Wandering Eyes

The recent Dept. of Labor webinar is now available on HorsemenU for Continuing Education (CE) credits. Featuring representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage & Hour Division and the New York State Department of Labor, the webinar covered topics such as employer requirements for the H-2B visa program, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and investigative processes, along with labor law specifics for New York State Employers. Speakers included: Sarah Decker, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist – DOL/Wage & Hour Division Cynthia Spahl, Regional Enforcement Coordinator for the H-1B and H-2B programs – DOL/Wage & Hour Division Reyna Moreno, Deputy Director of the Division of Compliance and Education – NYSDOL For more information or to register, visit www.HorsemenU.com. The post Dept. of Labor Webinar Available on HorsemenU appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Consistent filly Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), second in Sunday's G1 Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh to Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), will be given a break, according to trainer George Boughey. The Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and Jane Addams runner will return in either or both the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye in October or the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar a month later. “It will be interesting to see how she comes out of Sunday's race,” he said. “I was really pleased to hear from Ryan Moore on Sunday night that he felt she was better than ever. “She'll have a bit of a break and we'll work out what we're going to do next. The Abbaye and the Breeders' Cup are the two entries she has. She's not going to get her ground on Champions Day at Ascot, so we didn't even enter her.” A winner of the G3 Prix Texanita and third in the G1 Sprint Cup Stakes last term, Believing won a listed race at Haydock in June, before a pair of fourths in the G1 King Charles III Stakes and G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, both at Royal Ascot. Back in the winner's circle in the G2 Sapphire Stakes over the minimum trip in July, she was third in the G2 King George Stakes at the beginning of August, and found only Bradsell too good in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes later that month prior to her Flying Five placing. He added, “I'm sure she'll be seen again this year, whether that's once or twice, we'll see. The draw is one of those things you can't change and the luck's been with Bradsell for the best part of this season. I think the last three five-furlong Group 1s of the year, the Flying Five, the Abbaye and the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, are all on incredibly draw bias tracks. The hope is we might hit one right one day.” The post Believing Under Consideration For The Abbaye And Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), a full-brother to G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass (Fr), has been given a rating of 123 by Timeform. Third in Saturday's G1 Irish Champion Stakes, the Yoshito Yahagi runner was formerly rated 114. The race report by the publication read, “Shin Emperor, placed in the Japanese Derby when last seen in May, ran really well on his first start in Europe, finishing one place better than his full-brother, Sottsass, had in this race in 2022, and it would be no surprise on this evidence were he to go on and emulate that one by going on to win the Arc, with the step back up to 1m4f sure to suit.” The chestnut, who races for Susumu Fujita and was third in the G1 Japanese Derby in May, is rated three pounds higher than Sunday's G2 Prix Niel victor Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and is rated the equal of Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who was second to City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Eclipse Stakes and went on to take the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin. Also in action on the weekend was new G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), a winner of the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, has been given a master rating of 121, but will receive three pounds from males in the Arc. No horse trained in Japan has ever won the Arc, but there have been a fearsome trio who have taken second: El Condor Pasa (Kingmambo) (1999), Nakayama Festa (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) (2010) and Orfevre (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) in 2012 and 2013. Timeform's provisional Arc ratings, adjusted for the expected weight to be carried, are as follows: 133: Bluestocking 132: Al Riffa 132: Shin Emperor 131p: Look de Vega (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) 131: Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) 131: Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) 129: Sosie The post Arc Contender Shin Emperor Rated 123 By Timeform appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars CHATEAUNEUF - R1 (2) Trials have been solid and he should get the run of the race Jay Rooney CHILL CHIBI - R8 (8) C&D specialist who looks set to fire first up after a brilliant trial Jack Dawling GIANT LEAP - R1 (3) Decisive last-start winner can dictate proceedings from barrier three Phillip Woo WINNING STEPS - R6 (3) Has honest 1,800m form and is a live chance from gate two Shannon (Vincent Wong) WOODFIRE BRO - R8 (9) Scored in class record time at his last start and can win again tonight Racing Post Online LUCKY PLANET - R3 (6) Won well over C&D in his last start and looks a big chance to go on with it Tom Wood CHILL CHIBI - R8 (8) Fresh with first time blinkers after a good trial looks a winning recipeView the full article

The report issued by Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) into HIWU's investigation of the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (UK-EACL) cites multiple failures on the part of the lab and the lab director, Dr. Scott Stanley, including “intentional misrepresentations” of positive tests as negative, according to the report released Tuesday. The full report can be accessed here. The report details the events leading up to the investigation, “including UK-EACL's persistent delays in reporting results, unprofessional staff behavior, and unresponsiveness to HIWU communications,” a press release from HIWU reports. “Ultimately, the catalyst for the commencement of the investigation was the discovery by HIWU of intentional misrepresentations that were made about Sample analysis.” Shortly after the report was released, UK said that it was taking steps to terminate Dr. Stanley. According to the press release, key findings of the six-month long investigation include: UK-EACL's failure to comply with mandatory testing specifications and instructions, including its standard operating procedures and sample analysis methods. UK-EACL's misrepresentation about both its ability to test for specific substances, including erythropoietin (EPO), and the completion of analysis for certain substances on specific Samples. At the direction of UK-EACL Director Dr. Scott Stanley, the laboratory's failure to perform confirmatory analysis on 91 samples whose initial screening showed the potential presence of a prohibited substance and therefore required follow-up, instead reporting the samples as negative. As a result of these findings, HIWU re-analyzed and reconciled all remaining potentially affected Samples, and HISA has sought repayment from the University of Kentucky for the laboratory's non-compliant services, the press release says. The report says that in November of 2023, HIWU requested a confirmation that a sample from another program lab contained EPO. Two months later, Dr. Stanley reported that the sample had been tested twice, but did not contain EPO. The following month, HIWU was told by UK-EACL staff that the sample had never been analyzed, and was still sealed in the storage refrigerator. The investigation also found that they failed to follow the specifications for testing for methamphetamine and cobalt, testing for the latter on only a few days per month. They also failed to follow procedures for glaucine and triamcinolone, the report says, and that there was evidence of Lasix in horses who were not eligible for it. Those findings were not reported to HIWU, the organization said. Furthermore, the report alleges, HIWU was billed for “numerous analyses of samples that were not in fact performed by the laboratory.” The HIWU investigation involved more than 15 current and former lab employees, and a comprehensive laboratory performance and staff review, the release says. Upon re-examination, two samples were confirmed as Adverse Analytical Findings for controlled medications, and will be processed under the ADMC program. Two others were found not to be positives, as previously reported by the UK lab, and HIWU said they would withdraw all sanctions, and refund fines, costs, and purses to the parties in question. Neither resulted in a suspension. “A key component of HIWU's mandate is to protect the integrity of Thoroughbred racing and resolve potential deficiencies as soon as possible,” said Ben Mosier, HIWU's executive director. “Through our decision to investigate UK-EACL and consequent discovery of ongoing deceitful activities, we're proud to have uncovered and halted these unacceptable practices that were unfair to our horsemen and put horses at risk.” “HISA's and HIWU's actions to uncover these wrongdoings and quickly remedy them is a testament to how the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program is enhancing the integrity of our sport and ensuring fairness in competition,” said HISA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Lazarus. “We also thank the University of Kentucky for their partnership and cooperation in the investigation.” To provide further assurance that the other Program Laboratories are in compliance with the ADMC Program requirements, HIWU said, they have bolstered their Negative Sample Exchange Program and is preparing to implement HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation on January 1, 2025. HEAL accreditation will include enhanced compliance oversight by HIWU and a more robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program. Currently, in a transitional phase, lab accreditation is handled by the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium. HISA/HIWU were initially required to utilize the services of UK-EACL under the requirements of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. HEAL accreditation will give HIWU a strengthened ability to ensure strict compliance by all Program Laboratories with all ADMC Program requirements, the report says. On March 5, 2024, HIWU and HISA announced that HIWU was investigating the performance of the UK lab under HISA's ADMC program. The UK lab was one of the original six program laboratories selected by HISA and HIWU. But from the outset of the program on May 22, 2023, the report says, “the behavior of Dr. Stanley and some of his staff at UK-EACL was challenging. They failed to acknoledge emails from HIWU staff with respect to matters critical to the operation of the ADMC program…In additional, there was a livel of incivility in their communications to HIWU staff that was frequently unprofessional.” The report says they lab failed to meet the agreed-upon deadlines for reporting of results, and that Dr. Stanley's conduct on weekly calls with HIWU was “often disruptive and disrespectful to colleagues.” HIWU stopped sending samples to the UK lab of February 16, 2024. U.K. Takes Steps to Terminate Stanley “After a months-long internal investigation into the EACL, UK has concluded that the lab's former director–Scott Stanley, who is currently a professor in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Martin-Gatton CAFE)–did not follow appropriate business practices in reporting equine drug tests and did not honor certain standards and obligations,” the school said in a press release Tuesday. “In March, Stanley was removed from his administrative role as director of the lab,” the release continues. “Stanley's tenured faculty position is distinct from his role as lab director and disciplinary action with respect to his employment at the university is a separate process. University officials have determined that these initial findings warrant the additional disciplinary measure of tenure revocation, with the intention of terminating him as a university employee.” “We appreciate our partners HIWU and HISA bringing forth concerns so that we could investigate the problem and act decisively to take corrective action,” said Martin-Gatton CAFE Dean Nancy Cox. The university said they would continue to investigate Stanley's management of the lab. They said he “exploited vulnerabilities in technology, governance and oversight. Additionally, the investigation found that Stanley potentially engaged in business and employment relationships that constitute conflicts of interests. Specifically, Stanley purposefully chose not to disclose external work, violating university rules requiring disclosure.” The press release said that the university had referred the matter to UK Police for further review of any possible criminal wrongdoing. “Given the serious breach of ethics and policy violations, we have now initiated the process to revoke Stanley's tenure as a faculty member, with the intention of terminating him as a university employee,” said Cox. “In accordance with university rules and regulations, and working with the university's Provost, we are preparing a specific set of findings that will be presented as part of a case to revoke Dr. Stanley's tenure.” A call to Dr. Stanley's mobile phone was not answered, and the phone's voice mail was not activated. This story will be updated. The post UK Lab Report Demonstrates `Intentional Misrepresentations;’ UK Moves to Fire Stanley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Downs's seven-day meet that ended Wednesday again set records for wagering and purses paid out to horse owners for the 12th straight year. Purses totaled $34,624,472 for 76 races, including $13.6 million from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund available only to registered Kentucky-bred thoroughbreds. That reflects an increase of 38 percent over last year's total purses of $25.06 million paid out for 76 races. Sixteen of the 18 stakes winners were foaled in Kentucky, taking full advantage of the KTDF funding. All-sources wagering totaled $90,181,408, up eight percent over last year's $83,640,261. In the six meets with the ownership group headed by Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone at the helm, total betting has increased 148 percent. While that reflects going from five days in 2018 to the current seven days, the per-day average has gone from $7.28 million for five days to the $12.88 million daily average this year. The signature Saturday Sept. 7 card–this year packaged as the FanDuel TV U.S. Open Turf Championships featuring six graded stakes paying out $2 million apiece to Kentucky-breds and $1 million to others–attracted track-record betting of $21,184,941. The average field size was 10.89 horses per race, up from the 10.42 last year that led America, and Kentucky Downs's highest average since 2019. “We are extremely happy with the results of the meet,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs's Vice President for Racing. “We continue to see positive growth in every metric we look at, and l am already excited for next year's meet.” Frankie Dettori, riding for the first time at Kentucky Downs, won eight races, one fewer than meet-leaders Irad Ortiz Jr. and Tyler Gaffalione. Four of those were stakes, including the meet's new signature race, the $3.1 million DK Horse Nashville Derby, and sweeping the pair of closing-day stakes. That ballooned his mounts' earnings to $3.86 million, topped only by Ortiz's $4.1 million. “Listen, it's amazing,” Dettori said during the meet. “There's a great incentive to the owners, a great incentive to the European horses to come over. Great incentive for the turf horses in America to race for this kind of money. I am very pro what they have done here at Kentucky Downs.” The post Record Purses, Handle, at 2024 Kentucky Downs Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing Victoria handicapper David Hegan said he would like to have waited an extra week before releasing the weights for the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Hegan said ideally the final handicaps for the Cups would be released after Saturday’s racing in Melbourne and Sydney to ascertain how potential contenders are progressing through the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), the Gr. 3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) at Caulfield and the Gr.3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick. Weights for the Caulfield Cup, on October 19, and the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 2, were released on Tuesday with last year’s winner of double – Without A Fight – the topweight for both races with 58.5kg. That weight is a rise of rise of 3kg on his Caulfield Cup winning weight and 2kg on top of his win in the Melbourne Cup after he was penalised 1kg for his Caulfield Cup victory. It is almost 50 years since a horse has carried more than 58kg to win either Cup, which Hegan said would make for a difficult task for Without A Fight to go back-to-back in either race. “The weight of history is against Without A Fight in doing this,” Hegan said. “In over 50 years we have had 45 attempts in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups combined with 58.5kg for only one win, and that was Think Big when he went back-to-back in 1975.” The Chris Waller-trained mare Via Sistina sits second on the weights for both races with 56kg while last year’s Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban has 55.5kg, a rise of 0.5kg, and will be this year’s Cup topweight should both Without A Fight and Via Sistina not start. Fawkner Park will be Caulfield Cup topweight should the two at the top of the weights elect to bypass the race as Vauban is not entered at Caulfield. There are 19 New Zealand bred gallopers nominated for the Melbourne Cup and 14 nominated for the Caulfield Cup, with Warmonger (53.kgs) guaranteed a run in both. For the full list of Caulfield Cup weights, please click here For the full list of Melbourne Cup weights, please click here View the full article

Kiwi-bred four-year-old Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree) caught the eye with his closing fourth placing in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes on Saturday and it is now all guns blazing towards the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 19. When the weights for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups were released on Tuesday, Warmonger was allocated 53.5kgs for both races. The son of War Decree was a run away winner of the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) last campaign and is certain to gain a start in both feature Cups should connections wish. Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have circled the Caulfield Cup as the prime target this preparation and couldn’t have been happier with the first-up run. “You need to improve to go from three-year-old staying races to open class, you need to go to the next level and he looks like he has,” Kent Jnr told Giddy Up. “That was a super run. He basically matched Mr Brightside over the last couple of furlongs. “He was just further back and when they sprinted, he couldn’t quite go with him at that point. But when the going got tough late in those conditions, he stayed on terrifically and has pulled up really well. So we’re right on track for the Caulfield Cup.” The Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 5 is the next target for the four-year-old gelding. “The Caulfield Cup is the absolute aim and then the Melbourne Cup. Not saying it’s an afterthought, but if there’s any doubt that we weren’t happy with him, we would look after the horse,” Kent Jnr said. “It is a gruelling test, but the big carrot is that, I suppose this year when you’re well-handicapped, it’s very attractive. “But the Caulfield Cup is the race we were very keen on. The Turnbull, he could be very competitive there, but I do believe that Via Sistina should really bounce back. She’s just got too much class not to. “If Mr Brightside went there, well, that’ll be a great race again, but he’ll be charging home at the 2000m. “He’ll drop to 53.5kgs in the Caulfield Cup and put him in the race properly and away we go.” Out of the winning Savabeel mare Princess Sapphire, Warmonger was bred by Kevin Hickman and sold as a yearling for $75,000 before being presented by Prima Park at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale. Riccarton trainer Shane Kennedy went to $165,000 to secure the youngster. Remarkably, three of the first four across the line in the Makybe Diva Stakes are graduates of the Ready To Run Sale, including winner Mr Brightside and third placegetter Antino. Warmonger carries the colours of OTI Racing, who purchased him privately after a dominant 800m trial victory at Ashburton in April of last year for original trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong. View the full article

Tony Gollan’s talented galloper Antino (NZ) (Redwood) proved he was in the mix with some of Australia’s elite weight-for-age performers when a game third in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last Saturday behind Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni. The son of Redwood had been slowly away when resuming in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) a fortnight earlier but under jockey Blake Shinn was quick to leave the machines on Saturday that enabled the gelding to take a prominent position. “He’s come through it really well,” Gollan told RSN. “We took him to the beach on Sunday for a bit of recovery, and he’s had a couple of days on the treadmill and he seems to be nice and bright and well. “He stepped away really well, if anything, too well. He had to drag the field up to Pride of Jenni, so that’s never an easy task, but he certainly put himself in a position to run well, and he certainly did run well.” Gollan will keep the lightly tried six-year-old to 1600m in a campaign aimed at going one better in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), a race in which he was beaten a nose by Attrition last year. “We’re probably going to keep him at a mile. He was pretty out in his feet late on the weekend, and whether that was because he was chasing Pride Of Jenni or because of the heavy nine conditions, they are two things he’s never had to do in the past. So I’d be reluctant to go any further than a mile at this point in time,” Gollan said. “At this stage, we’ll more than likely head towards the Feehan (Gr.2, 1600m) at The Valley and then have another crack at the Toorak like last year.” Unfortunately for connections of Antino, it is likely that Mr Brightside will also contest the Feehan on September 27. “I’d certainly rather he went off to Sydney or something like that, but I can understand their preparation, definitely. So obviously we’ll clash again, and who knows what’ll happen.” Gollan said. The winner of ten of his 19 starts, with a further four placings, Antino has banked in excess of A$1 million for connections a fine return on the $27,000 outlaid by New Balance Racing at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. View the full article

Old Friends will host The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers, a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Keeneland Association and developed and shared by the Keeneland Library, from Oct. 2 to 31, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, the retirement organization announced Tuesday. The exhibit, which highlights the lives and careers of 100 African American horsemen and horsewomen from the mid-1800s to the present, will be held in the Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Ky. It will run seven-days a week from Oct. 2 through Oct. 31. Those interested in seeing the exhibit may stop in the Old Friends office for information and viewing details. The exhibit is free to the public, but reservations are required. Phone 502-863-1775 or email alyssa@oldfriendsequine.org to make a reservation. “We at Old Friends are very privileged to host this most special and meaningful exhibit,” said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends. “We are proud to be a part of the Keeneland Library's exploration and celebration of the extraordinary contributions of Black horsemen and women to the Thoroughbred industry. All who love this sport should be forever grateful to the countless African Americans over many generations whose knowledge and skills built racing into what it has become today.” “We are thrilled to have Old Friends as a hosting site for Keeneland Library's traveling exhibit that is now making its way across Kentucky to reach as many people as possible with its stories of the contributions of African Americans in the industry from enslavement to today,” said Roda Ferraro, Keeneland Library Director and Exhibit Curator. “Visitors are likely to see some familiar names, like Isaac Murphy, Will Harbut, and Kendrick Carmouche. But they will also encounter lesser known and never-before published stories and photographs spanning nearly 200 years. The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers exhibit showcases select stories of countless African Americans who forged their way in Kentucky and beyond, making the racing industry what it is today.” The exhibit comprises interpretive panels with one-of-a-kind photographs from Keeneland Library collections, as well as biographical vignettes spanning nearly two centuries, which include four future Racing Hall of Famers that once lived in Lexington's East End: jockeys Issaac Burns and Jimmy Winkfield, trainer Ansel Williamson, and trainer/owner Edward Dudley Brown. Each exhibit panel has a QR code for ready access to the exhibit's audio guide with life and career highlights of behind-the-scenes caretakers and racetrack superstars alike. During the exhibit's run at Old Friends, there will be two special events. The opening program will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2024, from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends. Ferraro will be on hand for an exhibit opening discussion, and Q&A. Also, the exhibit's companion book, The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers, the first comprehensive chronicle of its kind, will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Old Friends and the Keeneland Library. Family Day: Meet & Read to Old Friends Retirees will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the farm. Old Friends and the Keeneland Library are partnering to bring the story of Cheryl White, the first Black woman jockey to ride and win a professional race in the United States, to Family Day at Old Friends. Keeneland Library will donate copies of the acclaimed children's book The Jockey & Her Horse to young readers of all ages, who will meet Old Friends retirees and read the story to Old Friends horses. The post Old Friends to Host Keeneland Library Exhibit `The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

South African rider has faith in consistent galloper overcoming strong field at city circuit.View the full article

Group Three winner Times Ticking (NZ) (Tavistock) has been a true family affair for the MacGregors, and now he has officially been passed down to the next generation. The nine-year-old son of Tavistock was co-bred by Alby MacGregor, and the Opaki horseman trained the gelding to 11 victories from 49 starts, including the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m), Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m), Gr.3 Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) and Listed Easter Cup (1600m). In the last couple of years, MacGregor has been a frequent visitor to the South Island with Times Ticking, where they have stayed with his son Dean at his Rangiora property. Times Ticking became a family project in that time, and MacGregor senior felt this season was the right time to pass the baton onto the next generation and has handed the training duties over to Dean, who also shares in the ownership of the horse. “Dad decided not to renew his licence, so he was a nice horse to pass on,” Dean MacGregor said. “He (Times Ticking) spent a bit of time in the South Island over the last 18 months or so and I have had him down here when he has travelled down, so we have got to know him pretty well. “Dad is still behind the scenes and is a pretty good coach to have in the background. There isn’t much he hasn’t seen or done over the years with horses, so it is good to have his guidance at times.” Racing has always been in the blood for MacGregor, but he has only recently taken out his trainer’s licence and has already tasted success, scoring one win from nine starts to date. Times Ticking is MacGregor’s only horse in work at the moment, but he said that is plenty, as time is a rare commodity in his busy schedule. “I have had a corporate career, so I have just got him in work, which is a bit of a juggle,” he said. “The kids are all into horses, my daughter and my son, who is an apprentice farrier, so between us we juggle him. “When you have got a busy corporate job, it is quite nice to have something that takes you away from that and you think about something else for a while. I really enjoy it.” Times Ticking had his first public hit-out for MacGregor at the Ashburton trials on Tuesday, where he won his 1000m heat. “He had a nice trial, he worked to the line nice, and seemed to pull up well,” MacGregor said. “He is getting on in years, but it was nice to see him today. He looked like he still wants to be out there and doing it, so while he is happy, we will keep him going.” Times Ticking has a particular affinity with Riccarton Park, and MacGregor’s intention is to head to the Christchurch track during New Zealand Cup week, where his main aim will be the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m), a race he finished fourth in last year. “He does like it down here, he certainly likes Riccarton,” MacGregor said. “I think he has only had five or six starts there and he has won three and has been thereabouts in some of the bigger races. “He will probably head towards to Coupland’s (TAB Mile). He will have a start before then but all going well, and if he looks like he is in good form, we will probably head there. He has started in it in the last couple of years and he has gone reasonably well.” View the full article

The New Zealand Pattern Committee have recently released a report outlining their review of the 2023/24 racing season. The committee, chaired by former New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chairman Matthew Goodson, plays an important role in keeping New Zealand’s Group and Listed races to an international standard. “The committee is a group of representatives, half are New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing appointed (Bruce Sherwin, Mark Freeman and Gus Wigley) and half are New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association appointed (Michelle Saba, Scott Calder and Nick Hewson), and one New Zealand Bloodstock nominee (Kane Jones),” Goodson said. “It is our role to grade the best races in New Zealand in the year just gone according to global norms, using the handicapping ratings put together by the New Zealand handicapper, which in turn are moderated by the Asian handicapping group. “All of our Listed races are assessed according to that. We then make decisions as to whether those races should still be Listed, and if so in what category, with the idea being that a Group One in New Zealand should be comparable to one in Australia, Japan, South Africa, UK etc. And likewise down to Listed level. “It has considerable implications for the bloodstock industry in terms of pedigrees.” The committee’s recent report has outlined a number of changes to the status of stakes races in the upcoming racing calendar, with the biggest announcement being the downgrade of the Levin Classic (1600m) from a Group One to a Group Two. “The race has been struggling for quite some time,” Goodson said. “It had been moved back to mid-March. It was at risk of being downgraded last year, but the Asian Pattern Committee, to which our decisions are subject to moderation, decided to give it one last chance along with the move back to January. “The race failed by a wee way to meet the required benchmark in terms of the best performance of the season by the top four starters and top four placegetters, so it has been downgraded to a Group Two. “I think the Karaka Million three-year-old race has inevitably had some impact on it. It is an amazing event for the industry, but given the restricted entry, the race can only be a Restricted Listed race.” The Avondale Cup (2400m) has also been downgraded from a Group Two to a Group Three, while the Mufhasa Stakes’ (1500m) status has changed from a Group Three to a Restricted Listed, given it will now be known as the NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot race. “The Avondale Cup has been teetering for quite some time,” Goodson said. “The ratings were clearly below the required levels, so that has been moved down to a Group Three.” Goodson said the downward ratings trend of staying races is particularly concerning, not only in New Zealand, but around the world. “It has been gradual but possibly reflects the evolution of the breed,” he said. While there have been a couple of downgrades to stakes races on the New Zealand racing calendar, there have been a couple of additions as well, with both the Aotearoa Classic (1600m) and Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) given Listed status. “The Aotearoa Classic was one of the highest rating races of the season,” Goodson said. “It would be our expectation that it will go from strength-to-strength in the coming years. It is a $1 million four-year-old race that is well placed in the calendar, so you would think it would have further upside in the years ahead. “The Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes has clearly well exceeded the required minimum benchmarks for elevation. It has been close in the past and we think its place in the calendar should ensure it gets a good, solid field in the years ahead. We think it should easily be able to hold its new status.” The committee has also placed warnings and alerts on several races, with seven Group One races having been placed under warning in the recent review. “As soon as a race missed the required ratings, we put an alert on them, and if they miss it a couple of times we put a warning on them,” Goodson said. “After that, if it misses again then it may be downgraded, but we consider a whole range of circumstances about whether it is appropriate.” The Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) is one of the elite-level races that has been placed under warning, however, the committee believes additional prizemoney in this season’s race will incentivise a high quality line-up. “The main concern looking forward is the fact we do have several Group One races under warning at the moment. I think most of them will stay up, but there is a risk to at least a couple of those in the next few years,” Goodson said. “The New Zealand Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) is of particular concern as a number of horses have elected to either target the (New Zealand) Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) or target the Sydney autumn races in preference to Trentham. “We discussed a whole range of potential things that might be done and NZTR has pleasingly chosen to move some of the prizemoney that was attached to the Levin Classic to the Oaks and give it a $1 million stake. “We would be very hopeful we will see a better outcome this season. It has really only been the last couple of years that it has deteriorated, so we are hoping that changes, particularly with the high stake.” The Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) is also under warning, with the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) placed on alert. “The 1000 Guineas was a strange one in that it was an 18-horse field (last season) and every horse was a winner. Normally their (horses) ratings improve through the season, but it was an unusual season in that they didn’t kick on, so the race failed again. “There is the perennial issue of travel to Christchurch, but I know a lot of thought has gone into travel arrangements so one would hope it can maintain its position. “The 2000 Guineas had a warning placed against it at one point before it made its grade again, so that was removed. It continues to be a bit of a worry.” Goodson said the committee has concerns about the conservative nature in the way three-year-olds are rated in New Zealand. “It wasn’t such an issue in the season just gone, but we have been a bit concerned at the ratings assigned to New Zealand three-year-olds, because they do tend to be conservative unless that horse performs very well subsequently in Australia, which can prove to be difficult at the end of a long campaign,” he said. “Often, we will see some of the three-year-olds go on as four-year-olds in Australia and Hong Kong with higher ratings. “I think those concerns are heard at the Asian Pattern Committee. It is certainly not something we can rest easily on in terms of out three-year-old races because we do feel our three-year-old racing generally matches up very well.” Maintaining a healthy ratio of stakes races to overall races on the calendar is also a juggling act for the committee. “We have had an issue with fewer races having been run in recent years, which means our percentage of (stakes) races has risen to well over six percent,” Goodson said. “We chopped a number of Listed races out of the programme last year and removed any tolerance for Listed races failing to meet their required benchmark. We think that will keep the percentage under control, but it is still in the mid to high fives, which is a bit too high. “It is going to be very difficult to add further races to the pattern, but we are encouraged that there will be slightly more races run this year. With the improving prizemoney we are hopeful that will continue to be the case in the future.” While seven Group One races are currently under warning, Goodson said New Zealand Group Ones overall need to improve to keep up with other racing jurisdictions. “In general, our Group One races are rating at the lower level of global norms,” he said. “Generally, our Group Two, Three and Listed races are fine, but is has always been a battle for our Group One races. “As a pattern committee, we have to be very conscious, so we want them to be viewed as genuine Group One races in a global context. It is a real balancing act, as when you lose a Group One, you are not going to get it back again, but at the same time you have to be very conscious of that global view of them.” View the full article

Stephen Marsh may have temporarily lost the services of his star youngster Velocious, but he still has enough firepower to be a major force to be reckoned with in upcoming age group features. The Cambridge trainer was forced to call a halt to her three-year-old program following below par efforts when resuming at Taupo and again in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). “She’s gone for a wind operation, she’ll be back into the New Year and we certainly hope she will come back to top form,” Marsh said. The Written Tycoon filly was overwhelmingly voted Champion Two-Year-Old after claiming the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m). In the three-year-old division, Marsh will now look to stakes winner Super Photon, black type performers Love Poem, Magna Memory and I’m All In to fly the stable flag while Kiwi Skyhawk is another highly rated individual. “Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth) will go to the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m), he’s going well but hasn’t had a lot of luck this prep,” Marsh said. “He just needs a good draw and the right run, he can really turn his form around.” The Super Seth colt finished runner-up at Taupo and was then fourth in the Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) at Hastings after racing three wide without cover. Contributer’s son Kiwi Skyhawk (NZ) (Contributer) followed up a debut third with a strong win at Te Rapa and is held in high regard. “Kiwi Skyhawk had a jump-out at Cambridge this (Tuesday) morning and he will run on September 27 at Te Rapa in a three-year-old 1200m and then we’ll step him up from there,” Marsh said. Snitzel filly Love Poem placed in black type company in all three of her outings last term. “She’ll run at Taupo on Friday, she’s drawn a sticky gate but she’s going well and is an exciting filly,” Marsh said. Love Poem (Snitzel) will resume in the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1200m) while Magna Memory (NZ) (Magna Grecia) will step out in the Forsman Racing Maiden (1300m), as will stablemate and debut fourth Sexy And I Moet (Pierro). “I’m All In had a freshen-up after his last-start stakes placing (third, Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes, 1200m) and he’s back in work now,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) winner El Vencedor (NZ) (Shocking) is headed to Hastings for the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) following a solid resuming run for fourth. “He was great at Ruakaka with a big weight and got caught wide. He bounced out of it well and is right on track for the last two legs and come Livamol day he’ll be beaming,” Marsh said. Nest Egg (NZ) (Reliable Man) also holds a nomination for the Livamol, but his presence is yet to be confirmed, with a return to Riccarton in November his longer-term target. “We put him in the Livamol, I can see the race falling away a bit and we’re not writing it off,” Marsh said. “He runs on Saturday at Ellerslie in an open 2100m and we’ll see what he does there first.” Nest Egg won the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) last preparation before he finished runner-up in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, September 18, 2024 First Race 7:10pm HKT (9:10pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday evening, with a competitive eight-part program lined up. The rail is in the B position, and with no rain forecast, we should be racing on a Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 7:10pm HKT. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Chateauneuf The David Hayes-trained Chateauneuf appears ready to strike first-up in this Class 4 contest. The son of Fastnet Rock was impressive in his only start at this course and distance on May 8, making inroads from the rear of the field to get within a half-length of New Power. The blinkers go on for the first time, and with Zac Purton taking the reins from gate one, Chateauneuf should get every opportunity to claim his second career victory. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Chateauneuf (1) 4yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Me Time Me Time is on the verge of a class drop but showed he can mix it with Class 4 company at the end of last preparation. The Douglas Whyte-trained gelding recorded his best performance to date at the end of last season, powering into a runner-up finish at this course and distance on July 4. Expect Alexis Badel to be more positive from barrier three this time around, and provided the son of Cracksman has come on this season, he will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 6 – #10 Me Time (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Douglas Whyte | J: Alexis Badel (54kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Happy Valley: Sweet Briar Sweet Briar appears well suited dropping back into Class 4 company for the first time since producing back-to-back wins in July 2023. The six-year-old was a model of consistency last preparation but couldn’t break through, with six minor placings across his 11 starts. Lyle Hewitson gets legged aboard from barrier four, and provided he can land into the one-one from stall four, Sweet Briar should take a power of beating despite the 61kg on his back. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Sweet Briar (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Lyle Hewitson (61kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, September 18, 2024 1-2-5-7-9 2-8-10 2-3-7-9 1-2-6-8-9-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

The Makybe Diva Stakes meeting at Flemington and Run To The Rose Day at Rosehill took centre stage last Saturday, as several runners kicked off their spring campaigns. With both spring carnivals well and truly underway, we have focused on three runners from those meetings that you can add to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and follow them throughout the spring. Rosehill Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +5m entire circuit Race 9: Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) | Time: 1:16.67 Horse to follow: Boom Torque (3rd) Boom Torque had his final run before heading to The Kosciuszko in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes, where the Matthew Dunn-trained galloper finished strongly to claim third place. The son of Spirit Of Boom secured a slot in the race before his final run, and even though he finished in the placings, there is an argument that he could have won the race last weekend. After settling behind the speed, Boom Torque was held up at the top of the straight and had to weave through traffic before getting into clear air with 150m to go. When to bet: Following his performance last Saturday, Boom Torque has firmed into a $6 second favourite with top horse racing bookmakers for The Kosciuszko on October 19, which is a great price for a Group 2 placegetter. Flemington Track rating: Soft 7 (down to Heavy 8 after R4 & Heavy 9 after R6) Rail position: True entire circuit Race 4: Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m) | Time: 1:06.20 Horse to follow: King Of Roseau (3rd) King Of Roseau just doesn’t know how to run a bad race. From his seven race starts, the Peter Snowden-trained colt has never finished worse than fifth and has raced in Group or Listed grade four times. Last Saturday, this daughter of Capitalist raced down the Flemington straight for the first time and passed the test with flying colours, recording a slashing third-place finish behind Growing Empire and First Settler. King Of Roseau clocked the fastest last 800m (46.32s) and 600m (35.05s) sections of the race. When to bet: With most of her rivals from the Poseidon Stakes expected to skip the Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington on October 5, Snowden may take King Of Roseau back to Flemington, where she will be one of the key chances. Race 9: Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) | Time: 1:12.21 Horse to follow: Skybird (2nd) Following her late scratching before Cockram Stakes two weeks prior, Mitchell Freedman kicked off Skybird’s spring campaign in the Bobbie Lewis Quality, where the mare flashed home for second place. In what was her first attempt on Heavy ground and down the Flemington straight, the daughter of Exosphere showed her versatility and class against the older horses. Beau Mertens settled his mount at the rear of the field before letting her unleash with a blistering turn of foot down the outside fence. When to bet: Freedman has nominated his four-year-old mare for the Golden Eagle on November 2; however, there are plenty of options for her in the lead-up. Skybird is undefeated when second-up (2:2-0-0), so keep an eye out for where she lines up next. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Recommended! The Better Bettors! Australian-owned and operated bookmaker! Join MarantelliBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Horse racing tips View the full article

Riff Rocket ridden by James McDonald winning the 2023 Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Three-time Group 1 winning four-year-old Riff Rocket has been humanly euthanised due to complications post-operation from colic surgery a week ago. Trainer Chris Waller took to his official X/Twitter account to confirm the news in a statement that read in part: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Riff Rocket, following complications arising from his colic surgery. “This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved, as we mourn the loss of not just a magnificent racehorse, but also an extraordinary animal who made an incredible impact on Australian racing. “This is a heartbreaking loss not only for the Kepitis family, but also for the entire team at Chris Waller Racing. Riff Rocket will forever hold a special place in our hearts, remembered for the fighting spirit he displayed both on the racetrack and in his final days.” Riff Rocket accumulated $3.5 million in his 12-start career, including an unprecedented achievement, claiming the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Group 1 ATC Derby (2400m) in back-to-back starts in the autumn. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, September 18, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Sandown will host a very competitive eight-race card on the Hillside circuit this Wednesday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, and with more rain forecast for Monday and Tuesday, the surface won’t change much before the start of the meeting. The rail will be pushed +12m for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 1pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Half Yours Half Yours has returned with back-to-back wins to kick off his second preparation, with his six-length victory at Cranbourne last time out being the better of the two. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was a strong winner at Geelong over 1430m before smashing his rivals over 1600m last start, so the rise to 1800m third-up should be ideal. Ethan Brown retains the ride, and from barrier three, Half Yours can settle closer to the speed and prove hard to beat once again. Best Bet Race 8 – #14 Half Yours (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (58.5kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Cavity Bay Cavity Bay was last seen finishing third in the $175,000 Gold Ingot at Caulfield in July. With the benefit of a short spell and a strong trial victory at Colac under her belt, this daughter of Cable Bay should be ready to go first-up over 1300m. Harry Coffey will be legged aboard for his third ride on this girl, and if the pair can settle in the first half of the field from barrier six, Cavity Bay can return with a win. Next Best Race 6 – #11 Cavity Bay (6) 3yo Filly | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Harry Coffey (58kg) +1900 with PlayUp Best Value at Sandown: Enchanted Jenni Enchanted Jenni ran home strongly to finish second behind Escarpa over 1100m at Bendigo on debut. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained filly settled near the rear, looped the field and charged home down the middle of the track. Due to the lack of race experience in this field, expect them to run along at a good tempo and set the race up for Enchanted Jenni to swoop down the outside late. Best Value Race 2 – #12 Enchanted Jenni (10) 3yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Declan Bates (55kg) +700 with Picklebet Sandown Wednesday quaddie tips – 16/9/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, September 16, 2024 2-4-6-7 4-8-11 5-12-13-15 6-11-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Healthy Happy is a five-time winner in Hong Kong. Romantic Warrior coasted through a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning as trainer Danny Shum’s eight-time Group 1 winner prepares to return in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m). Romantic Warrior clocked 57.52s in second position over 1000m on turf under Hugh Bowman, a short head behind Macau import Wonderstar. The Hong Kong International Sale graduate’s first major target is to win an unprecedented third HK$40 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 8 December at Sha Tin before potentially shipping to the Middle East and Japan in 2025. The six-year-old is owned by Peter Lau, who last season campaigned Romantic Warrior to Australia and Japan, where he won the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) and Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m), respectively. Romantic Warrior also won a trio of top-level races at home last term. “He’s been relaxed since the Yasuda Kinen. It was a good trial, Hugh is happy with him, too. It’s just a trial to remind him that the race is coming soon,” Shum said. Romantic Warrior won the Hong Kong Cup in 2022 and 2023 under James McDonald. California Memory is the only other horse to win the race twice (2011 & 2012). “He’ll return in the Jockey Club Cup. I don’t think the field will be too strong. The Hong Kong Cup is another story with overseas horses coming, especially from Japan and also Aidan O’Brien’s horses, so it’s hard to tell at the moment, but he’s also the one to beat,” Shum said. Romantic Warrior requires two Group 1 wins to match Golden Sixty’s Hong Kong record (10), while his earnings of HK$151.92 million is also closing in on Golden Sixty’s world-record figure (HK$167.17 million). “The owner and myself, we’re very excited. He’s already been invited to run in the Saudi Cup (G1, 1800m, dirt). It is a big question mark (racing on dirt for the first time) but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. “I know it’s tough because he won’t come back for a while, but I will run him in the Saudi Cup and then in the Dubai World Cup (Group 1, 2000m, dirt). I am talking to the JRA (Japan Racing Association) already to see whether I can send him straight to Japan from Dubai. It’s very exciting and it will be a very long trip – it will take five to six months,” Shum said. The Saudi Cup is run at Riyadh on February 22. The Dubai World Cup takes place on April 5 at Meydan. Victor The Winner departed for Japan alongside Mugen this morning, where both horses will contest the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama. “It’s hard for Victor The Winner to win here in Hong Kong, there’s too many good sprinters up-and-coming, and his rating is high. This is why he’s going to Japan, if he can run in the first three or four then he gets good prize money,” Shum said. “Nakayama is a bit like Happy Valley (short straight). I have Joao Moreira on and he knows the track, I texted him the runners and he knows all of them. Hopefully, it helps.” Chancheng Glory finished sixth behind Romantic Warrior this morning in 58.75s. Three-time Group 1 winner California Spangle crossed the line first in the second trial over 1000m on turf for trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Brenton Avdulla in 57.65s. The Irish-bred is expected to return this season in the HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) on 20 October at Sha Tin. Avdulla also partnered Beauty Joy for Cruz over 1200m on the dirt, clocking 1m 10.62s, while unbeaten sprinter Bottomuptogether finished second to California Spangle in 57.73s for trainer Frankie Lor. “He trialled good. He’s still a little bit strong, I hope after this trial he can relax more. I will run him at Sha Tin on Saturday week (September 28) over 1200 metres,” Lor said. 2024 HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) winner Invincible Sage clocked 58.62s in the third batch out in front under Bowman for trainer David Hall. “He was in a low-class trial which probably made things a bit easier for him. He wasn’t under too much pressure and he loves the straight. He’s jumped out a bit at the start but he got into a nice rhythm and Hugh was happy with him. It should bring him on,” Hall said. Hall is seeking a return for the sprinter in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) on October 1 at Sha Tin. Formerly known as Capulet and trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, Romantic Thor had his first trial. He finished seventh over a mile on turf in 1:37.69. Horse racing news View the full article

Healthy Happy is a five-time winner in Hong Kong. This season’s Group racing gets underway at Sha Tin on Sunday with the running of the Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m), where game veteran Healthy Happy is aiming for a second straight win in the HK$4.2 million feature. One of seven entries for the race, Healthy Happy scooped last year’s prize first-up from out in front against five rivals as the race’s longest odds chance. Trainer Frankie Lor has prepared the eight-year-old – who has five wins in Hong Kong – with a pair of trials at Conghua. “He’s fresh. Usually in his first start every season he runs well. Matthew Chadwick is on this weekend,” Lor said. Healthy Happy has banked HK$22.02 million for connections. His biggest wins came in the 2021 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), 2022 Group 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) and this race last year. Healthy Happy’s two trials at Conghua have been on turf over 1200m, clocking 1:11.33 (August 29) and 1:10.92 (September 13). “I hope he can run good. He’s done well across his career. I’ll look for more 1400 metre races after this one – it’s his best distance,” Lor said. Taj Dragon, Flying Ace, Packing Treadmill, The Golden Scenery, Chiu Chow Spirit and Wonder Kit also hold entries for Sunday’s contest. Taj Dragon is the only other Group 3 winner in the race having claimed the 2024 Chinese Club Challenge Cup at Sha Tin. The improving Chiu Chow Spirit won first-up this season by nearly two lengths under Alexis Badel, who will ride the Manfred Man-trained gelding again this weekend. Lor saddles seven runners at Happy Valley’s midweek fixture on Wednesday (18 September), including the in-form Flamingo Trillion (116lb) in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Deep Water Bay Handicap (1650m). “He always gets an outside draw (barrier nine). 1650 metres with an outside draw is not easy. A few horses in this race are quite fast and if you keep chasing them, he might be wide on the first turn. Maybe, we’ll take a sit, hopefully they go too fast and we can come from behind,” Lor said. The chestnut has won three out of his last four starts. He is yet to contest Class 2 racing. Danny Shum has three entrants in the same race – Moments In Time (135lb), Helene Feeling (129lb) and Chill Chibi (121lb). Chill Chibi breaks from barrier four under Jerry Chau. He will sport blinkers for the first time under race conditions tomorrow night. “He’s good with the blinkers and he’s drawn well. If he can stay midfield, he can kick, and his trial was good. The blinkers can help,” Shum said. “Moments In Time also has a chance even with top-weight and an outside draw (10), we’ll leave it to Hugh Bowman.” Capitalist gelding Savvy Chic won first-up last season at Happy Valley and Lor is aiming to repeat the dose when the six-year-old features in the first section of the Class 4 Wong Chuk Hang Handicap (1200m) under Bowman. “His first and second starts are always good. He’s had a few problems, muscle problems, but I hope he can run a good race,” Lor said. Hong Kong Champion Trainer in 2021/22, Lor is also represented by Gimme Five, Triple Bliss, Gorgeous Vitality, Silver King and Excellent Peers at the city circuit. Horse racing news View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King Street, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Wednesday, September 18, 2024 First Race 1:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Canterbury Park Racecourse on Wednesday, with a quickfire seven-part program set to start at 1:25pm AEST. The rail moves out +8m for the meeting, so punters will want to give a slight edge to on-speed gallopers. Pristine spring conditions are forecast to continue throughout the week, so participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. Best Bet at Canterbury: Deprivation Deprivation was an impressive winner two starts back at Newcastle before being narrowly beaten at Warwick Farm on September 4. The son of No Nay Never looked to make every post a winner on that occasion but was just denied by Sir Artie as the pair cleared out by 3.5 lengths of their remaining rivals. The six-year-old gelding should strip fitter for that effort, and with similar front-running tactics likely to be adopted by Benjamin Osmond, Deprivation will prove hard to chase down. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Deprivation (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Nathan Doyle | J: Benjamin Osmond (a3kg) (62kg) +230 with Neds Next Best at Canterbury: Mergeila Mergeila found the minor money on debut at Rosehill on July 20, and although she was no match for the likes of Mayfair and Mawjood, the Justify filly seems to have plenty of upside. She caught the eye in a trial at the same course on September 5 and looked to be travelling beautifully underneath leading hoop James McDonald. She should lob into the one-one from barrier two, and provided she can respond when asked the ultimate question, Mergeila will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Mergeila (2) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) +110 with Picklebet Next Best Again at Canterbury: Jellicious The Ciaron Maher-trained Jellicious returns after a 132-day spell and comes through a hot form race prior to heading to the paddock. The daughter of Snitzel was close up behind Clean Energy at Warwick Farm on May 8, with that race providing five subsequent winners. As long as she doesn’t fall victim to the ‘Canterbury coffin’, watch for this progressive filly to be launching over the top to claim her maiden success. Next Best Again Race 1 – #10 Jellicious (1) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jason Collett (55kg) +210 with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Canterbury Canterbury quadrella selections Wednesday, September 18, 2024 3-4-5-7 4-5-6-9 2-3-4-8 1-6-7-8-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Star duo warms up for latest campaigns with impressive displays in 1,000m heats.View the full article

Mark Zahra kisses the Cup after winning the 2023 Melbourne Cup on Without A Fight. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) We’re one step closer to finding out what the 2024 Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) final field will look like, with Racing Victoria’s (RV) Head of Handicapping, David Hegan releasing the official weights and order of entry for the race that stops the nation. 77 horses have passed the first ballot for entry into Australia’s greatest staying contest, with four horses currently ballot exempt for November 5, including last Saturday’s Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) winner Point King. The Map is the other Australian galloper already gaining entry via the Listed Andrew Ramsden (2800m), while overseas raiders Magical Zoe (Ebor) and The Grey Wizzard (Belmont Gold Cup) are both assured a spot provided they elect to head down under. It will come as no shock that the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Without A Fight heads the weight scales for the first Tuesday of November, with last year’s winner copping a 2kg penalty, and will need to lug 58.5kg to victory this time around. Click here to view the full 2024 Melbourne Cup Order of Entry. Via Sistina is the next highest weighted Australian-trained galloper, with the three-time Group 1 winning mare listed at 56kg, while Buckaroo (54.5kg) is the only other Chris Waller-trained galloper in the top 24. Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Circle Of Fire (54.5kg) and European import Middle Earth (55.5kg) are both listed as potential starters for the Ciaron Maher barn, while the Anthony & Sam Freedman camp have thrown Place Du Carrousel (54kg) and Royal Champion (55.5kg) into the mix. Aiden O’Brien could bring a strong cohort of European raiders for this year’s edition, with Jan Brueghel (54kg), Illinois (53kg), Point Lonsdale (55.5kg) and Grosvenor Square (52kg) all sitting in the top 24. Vauban (55.5kg) could be back to make amends for last year’s disappointing effort, while the Willie Mullins stable companion Absurde (52.5kg) may need to earn his place this time around. Horse racing news View the full article

The order of entry for the 2024 Group 1 Caulfield Cup was announced on Tuesday. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) will be run on Saturday, October 19, and on Tuesday, the weights were announced for the 86 nominated runners in the $5 million feature. After booking his place in the Cup through an unexpected victory in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), Esti Feny from the Matthew Smith stable joins Fawkner Park as one of two runners that are ballot exempt for the Caulfield Cup. Following his commanding victory in the Group 1 Q22 (2200m) during the winter, Fawkner Park aims to replicate the success of Without A Fight, who used the same race as a launchpad to Caulfield Cup glory in 2023. Fawkner Park, set to return for Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald in this Saturday’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield, is prominently placed in the Caulfield Cup weights with 55kg, alongside Group 1 winner Kalapour, trained by Kris Lees. Japan will again be represented in the Caulfield Cup, as Warp Speed, trained by Noboru Takagi, has been assigned 54.5kg in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. Meanwhile, Place Du Carrousel, a Yulong Investments purchase now trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman, has been allotted 54kg in both Cups. She impressed with a second-place finish behind Via Sistina in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) on her Australian debut and is slated to run in the Underwood Stakes. Joining her will be the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) winner and Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Coco Sun, who has been assigned 50.5kg for both races, with the Caulfield Cup her primary target. Another contender gaining attention is Ceolwulf, trained by Joe Pride, who carries 52kg. The Tavistock gelding, despite not yet winning a black-type race, placed second in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Group 1 ATC Derby (2400m) earlier this year. Italian import Que Tempesta, weighing in at 53kg, made a strong debut for Lindsay Park and will continue his spring campaign in the Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup (2000m) this Saturday, offering the winner ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup. Eliyass, another import who has won both starts since arriving in Australia under the guidance of Adrian Bott & Gai Waterhouse, will race in Sydney on the same day, carrying 53kg. Sharing the same weight is 2019 Melbourne Cup winner and Caulfield Cup runner-up Vow And Declare, who remains a strong contender. Horse racing news View the full article

The colt was consigned and bred by Gainesway. McKinzie topped the sire list for the seventh session of the Keeneland September Sale, which showed there is still a strong market for the top horses.View the full article