Wandering Eyes

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

The seminar 'From Paddock To Parliament', examining the cross section of politics, bloodstock and agriculture, will be held by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) on Thursday, Oct. 31. Set for Goffs, Kildare Paddocks, Kill in Co Kildare, the seminar will include female speakers from three different political parties: Minister Pippa Hackett, of the Department of Agriculture represents the Green party, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin of Fianna Fail, who will be contesting the General Election as their candidate in Kildare South, and Nina Carberry, MEP of Fine Gael who was recently elected to the European Parliament. Jane Mangan of Racing TV and RTE Racing will host the evening. This event will afford an unique opportunity for both members of the bloodstock industry and their political representatives to become acquainted with each other, with the political climate and with the issues facing the bloodstock industry. The seminar will also highlight the work done by politicians in the thoroughbred industry, and the panels journey through their respective careers with regards to agriculture and equestrian fields. The seminar is free to attend, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the panel discussion set for 7 p.m. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the ITBA website or email Hannah Marks. The post ITBA Seminar To Be Held On Halloween appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment has named Mark Krembil and Tom Mungham to its Board of Directors, the track said in a press release on Friday. The appointments of Krembil, a principal of Chiefswood Stables, and Mungham, a former CEO and Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), are subject to AGCO approval. “We are excited to welcome Mark [Krembil] and Tom [Mungham] to our Board of Directors,” said Jim Lawson, executive chair of Woodbine Entertainment. “Their extensive leadership, knowledge, and industry experience will be invaluable as we work to further our vision of growing the horse racing industry that supports upwards of 25,000 jobs throughout Ontario.” In their new roles, Krembil will serve on both the Thoroughbred Racing Committee and the Audit Committee, while Mungham will serve on the Standardbred Racing Committee and the Governance Committee. The post Woodbine Board Adds Krembil And Mungham As Directors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For many lifelong racetrackers, it's a natural ascent to start out as a hot walker, move up to becoming a groom and perhaps eventually, work your way towards exercise riding. That wasn't the case for Edgar Revolorio, groom of GI Breeders' Cup Classic hopeful Highland Falls (Curlin). Revolorio grew up around horses in his native Guatemala and when he moved to Texas to work with Quarter Horses, he started out there as an exercise rider. As he gained experience on the racetrack and learned more about the art of grooming, he decided that it was the job for him. The lifelong horseman moved to Florida in 2004 to start his first job in the Thoroughbred industry as a groom. Fast forward 20 years and today, Revolorio loves the job as much as he did on the day he started. “Since I quit galloping horses, I dedicate my time to taking care of and grooming horses,” explained Revolorio through a translator. “I like it better. It's a routine. It's about being responsible. I come here at 4 every morning and I start to work and clean the stables so when the horse goes to the racetrack, everything is clean and we are ready to work.” Reading horses and understanding their body language comes naturally to Revolorio. He began working on a ranch in Guatemala when he was eight years old. There, they would start working with the ranch horses from the time they were weaned on through the breaking and training process. Revolorio and Highland Falls ahead of the GIII Blame Stakes | Coady Media Over his two decades in horse racing, Revolorio has worked for various trainers like Todd Pletcher, Nick Zito and Mike Maker. Two years ago, he landed a job with Brad Cox. One of the first horses assigned to him was Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), who claimed last year's GI Pennsylvania Derby and this year's GIII Louisiana Stakes with Revolorio as his groom. The dappled gray colt requires extra attention every day to keep his coat looking bright and clean, but Revolorio still smiles when he talks about one of his favorite charges. “He's a very serious horses and is very professional in what he does,” noted Revolorio. Last year Revolorio was also assigned the Godolphin homebred Highland Falls. A son of 2006 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff victress Round Pound (Awesome Again), the chestnut won on debut at Ellis Park and claimed an allowance race at Churchill Downs. This year, Highland Falls stepped up to stakes company and won the GIII Blame Stakes with Revolorio on hand to cheer him on. Highland Falls scores in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' for the Breeders' Cup Classic | Sarah Andrew “I enjoy working with him,” said Revolorio. “He's a very noble horse. It's not a chore. It's very fun working with him. ” With a wife and a 12-year-old son at home, Revolorio spends the majority of his time in Kentucky so when Highland Falls went to Saratoga this summer, Revolorio stayed back in Louisville. He made sure to tune in to the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes on Sept. 1 as Highland Falls took on GI Whitney winner Arthur's Ride (Tapit). The two rivals battled down the backstretch, but when they reached the sixteenth pole Highland Falls drew away to win by four lengths. “I was watching the race on TV and when he won I was very excited,” recalled Revolorio. The Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes handed Highland Falls a free “Win and You're In” spot to the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2. After that breakout Grade I win in Saratoga, the 4-year-old colt returned to Churchill Downs and has reunited with his groom and his regular exercise rider Katie Tolbert as he prepares for a trip to the Breeders' Cup. “We go day by day working hard with him so that he's doing well for the race,” Revolorio reported. “Every morning I get up and I'm excited to work. Thanks to God, I find myself doing well. Thanks to Brad Cox also for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the team.” The post Breeders’ Cup Connections: Edgar Revolorio, Groom of Highland Falls, Dedicated to His Trade appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit has lifted the suspension assessed to trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. in the wake of one of his horses testing positive for methamphetamine after a race at Delaware Park in May. Duarte is the private trainer for Richard Santulli's Colts Neck Stables. On June 26, Duarte was informed that a horse he trained named Happy Cat (Kitten's Joy) had tested positive for methamphetamine following a May 22nd race at Delaware Park. On September 5, he was issued a provisional suspension of 60 days. After presenting additional information to HIWU in the form of an affidavit on September 18, Duarte's suspension was lifted by HIWU. Happy Cat was walked by a freelance hotwalker on May 22 at Delaware. Duarte said that she was an older woman who walked a horse for trainer Bonnie Lucas the following day. That horse also tested positive for meth. Duarte drug tested his own employees, who were negative, and the freelance hotwalker, but said that he believed her negative test for meth was due to the fact that she had had seven days' notice before the test. On September 11, he asked her to submit to a hair analysis, and she refused, saying that she was on a medication that would cause her to test positive. She then ceased communicating with Duarte. HIWU's letter to Duarte's attorney, Howard L. Jacobs, reads: “Pursuant to ADMC Program Rule 3247(a)(1), HIWU was required to impose a Provisional Suspension on Mr. Duarte as the Responsible Person for Covered Horse Happy Cat, as a result of the Adverse Analytical Finding (“AAF”) for Methamphetamine. Initially, and in accordance with Proposed ADMC Program Rule 3226(e), HIWU imposed a Provisional Suspension of 60 days effective as of September 5, 2024, to run through and including November 3, 2024. Under ADMC Program Rule 3247(e), HIWU has the discretion to lift a Provisional Suspension “[i]f it considers it appropriate to do so on the specific facts of the case.” On September 18, 2024, you provided HIWU with (1) an affidavit from Mr. Duarte and (2) documentation supporting Mr. Duarte's affidavit. HIWU finds the September 18, 2024, submission to be relevant and meaningful information regarding the likely source of unintentional transfer or contamination.” “Based upon (1) proposed ADMC Program Rule 3226(e) and (2) the documentation provided on September 18, 2024, HIWU has determined that it will lift the Provisional Suspension imposed on Mr. Duarte as of today, September 20, 2024. Mr. Duarte has served 15 days of a Provisional Suspension. Pursuant to ADMC Program Rule 3247(j), Mr. Duarte shall receive a credit for 15 days against any period of Ineligibility that may ultimately be imposed. Pursuant to proposed ADMC Program Rule 3226(e), regarding Human Substances of Abuse, this matter is stayed effective today pending FTC approval of proposed ADMC Program Rules.” Under the current ADMC rules, methamphetamine is still classified as a banned substance for which a positive test requires a provisional suspension, and ultimately punishable by a two-year suspension. However, the ADMC committee agreed to carve out drugs of human-substance abuse, like meth, from the list of banned substances and have submitted a new set of rules to the FTC changing the maximum penalty for a first-time offender to 60 days, and instructing HIWU to treat these cases as an unintentional transfer, or environmental contamination, if, in fact, HIWU determines that was more than likely. Those rule changes are pending before the FTC. The post HIWU Lifts Jorge Duarte Suspension appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 Irish fixture list was published by Horse Racing Ireland on Friday. The number of fixtures is unchanged from 2024 at 395 after the Board of HRI approved the list in their meeting earlier this week. Only four fixtures remain to be allocated, with the remainder retained as floating fixtures to be utilised during the year to deal with time periods when there is very high demand for opportunities to run from the horse population. There is also a contingency fixture list to reassign Tipperary's dates if needed while an all-weather track is installed. The alternative Tipperary fixtures are as follows: April 24 Tipperary (Flat) to Dundalk Tipperary (NH) to Listowel on May 6, with Cork moving from May 6 to May 8 May 14 Tipperary (NH) to Punchestown May 27 Tipperary (Flat) to Dundalk July 1 Tipperary (NH) to Wexford July 2 Tipperary (Flat) to Fairyhouse July 3 Tipperary (NH) to Limerick August 8 Tipperary (Flat) to Gowran Park August 31 Tipperary (Flat) to Cork October 5 Tipperary (Mixed): Listed Concorde Stakes to move to the Curragh and alternative fixtures found for remaining two flat races. Curragh to move to October 5 from October 4. G3 Tipperary Hurdle, G3 Joe Mac Novice Hurdle and G3 Like-A-Butterfly Novice Steeplechase to move to Gowran Park October 6 Tipperary (NH) to Galway Jonathan Mullin, HRI's Director of Racing, said, “The number of horses in training in Ireland this year remain at similar levels to 2023 and therefore it was felt prudent not to increase the number of fixtures for 2025. The fixture list process for 2025 involved consultation with a wide variety of industry stakeholders and we acknowledge their strong engagement throughout. In particular, given the need to produce a 'shadow' 2025 fixture list to accommodate the planned development of an All-Weather Track at Tipperary, we thank the racecourses for their considerable contributions.” The post Ireland’s 2025 Fixture List Remains At 395 Meetings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sir Michael Stoute trainee Anna Swan (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}–Vivionn {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}), a G1 Fillies' Mile entry who notched an impressive 5 1/2-length win at Great Yarmouth last month, remained on an upward trajectory and made all to post a two-length tally in Friday's Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises British EBF Fillies' Conditions Stakes at Newbury. British EBF Fillies' Conditions Stakes @NewburyRacing @BritishEBF Newbury – Classe 2 – 2 ans – 1408m – 4 Pts Anna Swan William Buick @WilliamBuickX (Almanzor (Fr) @Haras_d_Etreham – Vivionn (Gb) par Dubawi (ire)) Sir Michael Stoute… pic.twitter.com/qZo42v6TBO — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) September 20, 2024 3rd-Newbury, £30,000, Cond, 9-20, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:29.50, sf. ANNA SWAN (GB) (f, 2, Almanzor {Fr}–Vivionn {GB} {MGSP-Eng}, by Dubawi {Ire}), who registered an impressive 5 1/2-length success in her Aug. 8 unveiling over this trip at Great Yarmouth last time, broke smartly and led from the outset of this four-runner affair. In command throughout, the 2-11 favourite was rowed along soon after passing the quarter-mile marker and kept on well under mild urging the latter stages to comfortably defeat Saariselka (GB) (Earthlight {Ire}) by two lengths. Anna Swan, a G1 Fillies' Mile entry, is the first of three foals out of G2 Park Hill Stakes and G3 Pinnacle Stakes placegetter Vivionn (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), herself a full-sister to G3 Deutsches St Leger and G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy victor Ispolini (GB). Vivionn, a daughter of GII New York Stakes victrix Giants Play (Giant's Causeway), is also a half-sister to Listed Lyric Stakes third Playful Sound (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}). The February-foaled homebred bay is kin to a yearling colt by Dark Angel (Ire) and a weanling filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr). Anna Swan's fourth dam is G3 Musidora Stakes-winning matriarch Magnificient Style (Silver Hawk). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, £20,835. O/B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. The post Cheveley Park Stud’s Anna Swan Doubles Up in Style at Newbury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Josh Spasaro Greg Nichols and Vin Cox have called for a more thorough classification process to Group and Listed races after reports on Friday revealed the Golden Eagle and The Shorts were soon set for Group 1 status. News began circulating on Friday that the Golden Eagle and G2 The Shorts would be lifted to Group 1 status after being reported on News Corp publication Racenet. Other Sydney races mentioned to be boosted to Group 1 billing include The Everest and Victoria's The All-Star Mile, however it is understood the International Pattern Committee are yet to ratify any of these changes. Yulong general manager Vin Cox, a member of the Australian Pattern Committee, has implored racing authorities not to make these calls “willy nilly”, saying the tradition and integrity of the Pattern should be followed for these high-stakes features. Over many years, the Pattern has been a valuable tool and key performance indicator in the programming of progressive horses, with options of upper and lower paths to Group 1 glory. And Cox has called for an immediate return to this process. “I don't know much about the history on what's gone on in this particular (Group 1 adjudgments) case,” he told The Thoroughbred Report. “But I think it's kind of sad that – from what I understand speaking to a couple of people – they're just going to apply Group 1 status to any race that rates 115. “And having been on the former Pattern committee for 20 years, that's a very shortsighted, myopic approach.” There have been concerns – particularly among breeders – that the Australian Pattern has been frozen in recent years, and there is no Pattern committee applying guidelines to the programming of major races. The Australian Pattern Advisory Group (APAG), tasked with advising the Australian Pattern Committee, has met infrequently since its inception, resulting in stagnation in pattern development since May 2018. As a result, Cox believes some horses are being left behind when elite races are run. “So, a certain band of horses will prosper, whereas other bands of horses will suffer. Group and Listed racing have to be aspirational, and by definition you want to be aspiring to the elite races,” he said. “All of those races carrying Group 1, I think is a narrow approach.” The lack of evolution in the Pattern, along with perceived disregard for its principals in creating and placing new races, has been a concern for many in the racing industry. Cox called for a revival of the Pattern processes when adjudging the status of feature races, for the benefit of the sport's integrity nationwide and overseas. “The integrity of Pattern in Black Type racing is absolutely paramount, and Black Type racing is the international indicator. It creates an international language that can be acknowledged and recognised in any jurisdiction,” he said. “And therefore, it creates worth and equity in bloodstock. So, it's not something that you just want to apply willy-nilly. There has to be substance behind it, processes and protocols and discipline.” Cox did, however, find optimism after reports of ongoing tensions between Victoria and New South Wales racing jurisdictions eased at a recent Racing Australia meeting. “If racing can move forward in the interest of racing nationally, instead of self-serving interests, I would applaud and support that wholeheartedly,” he said. A Pattern Revival Would Enhance Australia's International Reputation Former Racing Victoria director and current Chairman of the Australian Racing Pattern, Greg Nichols also cautioned about issuing Group 1 status without going through a closely examined Pattern process. That is particularly the case because he believes there is only a limited amount of elite talent in the middle-distance and staying ranks. “I come from a position where there are far too many Group 1s in Australia, considering the quality of our horses,” he told The Thoroughbred Report. “We're universally acclaimed for our sprinters, so you can't knock anything up to 1400 metres. But beyond that it's threadbare.” Nichols said Australia's worldwide reputation would increase if it followed Pattern processes more closely. “To me, we should be more dominant or a prominent player internationally. And part of that is a commitment to conform to standards that not only have integrity, but have excellence as a core value,” he said. “And I just don't think we do that at the moment.” Cohesion a Positive Step Forward Former member of the Australian Pattern Committee and past independent chairman of Racing Australia, John Messara, did not want to comment in-depth when asked about a decline in the use of the Pattern processes in recent years. Messara was, however, optimistic about reports of increased cooperation between Racing Australia and state jurisdictions. “That's a positive. I think racing needs to have an Australia-wide position because, like any other sport, you don't know where the next champion will come from, or the next best trainer or jockey,” he said. “So having an Australia-wide coverage is very important. I think all the states getting together makes for a stronger industry, with consistent rules across the whole country. “Those things are important.” The post ‘There Are Far Too Many Group 1s In Australia’: Industry Leaders Call For A Return Of The Pattern appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Globe-trotting jockey Frankie Dettori dislocated his shoulder when he was unseated from his mount at the gate prior to the start of Thursday's ninth race at Aqueduct. While not considered a serious injury, agent Ron Anderson was not sure how long Dettori will be sidelined. “He dislocated his shoulder and they put it back in,” Anderson said. “We're going to see [orthopedist] Steve O'Brien as quick as we can get him in. It's a day-to-day thing. He is sore. We will see.” Anderson said the news could have been worse. “It's the first time it happened to him. It doesn't seem like he'll need an operation, which is good,” said Anderson. “But as far as today, tomorrow, the next day, I have no idea. Not a clue.” Following the accident, Dettori was taken to Jamaica Hospital and was released Thursday night. The internationally-acclaimed rider was due to make his first appearance at Finger Lakes on Monday, Sept. 23. I appreciate all the messages. I'm doing OK! I dislocated my right shoulder – my team here in the hospital have put it back together. Thanks for the messages of concern, it means a lot pic.twitter.com/ljaDkoqHwz — Frankie Dettori (@FrankieDettori) September 20, 2024 The post Dettori ‘Day-To-Day’ After Spill At Aqueduct appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A career-best year for Here To Shock continued with a third Group victory in Friday’s A$250,000 Gr.3 Australian Bloodstock Cameron Handicap (1600m) at Newcastle, and in the process the New Zealand-bred gelding booked himself a ticket into a A$3 million feature in November. The son of Shocking came into 2024 with seven wins to his name from a 25-start career, with his solitary black-type success coming in last year’s Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo. He has taken that record to a new level over the last six months with big wins in the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield, the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben and Friday’s Newcastle feature. Here To Shock was sent out as a $3 favourite on Friday and was prominently positioned throughout the race, settling in second on the outside of Matcha Latte. Here To Shock pounced at the top of the straight and gradually got the better of Matcha Latte, edging ahead to win by half a length with Nash Rawiller in the saddle. Trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes are now working backwards from the A$3 million The Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on November 5. “We’re thrilled and very excited,” Ben Hayes said. “He’s now qualified for The Big Dance. Dom Rhoden, our racing manager, alerted us that today’s race was a qualifier for that. Now he’s qualified, and hopefully we’ll be heading in that direction from here. “It’s going to be a great race for him, a great opportunity and a great incentive. It’s exciting. “Nash is a hard jockey to beat in a tight finish, and he gave the horse a great ride today. We normally canter this horse on race morning, so I was a bit worried he might over-race today. But he relaxed beautifully for Nash, who nursed him and then the horse gave a great kick.” Here To Shock has now had 32 starts for 10 wins, seven placings and A$1,053,580 in prize-money. Rob Slade went to $70,000 to purchase the then colt out of the Lonhro mare Frescoes from the 2019 Cambridge Stud yearling draft at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka. Bred by The Sunlight Trust, Here To Shock is a half-brother to Listed winner Turn The Ace. View the full article

Anyway back to the tracks. That Polytrack is shyte and where is NZTR? Doesn't matter how much you power harrow!

Nash Rawiller and Here To Shock after claiming the Group 3 Cameron Handicap. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au After taking out the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m) aboard Terra Mater earlier in the day, Nash Rawiller added another black-type win to the resume, with Here To Shock ($2.80) claiming victory in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle on Friday afternoon. The team Hayes-trained seven-year-old had proven to be a model of consistency during the winter months and returned in superb order first-up despite being headed by Another Wil in a BM100 at Caulfield on August 31. The son of Shocking was expertly ridden by Rawiller, holding a position outside the leader throughout the 1400m journey to take all luck out of the equation aboard the well-supported favourite. The Sara Ryan-trained Matcha Latte ($9.50) was the one trying to make-all under Regan Bayliss, and showed plenty of fight in the final 400m, considering he was first-up after a lengthy 538-day spell. Berkshire Shadow ($11.00) was gallant sitting on a three-wide line throughout, while Robusto ($13.00) showed a promising turn-of-speed for new trainer Bjorn Baker, but they were simply making up the numbers as the top two cleared out in the home straight. The pair sat down to battle out the finish, and while the 5kg swing in the weights appeared to be taking its toll, favourite backers could rest easy as Nash Rawiller drove Here To Shock through the line for an impressive half-length victory. 2024 Group 3 Cameron Handicap Replay – Here To Shock Ben Hayes was on course to represent the stable and was delighted with the victory, before leaving the suggestion that the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) is the main spring target for Here To Shock. “It was a great ride by Nash (Rawiller)”, said Hayes. “He travelled up here and I was a little bit worried because he can over race, but he relaxed beautifully for Nash, he nursed him, and he gave him a great kick. “Thrilled with the ride and very excited he’s qualified for the Big Dance, so hopefully we’ll be heading in that direction. “It’s just a great race for him, a great opportunity, and it’s a great incentive.” Here To Shock is now on the third line of betting at $11.00 with horse racing bookmakers for the Big Dance (1600m) on November 5. Horse racing news View the full article

There are 12 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, September 21. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Caulfield, Randwick, Gold Coast, Belmont & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – September 21, 2024 Caulfield Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Gold Coast Racing Tips Belmont Racing Tips Darwin Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on September 21, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Etna Rosso winning the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Etna Rosso ($3.10) has delivered Chris Waller his sixth victory in the Group 3 Newcastle Gold Cup, with the son of Decorated Knight fighting back to run past Wycliff ($12) in the concluding stages of the 2300m contest. Kerrin McEvoy couldn’t have given the talented stayer a better ride from barrier six, as he settled near the rear of the field on the fence before working off the inside to make his run on the home corner. As McEvoy went for his run, Jason Collett went for Wycliff, and he ran on by to lead the eventual winner by a length with 200m to go. However, to the winners credit, he lifted on the inside of the leader and picked himself up off the canvas to surge to the line and claim a tough victory. As for the second-favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Redstone Well ($3.40), he missed the kick by three lengths and had to work throughout the race to find a spot, which took the dash out of his legs, and he failed to figure in the finish. 2024 Newcastle Gold Cup replay – Etna Rosso Zane Jones represented the Waller stable in the post-race interview following their win. “This horse has gone strength to strength this preparation,” Jones said. “It was a stop-start affair today, but being at the bigger track at Newcastle, it gave him a chance to whind up and show his class late. “This is his third win in Australia from a handful of starts, so we are looking forward to seeing where he goes to this campaign.” Kerrin McEvoy was very happy with the win of Etna Rosso, and he echoed similar thoughts to Jones. “It was a really good win,” McEvoy said. “At Wyong, we expected a bit more, but maybe the circuit didn’t suit him, so I was confident that Newcastle, being a bigger track, was going to be more to his liking. “I knew the horse was feeling good, and it was good to see him put in a good performance there. “I don’t know much about Wycliff, but he went past my fella, but I knew I hadn’t asked him for the full effort yet, so I was confident that he was going to pick up and still hit the line. “He got the better of that horse in the last 100 (metres) so onwards and upwards for him.” Horse racing news View the full article