Wandering Eyes

The 2024 Longines World Racing Awards ceremony, which will be live streamed, will be held at The Savoy in London on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Organised by Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the ceremony will honour the Longines World's Best Racehorse (12th edition) and the Longines World's Best Horse Race (10th edition) of the 2024 season. The winners will be announced beginning at approximately 1:40 GMT/8:40 EST. The connections of the winning horse will be presented with a Longines watch and a replica of the vase of the Longines World's Best Racehorse. The connections of the Longines World's Best Horse Race will also be presented with a watch and a replica of a trophy representing a proud horse head. Additionally, the IFHA's annual list of the Top 100 Group/Grade 1 races will be released, as well as the rankings for all horses around the world rated 115 or higher. To view the live stream, please visit the social media accounts of the IFHA and World Horse Racing (WHR). It will also be available on the IFHA website ifhaonline.org. The post Longines World Racing Awards To Be Live Streamed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This year's race meet, which runs through Sept. 14, will feature 51 total stakes, including nine graded events, and 11 stakes restricted to New Jersey-bred horses.View the full article

The 2024 Longines World Racing Awards ceremony, which will be held Jan. 21, will be available via live stream. View the full article

The Retired Racehorse Project will once again host virtual conferences in February to raise awareness during Aftercare Industry Month (AIM), presented by Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation, the nonprofit aftercare program said in a press release on Friday. The sessions are open to anyone with a professional interest in Thoroughbred aftercare from any cross section of the industry. Four webinars featuring panelists from both non-profit organizations as well as business entities will delve into a range of topics that pertain to everyone who works in Thoroughbred aftercare. AIM will include the following four February sessions: Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET: Racing's In-House Aftercare Programs. Panelists Carrie Brogden of Machmer Hall, Michele Pesula Kuegler of Wasabi Aftercare Fund, and Katelyn Morgan of Godolphin Lifetime Care facilitate thriving aftercare programs within a “parent” operation, each with a unique structure and approach. Monday, Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m. ET: Thoroughbred Matchmaking. Kristina Hobbs of Reciprocity Thoroughbreds, Erin MacDonald of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and Rosie Napravnik of Rosie Napravnik Off-Track Sporthorses will share their insight and expertise in the matchmaking process. Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. ET: From Passion to Prosperity: Founding & Funding Your Non-Profit. Lili Leonard of Black Dog Philanthropic will lead a comprehensive primer on what to consider if you think you want to start a charitable organization, and what you can do to lay a strong foundation for your new non-profit. Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. ET: There's No Place Like Home: Securing a Long-Term Property. Laura D'Angelo of Dinsmore & Shohl will share the ins and outs of contracts and agreements, and will be joined by Anna Ford of New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Aubrey Graham of Kivu Sporthorses and Bonnie McRae of After the Races. Click here to register. Conference passes for access to all four sessions are $10 and an individual session pass is $5. The post Retired Racehorse Project’s Virtual Conferences To Promote Aftercare Return In February appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Kit Gow/TTR AusNZ Magic Millions racing resumed on Friday night and it delivered an emotional win for Tommy Berry with O' Ole (Aus) (Ole Kirk {Aus}) in the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic (video). The feat was accomplished 11 years after his late brother Nathan guided Unencumbered (Aus) (Testa Rossa {Aus}) to victory in the same race for the same trainer, Bjorn Baker. The filly burst out of the pack within the last furlong of the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic and flew home to defeat perennial bridesmaid Memo (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}) by 1.5l. Second on debut in the G3 Gimcrack S. to Bel Merci (Extreme Choice), O' Ole went one better in the R. Listed Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic–relegating Memo to second place–before repeating the performance in the Gold Coast feature. “All the stars aligned today,” Berry was emotional post-race. “She's a beautiful filly, and is by Ole Kirk, who I had a lot to do with.” For Baker's bloodstock agent Jim Clarke, the stars certainly did align, “She [O' Ole] drew the exact same gate as Unencumbered, and got back in the exact same way. It was all over at the 200 [-metre mark], and it was an amazing result. “Bjorn has always had an opinion of her and this was always the long term plan. To get her here and to deliver is an amazing result. “She was probably the filly at the sales last year that the whole team zeroed in on. I didn't expect to get there and fall in love with an Ole Kirk out of a Sepoy (Aus) mare and pay that sort of money, but she had a phenomenal physique and every time we saw her parade perfectly. Fortunately she has done the same in her racing career so far.” A delayed flight meant that Baker only arrived trackside in time to join his team in celebrations. “From day dot, she was a superstar, and he [Unencumbered] was very much like her, strong and fast from the start,” he said. “I got very emotional, I was in a taxi thinking of Nathan [Berry], we miss him a lot.” Amongst the filly's owners are Baker's stable vet, Dr. Alan Frogley, and his breaker, Lewis Page. “We're thrilled, just shows you that [the team] is doing a great job. We found a lovely filly by a first-season sire, and it's so important to get back here for Magic Millions year on year.” The fourth foal of provincial winner Vellor (Aus) (Sepoy {Aus}), O' Ole was a A$325,000 purchase for Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) from the draft of breeders Gilgai Farm at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in January. Vellor is a daughter of triple Group 2-winning Hosannah (Aus) (Octagonal {NZ}), making her a half-sister to G2 Magic Night S. winner Altar (Aus) (Commands {Aus}). She has a yearling full-sister to O' Ole still to appear in a sales catalogue, and revisited Vinery Stud's popular Ole Kirk again in September. The post Stars Align For O’ Ole And Bjorn Baker In Phenomenal 2yo Classic Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup hero Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) is tucked away neatly in Dubai preparing for next Friday's G1 Jebel Hatta at Meydan, the two other locally based gallopers to salute during the international races meeting six weeks ago return to action on what could be an historic day of racing Sunday at Sha Tin. Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) goes in search of his ninth consecutive victory and his 10th from 12 career outings when he looks to consolidate his stranglehold on the local sprint division in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup. The David Hayes trainee rocketed through the grades last season, closing off with a maiden Group 3 win in June, and he's only gone from strength to strength since. An easy winner in Group 2 company in October and November, he was more workmanlike than he was spectacular in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint on Dec. 8, but got the job done all the same, besting the re-opposing Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) by a half-length. Ka Ying Rising has drawn widest in a field of eight, having become the first to win the International Sprint from barrier 11 last time. “Obviously he [Ka Ying Rising] has got good gate speed, so that's an asset,” said jockey Zac Purton. “There's a little bit of speed inside him. Being drawn outside in a small field is always tricky because the runners to the inside generally try to hold a more prominent position than they might normally in a bigger field. So, I would expect a few horses to do that and it might not be easy to get across, so I'll need a little bit of luck.” Purton enters Sunday's action within four victories of supplanting the legendary Douglas Whyte as the winningest jockey in Hong Kong history. James McDonald returns from a suspension and warms up for the Jebel Hatta with the mount aboard defending champion Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in Sunday's G1 Stewards' Cup over the metric mile. Unplaced in an incident-marred G1 Dubai Turf last March and well-beaten behind Romantic Warrior in the Yasuda Kinen in June, the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby hero defeated Chancheng Glory (Mor Spirit) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile in November and improved on his runner-up effort in 2023 to take out the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile last time, with champion Japanese miler Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) 1 1/4 lengths adrift in second. Zac Purton moves to within three wins of Hong Kong jockey record. #HappyWednesday #HKracing@LeoSchlink reports. Read here https://t.co/rQHwSgVDbx pic.twitter.com/IJXkT5zaa0 — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 15, 2025 The post HKIR Winners Back To Work in Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new children's book set against the backdrop of Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been released. Ollie the Oaklawn Owl: Whoooo's That Jockey? is the second book in an educational series written by Mary Rampellini of Daily Racing Form. The work is illustrated by retired jockey and award-winning artist Renee Torbit. In his latest adventure, main character Ollie learns about the courage it takes to ride racehorses, the equipment jockeys wear, and why racing silks are different colors. “Mary's books provide our youth a great tool to better understand and appreciate one of the most distinguished sports in American history,” Oaklawn's Louis Cella said. “The lessons in these stories are so important for the future generation of racing fans, and the knowledge kids will take away about our human and equine athletes is invaluable.” The book is available at Oaklawn Park and online, as well as at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame gift shop in Saratoga Springs, New York. The post New Children’s Book Set At Oaklawn Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) has approved more than 7,700 awards and classes at more than 1,600 shows in 40 states and five Canadian provinces for 2025, the Jockey Club said via a Friday press release. T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, year-end performance awards, a recreational riding program, and non-competition awards. Awards are available for multiple disciplines. The 2025 T.I.P. Championship horse show will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, Thursday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 5. Click here for a full calendar of shows offering awards. The post T.I.P. Rolls Out 2025 Shows and Championships Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Led by the Grade I, $1 million NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, Monmouth Park is set to offer $7.8 million in stakes races when its 80th season kicks off on Saturday, May 10, the track said in a release on Friday morning. The 2025 race meet, which runs through Sept. 14, will feature 51 total stakes, including nine graded events, and 11 stakes restricted to New Jersey-bred horses. In addition to the Haskell, the track's premier card will host the $600,000 GII United Nations Stakes; $500,000 GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes; $400,000 GIII Monmouth Cup Stakes; $300,000 GIII WinStar Matchmaker Stakes; and $100,000 Wolf Hill. In preparation for the July 19th Haskell program, Monmouth Park will offer a “Haskell Preview Day” with four stakes events on Saturday, June 14–GII Salvator Mile Stakes, GIII Eatontown Stakes, and the listed Pegasus and Monmouth, each carrying a purse of $150,000. The 23rd annual New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival, with three stakes events, will be renewed Aug. 24, with the $125,000 Charles Hesse III Handicap headlining that card. The post 80th Year At Monmouth Park Includes $7.8m In Stakes Races; $1 Million Haskell Set For Saturday, July 19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Santa Anita employees jumped in to serve food to Los Angeles County fire victims, and the racetrack donated its food originally slated for weekend racing to victims, backstretch workers, the National Guard, and firefighters.View the full article

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will serve up a crowded edition of the Lecomte Stakes (G3) to quickly shift into gear as the 42-point qualifying races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby get started.View the full article

Hidden Wealth winning the Magic Millions Open. Photo: Darren Winningham The Tony Gollan-trained Hidden Wealth ($4.20) has bounced back to his brilliant best to claim the final race on Magic Millions night, giving Tommy Berry his second win of the evening after securing the Magic Millions 2yo Classic earlier on the program. The Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) belonged to the son of Better Than Ready a long way out, with Berry electing to sit on the hammer of Mishani Aloha ($251.00) as the rank outsider with Neds led them up at a steady tempo. Berry kept the five-year-old out of trouble to make a sustained run down the Gold Coast straight, booting clear in the final furlong as Cifrado ($6.00) made a late charge after being held up for a run. Hidden Wealth had secured an insurmountable lead, however, with the lightly raced gelding securing his ninth career victory at start 17 to claim the $1.5 million prize. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Tony Gollan was on course to speak for the second time on Friday evening after Zarastro claimed the Magic Millions Snippets in the third race on the card. “I’ve got a lot of faith in this horse,” said Gollan. “The other day he had a flat run off a Heavy 10 and I was really confident we’d bounce back in this race. “The weather wouldn’t have bothered me with him today or last week, so I felt he’d done really well during the week and I came here with a lot of confidence tonight. “Whatever was going in front of us (in the run) was probably going too quick, so I was happy to be up on speed. Tommy is a great rider. He’s ridden the horse three times for three wins and he’s got as much faith in the horse as I do and that is saying something. “We’ve been rolling forward on him and he has been doing such a good job.” Tommy Berry was elated with the win and credited Hidden Wealth’s manners for the victory. “He just dropped his head at the start coming out of the gates and he never does that,” said Berry. “He recovered so quickly and got himself into the right spot. He relaxed really well, as well. “He is the easiest horse I have ever ridden. The owners are great people, great connections and I’m having a really good run with Tony as well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Last year's G1 Deutsches Derby winner Palladium (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who was sold for €1.4 million at Arqana, has been given his first hurdles entry by his new trainer Nicky Henderson. The four-year-old, who remains a colt, is entered for the two-mile maiden hurdle at Huntingdon next Thursday in the colours of Lady Bamford. Bred by Gestut Fahrhof and formerly trained by Henk Grewe, Palladium has won two of this six starts on the Flat, including his Classic success, which gave Germany's champion jockey Thore Hammer-Hansen his first Derby victory. He was subsequently offered during Arqana's Arc Sale in early October, and was bought for Lady Bamford through Highflyer Bloodstock. The post German Derby Winner Palladium Set for Hurdles Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Arqana has announced that its forthcoming mixed sale will be held over one day on Wednesday, February 12 owing to a “more streamlined offering”. The February Sale, which has traditionally stretched to at least two sessions, will feature just shy of 300 short yearlings, fillies, mares and horses in training. The catalogue will be available online on Thursday, January 23. Action will get underway in Deauville at 10am local time. The post Single Session for Arqana’s February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Applications are being taken for until January 31 for the TBA's Elite National Hunt Mares' Scheme for 2025. Backed by the Levy Board, the scheme offers increased grants of up to £4,500 to TBA full members who own jumps mares with a rating of 130+ or who have produced a runner rated 130+ (mare) or 140+ (gelding). Winners of black-type races are automatically qualified. “Britain has a high percentage of elite mares within its National Hunt broodmare ranks and this scheme provides a valuable incentive to TBA members who own such mares to cover them in Britain,” said the TBA's National Hunt Committee Chairman, Simon Cox “Increased Levy Board funding of the Elite Mares' Scheme allows us to continue this momentum in 2025. Grant values will increase, and more proven broodmares will qualify as we have equalised the rating bands criteria for broodmares and race mares. We are grateful to the Levy Board for their increased, and continued support of the scheme.” A list of the 24 eligible stallions and an application form can be found on the TBA website. Breeders can also call Rob Davey at the TBA on 01638 661321. As part of the initiative, stallion managers have put up a free nomination for all 24 stallions in the scheme and each nomination is offered as part of an online auction with all proceeds supporting key TBA National Hunt initiatives. That auction, which closes at 3pm on Friday, January 24, is now live and can be found via this link. The post Subsidised Nominations On Offer Through NH Elite Mares’ Scheme appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Miss Roumbini after winning the 2025 Magic Millions Fillies & Mares. Photo: Darren Winningham Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have bounced back from their defeat earlier on the program at the Gold Coast to take out the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares with Miss Roumbini ($2.70). Ethan Brown allowed the daughter of Zoustar to settle where she was comfortable in the middle of the pack after jumping smartly from barrier three. Meanwhile, Burning Bell ($81) took up the lead and ran the race along at a solid tempo ahead of Infatuation ($8), Ningaloo Star ($41), and Bubba’s Bay ($7). Turning into the home straight, the leader took off and kicked clear from Bubba’s Bay, who chased gamely, and the race favourite with Dabble, Miss Roumbini, let down with her finishing burst. Bubba’s Bay took over with 100m to go, but it was only short-lived, as Miss Roumbini quickly gathered her up and kicked clear to win by a length, with Russian Alliance ($34) following the winner to finish in third place. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Mick Price spoke about Miss Roumbini’s victory in the post-race interview. “It was very short in the market, but he was very confident, my boy,” Price said. “How he (Brown) rode it was how he told me he’d ride it. He said he’d be midfield, but he was a little more forward. “She’s gutsy, isn’t she. “We’ve had her since she was a yearling bred by Yulong, and she needs a bit of time, but she’ll be a beautiful mare going forward. “The club has done a good job to get the whole thing back on its feet; night racing here is fantastic.” Ethan Brown picked up his first win at the Magic Millions carnival, and he was very happy to do it for the connections. “It is my first time riding up here for the Magic Millions carnival, and I’ve got great support off Mick Price tonight, and just pleased to repay him with a winner,” Brown said. “She’s a beauty, this horse. “She’s got such a big heart, and she tries hard. “She was under a lot of pressure then and just lucky she is genuine and she knows where the line is. “She seems to get the job done every time. “She landed in a lovely spot from a good gate. “I did look up and think, ‘geez they’ve got us off the bit a long way out’, but she knows where the line is and she pins her ears back and has a crack.” Horse racing news View the full article

2025 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner, Bosustow. Photo: Darren Winningham The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Bosustow ($14.00) has come with a withering burst to claim the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast on Friday evening, securing the majority of the $3 million prize. The half-brother to Group 1-winning mare Amelia’s Jewel has been consistent without winning this time in, storming through the line in his most recent effort behind Give Me Space ($10.00) in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm on December 28. The son of Blue Point was able to turn the tables on Friday night, courtesy of a perfectly rated steer by Joshua Parr, sitting quietly behind a moderate tempo throughout the 1400m journey. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Catoggio ($16.00) was the lamplighter throughout the contest, with Tim Clark sending the Written Tycoon gelding to front from barrier 17, leaving the likes of Street Chase ($10.00) and Arriving Home ($21.00) to settle in the ideal stalking position just in behind the speed. The favoured pair with horse racing bookmakers, Tuileries ($4.80) and Bauhinia ($7.00) were never truly in the contest, unable to sprint off the muddling tempo after settling towards the rear of the field. It was all honours to the winner in the end, however, as Bosustow fended off Give Me Space to score only his second win at start 12, injected a massive prize money boost for connections. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Annabel Neasham was on course on the Gold Coast to dissect the win. “Very well-bred colt and a great bunch of owners and I’m thrilled for them all because he’s been a bit of a bridesmaid,” said Neasham. “He was group one-placed up here behind Broadsiding and he was probably a bit unlucky to not win during Melbourne Cup Week and he’s always been there and thereabouts. “We knew he had a big one in him and we’re delighted to get that tonight on a special evening. “I was a little bit worried that he was three-wide but he was in the perfect spot in the end. Timed to perfection by Josh (Parr) and I could see that he had a lapful of horse on the corner. “I galloped him in blinkers at Doomben last week and he was very wound up before he galloped so I got a bit nervous about putting them on so I went halfway with the winkers. Happily it has paid off.” Joshua Parr spoke post-race and was thrilled with the result after the postponement of the Magic Millions meeting last Saturday. “I was grumpy when we had to go home last week and come back, but mood has certainly switched now,” joked Parr. “I went to Brisbane specifically to ride him last start. I was happy to pick up the ride that day and I wanted to stick with him. “There were a few things that didn’t go his way. He was quite fresh and it was a hot, humid day and he got quite restless and agitated in the barrier and missed the start. “Today, he was the ultimate professional and sat midfield, three-wide with cover and his turn-of-foot was incredible and challenged late. “He remained strong the last bit. He’s a real professional, still progressing and I like him.” Horse racing news View the full article

West Of Africa after winning the 2025 Magic Millions Cup. Photo: Darren Winningham Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald have taken out the Magic Millions Cup with West Of Africa ($15), who flashed home down the middle of the track to claim victory in the 1400m contest. Weigall Tiger ($9.50) led the field up with Moravia ($8) and went at a solid clip, while Flying Trapeze ($19) received the run of the race behind the leaders. Tyler Schiller settled the son of Not A Single Doubt at the rear of the field after jumping from barrier 18 of 18, and they gave their rivals a massive start. Turning for home, the race favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Charm Stone ($4.80), idled up to the leaders before taking over; however, the winner was letting down with big bounds in the heart of the track. By the time they went past the 100m mark, the winner went straight past Charm Stone, leaving the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare to settle for second place ahead of the fast-finishing Chrysaor ($21). Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Annabel Neasham spoke about West Of Africa’s victory post-race. “He drew the car park, but Tyler, he’s the most positive jockey there is,” Neasham said. “He came out and said, ‘I love the draw for the horse.’ “He flopped out the back and I was a little bit worried that he was detached compared to his first-up run when he was a bit further back than perhaps he has been, but he’s got a fantastic turn of foot, and it was a nice, cool ride by Tyler. “I thought he might try and sneak up the rail, but we’d spoken before that he’s better coming around horses, and it never really looked in doubt when he straightened. “We’ve had this horse for a long time, and big credit to OTI when they put their trust in me when he was online, and I said ‘let’s buy him, I want to keep him in the stable.’ “He’s a big, powerful horse and this was about the most relaxed when he was saddling up. “He was so relaxed behind the barrier, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing. Fortunately, it was a good thing.” Following his second win at the Gold Coast, Tyler Schiller was very happy with the win post-race. “He’s done a great job, the horse. I love the team and Annabel and Rob’s and they’ve always supported me well,” Schiller said. “He was very good, especially down in the light weights for a horse going down from top weights to bottom weights, it makes a difference. “He defied the pattern coming from last, coming down the middle. “I was out the back, and I knew that they were going quick enough. “I said to Annabel if we’re midfield, three-deep with cover, they’re probably not going all that quick. “But we were out the back and I was in a nice, off-the-bridle rhythm and when he started picking up off the 600, I let him take me there around the outside and he just did the rest. “He’s got a lovely big extended stride and a great turn of foot on him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zarastro winning the Magic Millions Snippets. Photo: Darren Winningham Tony Gollan & Angela Jones have combined with Zarastro ($10.00) to claim the $1 million Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Friday evening, edging clear to make every post a winner in stylish fashion. The son of I Am Invincible never looked in any danger throughout the 1200m journey, with Jones sending the six-year-old straight to the front on the first bend, ticking over some modest sectionals in the middle stages. When asked for the ultimate effort, Zarastro put two lengths on The Novelist ($11.00) who chased it in vain, while the well-supported favourite with Neds, Semana ($3.60), could only manage to find a third-place finish after cutting the corner in the final furlong. It was a barnstorming victory for the Tony Gollan-trained gelding, securing a dominant 2.5-length win and claiming his ninth career victory at start 26. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025. Tony Gollan was delighted with the performance and spoke post-race. “We’ve had a good bit of luck in the race and thank God it keeps going,” said Gollan. “He’s a fantastic horse since he joined the stable. I had real sense that he was starting to peak up in his prep. It was a flat run second-up on the turnaround which I didn’t really want to do but tonight he got a track that was favourable and he’s obviously a high quality sprinter. “I was never worried that they were going to run him down. As the weeks built up, he wouldn’t have been here last Saturday – he can’t handle the wet but as the tracks dry up, the improvement in this horse during the week had us all confidence. “We were brimming with confidence. “We came here last year for the Cup and it was a longer prep. I picked this race out a year ago and we’ve filled the gaps in between. The owners bought him online for bugger all and they’re great supporters of the stable.” Angela Jones spoke post-race and was confident Zarastro would cling to victory. “It is so great to be having luck here and to do it on this horse is so great,” said Jones. “He quickened up in the straight and I was so confident. I wasn’t that confident in the run as he normally tugs a little bit more when he’s on but when we straightened up I felt how much he had left and I was so confident.” Horse racing news View the full article

O’ Ole winning the 2025 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). Photo: Darren Winningham Bjorn Baker’s incredible run of form has continued at the Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast, with O’ Ole ($12) running away with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. The daughter of Ole Kirk was given a peach of a ride by Tommy Berry, who settled her behind the speed, took over at the 250m mark, and careered away with the win. After jumping from barrier three, Berry settled the winner in the one-one position behind the leaders, Vein Girl ($34) and The Playwright ($14), just needing a gap to appear turning for home. Once the run appeared for O’ Ole, Berry pushed her into the clear, and she idled up to the leaders before going straight on by. Memo ($5), who was the race favourite with Picklebet, attempted to follow the winner but couldn’t go with her, similarly to the third placegetter, Gallo Nero ($6). However, all honours went to the winner, as O’ Ole claimed a dominant 1.5-length win. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025. Due to Bjorn Baker’s flight being delayed, Jim Clarke represented the winning stable in the post-race interview. “She drew the exact same gate as Unencumbered and got back the exact same way,” Clarke said in reference to the stables last winner in the same race. “It was all over at the 200 (metre mark) and it was an amazing result. “Bjorn has always had an opinion of her and this was always the long term plan. To get her here and to deliver is an amazing result. “She was probably the filly at the sales last year that the whole team zeroed in on. “I probably didn’t expect to get there and fall in love with an Ole Kirk out of a Sepoy mare and pay that sort of money but she had a phenomenal physique and every time we saw her parade perfectly. “Fortunately she has done the same in her racing career so far. “Bjorn’s flight was delayed about four hours so he’s only just landed. That’s why she’s in the club colours. “Luckily he landed in time to watch the race.” Tommy Berry was emotional after the victory, as it was 10 years since his late brother Nathan won the race for the same stable. “Since that day they named the trophy after Nathan and it has been the Nathan Berry trophy every year,” Berry said. “I’m sick of handing it out and I wanted to win it again. “I ride a bit for Bjorn Baker who Nathan was pretty much the stable rider when he passed and ten years ago it might have been the same barrier. The stars aligned today. “It is an amazing sport and I am blessed to be a part of it. “She wins the start every time by a length and she did that again today. “I kept looking over and using her just as much as I had to to get her into that one-one spot and she did the rest from there. “She’s a beautiful filly – an Ole Kirk who I had a lot to do with – and I’m sure they sold really well at the sales and this was another good one.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tyler Schiller aboard Encoder after winning the 2025 Magic Millions Subzero. Photo: Darren Winningham Encoder ($5.50) has put the head down where it matters most to claim the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) on the Sunshine Coast on January 4, going one better this time around, courtesy of a perfectly timed ride by Tyler Schiller. Encoder benefited from a hectic tempo throughout the middle stages, with rank outsider with horse racing bookmakers, Coney Island Bay ($151.00), sent forward to dictate under Cejay Graham, while there was no reprieve as Wapiti ($51.00) sat to his outside. There were mid-race moves aplenty as well, with Tannhauser ($11.00) and Sky Lab ($13.00) both forced forward after being unable to find cover throughout the 2200m journey. It turned into a genuine staying affair in the concluding stages, with Encoder, Miss Jolene, and the luckless Belvedere Boys ($3.00) all going to the line in a head-bobbing finish, as Encoder got the verdict by the barest of margins to secure the $1 million prize. Click here for every race replay of Magic Millions 2025 Lee Freedman was on course to break down the victory, crediting the firming conditions for his geldings’ success. “If you get really wet tracks he’s no good and off times he gets way out of his ground,” said Freedman. “The prizemoney is great and we’ve always had a good opinion of the horse. I think he’ll stay even further. He’s only had one run at a mile-and-a-half on a big in the Derby and he ran unbelievable. “When you know the horses as well as we all do, we knew the elements in his training and in the race that didn’t really suit him. Today suited him and he had everything in his favour.” Tyler Schiller was quick to thank the Freedman team for the success as he spoke post-race. “Fantastic training performance from Lee and the team at home,” said Schiller. “I only got on the horse because of the light weight and I’m really grateful for the opportunity. “He did a great job putting himself in a lovely spot in the run. When I cut the corner I thought he was home but a couple joined me. Miss Joelene on the outside, and I thought he had to dig in for the fight and he had to dig in late.” Horse racing news View the full article

Abounding surges to victory in the 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. Photo: Darren Winningham The rescheduled Magic Millions meeting is set to be run on the Gold Coast on Friday evening, with millions on offer for connections. For fans who want to relive the excitement or catch up on the action they missed, we’ve got you covered with replays of all the key races. Whether it’s the electrifying victory of an up-and-coming star or needing to relive a breathtaking victory, our free replays of Magic Millions 2025 brings you front-row access to all the highlights from the Gold Coast. Free Gold Coast Race Replays & Results 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Race 1 – Magic Millions Subzero (2200 METRES) Race Replay & Results https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gold-Coast-2025-Magic-Millions-Subzero-17012025-Encoder-Lee-Freedman-Tyler-Schiller.mp4 Place No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Fixed Odds (W) Fixed Odds (P) 1st 11 Encoder Lee Freedman Tyler Schiller $5.50 $1.95 2nd 5 Belvedere Boys Matthew Dunn Blake Shinn $1.50 3rd 4 Miss Joelene Kelly Schweida James Orman $2.00 4th 6 Tannhauser Chris Waller Tommy Berry Exotic Bet Type Results Dividend Quinella 11-5 $10.10 Exacta 11-5 $23.90 Duet 11-5 $3.50 Duet 11-4 $5.40 Duet 5-4 $3.60 Trifecta 11-5-4 $74.50 First Four 11-5-4-6 $581.10 Horse racing news View the full article

Blake Spriggs (right) was involved in a fall at Moruya on Friday. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Jockeys Beany Panya and Blake Spriggs have been airlifted to hospital following a heavy fall at Moruya on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around the 400m mark as the field turned for home, with both riders hitting the turf. Spriggs’ mount, Blesstas, appeared to clip heels on the leader and fell, causing Panya’s horse, The Boomerang, who was racing on the outside, to become unbalanced and also come down. “Beany has been in and out of consciousness and will be airlifted to hospital,” a Racing NSW statement confirmed. “Blake is conscious but in a lot of pain, and he’s still being attended to on track by ambulance officers. “Blake has head, chest and abdominal injuries and will also be airlifted to hospital.” Spriggs had posted on social media earlier on Friday morning about his return from suspension. “I’m back from an enforced holiday tomorrow with 7 rides at Moruya,” the post read. “There looks to be a few chances amongst them & it has been a happy hunting ground the past few meetings” The remainder of the meeting was abandoned, with two races still left on the program. In some positive news, Sky Racing’s Kayla Nisbet reported on Thoroughbred Central that both horses escaped injury. “Both horses we can report did come back to scale amazingly unscathed,” Nisbet said. Horse racing news View the full article

Zac Purton is confident Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) sheer talent and versatility will enable the crack sprinter to overcome another challenging barrier in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (19 January) as history beckons for the seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey. Needing only three more wins to equal Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813, Purton has seven rides across the 11-race card, headed by Ka Ying Rising and Beauty Eternal (Starspangledbanner) in the HK$13 million Gr.1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m). Purton, 42, will bid to land the Centenary Sprint Cup for the third time after victories on Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins) (2016) and Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) (2023) as Ka Ying Rising chases a ninth consecutive win from the outside barrier in the eight-horse field. The 128-rater has drawn barriers nine, 10 and 11 at his past three outings, winning on each occasion, but Purton sounded a note of caution ahead of Sunday’s contest. “Obviously he (Ka Ying Rising) has got good gate speed, so that’s an asset. There’s a little bit of speed inside him. Being drawn outside in a small field is always tricky because the runners to the inside generally try to hold a more prominent position than they might normally in a bigger field,” Purton said. “So, I would expect a few horses to do that and it might not be easy to get across, so I’ll need a little bit of luck. “He’s got a really good brain, so that certainly helps. I just hope there’s a spot for me to get in behind Victor The Winner (barrier one) or Magic Control (barrier four) and I can get the one off. We’ll see how we go early.” Purton believes Ka Ying Rising’s effort to contest the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month was a feat in itself – much less comfortably defeating a world-class field. “I think people forget that he’s only a young four-year-old and that’s he’s come a long way in only a short period of time,” Purton said. “It was not only a year to the day that he had his first start, and first win, to then lining up in an international sprint, so he did a really good job just to get there – he did an even better job to win, drawing out (barrier 11) that day as well. “He’s the only horse in history to come from barrier 11 to win the (LONGINES Hong Kong) Sprint, so he had that against him. He was a little bit slow to step and he was taken on by Victor The Winner, sitting outside him, eye-balling him in front so he never got a chance to relax and he still gave a good kick and won. “There was a lot of merit to the win and I think he will continue to get better as well.” Ka Ying Rising will be challenged this weekend by Victor The Winner, Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Invincible Sage, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves and Magic Control. The Centenary Sprint Cup marks the start of the three-race Hong Kong Speed Series, which carries a HK$5 million bonus for any horse which wins all three races. The HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 23 February and the HK$22 million Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 27 April complete the series. Purton has also drawn barrier eight in the Stewards’ Cup on Beauty Eternal, who is bidding to return to winning form against Voyage Bubble, California Spangle, Beauty Joy, Galaxy Patch, Chancheng Glory, Red Lion and Patch Of Theta. “He (Beauty Eternal) beat Golden Sixty last season and he’s come back this season and been really disappointing. He’s been his own worst enemy, pulling himself into the ground and he wouldn’t relax at all,” the Australian said. “Last time, he had the ear plugs and the Norton bit on and he relaxed much better and gave himself a chance but didn’t perform. He continues to trial well, but he’s just not producing it on race day. “He won’t be able to lead this race because California Spangle is in (barrier) two, so I’ll probably have to sit outside him. Voyage Bubble looks like he’s going to be in the right spot and he’s going to have the race at his mercy. “He (Voyage Bubble) is not over the line because there are some handy horses in it and Galaxy Patch is obviously one of those. Galaxy Patch could jump out of the ground on his day, but Voyage Bubble is going to be in the right spot.” The Stewards’ Cup is the first leg of the Triple Crown series with a HK$10 million bonus on offer to any horse who can also win the HK$13 million Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on 23 February and HK$13 million Gr.1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) on 25 May. Sunday’s (19 January) Sha Tin card starts with the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) at 12.30pm. View the full article

Caroline Searcy previews the 2025 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale to be held at New Zealand Bloodstock’s sale complex from January 26th to 30th. View the full article