to participate,” Matty said. “It's such a breath of fresh air. No one is more deserving than Mrs. Chapman. She's the first lady of Parx.” Matty said Bruce Casella, producer of Parx's “Let's Go Racing” show, Rich Romano, director of broadcast operations, and Rodney Eckenrode, of Equistar Farm in western Pennsylvania where Smarty Jones stands, helped make the film a success. A son of Elusive Quality, Smarty Jones won his first eight starts, including the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness Stakes, before being caught in the final strides of the GI Belmont Stakes, much to the chagrin of the vast majority of the 120,000 fans in attendance. He was retired after that race with more than $7.6 million in earnings. The documentary took nine months to produce and it will premiere on a major streaming platform by late fall, according to Matty. The documentary is also a finalist to be shown at the Philadelphia Film Festival, which runs Oct. 17-27. “We wanted to make something that the older generation can re-live it, the younger generation can experience it, and hopefully bring new fans to the game,” Matty said. “With racetracks and horsemen, we don't always agree on everything, but we can all agree on how special this chestnut colt was.” The post Smarty Jones Documentary Debuts Friday, to be Available for Streaming in Late Fall appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell Stables debuted MUHIMMA (f, 2, Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) to a 'TDN Rising Star' tag Friday at Churchill Downs. The 4-5 favorite sat second early behind a quick early leader but collared that frontrunner midway around the turn and cleared off while under no pressure down the lane to win nicely in hand under Florent Geroux. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Shadwell Stables; B-Three Chimneys Farm LLC; T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $700,000 ylg '23 KEESEP. #3 Muhimma dominates on debut in R7 at @churchilldowns under @flothejock for trainer @bradcoxracing! You can add her to your TwinSpires #StableAlerts! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/JbNcNqApzt — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 20, 2024 The post Shadwell’s Muhimma Streaks To ‘Rising Star’ Tag In Churchill Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Held in the highest regard by Richard Fahey, Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's latest hot property Powerful Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) puts his reputation on the line in Saturday's G2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury. Impressive enough to earn instant TDN Rising Star status on debut at Pontefract last month, the relative of the top-class sprinter Maarek (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) meets more experienced peers in the six-furlong feature, but possibly none with more upside at this juncture. Fahey is hopeful the bubble won't burst. “We have been very pleased with him since, his work has been very good. It is a big ask for him, don't get me wrong, but we are very much looking forward to seeing him run,” he said. Godolphin's Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) sets the standard on his G2 Gimcrack Stakes second, with the subsequent G3 Sirenia Stakes winner Symbol Of Strength (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in third. Charlie Appleby said of the former, “This looks another competitive event but our horse appears to have come forward since York and, if the ground is on the slower side, it shouldn't be an inconvenience. We go into the race with plenty of confidence.” Symbol Of Strength's trainer Adrian Keatley is also in bullish mood. “He's in great nick and came out of his last race well. We're very happy with him at home, we think the track will suit him and hopefully the ground stays good,” he said. “We're after having two practice runs at this level, we were beaten a length the first time in the Gimcrack and won the last day when things went against us, so we're very hopeful of a big run.” Saturday's six other pattern races include Chantilly's G3 Prix de Conde, where The Aga Khan's unbeaten filly Shandana (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) takes on the colts and another promising filly in Haras d'Etreham's Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), a Nicolas Le Roch-trained daughter of the G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Germance (Silver Hawk). The post Mill Reef Test For Powerful Glory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the 2024 Inglis Digital USA September Sale is now online, featuring a slate of 57 offerings, the auction company said in a release on Friday afternoon. Bidding is currently open for the online auction, and lots will begin to close on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. ET, with subsequent listings closing in three-minute increments. The September Sale includes a selection of racing-age horses, yearlings, weanlings, broodmares, and broodmare prospects, which are available for inspection prior to the auction by contacting the sellers. Among the horses offered is multiple New York-bred stakes winner My Shea D Lady (Solomini), who is offered as a racing or broodmare prospect. Owned by Shea D Boys Stable and trained by Carlos David, the 3-year-old is consigned by Vinery Sales, agent, and currently is the highest-earning runner by her sire at $489,000. “My Shea D Lady has been a beautiful horse since arriving at the barn at Palm Meadows from the sale,” David said. “She is pleasant to be around, very classy to train, and her attitude when going into a race is top class.” The draft of yearlings in the September catalogue includes offerings by stallions like Vino Rosso and Mendelssohn. “This sale should have something for everyone,” said Inglis Digital USA Sr. Director of Sales and Recruitment Kyle Wilson. “We have a good cross section of horses with some very exciting prospects as well. We appreciate the support of our customers and look forward to a healthy market and some exciting results.” Interested parties must register for an account on the Inglis Digital USA website, and request a bidding limit in order to start placing bids. Click here to view the online catalogue and register to bid. The post Inglis Digital USA September Sale Catalogue Now Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With better than three months left on the racing calendar for 2024, 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) has already locked up the 3-year-old filly championship, having dominated her peers in the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, GI Acorn Stakes and GI Coaching Club American Oaks. She lost little in defeat when running fellow 'Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) to a head in the GI Travers Stakes, but she returns to her own sex for Saturday's $1-million GI Cotillion Stakes, the first half of a Grade I double in the Philadelphia suburb of Bensalem. And when she loads the gate at about 20 past five Saturday afternoon, Thorpedo Anna will be looking to do enough to win her fourth Grade I of the season while leaving a little something in the locker for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar some 42 days down the road. The Cotillion/Distaff double has been accomplished before–Ashado (Saint Ballado) won the 2004 renewal before taking care of her older rivals at Lone Star Park and Untapable (Tapit) followed suit at Santa Anita in 2014. In the form of Thorpedo Anna, trainer Ken McPeek looks to have his best chance at saddling his first Breeders' Cup winner, having been shut out in 37 attempts dating back to his first appearance at the championships with Tejano Run in 1994. Two of the best horses McPeek has ever tacked up made three combined starts in the Distaff, but Take Charge Lady (Dehere) could do no better than sixth in 2002 and again in 2003, while Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil) was a low-odds seventh in 2020. In Thorpedo Anna, he may just have the one. “This one might have jumped over both of them,” McPeek said. “I am really proud of all of them. They all breathe rare air.” While Saturday's GI Pennsylvania Derby may lack a standout, it nevertheless offers a competitive field of 11 that are collectively a cut below the very best of the 3-year-old colt division but capable of rising to this challenge. Trainer Brad Cox won his first Pennsylvania Derby last September with Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) and Juddmonte homebred Dragoon Guard (Arrogate) will likely go favored to make it back-to-back wins for the barn. The gray son of Filimbi (Mizzen Mast) enters on a four-race winning streak, including a 2 1/2-length defeat of GI Santa Anita Derby hero Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in the GIII Indiana Derby July 6 followed by a facile success in the Aug. 4 GIII West Virginia Derby. Florent Geroux, in the irons for Saudi Crown last year, retains the call on Dragoon Guard. “He's done everything we've asked of him this year,” said Cox. “He's taken a step forward every time and I think another step forward should put him in the winner's circle. He's a horse that looks like he can handle the distance. He proved that last time in West Virginia. He's had plenty of time to recover from that, his works have been steady and he's giving us a lot of confidence that he's able to win a Grade I.” 'TDN Rising Star' Unmatched Wisdom (Cairo Prince) won his first three outings, including an all-the-way victory in the July 19 Curlin Stakes at Saratoga, but he never got near the front in the Travers and tailed off to beat just one home. He figures to go forward from gate nine, but he is likely to have company from GI Preakness Stakes hero Seize the Grey (Arrogate) from the two hole. Seventh in the GI Belmont Stakes, the $300,000 FTSAUG yearling exits a distant fourth in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes July 27. America's top stayer Next (Not This Time) returns to greater Philly in defense of his title in the GIII Greenwood Cup Stakes at a mile and four furlongs on the dirt and by the looks of it, he may win by a margin greater than the 25 lengths he did last year. Since making a rained-off renewal of Delaware Park's Cape Henlopen Stakes his first win going this far, he has won eight of nine outings, including a 22 1/4-length thumping of the competition in the Aug. 4 Birdstone Stakes at Saratoga. In the day's two other graded events at Parx, Bentornato (Valiant Minister) squares off with last-out local stakes scorer Buccherino (Bucchero) in the GII Gallant Bob Stakes, while the relatively lightly raced Souper Quest (Munnings) takes on course-and-distance stakes winner Alogon (California Chrome) in the GIII Turf Monster Stakes. No Lie: Fibber Figures In the Dogwood Saturday's GIII Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs could offer up some clues into the Cotillion, which goes off a little less than an hour later. New York-bred My Mane Squeeze (Audible), third to Ways and Means (Practical Joke) in the GI Test Stakes two back, faced Cotillion runners on either side of that effort, finishing a well-beaten fourth to Thorpedo Anna in the June 7 Acorn Stakes and a distant runner-up to Mystic Lake (Mo Town) in the Aug. 23 GII Charles Town Oaks. An audacious $100,000 claim by trainer Chris Hartman out of a third-place effort in a May 25 optional claimer at Churchill, Fibber (Frosted) has already recouped that investment with a 3 1/2-length allowance success June 28 before saluting by 2 1/4 lengths in the Aug. 11 Audubon Oaks at Ellis Park, where 'TDN Rising Star' and Cotillion hopeful Tarifa (Bernardini) was second in her first start off a layoff. Contrarian players could do worse than 'TDN Rising Star' Manama Gold (Star Guitar). Winner of the G3 UAE Oaks at Meydan in February, the full-sister to the ill-fated Ova Charged was a sound second in the June 6 Jersey Girl Stakes at Saratoga and most recently weakened to seventh in the GIII Lake George Stakes two-turning on the grass at the Spa July 20. The turnback and return to the main track should work in her favor. F/M Sprint Berth Up For Grabs at Gulfstream Saturday's GIII Princess Rooney Stakes at Gulfstream Park qualifies its winner for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, and even though she tries seven-eighths of a mile for the first time at her 40th career run, Soul of an Angel (Atreides) looks to have her rivals over a barrel from a class perspective. Having raced for $25,000 claiming early in her career, the dark bay caused a 24-1 upset in the one-mile GII Ruffian Stakes at Aqueduct May 4, besting Randomized (Nyquist), who bounced back to take the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes, with Soul of an Angel only fifth. A head second to Idiomatic (Curlin) in the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes at Monmouth July 20, the 5-year-old cuts back off a distant third in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes at the Spa Aug. 23. Saffie Joseph, Jr. also saddles the 3-year-old Haulin Ice (Coal Front), whose only finish outside of the top three in her eight career starts came when favored in the Charles Town Oaks Aug. 23. Excuses can be made owing to night racing and/or the bullring configuration, and if she were to duplicate the effort that saw her defeat her peers by 9 1/2 lengths in the July 13 Azalea Stakes over this course and distance, she'd give them something to think about. Drawn widest in the field of 10 is Beth's Dream (Jess's Dream), who rides a four-race winning streak into the Princess Rooney, including a four-length triumph over Maryquitecontrary (First Dude) in the Aug. 17 Sheer Drama H. over track and trip. The post Thorpedo Anna The Star Turn on Pennsylvania’s Biggest Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

International riding star Frankie Dettori was hospitalized in New York after being unseated from his mount before the start of the ninth race Sept. 19 at Aqueduct Racetrack. He dislocated his right shoulder, the jockey posted Sept. 20 on X.View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) mourns the passing of Pat Mahony, who spent more than 50 years in the racing industry, many leading NYRA's mutuels department, and was known nationally as a leading expert in wagering operations, protocols and rules, the track said in a Friday press release. “New York's racing community is deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Mahony, whose contributions to the fabric of NYRA and Thoroughbred racing will be long remembered,” said NYRA President & CEO David O'Rourke. “As Vice President of Mutuels, Pat's love for the sport and unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence helped shape the industry. NYRA extends our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Mahony, who followed his grandfather and father into the pari-mutuel business, retired from NYRA in 2016. He died Thursday evening in Florida. He was 78. To honor Mahony's long and distinguished career, NYRA launched the Mahony Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in 2019. Mahony once estimated that he spent 14,000 days at the track, watched more than 130,000 races and was responsible for more than $20 billion that moved through the betting windows at the tracks he supervised. As a member of racing's “First Family of Mutuels,” he followed his father Riggs and grandfather Mort into the mutuels business; together, the three generations worked at tracks across the country for more than a century. “We were in the betting rings year in, year out through world wars and the Depression,” Mahony once said of his family. “That is something to be proud of.” The patriarch of the family, Mortimer Mahony [1874-1949] got his start in the late 19th century working in the betting ring with bookmakers at Morris Park, Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay and the rest of the New York racing circuit during that era, which included Saratoga Race Course. He would go on to become the pioneer of modern pari-mutuel wagering and totalisator operations throughout much of the U.S. and Canada. Mort Mahony was in charge when the first totalisator system in America [the Australian Tote] made its debut at Hialeah Park in 1932, and he was the mutuels consultant to Harry L. Straus, founder of the American Totalisator Company, helping to install their first system at Arlington Park in 1933. Along the way, his “Mahony Pari-Mutuel College” trained scores of people who went on to manage mutuel departments at many of the country's top tracks. Prior to joining NYRA, Mahony managed mutuel departments at race tracks in Florida, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Shortly before his retirement, he reflected on why he chosen to devote his life to racing and the pari-mutuel business. “I never wanted to do anything else,” Mahony said. Plans for a memorial service have yet to be determined. The post NYRA Mourns The Loss Of Mutuels Chief Pat Mahony appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mystik Dan has resumed under-tack training at Kenny McPeek's Magdalena Farm near Lexington as the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner attempts to get back in form after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (GI).View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment has appointed two prominent industry leaders, Mark Krembil and Tom Mungham, to its board of directors.View the full article

All roads now lead to the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) after a bumper crowd watched City of Troy complete his key workout at Southwell Sept. 20.View the full article

City Of Troy (Justify), who bested older horses in the G1 International Stakes at York last out, now holds a rating of 130p by Timeform, three pounds clear of his closest rivals pointing to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar in November. The Aidan O'Brien colt, who races for the Coolmore partners, participated in a racecourse gallop at Southwell on Friday. Next on ratings is GI Travers Stakes/GI Florida Derby winner Fierceness (City Of Light) at 127, five pounds better than GI Kentucky Derby third and second Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), both tied at 122 pounds. Highland Falls (Curlin) is next at a mark of 120. The O'Brien/Coolmore axis has never won the Classic, with their best finish a runner-up performance by the 'Iron Horse' Giant's Causeway when second in 2000. Incidentally, the son of Storm Cat was also rated at 130. Three-for-three at two including the G1 Dewhurst Stakes, the bay is three-for-four on the year, with an unplaced run in the G1 2000 Guineas followed by a trio of Group 1 triumphs–the Derby, Eclipse, and International Stakes. Timeform handicapper Jake Price said, “With the home team lacking an outstanding runner in this year's Breeders' Cup Classic, this could be the golden opportunity Aidan O'Brien has been looking for to gain a first success in America's premier all-age dirt race with City Of Troy. “Beaten just once from seven starts, his Timeform rating of 130p puts him ahead of his expected rivals for the race, headed by Travers Stakes winner Fierceness who is rated 127. “Whilst we won't know how City of Troy will handle this very different test, there are reasons to be confident on that score. He's by US Triple Crown winner Justify, who's already making waves at stud including siring the winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last year, he has proven battling qualities and can make the running – similar tactics will lessen the negative effect of 'kick back' on the dirt. The short straight at Del Mar will also prove an advantage should he be able to employ that running style once again.” The post City Of Troy Tops BC Classic Rivals On Timeform Ratings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SOUTHWELL, UK — It is not often that the eyes of the racing world are on Southwell. The country track had been closed to the public for nine months until early August following extensive flooding, but on Friday it was the place to be as the top-rated horse in Europe, City Of Troy, descended on Nottinghamshire with an entourage akin to a Taylor Swift tour. He even brought his own American starting stalls. And swift is how he looked as he eased clear of the five-strong working party from Ballydoyle, travelling straight and true toward the winning post to the applause of the 700-plus members of the public who had turned out to see the son of Justify. They wouldn't have been disappointed, and neither was City Of Troy's trainer Aidan O'Brien, who, along with Ryan Moore, was mobbed for autographs and selfies as they returned post-gallop. “He is different and he knows it,” was O'Brien's assessment of the four-time Group 1 winner who will attempt to become the first horse to win the Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic. He will be his trainer's 15th challenger in the latter. “He's a hardy customer. I thought today was his best,” O'Brien continued. “Ryan had his hands down on him and he travelled in a relaxed manner. He came into the straight very balanced and straight and when Ryan let him down, he was as straight as a gun barrel. Me, watching him here, that's the best I have ever seen him with Ryan.” He added, “He was happy to follow the other horses, he was happy to come through them, and he was happy to sit with them when he turned in. When they turned in, he didn't think that he had to charge away. “I loved the way he galloped up the straight. And he galloped out around the bend.” The build-up to this 4pm workout had started some three hours earlier, with people queuing for the gates of Southwell to open. One racing fan had come all the way from Croatia. The racecourse's management team must be given full credit for creating a real sense of occasion. Bars and restaurants were open, a mini racecard had been printed with colours and pedigrees for the runners and riders in this special 'race', while the big screens showed racing from meetings around the country. Not since Aidan O'Brien brought Giant's Causeway then Galileo to the track at the turn of the century has it been used as a primer for a dirt contender in the Breeders' Cup Classic. The surface at Southwell has changed since then, from its original deep Fibresand to Tapeta, but the clerk of the course John Holliday had arranged for the track to be harrowed deeper than usual for a more attritional workout, and perhaps to increase the kickback. The four-year-old Congo River (Mendelssohn) and the No Nay Never three-year-olds Democracy (Ire), Master Of The Hunt (Ire) and Edwardian, ridden by Brett Doyle, Wayne Lordan, Rachel Richardson and Dean Gallagher respectively, accompanied City Of Troy, who, prior to this day, had made six trips to Britain for racing purposes and has raced only once in Ireland on his debut. “They broke fast and we had two miler-type horses up front and we knew that they would have to go faster than him early,” O'Brien said. “Ryan wanted to go forward but he didn't want to rev him up too much, but when he goes to America he doesn't want to have him in the habit of waiting. The lads purposely had the track slower than they normally would so it was always going to be more gruelling than impressive. We were only going to go a mile.” Asked about the relative lack of kickback from the Southwell surface compared to what City Of Troy is likely to face at Del Mar, he added, “Really, in America you prefer not to get kickback. If you get kickback you get kickback but in an ideal world you don't want it. I think horses never really get used to kickback. Some horses will face it and some despise it. But it depends on the draw and the horses around you, where you're going to be.” What started out being mooted as a racecourse gallop when it was announced after City Of Troy's victory in the Juddmonte International turned into an occasion very closely resembling a raceday. Those who had made the trip had come for just one reason and they made the most of it, lining the paddock rails, running through to the stands as the horses made their way out to the track, and, most touchingly, giving City Of Troy a lengthy ovation as he floated along the home straight. “It rapidly became obvious that we were going to have a decent crowd,” said Holliday. “And it just shows that the horse is always the star of the show.” O'Brien said that he hadn't expected such a response from the public. “But we are very grateful to everybody,” he added. “He was walking around the paddock for all that time before we got here and he will have felt the atmosphere. That is absolutely priceless for him. He felt he was racing. It was all lovely and he still worked, he blew off quick. He wasn't panicked. I don't think anyone could have done more. “Everybody here was a big help to him. He went down fine, walked into the stalls like a man – there was no waiting. He has to come out of it: he has to be okay tomorrow. If he is, then his programme will start. In a racehorse's life, every day is a big one – and especially training for those big races, as really you have to train as if there is no tomorrow.” For City Of Troy, tomorrow is all about Del Mar, where the surf meets the turf, and where he will meet his date with destiny. Today, though, was a chance for the diehards to take a front-row seat and appreciate the special horse he is already. The day the Derby winner came to Southwell. The post ‘Today Was His Best’: Classic Ahoy as City Of Troy Storms Southwell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All roads now lead to the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) after a bumper crowd watched City of Troy complete his key workout at Southwell Sept. 20.View the full article

International riding star Frankie Dettori was hospitalized in New York after being unseated from his mount before the start of the ninth race Sept. 19 at Aqueduct. He dislocated his right shoulder, the jockey posted Sept. 20 on X.View the full article

Twelve students of full-time horse farm workers are pursuing higher education this year with help of the Horse Farm Workers' Educational Assistance Fund, the non-profit said in a Friday release. Qualifying parents of scholars must be employed full-time for at least three years by one of the following central Kentucky Thoroughbred farms: Benson Farm, Betz Thoroughbreds, Godolphin, Hermitage, Shadwell Farm, Shawhan Place Farm and WinStar Farm. So far, 760 annual scholarships totaling $1,677,501 have been awarded since the Fund's inception in 1996 by Rob Whiteley of Liberation Farm, Tom Evans of Trackside Farm and Fred Seitz of Brookdale Farm. Scholarships are awarded for education or skill training after high school and are based upon financial need, merit, biographical essays and personal interviews. Scholarships are also available for full-time horse farm workers in the Bluegrass. “In pursuit of their dreams, many of our scholars work 20 or more hours per week at one or two jobs while carrying a full course load,” said President Tom Evans. “Our main goal is to award enough money so that they can focus on their studies and make school their number one priority without incurring a huge burden of long-term student loan debt. We consider their studies as their job.” This year's recipients are: Luis Garza-Galeas, Univ. of Kentucky; Gael Gonzalez, Univ. of Kentucky; Taylor Koch, Western Kentucky Univ.; Alexis Laytart, Georgetown College; Anna Martinez, Transylvania Univ.; Madison McMahon, Univ. of Cincinnati; Angel Perez, Univ. of Kentucky; Kathryn Reams, Eastern Kentucky Univ.; Alexander Rodriguez, Univ. of Kentucky; Katie Thurman, Bellarmine Univ.; Javier Torres-Pena, Midway Univ.; and Lupe Torres-Pena, Midway Univ. The post Dozen Term Scholarships Awarded By Horse Farm Workers’ Educational Assistance Fund appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-BAQ, 90K, Msw, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 12:35 p.m. A pair of debuting colts both by Tapit will break side by side to open the card at Belmont's Aqueduct meeting Saturday. AU CONTRAIRE is a Stonestreet-bred son of MGISW Dream Rush (Wild Rush) who sold to Halsey Minor for $3.3m at FTKNOV in 2007. Her progeny include MGSW Dream Pauline (Tapit), SW and sire Atreides (Medaglia d'Oro) while her daughter, GISW Dreaming of Julia (A.P. Indy), has already produced a dual champion in Malathaat (Curlin) along with GSW Julia Shining (Curlin). Stonestreet has tabbed Jena Antonucci to train with Eric Cancel aboard for the debut. Breaking to that rival's outside is FUN TO TAP who was the fourth-highest price at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale when selling to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm for $1.2m. The colt is a half to MGSW/GISP Mr. Money (Goldencents) along with SP Tizplenty (Speightstown) and the family includes G1 Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed (Tiznow). Kendrick Carmouche gets aboard for trainer Todd Pletcher. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Tapit Progeny On Display In New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After much deliberation at the California Horse Racing Board meeting Sept. 19, Golden State Racing was granted a conditional license to operate racing at Pleasanton beginning Oct. 19.View the full article

Coursetrack, the live, in-race timing information system, is now in place at all 26 Irish racecourses, Racecourse Media Group (RMG) announced on Friday. The final course to receive the system was Laytown. Horses carry lightweight GPS trackers, designed to fit within the saddlecloth. In-race data for all races in Ireland–including race clock, leader's speed, leader's time per furlong and distance to finish–is supplied to networks, including RTE, Virgin Media, ITV and Racing TV, for live broadcasts. The data has been published online for all races at all Irish racecourses from the beginning of 2024, with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) working together. Sectional times are available the day after racing on Racing TV's results page and other affiliated websites. Chris Murtagh, operations director at Coursetrack, said, “Laytown, by virtue of being staged on a beach for only one fixture a year, could have posed a challenge or two, but there were zero issues, and we were very grateful for all the support from Laytown Racecourse. Indeed, I'd like to thank the Irish racecourses, who have all supported us on the roll-out. It's been a pleasure working with HRI, AIR and the individual racecourses.” The post Coursetrack Tracking Data Implemented At All Irish Racecourses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mystik Dan (Goldencents) has resumed under-tack training at Ken McPeek's Magdalena Farm in Lexington as the GI Kentucky Derby winner attempts to get back in form after he was last seen running eighth in the GI Belmont Stakes, according to a press release on Friday from Churchill Downs. Mystik Dan was training over the summer at Saratoga, but his conditioner opted to give the colt time following his Triple Crown campaign. “He looks fantastic. There's a whole lot of hind quarter back on him,” McPeek said. “This is going to do him a lot of good.” Ridden at Magdalena by retired jockey Robby Albarado, who partnered with the colt when he was a 2-year-old, Mystik Dan has no immediate target said McPeek. Mystik Dan this morning @MagdalenaFarm before training. pic.twitter.com/f6FgthTUl8 — Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) September 19, 2024 The post Derby Winner Mystik Dan Resumes Under-Tack Training At Magdalena Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article