Wandering Eyes

Jockeys from all over the UK helped facilitate public engagement, especially with young people, during the fourth annual National Racehorse Week from Sept. 7-15. The week-long event is a nationwide celebration of the thoroughbred racehorse, giving the public a chance to attend 100+ free events. Over 13,800 free spaces at events were made available to the public and an additional 4,000 people are engaged through the 50 community events which have been taking place, 10 of which being school visits. Helping with an inner-city experience, jump jockey Charlie Todd visited afterschool club Free@last in Birmingham, with trainer Richard Phillips and his racehorse Fighting Poet who had raced at Brighton just the day before. Other community events included: Schools – Jockeys James Bowen, Lilly Pinchin, Jo Mason and Paul Mulrennan have visited schools in York, Hungerford and Oxfordshire. Overall, there has been 10 school visits across the week as well as schools visiting yards and racecourses. Hospitals – New Beginnings (a racehorse retraining and rehoming charity) visited Stockton Hall Hospital with an ex-racehorse. Youth and charity groups – Autism in Racing, Unique Kidz, BHS Changing Lives, West Sussex Minds, Urban Equinz, Free@last and more. During the public open days members of the public can experience the day-to-day workings of a racing yard with the opportunity to meet the racehorses up close. Jockeys have also been giving demonstrations at the public open days throughout the week. To find out more about the week, please visit the National Racehorse Week website. The post Jockeys Natural Ambassadors During National Racehorse Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ralph Beckett was convinced that Tabiti (GB) (Kingman {GB}–Lilyfire, by First Defence) had the speed for six furlongs and he was proved spot-on as the Juddmonte homebred mastered her first stern test in Friday's G3 Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury. Impressive on debut over seven furlongs at Newmarket last month, the half-sister to the G2 Linlithgow Stakes winner Old Flame (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) was in front for the first two furlongs before being headed. Never out of contention, the 11-4 second favourite stayed on to regain the initiative 100 yards out and beat Miss Fascinator (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) by half a length. Unbeaten filly 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢 shows tenacity and class in equal measure to win the Group Three Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes @salisburyraces @RalphBeckett | @Rossaryan15 | @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/8BqmVKGDBH — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 13, 2024 The post Kingman’s Tabiti Wins The Dick Poole For Juddmonte appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro–Gaudeamus, by Distorted Humor), a three-time Horse of the Year and 10-times Group 1 winner in Hong Kong, has officially been retired from racing, owner Stanley Chan announced Friday at the Sha Tin stables of the gelding's trainer Francis Lui. “Golden Sixty has been more than just a racehorse to me and my family; he has been a companion, a friend, and a true champion,” said Chan. “Watching him compete has been one of the greatest joys of my life. “I want to thank everyone who has been a part of his journey– his dedicated team, the fans and, most importantly, Golden Sixty himself for giving us unforgettable moments.” Bred in Queensland by Asco International Pty Ltd., Golden Sixty was purchased for A$120,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in January 2017 and was subsequently acquired by Lui for NZ$300,000 at the NZB Ready To Run Sale later that year. Short-odds winner of his first three career starts, he stubbed his toe in his 3-year-old finale, then did nothing but win for the next 2 1/2 years. After defeating older rivals in Group 3 company in early 2020, Golden Sixty won the first two legs of the 4YO Classics, flashing his customary turn of foot, but the BMW Hong Kong Derby was in many ways his true coming-out party. With Hong Kong now in the throes of the Coronavirus and before literally just hundreds of onlookers, Golden Sixty was given a typically quiet ride by Vincent Ho–the only jockey to ever sit on his back on raceday–but 289-1 longshot Playa del Puente (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) was set alight midrace and pinched a big break. Golden Sixty looked in desperate straits while very wide turning for home, but he closed off his final 400 metres in a spectacular :21.83 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat (see below). He became just the second to sweep the series, joining the late Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss). The Derby marked a seventh win on the trot and his winning streak had stretched to 10 by the time he was given his first chance at Group 1 level in the 2020 Longines Hong Kong Mile, where he duly saluted at 30 cents on the dollar. After adding the G1 Stewards' Cup over the 1600 metres, he bested fellow Derby winner Furore (NZ) (Pierro {Aus}) in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m)–albeit just–and capped his first HOTY season in the G1 Champions Mile. A successful defence of his title in the Hong Kong Mile in December 2021 marked his 16th consecutive victory, earning Golden Sixty the chance to equal the streak of the legendary Silent Witness (Aus) when in search of back-to-back wins in the Stewards' Cup. It wasn't meant to be, as the champ got too far off a sedate tempo and couldn't reel in Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}). He suffered two losses in a row for the only time in his career when third to Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in unsuitably easy ground in the Gold Cup, but he bounced back to win the Champions Mile and another HOTY gong. It was a victorious one-race prep into the 2022 Hong Kong Mile, but as the 1-2 jolly, Golden Sixty couldn't reel in front-running California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), missing out on a chance to equal the record of three straight wins in the Mile owned by Good Ba Ba. The 2023 Stewards' Cup was his shot at redemption, but it wasn't going to be easy. In a rare confluence of events, Hong Kong's three top-rated gallopers–Golden Sixty; Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), exiting a victory in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup; and California Spangle met to settle things on the racetrack. Not favoured in the betting for the first time in 20 starts, Golden Sixty made best use of his late kick to extricate himself from a tight spot and best Romantic Warrior by a length, with California Spangle a neck back in third (see below). For good measure, Golden Sixty handed Romantic Warrior a rare defeat over the Sha Tin 2000 metres in the Gold Cup and clinched a third Horse of the Year title with an unprecedented third straight score in the Champions Mile. Now eight years of age, Golden Sixty was programmed for a fourth try at the Hong Kong Mile last December, but would have to do so without the benefit of a lead-up race. Forced to overcome a 224-absence and a draw that would have done in the vast majority of horses, Golden Sixty nevertheless came to win the race to the cheers of the Sha Tin faithful, with commentator Mark McNamara famously remarking, “that's not a whip, it's a wand!” leaving Chan in tears (see below). A minor setback dictated that Golden Sixty would miss races like the Stewards' Cup and other preps, but he was ultimately green-lighted for the 2024 Champions Mile. Mother Nature got involved, however, as torrential rains pelted Hong Kong throughout the week and on raceday, rendering the course yielding, and Golden Sixty never got untracked, finishing fourth. Connections left open the door for one final crack at the Hong Kong Mile, but the pin was officially pulled on Friday. “It has been an honour to train such an extraordinary horse,” said Lui. “Golden Sixty has brought immense pride to our stable and to Hong Kong racing. His fighting heart is unmatched. I will always cherish the memories we created. Thank you, Golden Sixty.” Added Ho: “It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride such an amazing horse. He is not just a phenomenal athlete but also a horse with a big heart. I want to thank him for trusting me on the track and for all the incredible experiences we shared. “Over the years, I have tried to enjoy every moment when riding him, no matter during races or trackwork. He will always hold a very special place in my heart.” “This is something special because everytime, even just in the Parade Ring when I mount up, everyone is cheering for him.”@Vincenthocy pays tribute to the retired Golden Sixty at today's announcement… #HKracing pic.twitter.com/a97YjLaZKf — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) September 13, 2024 The Hong Kong Jockey Club will host a Golden Sixty retirement ceremony at the Celebration Cup race meeting on 22 September at Sha Tin. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Owner Stanley Chan at the retirement ceremony to recognise Golden Sixty's accomplishments. “I congratulate Stanley, Francis and Vincent on their fantastic management of an extraordinary equine athlete,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “Through their efforts, and Golden Sixty's sheer talent and will to win, Hong Kong has been privileged to watch this amazing horse throughout a glorious career which has brought immense joy to the city and also to his fans around the world. “Golden Sixty has captured the hearts of Hong Kong people and his last win at the 2023 Longines Hong Kong International Races created a strong emotional reaction from our racing fans in celebrating their champion. When he accelerated leaving world-class opposition behind, the reception he received was an experience which many people including myself will never forget. He is a real Hong Kong hero. “While his imperious career has come to an end, we are forever indebted to him and will always cherish his incredible accomplishments.” Overall, Golden Sixty amassed a record of 26-2-1 from 31 starts for earnings of $21,251,720. In addition to his Horse of the Year laurels, he was most popular Horse of the Year on four occasions, the three-time champion miler, champion middle-distance horse (2020/21) and champion 4-year-old (2019/2020). He reached a career-high mark of 126 on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings in 2023. Golden Sixty will head to Australia initially before moving to his permanent retirement home at Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Japan. Unforgettable! @Vincenthocy | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/odpcb6eiiv — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) September 13, 2024 The post ‘Companion, Friend and True Champion’ Golden Sixty Calls It a Career appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 775 lots have been catalogued for the Arqana October Yearling Sale, including a Romanised (Ire) half-brother to this year's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), who was bought by Alessandro Marconi for €78,000 at this very sale in 2022. The five-day fixture takes place from Tuesday, October 22 to Saturday, October 26. The Romanised colt (lot 23) will be one of the early lots to go under the hammer during Part 1 of the October Yearling Sale, with lots 1 to 208 set to be offered on the opening day, which gets underway at 11am. Wednesday's session kicks off Part 2 with lots 209 to 338, followed by Thursday's session comprised of lots 339 to 513, with both days beginning at 2pm. The sale concludes with Part 3, starting at 2pm on Friday and featuring lots 514 to 614, before lots 615 to 775 bring proceedings to a close with a final session beginning at 11am on Saturday. Nearly 40% of the yearlings offered during Part 1 are siblings to black-type horses, including 40 siblings to Group winners. In addition, nearly 30% of the colts and fillies offered in Part 1 of the catalogue are out of black-type mares. They include lot 6, a St Mark's Basilica (Fr) filly already named Queen Tanaka (Fr) out of the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Tiger Tanaka (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}); lot 22, a Victor Ludorum (GB) half-brother to the G3 Hampton Court Stakes winner Jayarebe (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}), himself a €180,000 purchase at this sale in 2022; lot 65, a Starspangledbanner (Aus) colt out of the Oaks heroine Forever Together (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is in turn a full-sister to the G1 Fillies' Mile scorer Together Forever (Ire), the dam of City Of Troy (Justify); and lot 151, a Zarak (Fr) colt out of the G3 Prix de Lutece winner Pacifique (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), from the same family as Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and the St Mark's Basilica (Fr) filly who topped the Arqana August Yearling Sale at €1.7 million. All yearlings offered at the October Yearling Sale are eligible for the Arqana Series. The full catalogue can be viewed here. The post Sibling to Classic Hero Metropolitan to be Offered at Arqana October Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I read with interest the TDN article about Jorge Duarte, which is the latest in a pattern of stories about trainers (George Weaver, Rusty Arnold, etc.) with positive tests that have seemingly come from contamination. Glen Hill Farm has been racing and breeding horses since 1967. We are an American-based operation but have been building in Europe and Australia for the last decade. Having served on many industry boards, I always understood the goal for medication reform was for American racing to first have uniformity between states and then hopefully to come in line with international standards. To sum up 40-plus years of infighting in one sentence, the Lasix debate prevented real progress or consensus for decades, and HISA was ultimately advocated for and pushed through. I am a supporter of HISA as it's a better system to advocate for change from one organization making policy instead of many. However, from my experience, the European and Australian rules and governing organizations are simpler and way more practical than ours. Referenced here is a race we participated in at Le Mans, a small racetrack in France, on April 29. Our horse, Bet Me, finished third in the race. The second-place finisher was owned by Godolphin and trained by Andre Fabre, and was disqualified for having a positive test. It was for a banned substance. Google Translate is a wonderful tool, and I learned that France-Galop investigated and found the positive test came from contamination, as none of banned substance was found in the yard. So the horse was disqualified, but the trainer had no suspension, which to me is the correct course of action in a case like this. –Craig Bernick is the president of Glen Hill Farm. The post Letter To the Editor: How The International Community Deals With Contamination appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wathnan Racing's Aesterius (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}–Jane Doe {Ire}, by Hallowed Crown {Aus}) registered a second stakes success in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix d'Arenberg at the beginning of this month and embellished his record with a game victory in Friday's G2 Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster. The £380,000 Goffs Breeze-Up graduate and 7-2 third choice broke swiftly and raced on the front end throughout this five-furlong dash. Coming under pressure at halfway, he refused to buckle in the closing stages and was driven out to deny familiar foe Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}) by a neck after a thrilling ding-dong tussle. Irish raider Magnum Force (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) finished 1 1/4 lengths adrift in third. “He hasn't done a lot wrong, I perhaps rode him too conservatively and felt I did a couple of things wrong in the [G3] Molecomb [when defeated by Big Mojo],” explained James Doyle. “When we went to France, I was keen to make use of his speed and did so again today. I spoke to Archie [Watson] beforehand and he told me to let him get out and do his thing. We raced pretty much by ourselves most of the way and he did have a look at the crowd when I put him under pressure, so that can only be a good sign.” Watson added, “James said he's still very babyish and he came off the bridle early enough today. He's still looking at things beside him as he's running down the track. He won the Prix d'Arenberg last time out and just 12 days later he has backed it up, which is the same double we did with Soldier's Call [in 2018]. He's a very talented two-year-old and we're very lucky to train him. I think next year is the time to explore six furlongs. The Breeders' Cup will be his end-of-season target and it should really suit him. The question mark is do we have a crack at the [G1] Prix de l'Abbaye in the meantime. He'll get 18 pounds off his elders and Soldier's Call was only just beaten by Mabs Cross after winning this, so that will be discussed. It's obviously going to be trickier next year for him so I often think it's worth running them [in the Abbaye] at two if you're happy with them. He'll either have two more runs this year or one.” The Breeders' Cup remains the target for Big Mojo, according to Mick Appleby. “He's run well, the ground has probably just gone a little softer than he'd like, but he's run well,” the trainer said. “He maybe just hit the front a bit too soon today. Maybe he just needs holding on to a bit longer as, when he hits the front, he thinks he's done enough. It was another great run, we're happy with that and the plan is to still head for the Breeders' Cup.” Pedigree Notes Aesterius is the first of three foals produced by a half-sister to G3 Horris Hill S. victor and G2 German 2000 Guineas third Tawhid (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). His multiple Grade III-winning second dam Snowdrops (GB) (Gulch) is out of the stakes-placed Roses In The Snow (Ire) (Be My Guest), whose descendants include G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Tiger Tanaka (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}). The January-foaled bay is half to a yearling colt and a weanling colt by Cotai Glory (GB). AESTERIUS wins Gr.2 Flying Childers Stakes at the St Leger Festival for @Archie_Watson & Wathnan Racing! The @Tattersalls1766 Book 2 graduate has now won three Stakes races in six career starts. This year's sale takes place in one month!pic.twitter.com/tR7vEp7NqO — GBRI (@GBRI_UK) September 13, 2024 Friday, Doncaster, Britain CARLSBERG DANISH PILSNER FLYING CHILDERS STAKES-G2, £130,000, Doncaster, 9-13, 2yo, 5f 3yT, :59.11, gd. 1–AESTERIUS (IRE), 129, c, 2, by Mehmas (Ire) 1st Dam: Jane Doe (Ire), by Hallowed Crown (Aus) 2nd Dam: Snowdrops (GB), by Gulch 3rd Dam: Roses In The Snow (Ire), by Be My Guest (52,000gns Wlg '22 TADEWE; 60,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT; £380,000 2yo '24 GOUKB). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Sean Maguire (IRE); T-Archie Watson; J-James Doyle. £73,723. Lifetime Record: 6-4-1-0, $196,405. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Big Mojo (Ire), 129, c, 2, Mohaather (GB)–Jm Jackson (Ire), by No Nay Never. (175,000gns Ylg '23 TADEY). O-RP Racing Ltd; B-Ringfort Stud Ltd & The Ladies (IRE); T-Michael Appleby. £27,950. 3–Magnum Force (Ire), 129, c, 2, Mehmas (Ire)–Tropical Rock (GB), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Abdulla Al Khalifa; B-Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa (IRE); T-Ger Lyons. £13,988. Margins: NK, 1 1/4, 1 1/4. Odds: 3.50, 3.33, 2.75. Also Ran: Tropical Storm (GB), Zayer (Ire), Ain't Nobody (Ire), Mr Lightside (Ire), King's Call (Ire), Maw Lam (Ire), Make Haste (GB). Scratched: Arizona Blaze (GB), Coto De Caza (Ire). The post Wathnan Racing’s Aesterius Prevails in Flying Childers Thriller appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In most barns, after winning a $500,000 handicap at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 1 the 7-year-old gelding Goliad (War Front) would have gone to the sidelines, the trainer not daring to run him back in less than six weeks or so. Not Goliad. Hall of Fame conditioner Richard Mandella brought him back in six days. With so much money available at Kentucky Downs, a number of trainers ignored conventional wisdom and gave their horses two starts at the seven-day meet. That meant layoffs of no more than 13 days, with some horses running in as little as six days. Fifteen horses made two starts at the meet, and the results were eye-opening. Four of the 15 won in their second try at Kentucky Downs. The list is headed by Goliad, who won the $2 million GIII Mint Millions Stakes just six days after the win in the handicap race. He beat GSP Cash Equity (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}) who was also coming back in six days after running in the same handicap. Goliad paid $21.14 and the Goliad/Cash Equity exacta paid $232.84. A third Mint Millions starter, GSP Irish Aces (Mshawish), came back after nine days, but finished sixth. “It all depends on the horse,” Mandella said. “He's a big strong horse and that track you have a horse-for-course situation. Once we knew that he liked it we didn't hesitate to go right back. Over the years, I haven't run a lot back that quick but among the ones that I did I can't remember one that didn't run well. You usually have to give them a rest after that. I was surprised that he beat as good horses as did. He was full of confidence and that helped.” With their horse making two starts at the meet, Goliad's owners Perry and Ramona Bass made $1,482,800 in just six days. On the Sept 8 card two horses who were making their second start at the meet won. Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) won the $1 million Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes for Steve Asmussen. Five races prior Black Iron (Constitution) won a maiden special weight race off a 10-day layoff. He, too, was trained by Asmussen. Tiztastic | Coady Media Tiztastic, a two-time winner at the meet, made $4,000 in his first start, running fifth in a maiden race at Saratoga. Over the span of two races and 10 days, he earned another $738,300 for the ownership group of Winchell Thoroughbreds and Coolmore. The fourth winner among the group was Ramsey Pond (Divisidero) the winner of a maiden race for Saffie Joseph Jr. after a 13-day layoff. “She bounced out of her first start there really good and we had another chance to run for that kind of money,” Joseph said. “It was the same race [a maiden special weight] that she ran in the first time. You don't often see that, the same race being carded just 13 days apart. You have to do what is right for your horse and she was showing me that she was ready for this. They do this quite often in Europe.” No trainer was more willing to run his horses back on short rest than Joseph. He had five entered that made two starts at the meet. In addition to Ramsey Pond and Cash Equity, he finished second with Bellavinino (Get Stormy) in the $1 million Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies off a 10-day rest. The juvenile filly is being offered in the Inglis Digital September Sale later this month. Joseph also had success Axthelm (Into Mischief), who ran third in the GII Turf Sprint S. off a six-day layoff. “It's amazing how well all these horses [running for the second time at the meet] did. It was a great betting angle,” Joseph said. The post Horses Coming Back On Short Rest Thrived At Kentucky Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club Oaks Invitational Stakes (G3T) may carry a $350,000 purse and offer graded stakes status to the top finishers, but it also will provide the winner with another prize.View the full article

The Challenge, presented by Gainesway View the full article

A dedicated horsewoman who ran Ridgefield Farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky, Dani L. Parrish passed away Aug. 29. She was 59 years old. Born in Denver, Colorado, Parrish was one of seven who grew up going to racetracks and her love of horses drew her to enter the business which spanned over 40 years. She and her partner, trainer Robert “Boston Bob” Pincins, built their business from the ground up at Ridgefield. Mainly racing in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, the pair developed young horses and Parrish was integral to farm's success with her ability to rehabilitate equine athletes in need of care or attend to those that just needed some time off. Described by her family as a “horse whisperer,” Parrish was deeply committed to animal welfare and compassionate care. She is survived by her mother, Shirley A. Jones, siblings, Brian H. Jones, Denise S. Smith (Dennis), Diane C. Link (Steve Brown), Ron E. Jones (Karla) and Stephen W. Jones. Parrish was preceded in death by Pincins, who passed away in February of last year, her father, Lawrence R. Jones, and her brother, Kenneth S. Jones. In accordance with her wishes, Parrish will be cremated and there will be no services. The post Bluegrass Horsewoman Dani Parrish Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Vincent Ho pays tribute to Golden Sixty’s ‘mindset of a champion’ and the magnificent miler’s affinity with fans.View the full article

Tattersalls Cheltenham has appointed Ger Hannon as its Irish-based bloodstock representative for its point-to-point and horses-in-training sales. Hannon, who runs the County Clare-based Ralahine Stud and is a successful producer of store horses, is well-known on the Irish point-to-point circuit as a commentator. He also sources point-to-pointers for British and Irish trainers, many of his graduates having gone on to enjoy Graded success under Rules. “I am delighted to be appointed as bloodstock representative for Tattersalls Cheltenham,” said Hannon. “I have a great passion for National Hunt and point-to-point racing and I have been involved with every aspect of the industry from buying jumps foals and selling stores to recommending point-to-pointers. I look forward to working with such a renowned team and I'm excited about the season ahead.” The post Ger Hannon Appointed as Bloodstock Representative at Tattersalls Cheltenham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The spring stage is set. View the full article

Sunday's field have now been set, with the group 1 races at The Curragh and ParisLongchamp hosting some major names including Ballydoyle's elite-level winners Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Opera Singer (Justify). The former bids for a second G1 Irish St Leger during the second day of the Irish Champions Festival in Kildare, while the latter is one of a dozen fillies set to contest the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille which is the feature of the French Arc Trials card. Kyprios will face seven in the 14-furlong contest including Scuderia La Tesa Limited and Vaibhav Shah's multiple group 2 winner Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), while among Opera Singer's rivals in the mile-and-a-half test are Al Shaqab Racing and Jean Pierre Dubois's G1 Prix de Diane heroine Sparkling Plenty (Fr) (Kingman {GB}). Also at The Curragh, Victorious Racing's G1 Nunthorpe Stakes hero Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) takes on 17 fellow sprinters in the G1 Flying Five Stakes, the G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes sees the progressive 2-year-old colts Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Aomori City (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}) head a field of eight. Ballydoyle's brilliant 2-year-old filly Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) is the star attraction in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, where Al Shaqab Racing's impressive G2 Prix du Calvados winner Simmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) also features in a select five. Also at ParisLongchamp, the G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Look De Vega (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) tries the Arc track and mile-and-a-half trip for Al Shaqab, Ballylinch and partners in the G2 Qatar Prix Niel, where he will meet the Gredley Family's Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Ballydoyle's G1 St Leger winner Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) is one of five in the G2 Qatar Prix Foy. The post Opera Singer And Kyprios Head Sunday Star Cast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty (Aus), who accumulated world record earnings for a racehorse of HK$167.17 million (€19.3 million) during his long and illustrious career, has been retired from racing, owner Stanley Chan announced on Friday. Speaking at trainer Francis Lui's Sha Tin stable, Chan said, “Golden Sixty has been more than just a racehorse to me and my family; he has been a companion, a friend, and a true champion. Watching him compete has been one of the greatest joys of my life. “I want to thank everyone who has been a part of his journey–his dedicated team, the fans and, most importantly, Golden Sixty himself for giving us unforgettable moments.” Three-time Horse of the Year Golden Sixty carried the familiar white, blue and gold silks of his owner throughout his 31-race career. His record of 26 wins is unequalled in Hong Kong, with his high-profile victories including three runnings of the G1 Hong Kong Mile–in 2020, 2021 and 2023–emulating Good Ba Ba (Lear Fan) as the race's only three-time winners. The son of Medaglia d'Oro is also out on his own having won three consecutive renewals of the G1 Champions Mile between 2021 and 2023, while the Stewards' Cup and Hong Kong Gold Cup are the other Group 1 events to appear on his remarkable CV, having won both races on two occasions, in 2021 and 2023. As well as being crowned Horse of The Year in 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23, Golden Sixty's other accolades include Most Popular Horse of the Year (2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23), Champion Miler (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23), Champion Four-Year-Old (2019/20) and Champion Middle-Distance Horse (2020/21). Reflecting on Golden Sixty's career, Lui said, “It has been an honour to train such an extraordinary horse. Golden Sixty has brought immense pride to our stable and to Hong Kong racing. His fighting heart is unmatched. “I will always cherish the memories we created. Thank you, Golden Sixty.” Jockey Vincent Ho partnered Golden Sixty in every one of his 31 races, starting in 2019 as an unraced three-year-old before concluding in 2024 as a decorated nine-year-old. “It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride such an amazing horse,” said Ho. “He is not just a phenomenal athlete but also a horse with a big heart. I want to thank him for trusting me on the track and for all the incredible experiences we shared. “Over the years, I have tried to enjoy every moment when riding him, no matter during races or trackwork. He will always hold a very special place in my heart.” The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will host a retirement ceremony for Golden Sixty at the Celebration Cup race meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday, September 22. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Chan at the retirement ceremony to recognise Golden Sixty's accomplishments. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the HKJC, said, “Golden Sixty is one of the all-time greats in the history of Hong Kong racing. His exceptional ability to accelerate and dominate against not only the best of Hong Kong but also a string of world-class international contenders makes him a horse of a lifetime. “I congratulate Stanley, Francis and Vincent on their fantastic management of an extraordinary equine athlete. Through their efforts, and Golden Sixty's sheer talent and will to win, Hong Kong has been privileged to watch this amazing horse throughout a glorious career which has brought immense joy to the city and also to his fans around the world.” Golden Sixty will head to Australia initially before retiring permanently at Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Japan. The post Hong Kong Champion Golden Sixty Retires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The city’s most successful horse will not run again, with Hong Kong racing’s worst-kept secret confirmed at Sha Tin on FridayView the full article

There are 14 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, September 14. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Flemington, Rosehill, Eagle Farm, Belmont & Darwin. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – September 14, 2024 Flemington Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Eagle Farm 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 14, 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

After months of uncertainty, connections call an end to the 10-time Group One winner’s career at Sha Tin on Friday.View the full article

A talented team of four runners at Flemington on Saturday will try to add to the momentum that Te Akau Racing has built up through the first 12 months of its Victorian base. Te Akau’s Cranbourne stable opened in late September of last year, and by the end of the 2023-24 season, trainer Mark Walker had recorded 24 wins from just 124 runners on that side of the Tasman. Te Akau’s Australian stable banked a total of A$6.8 million in prizemoney during that season, with nine black-type victories including five at Group One level by New Zealand Horse of the Year Imperatriz. The 2024-25 season has already started on a positive note for Te Akau’s Cranbourne operation, with classy mare Quintessa carrying 60kg to an impressive first-up victory in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 31. The four-year-old will continue her build-up towards the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in November when she lines up in Saturday’s Gr.2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at the same venue. Quintessa will again team up with jockey Daniel Stackhouse, who rode her for the first time in the Cockram last month. “Her win in the Cockram was a very good first-up performance under a big weight,” Walker said. “I’m in Melbourne this week and I’ve been very impressed with how she’s looking. It’s just a two-week turnaround between races, so we haven’t had to do a lot and we’ve just kept her ticking over. “I’m looking forward to seeing her step up over 1400m at Flemington on Saturday. I think the course and the distance should suit both suit her nicely.” Switching to Flemington is also a major positive for Sans Doute, who will line up in Saturday’s Gr.2 HKJC World Pool Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m). The daughter of Not a Single Doubt recorded four consecutive wins down Flemington’s straight course last season, starting in Benchmark 70 company and rising all the way to a black-type win in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m). Sans Doute resumed in the Listed Norman Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on August 24 and flashed home late for third behind a subsequent Group One winner. “That was a very good run and she was probably a bit unlucky not to finish even closer,” Walker said. “She was just a little bit slowly away. “But that form has been franked since then with the winner (Mornington Glory) going on to win the Moir Stakes (Gr.1, 1000m) last Saturday. “We know Sans Doute likes that straight course at Flemington. Going up to 1200m is a slight question mark, but I think she’s relaxing much better now.” Sans Doute will be ridden by Michael Dee, who has guided her to a win and three placings from four previous rides. The Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) features Fortuna filly Bellatrix Star, whose promising two-year-old season in New Zealand produced a win in the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m), a second in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) and a fourth in the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m). Bellatrix Star made her three-year-old debut in the Gr.3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 17, where she made up late ground for fifth. “Bellatrix Star has had a bit of time between runs but seems to have trained on nicely from that very pleasing first-up run,” Walker said. “Going down the Flemington straight for the first time is always a query, but hopefully she’ll handle that okay.” The final member of Saturday’s Flemington contingent for Te Akau is Zourion. Racing in the colours of Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the daughter of Zoustar won the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old and added a placing in last year’s Gr.2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) in Melbourne. Saturday’s TAB We’re On (1100m) will be the Zoustar mare’s first start since April. “She jumped out nicely in blinkers the other day,” Walker said. “This looks like a nice race to kick her off in, just staying in her rating band for now, and hopefully we can build her up to some black-type races later in this campaign.” View the full article

Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Great Northern meeting at Te Rapa could provide a fitting end to a big week for Matamata trainer Jessica Brosnan. Brosnan and her husband Peter will saddle Auld Jock and Ima Wonder in the $150,000 Ben & Ryan Foote Racing Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) on Sunday afternoon – just a few days after New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing announced Brosnan’s appointment to a jumps racing recommendation panel. The panel was formed after NZTR’s Future of Jumps Racing consultation process received 240 submissions. “The volume of submissions that we received is testament to the passion of those involved in the racing industry and is further proof of the need for immediate action,” NZTR chief executive Bruce Sharrock said. “In early August we asked for the industry to have their say, and they delivered with well thought out ideas and responses to support the next stage of our process in this important decision. A recommendation panel has been announced that will be responsible in reviewing the current state and putting forward a recommendation to the NZTR Board in October aligned to a decision-making framework.” Comprising six industry figures with broad knowledge and experience, the panel will be chaired by NZTR chief operating officer Darin Balcombe. Brosnan has been appointed alongside Mark Chitty, Regan Donnison, Brad Taylor and Tim Mills. “It’s not something I can say too much about at this stage, but I’m happy to be appointed and it’s good to have representation for the Jumping Association on the panel,” Brosnan said. In the meantime, Brosnan is looking forward to taking a two-pronged shot at one of New Zealand’s most revered jumps races. Auld Jock began the winter as a maiden steeplechaser, but shook free of that tag with a 10-length win at Woodville in late May. He went straight up to the top level from there, finishing fourth in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), second in the Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) and second in last month’s Grand National Steeplechase (5600m). The seven-year-old completed his Great Northern build-up with a hit-out on the flat at Matamata on September 4, finishing a creditable seventh over 2000m. “Win, lose or draw on Sunday, we’re proud of what he’s done in this campaign,” Brosnan said. “He’s come such a long way, and he’s still only had eight steeplechase starts in his career. “It was a big trip down to Christchurch, but he’s come through that extremely well. He went quite nicely on the flat the other day, and he’s had a massage today. He’s looking good. “I think he’ll be fine with whatever the track is like on Sunday. It’s currently a little bit drier (Heavy8) than it was down in Christchurch, but it’s overcast today and they might get quite a bit of rain tomorrow. “Once you get up over these extreme distances, I think it comes down to a bit of luck more than the conditions.” Ima Wonder has no shortage of pedigree for this race. She races in the famous brown and red colours of her owner-breeders, Ann and the late Ken Browne, who have won this race on no fewer than 12 occasions. One of those previous wins came from Ima Wonder’s dam, Ima Heroine, in 2011. Ima Wonder herself produced a bold audition for this race with a dominant victory in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m) at Te Rapa on August 24. “She was great that day, and she’s furnishing into a lovely mare,” Brosnan said. “She’s just been needing those big live hedges and the longer distances. “I can’t fault her at all, and I think she’s going to relish the step up to 6500m. If the track happened to be a little bit firmer, that wouldn’t be a problem for her either. “We’re delighted to stick with Kylan Wiles after he won on her last time. He’s a good young jockey coming through the ranks, and it’s great to give people like that an opportunity to ride in these top races.” Brosnan also expects solid showings from Jakama Krystal in the FCM Steeplechase (3900m) and Teen Titan in the Alsco Uniforms Hurdle (2800m). “Jakama Krystal was going really well when she dropped her rider the other day,” Brosnan said. “She’s quite a quick jumper, so sometimes it’s just a case of holding on tight to the neck strap and crossing your fingers that you’re still with her on the other side. “Luckily she didn’t take any harm from that experience at all, so we couldn’t see any reason not to back her up. “Teen Titan’s going well. He placed on the first day in Christchurch, and then we ran him in the Grand National after that. He would have learned a lot from being amongst those good hurdlers that day, and now hopefully he should be away.” View the full article

Fresh from celebrating Group One glory with Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last weekend, emerging player Jamieson Park is set to have further industry impact with the sale of four well-credentialled mares in the latest fortnightly auction on gavelhouse.com. Jamieson Park bred Grail Seeker and sold her for $130,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2022. Her victory in the first Group One race of the New Zealand season increased her earnings to $413,465 from a rapidly improving 10-start, three-win career. “For Grail Seeker to win the Tarzino the way she did was a fantastic way to kick off the spring for Jamieson Park,” bloodstock agent Dylan Ralph said. “It’s a fitting reward for all the work that James Chapman has been doing in building up the business over the last few years. “When a good horse like Grail Seeker comes along and does what she did on Saturday, it’s something to celebrate.” Grail Seeker’s racetrack success is just one source of excitement for the team at Jamieson Park, whose diversifying interests have led to their current online offering of four mares on gavelhouse.com. “Earlier this year we decided to stand the stallion Mr Mozart in partnership with Highview, and we purchased some mares both from gavelhouse.com and from Australian broodmare sales for the purpose of supporting that new sire,” Ralph said. “The sale that we’re doing now is simply a case of rejigging our broodmare band a little bit to accommodate those newer purchases. “The mares we’re offering all have quality pedigrees behind them, so this is a great opportunity for buyers to secure themselves a well-credentialled mare with plenty of upside.” The Jamieson Park offering opens with Blood Diamond (NZ) (Makfi), who is catalogued as Lot 19. Herself a three-time winner on the racetrack, she is out of a half-sister to the Group One performer and black-type producer La Sizeranne (NZ) (Stravinsky). Other close relatives include Group One Australian Derby (2400m) hero Tavago (NZ) (Tavistock) and Hong Kong’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2000m) winner Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock). Blood Diamond’s sire Makfi is broodmare sire of 19 stakes winners including Kovalica (NZ), McKulick and Belbek at Group/Grade One level. Lot 21 is Dariana (Redoute’s Choice), who herself was a star on the racetrack with three wins including the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) and the Group Three Frank Packer Plate (2000m). She also placed in the Group One Underwood Stakes (1800m) in Melbourne. Dariana’s pedigree page is littered with other black type, including Group One stars and standout sires Oasis Dream and Kingman. Dariana herself is the dam of four winners from six foals to race, and she is being offered in foal to Ocean Park (NZ). Latin Rose (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) is catalogued as Lot 24. She was a three-time winner and placed in the Group Three Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), while her nine winning siblings include Singapore’s Champion 2YO and 3YO Filly Mexican Rose (NZ) (Volksraad) along with the stakes-placed Mexican Tycoon (NZ) (O’Reilly). Another of Latin Rose’s siblings, the two-race winner Nucleonic (NZ) (Burgundy), is dam of last season’s unbeaten stakes-winning two-year-old Nucleozor (NZ) (Almanzor). Latin Rose is being offered in foal to Ocean Park (NZ). The final member of the Jamieson Park contingent is Lot 26, Perfect Beat (Magnus). She is a full-sister to two stakes winners and a half-sister to two more, including the Group One-placed Bella Martini (Stratum). Perfect Beat is the dam of three winners from three foals to race, and she is being offered in foal to Tarzino (NZ). “They’re four lovely mares, including three being offered in foal,” Ralph said. “The other one is Blood Diamond, who has just been retired off the racetrack this spring. She’s a fantastic young mare by a broodmare sire that can do no wrong in Makfi, and she’ll be ready to breed from straight away this season. “We’re keen to remain involved with some of these families. Dariana is obviously a Group One winner herself and has already produced four winners. She’s got a two-year-old filly by Per Incanto that we’re going to retain ourselves. “We’ll also be retaining a Per Incanto filly out of Latin Rose as well.” The 36-lot auction is open for bidding now on gavelhouse.com, with the first lot closing from 7pm on Monday 16 September. View the full article

The Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival is set to get an injection of international flavour, with Warrnambool raider Rolls set to contest the final two legs of the Hastings triple crown. Trainer Maddie Raymond was in search of more forgiving ground during spring, and after consultation with her expat Kiwi partner Patrick Bell, she decided the Hawke’s Bay carnival presented as a nice option for last year’s Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) winner. “My partner, Patrick Bell, who is travelling over with him, is originally from New Zealand and he is really looking forward to getting back home with one of our team,” Raymond said. “We are coming into a spring carnival over here where our tracks tend to dry out a bit and the quality of racing gets really strong. “I think the horse is going absolutely super. He is not an easy horse to place over here. Paddy has always followed New Zealand racing and always wanted to take a horse over there, and this horse fits the profile really well.” The eight-year-old gelding has been a key player in Raymond’s fledgling training career, and she is excited to be able to target some Group One features for his loyal owners. “He has always been a good, honest horse,” she said. “He is a homebred horse that the owners bred themselves. It is only a small ownership group, with eight people in it. “I was lucky enough when I took out my licence to get the horse, having worked for the previous trainer. He has been a nice, progressive horse, but he has finally truly furnished and matured. “He can do a bit wrong in races and get a bit keen and competitive, but he has really flourished in the last 12 to 18 months.” Rolls won in convincing fashion last start over 1523m at The Valley and will have one final run at Flemington on Saturday over 1700m before heading across the Tasman next week. “It was a bonus to get a win on the board in a lead-up run,” Raymond said. “He won impressively and dominated what was not a bad field. “We couldn’t be any happier with him (ahead of Saturday). He has drawn a bit sticky (15), but I think Flemington suits him. He is a tractable horse and you can rider him wherever you need to in the run. “There is a little bit of speed in the race tomorrow. Being the last race, we will just see how the track is playing to how we ride him. There is a bit of cut in the ground, which will suit him.” Rolls is booked to hop on a plane to New Zealand next Wednesday, and Raymond is confident he will be competitive in his two Kiwi assignments. “He will fly over on Wednesday night and we are going to stay with Andrew Campbell at Otaki,” she said. “He is a horse that really enjoys his beach training. It is close to home for Paddy, that is the area where he is from. “He (Rolls) is just a tough, honest horse. He is the type of horse that you are happy to head away with knowing that they are going to go over there and put in 110 percent. “I think his best trip is anywhere from a mile to 2000m, and I think he will be a good chance in both races.” View the full article

Cambridge Stud shuttle stallion Hello Youmzain recorded his first stakes-winner when smart two-year-old colt Misunderstood produced a dominant performance to land the Gr.3 Prix des Chenes (1600m) at Longchamp yesterday. Trained by Mario Baratti and ridden by Alexis Pouchin, Misunderstood was having just his second start after making a winning debut at Deauville over 1500m in July. Misunderstood lead throughout and forged clear of his rivals to win by an impressive four and a half lengths. “He has a tendency to be keen and we don’t have much choice but to let him bowl along in front at a good pace,” Baratti said. “This is also why he carries a hood. He kept finding and drew away nicely, proving that he is probably a very good horse.” The Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (1400m) is an option, but Baratti is keen to take a patient approach. “Personally, I would like to wait for next year as he gives a lot in his races and I don’t want to give him one race too many this year,” he said. Misunderstood runs for a partnership that includes Haras D’Etreham, who stand Hello Youmzain in France. He is a half-brother to the stakes winners Waldbeine and Urwald with their dam the Observatory mare Waldjagd, whose half-brother Waldpark won the Gr.1 German Derby (2400m) with four-time elite level winner Waldgeist another decorated member of the family. A dual Group One winning sprinter by Kodiac, Hello Youmzain has sired nine first crop winners to date in the Northern Hemisphere that include Group Two Royal Ascot placegetter Electrolyte. Hello Youmzain stands for $30,000 plus GST at Cambridge Stud this season, with his eldest crop having recently turned two. View the full article

Karis Teetan finished second in the 2023/24 Hong Kong jockeys’ championship. Chasing his first win of the season, Karis Teetan hopes to capitalise on a full book of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday as the Mauritian bids to reclaim a familiar lofty perch in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship. A seemingly permanent fixture near the top of the championship, Teetan finished second to seven-time champion Zac Purton (130 wins) last season with 86 victories after a string of third places in the championship. One of the city’s hardest-working jockeys, Teetan has so far tallied two seconds, two thirds, three fourths and two fifths from 14 rides this season, but is yet to add to his 689 wins in Hong Kong. The lightweight takes rides this weekend for Douglas Whyte (Mister Dapper and Carroll Street), Me Tsui (Vulcanus, Omakase and Go Hero), David Hayes (Strongest Boy and Regent Glory), Manfred Man (Self Improvement), Chris So (Super Love Dragon) and Frankie Lor (Lucky Impact). With a season-best of 93 winners in 2019/20, Teetan hopes Lucky Impact can ignite his charge for another decent haul with a strong performance in the Class 4 Tung Wah Group Of Hospitals Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m). Fourth on debut to Parterre over 1200m on 1 July, Lucky Impact returns this week after a solid trial second over 1200m at Sha Tin on 3 September and Teetan hopes the gelding has matured during the off-season break. “I thought his first run was a good run. I had trialled him before in Conghua and I wasn’t surprised he ran well first-up. He looked like he finished off his race pretty well. He did a few things wrong but, when he got the clear run, he was hitting the line strongly and stepping him up over 1400m now will be helpful,” Teetan said. “He’s still a young horse and he’s still learning how to do things and he’s got an ok draw (barrier seven) so I’m just hoping he goes the races and does his best – 1400 metres gives him the chance to find his rhythm and let’s hope he runs a good race.” With five wins, three seconds and two thirds from only 15 mounts this campaign, Purton has made another strong start to the season and the Australian hopes to build further momentum with nine rides at the weekend. Savvy Brilliant, who won his sole Australian start for Anthony & Sam Freedman at Mornington on 21 January when he raced as Gallaroo, debuts under Purton for Frankie Lor in the Class 3 Lok Wah Handicap (1000m). “It’s an interesting one because he raced from (the) back overseas and finished it off strong but in his trial the other day, we rode him forward and he was a bit weak, so we’ll just have to let him find his rhythm – wherever that is – in the race and see what we can get,” Purton said. By Toronado, Savvy Brilliant finished third in a 1050m trial at Sha Tin on n 3 September. Purton combined with Chris So to win the opening race of the season on Go Go Go and hopes Super Win Dragon can run well in the Class 3 Oi Tung Handicap (1200m, dirt). “His trial, I thought, was okay. He’s obviously coming into the race fresh, as they all are, off the back of some below-par performances for him towards the end of last season. He likes the surface. Chris is going well, hopefully this horse is, too,” Purton said. A four-time winner on Sha Tin’s dirt surface, Super Win Dragon mixed his form last season but won a barrier trial on 3 September. “It was only a barrier trial but hopefully he can take some confidence out of that. It was good to see him put his head in front and hopefully he can repeat that this weekend,” Purton said. “He seems like his working well, he wants to get on with a bit too much, but race speed will sort him out and with the gallops he’s had, he might have the fitness edge on the others.” Horse racing news View the full article

Warrnambool raider Rolls is set to cross the Tasman to tackle the final two legs of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival. Photo: Reg Ryan (Racing Photos) The Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival is set to get an injection of international flavour, with Warrnambool raider Rolls set to contest the final two legs of the Hastings triple crown. Trainer Maddie Raymond was in search of more forgiving ground during spring, and after consultation with her expat Kiwi partner Patrick Bell, she decided the Hawke’s Bay carnival presented as a nice option for last year’s Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) winner. “My partner, Patrick Bell, who is travelling over with him, is originally from New Zealand and he is really looking forward to getting back home with one of our team,” Raymond said. “We are coming into a spring carnival over here where our tracks tend to dry out a bit and the quality of racing gets really strong. “I think the horse is going absolutely super. He is not an easy horse to place over here. Paddy has always followed New Zealand racing and always wanted to take a horse over there, and this horse fits the profile really well.” The eight-year-old gelding has been a key player in Raymond’s fledgling training career, and she is excited to be able to target some Group One features for his loyal owners. “He has always been a good, honest horse,” she said. “He is a homebred horse that the owners bred themselves. It is only a small ownership group, with eight people in it. “I was lucky enough when I took out my licence to get the horse, having worked for the previous trainer. He has been a nice, progressive horse, but he has finally truly furnished and matured. “He can do a bit wrong in races and get a bit keen and competitive, but he has really flourished in the last 12 to 18 months.” Rolls won in convincing fashion last start over 1523m at Moonee Valley and will have one final run at Flemington on Saturday over 1700m before heading across the Tasman next week. “It was a bonus to get a win on the board in a lead-up run,” Raymond said. “He won impressively and dominated what was not a bad field. “We couldn’t be any happier with him (ahead of Saturday). He has drawn a bit sticky (15), but I think Flemington suits him. He is a tractable horse and you can rider him wherever you need to in the run. “There is a little bit of speed in the race tomorrow. Being the last race, we will just see how the track is playing to how we ride him. There is a bit of cut in the ground, which will suit him.” Rolls is booked to hop on a plane to New Zealand next Wednesday, and Raymond is confident he will be competitive in his two Kiwi assignments. “He will fly over on Wednesday night and we are going to stay with Andrew Campbell at Otaki,” she said. “He is a horse that really enjoys his beach training. It is close to home for Paddy, that is the area where he is from. “He (Rolls) is just a tough, honest horse. He is the type of horse that you are happy to head away with knowing that they are going to go over there and put in 110 percent. “I think his best trip is anywhere from a mile to 2000m, and I think he will be a good chance in both races.” Horse racing news View the full article