Wandering Eyes

David Hayes calls the legendary Silent Witness (El Moxie) “the first great sprinter” and “the best he ever saw”, and delights in having a horse that has equalled his incredible feat of 17 straight victories. The Australian Racing Hall of Fame trainer said it would be a “great thrill” to surpass the Hong Kong hero as his charge, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), enters final preparations in the bid to claim a Hong Kong record 18th consecutive win in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on Sunday, 22 February. Between December 2002 and April 2005, the Archie da Silva-owned Silent Witness swept all before him during an extraordinary winning streak, which included two Hong Kong Sprint titles (2003 & 2004), two Centenary Sprint Cups (2004 & 2005), two Chairman’s Sprint Prize triumphs (2004 & 2005) and a Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (2005). He also captured Japan’s 2005 G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) in his final career win. Silent Witness’s success took on greater meaning to an adulating Hong Kong public, given the city’s wider struggles during that period. “Hong Kong was going through very tough times back then — the SARS epidemic, economic difficulties,” said Silent Witness’s trainer Tony Cruz. “He became a symbol of hope. He showed people that great challenges could be overcome. That’s why he was affectionately known as the ‘Spirit of Hong Kong’.” During the intervening years, several challengers have threatened to reach that “magic” number of 17 victories, but none has managed to sustain a run, until now. “I would say it’s a real magic number,” Hayes said. “To equal it was magic, and to beat it is even better, especially at a distance (1400m) where he’s stretching out to show the diversity that he has. “The expectation is for him to win; you just want him to and not let everyone down. But he hasn’t, and the way he trialed recently, I don’t think he’s going to,” Hayes added. Comparisons between Silent Witness and Ka Ying Rising have only grown as Hayes’ five-year-old has coasted toward equalling the record. But for connections of the former, nothing can compare to the “Spirit of Hong Kong”. “There’s no doubt about Ka Ying Rising’s natural talent. That’s clear for everyone to see,” Cruz said. “There’s no horse in Hong Kong that can compete with him right now. He’s simply outstanding. “Silent Witness’s temperament and character were like no other horse I’d trained. He was confident, relaxed, a true professional and an absolute pleasure to train. “Even going to the start, we had to manage him carefully. If another horse tried to pass him, he’d want to take them on. He refused to let anyone go past him,” Cruz added. Felix Coetzee was in the saddle for all 29 of Silent Witness’s career starts. Despite a decorated career during which he was crowned South Africa’s champion jockey three times and claimed multiple Group 1 victories, nothing compared to his association with Silent Witness. “Silent Witness was something unique, something special. It’s wonderful when horses like this come along,” Coetzee said. “He had such a huge presence and gave us incredible memories. I learned a lot from him. Anyone could have won on him — I was just lucky to be there at the right time.” Now aged 26 and enjoying his retirement at the Living Legends facility in Victoria, Australia, Silent Witness is still widely regarded as the greatest racehorse Hong Kong has ever showcased. Though it’s a perception that could alter if another bumper crowd at Sha Tin gets to witness Ka Ying Rising, who was recently named the world’s best sprinter, make Hong Kong racing history on Sunday week. Hayes is thankful that the best horse he’s handled in his career came at “the back-end” of his career. “It’s nice to be the trainer of the most consecutive winning horse in Hong Kong,” the 63-year-old said. “I keep pinching myself, and I’m at an age where I really, really appreciate having a horse with this ability. “I’ve trained two of the highest-rated horses in the world in my life. One was at the start of my career, called Better Loosen Up, and then I have this horse. I’ve had 107 Group 1 winners in between. But nothing like this horse.” An 18th consecutive victory would resonate well beyond the Hayes stable. – Paul Ryding View the full article

Waikato Stud have announced unbeaten Group One winner Return To Conquer (Snitzel), a son of Champion Sire Snitzel, will join their star-studded roster this season. “We’re very excited and proud to stand such a top-class racehorse with a beautiful pedigree and impeccable looks,” said stud principal, Mark Chittick. “He will complement our broodmare band extremely well and to have Kia Ora remain in him adds to the excitement; the Australasian industry will get every opportunity to support him at this introductory fee of $15,000 plus GST, LFG. “To stand a horse bought by one of the best judges in the industry is a real privilege, and it’s a testament to the Te Akau Racing team to have him retire with an unbeaten stakes record.” Purchased from Blue Gum Farm’s draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for A$1.3 million, the colt had many admirers, including Bruce Perry, but it was John O’Shea who pushed the bidding into seven figures, with David Ellis CNZM having the final winning bid. “From the moment I first inspected him at the Magic Millions’ sale, he stood out. He was a magnificent individual – strong, athletic and beautifully balanced – with the pedigree to match,” Ellis said. “He developed into an elite racehorse under Mark (Walker) and Sam’s (Bergerson) guidance, retiring unbeaten in four starts. All four of his victories were at stakes level, including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Records like that are seldom found. “Just as importantly, he has a beautiful temperament and a real presence about him. We buy these well-bred colts to compete and win at the highest level and Return To Conquer did exactly that. To see him retire unbeaten and now head to the renowned Waikato Stud is immensely satisfying – it gives him a tremendous platform, and it is a wonderful result for the New Zealand breeding industry.” Group One winning Snitzel colt Return To Conquer and Blake Shinn Photo: Race Images (Kenton Wright) Return To Conquer won all three of his trials before making a winning debut in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m). He continued his stakes sweep, with victories in the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m), Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) and Gr.1 Sistema Stake (1200m). With Mark and Garry at home in Matamata anchoring operations, Harry and George Chittick travelled to Te Akau Racing’s Cranbourne base to give the colt the final tick of approval. “Ben Gleeson showed him to us and he was really impressive, he has a good brain on him, and he’s such a dude,” Harry Chittick said. “Speaking to Jamie and Chanel Beatson of Ohukia Lodge, he was the best they broke in that year. Everything about him is impressive – from his pedigree to his performance, temperament and physical presence.” “He’s a beautiful horse and very precocious,” continued George Chittick. “One of the things I took away was, yes, there is plenty of Snitzel in there, but there is a touch of Lonhro, too. I’d be very pleased walking out to get him from the paddock each day and bringing him to the barn or showing him to clients. We’re very excited and proud to be a part of the next stallion for WS.” Return To Conquer is out of the unraced Lonhro mare Vaujany, a three-quarter sister to six-time Australian sprint winner Andermatt, and the colt’s granddam, Portillo, won the Gr.2 Surround Stakes (1400m) and finished second in the Gr.1 Flight Stakes (1600m) as a three-year-old. “At the end of the day, he’s a Group One-winning son of Snitzel and a good specimen. To get all those things together is not easy,” explained Garry Chittick. “We have a very good spread of stallions, so he fits into our mix well.” View the full article

Repole Stable's Grande returns to racing action Feb. 14 at Gulfstream Park after being scratched from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Three-year-old fillies will take a leading role in the Feb. 14 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1) at Flemington Racecourse, with My Gladiola, Military Tycoon, and 2025 Golden Slipper (G1) winner Marhoona headlining the younger brigade in the sprint.View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Immortalised at Gulfstream Park. Romanised Colt Ageless At Gulfstream Sean Feld and Starry Night Racing's Immortalised (Romanised) made it two wins from three starts, after taking a Gulfstream contest on Thursday (video). Trained by Brendan Walsh, the three-year-old colt was bred by Elevage Haras de Bourgeauville. Sold for €37,000 to Feld Family Finds out of Arqana's Vente d'Elevage in 2023, the February foal is the third foal and runner of the winning Notte d'Oro (Montjeu). Her second winner, he has a two-year-old full-brother and a yearling half-brother by Saint Des Saints. Second dam Notting Hill (Jules) was a multiple group winner in her native Brazil, and placed at the highest level there and in the GI John C. Mabee Handicap Stateside. She is the dam of group winner and Group 1 runner-up Notting Tomorrow (Aragorn), who has foaled a pair of Group 1 winners in Brazil, including Brazilian Champion Three-Year-Old Colt Jackson Pollock (Kodiak Kowboy). Romanised stands at Haras de Castillon this year for €5,000. From limited representation in the U.S., the stallion has one winner from two runners in Immortalised. Repeat Winner Accent (Pinatubo), a winner at Tampa Bay last April, represented Jeffrey Drown with another victory there on February 1 (video). The undefeated Chad Brown trainee is a half-sister to three-time Grade I winner Program Trading (Lope De Vega). Three Diamonds Farm's Sapphire Beach (No Nay Never) won for the second time in four starts at Gulfstream on February 5 (video). The Rusty Arnold trainee had run second, promoted to first on her debut. Mathilde Powell's Imaboutago (Calyx) strutted her stuff at Santa Anita on Friday afternoon (video). She is trained by Leonard Powell. Maiden winner Goncora (Iffraaj) came off just over a year on the sidelines and bolted up a handy winner at Tampa Bay Downs on February 8 (video). The Chad Brown trainee who races for Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, William Rucker and William Strauss, was making his fourth lifetime start. The post Making Waves: Immortalised Makes His Mark In Florida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Paco Lopez, who suffered a broken ankle in a spill at the Fair Grounds on Feb. 7, will miss the remainder of the Fair Grounds meet, according to agent Jose Gracia on Thursday. The incident occurred in the 8th race on the card when Lopez's mount, Betty's Dance (Brody's Cause), clipped heels and lost her rider. She was the 2-1 favorite in the 5 1/2 furlong turf test. No timetable has been set for his return, though Gracia said Lopez is recovering well and plans remain in place for him to return to Colonial Downs this summer to defend his riding title. The post Lopez to Miss the Remainder of Fair Grounds Meet with Broken Ankle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Repole Stable's Grande returns to racing action Feb. 14 at Gulfstream Park after being scratched from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

Trainer Eddie Clouston, who was third in earnings and second in victories at the 2025 Mountaineer Park meet, has been suspended six months and fined $5,000 by that track's stewards stemming from a Class 1/Penalty Category A post-race drug positive for oxymorphone in the urine of a filly who broke her maiden by 8 ¼ lengths as the 3-2 favorite three months ago. Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic derived from morphine that is used in humans to treat severe or chronic pain, often when other pain medications are not strong enough. It is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States because of its high abuse potential. When prescribed for horses, oxymorphone is primarily used in anesthesia settings as opposed to managing routine pain. According to the Feb. 10, 2026, ruling, “This medication/prohibited substance violation is the permit holder's second violation in a 365-day period for medication/prohibited substance carrying a Class 1 penalty.” The charges represent only one side of the story. TDN could not reach the 60-year-old Clouston for comment prior to deadline for this article. He has 20 days to file an appeal, although the West Virginia Racing Commission confirmed in a Thursday email that no appeal has yet been lodged. Clouston's training record on Equibase dates to 1985 and includes 2,135 lifetime winners. The then-3-year-old filly Maam Cross (Dialed In) triggered the positive Nov. 18, 2025, in a Mountaineer maiden-claiming sprint. After being notified of the positive, Clouston exercised his right to have a split sample tested, and that second test again confirmed the finding. A $100,000 OBSAPR buy as a 2-year-old, Maam Cross had only once hit the board in four previous starts at Santa Anita, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Thistledown and Mahoning Valley. The Mountaineer start was the first for Maam Cross under Clouston's care and for the filly's new owner, Michelle Helms. Maam Cross has been disqualified from the victory, and the order of finish and purse money have been redistributed. After winning, Maam Cross subsequently ran third as the 3-10 favorite in a NW2L claiming sprint at Mountaineer Nov. 30. She has not started since. Unless an appeal triggers a stay, Clouston's suspension will run through Aug. 3, 2026. The post Mountaineer Trainer Clouston Suspended Six Months, Fined $5,000 for Second Class 1 Drug Positive in 1 Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Talented driver Josh Dickie is hoping the next phase of his career can start with a win at Alexandra Park tonight. Dickie partners last-start winner Father Barry for his father John in the opening race tonight, the $15,000 Classique Landscapers Metro heat and punters can expect to see him doing far more driving for the family and outside stables in the future. Dickie and fiancée Sammy Kilgour have gone out on their own account after two years working for premiership trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer, that stint coming after the couple had been based in Victoria. “We just thought it was time to try to build our own business,” says Dickie. “We have a handful of horses and are training those alongside Dad on his property. “We have nice numbers there now but are looking to grow so will be at the yearling sales next week and I’ll be looking to get back into more freelance driving.” Dickie has driven 14 Group 1 winners and has already started to build his freelance contacts again now he is not tied to a stable. “And we want to train more as well,” he explains. “Dad was almost retired a couple of years ago but the three of us are enjoying being back working together so he says he will be sticking around for a few more years now too. “So the next phase is exciting.” Father Barry sits alongside Higher Power as one of the two most talented trotters in tonight’s opener but both can gallop so their clash could be decided by manners. Higher Power’s trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan hold the key to a few of tonight’s races, with Sooner The Bettor favourite for the main handicap pace even off his 30m backmark. Sooner The Bettor was a last-start third in the Auckland Cup and while his best performances come when able to lead or race handy, he only faces four rivals tonight so his handicap may not be enough to stop him winning. Later in the night a rare mobile sprint for the better grade trotters could see American Muscle potentially the value option as she has produced some top class sprinting performances in the last year. View the full article

Darby Dan Farm's Shirl's Speight (Speightstown–Perfect Shirl, by Perfect Soul {Ire}), sired his first reported foal when a filly out of the multiple stakes-placed Ultimate Class (Durling) was born at Crupper Bloodstock in Paris, Kentucky, on Feb. 9. The filly's dam amassed earnings of $283,253 during her racing career and she has also produced multiple graded stakes-placed Bad Beat Brian who has banked $865,158. “I was very pleased with this filly from the moment she stood,” said Megan Morrison, Crupper Bloodstock, of the first arrival by Shirl's Speight. “Even in a newborn, it was obvious she had a great angle to her shoulder and a deep heart girth.” A homebred for Charles Fipke, the bay registered his biggest victory in the 2022 GI Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland, earning a career-high 104 Beyer Speed Figure. He ranked among the top milers that season when also second by less than a length to champion Modern Games (GB) in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile. All told in an outstanding racing career, Shirl's Speight hit the board in 10-of-25 appearances competing against top-level horses around the world, banking $1,497,245. Shirl's Speight is by the late Speightstown, a champion sprinter, winner of the 2004 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Shirl's Speight is a member of a dynamic and highly achieving family cultivated by Fipke through the decades. Fipke purchased Shirl's Speight's second dam, Grade I winner Lady Shirl, for $485,000 at the 2005 Keeneland November sale. He bred Lady Shirl to his homebred Sadler's Wells stallion Perfect Soul to get Perfect Shirl, winner of the 2011 GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Perfect Shirl earned more than $1.3 million during her accomplished racing career. For more information on Shirl's Speight, who stands for $5,000 S&N, contact Stuart Fitzgibbon at (859) 621-6763, or by email at Stuart@darbydan.com, or visit www.darbydan.com. The post First Foal for Darby Dan Farm’s Grade I Winner Shirl’s Speight appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet–Maggy Hawk, by Hawkster), the 2005 Champion 3-Year-Old Male and winner of both the GI Preakness and GI Belmont Stakes, was euthanized on Feb. 6 due to the infirmities of old age. He was 24. Afleet Alex will be buried at Gainesway. Retired to stud at Gainesway in 2006, he remained as a resident pensioner since 2022. Bred in Florida by John Martin Silvertand, Afleet Alex won by 11 1/4 lengths at Delaware Park before being purchased by Cash is King LLC and moved into the barn of trainer Timothy Ritchey. An impressive 5 1/4-length winner of the GII Sanford Stakes, he then took the GI Hopeful Stakes before closing his season with a runner-up finish in the GI Breeders' Cup' Juvenile. Afleet Alex punched his ticket to the GI Kentucky Derby with an eight-length victory in the GII Arkansas Derby, then he finished third on the First Saturday in May. Afleet Alex took the GI Preakness Stakes, delivering one of the most iconic performances in Triple Crown history. In the stretch, Afleet Alex clipped heels with rival Scrappy T causing him to stumble badly. Despite nearly falling to his knees, Afleet Alex recovered and powered down the Pimlico stretch to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Afleet Alex then confirmed his status as the top 3-year-old of his class in the GI Belmont Stakes, scoring by seven lengths. That effort secured him the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old male of 2005. “Afleet Alex's Preakness Stakes remains one of the most incredible displays of athleticism and heart I have ever seen. He passed that same determination and talent down to his offspring,” said Gainesway owner Antony Beck. “A true champion in every sense and his presence at the farm will be deeply missed.” Afleet Alex retired to Gainesway in 2006, where he proved to be a versatile sire over 15 seasons. He sired over 50 stakes winners with progeny earnings surpassing $54.8 million. His stallion career was highlighted by the 2010 GI Travers Stakes, where three runners from his debut crop ran in the 'Midsummer Classic', including winner Afleet Express. He also sired Breeders' Cup winners Texas Red (Juvenile) and Afleet Again (Marathon), as well as Canadian Champion Skywire (Canada). Other top-level performers included Grade I winners Iotapa, Materiality, Sharla Rae, and Dublin. As a broodmare sire, his daughters have produced Belmont Stakes winner Sir Winston, along with Grade I winners Practical Move, Dream Tree, and Goal Oriented. Beyond the racetrack and his stallion career, Afleet Alex's most significant legacy is his partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. His success on the track helped raise millions of dollars and national awareness for childhood cancer research in honor of Alex Scott. Years later he remains synonymous with the cause and continues to provide hope for children and their families. “Afleet Alex was truly a horse of a lifetime. From his first race at Delaware Park to his triumph in the Belmont Stakes, he defined class and pure athleticism,” recalled his owner, Charles Zacney. “Off the track, his affiliation with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation was transformative; Liz Scott credits much of their success to him. It was a special era, and we'll forever cherish the ride and the memories. He will be deeply missed.” The post Champion and Dual Classic Winner Afleet Alex Dies at 24 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Looking to be named the belle of the ball in a Gulfstream maiden, Prom Queen (Quality Road–Miss Bling Bling, by Tapit) ran on nicely to wear a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', crown on Thursday afternoon. A runner-up on debut in Hallandale last month, the 3-year-old was ready for her two turn dance as the heavy favorite. In the mix from the bell, at one point up the backstretch though she was shuffled back to last. Prom Queen got into action around the far turn and navigated through traffic. At the top of the lane the homebred took control and never looked back. Squander (Quality Road) checked in second. The final running time was 1:45.77. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0. O/B-Gary & Mary West (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. PROM QUEEN ($3.60) gets our vote after breaking her maiden second time out at @GulfstreamPark. @jjcjockey was aboard the filly by Quality Road (@LanesEndFarms). Congratulations to the @bradcoxracing team and owners Gary and Mary West. Bet Gulfstream https://t.co/n8J7Nf7Wyh pic.twitter.com/NAVFPO7MgR — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 12, 2026 The post Quality Road’s Prom Queen Voted ‘TDN Rising Star’ After Gulfstream Maiden Dance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse feature American-trained runners or owned interests, other races on the Saudi Cup undercard also include notable U.S. representatives. View the full article

Repole Stable's Grande returns to racing action Feb. 14 at Gulfstream Park after being scratched from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

A pair of runners trained by Todd Pletcher are being targeted for Gulfstream Park's marquee races for 3-year-olds this winter. WinStar Farm LLC, CHC Inc. and First Go Racing LLC's undefeated Jackson Hole (Nyquist) is on track for a start in the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Feb. 28, while Centennial Farms' Nearly (Not This Time) will make his next start in the GI Curlin Florida Derby on Mar. 28. “He's doing very well. He's scheduled to breeze [Friday], and we're pointing for the Fountain of Youth,” Pletcher said of the former. Jackson Hole, a $1.3 million purchase at the 2024 Keeneland September sale, debuted at Gulfstream Dec. 13 with a rallying one-length victory in a seven-furlong maiden special weight. The colt became a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard when taking his two-turn debut by 5 1/2 lengths at Fair Grounds on Jan. 17 in a 1 1/16-mile optional claiming allowance. “I thought he ran very well. He made a comfortable lead and it seemed like he had plenty left at the end,” Pletcher said. “It was a good performance in his second start for shipping out of town and making his first start around two turns.” According to Pletcher, the timing is still right for Holy Bull hero Nearly to race next in the $1-million Florida Derby. “We felt like we'd give him a little time. He had four races fairly close together. We thought we'd give him the chance to get a little breather,” Pletcher said. “We like the spacing of that.” Nearly, who was a disappointing sixth in his Oct. 26 debut at Aqueduct, has won three races in a row at Gulfstream. The colt scored by 9 1/4 lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight Nov. 22 and came right back to draw off to a five-length victory in a seven-furlong optional claiming allowance Jan. 2. Negotiating two turns for the first time proved to be no problem for Nearly, who pressed the pace before drawing off to a 5 3/4-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull Jan. 31. “Hopefully, if he were to run well in the Florida Derby, it would be five weeks back to the [Kentucky] Derby,” Pletcher said. The post Pletcher’s Jackson Hole Returns in Fountain of Youth, Nearly Heads Straight to Florida Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Florida House of Representatives on Feb. 11 passed the controversial decoupling bill backed by Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs that would allow either track to cease live racing while retaining their respective casino and card-room privileges. The 77-34 decoupling vote was largely split along party lines, with Republicans mostly in favor of it and Democrats mostly against it. The roll call came at the very end of a four-hour legislative session on Wednesday, and the eight minutes of discussion preceding its passage consisted of only one representative speaking out against decoupling and only the bill's sponsor advocating in favor of it. By that point in Wednesday's session, House members seemed to have little appetite to enter into extended debate on the initiative, despite the fact that decoupling has the capability to dismantle Florida's entire Thoroughbred ecosystem. In fact, when two representatives who had asked for time to speak on the House floor said they were instead going to “yield back” their time and not weigh in at all on decoupling, the politicians in the chamber cheered in anticipation that the session would soon be ending. “There's a lot I can say today, in closing, about how this bill will keep Florida in the winner's circle,” said the bill's Republican sponsor, Rep. Adam Anderson, who, in what must seem like a stunning paradox to Thoroughbred stakeholders, keeps portraying himself as an advocate for the racing industry despite crafting the very legislation that could kill off the state's breeding and racing. But, Anderson added, “I know we all want to get home tonight, so I'm not going to do that.” In closing, Anderson said, “Let's quit horsing around. Help me gallop this bill across the finish line, and turn that [vote tally] board green.” Rep. Yvonne Hinson, a Democrat whose district includes part of Marion County, the heart of Florida's Thoroughbred breeding and horse-raising territory, spoke up in opposition to House Bill 881, just like she did last year when a similar decoupling bill sponsored by Anderson passed the House but not the Senate. Hinson had also vociferously advocated against the current bill's passage at a Jan. 14 committee hearing. “At first glance, this may seem like a technical regulatory change, just a tweak in how we classify permits. But in reality, it is a fundamental shift in policy that threatens a legacy of generations in industry, thousands of jobs, and an entire community's economy,” Hinson said. “This is not hypothetical. When similar decoupling measures have passed, other forms of pari-mutuel gaming, such as greyhound and harness racing, the result was the end of live racing in those sectors,” Hinson said. “Thoroughbred racing has been the one remaining exception, and for god reason. Proponents argue that safeguards in the bill, like delaying any notice of ending live racing until July 1, 2027, with a three-year operations requirement, will protect the sport. But let's be clear: Those are paper guarantees that depend entirely on future business decisions, and not on this legislature's firm commitment to the industry,” Hinson said. Anderson countered Hinson's narrative by suggesting that despite both Gulfstream and Tampa strongly backing the decoupling bill, neither track would actually utilize the legislation they are lobbying for to exit the business of live racing. “This upcoming weekend, Tampa Bay Downs is celebrating 100 years of Thoroughbred racing in the state of Florida, and they just signed a three-year contract with their horsemen,” Anderson said. “Gulfstream Park also just signed a new three-year agreement with their horsemen. These are not the kinds of actions that we are going to see from businesses that don't intend to continue to operate. This legislation simply eliminates unnecessary government regulations on the last two pari-mutuel permit-holders in the entire state.” As per custom in the Florida House (and unlike at the two previous House committee hearings that reported the decoupling bill favorably this year), only representatives were allowed to debate the bill, meaning no public testimony on Wednesday was taken before the full House voted on the measure. Earlier this week, Tom Cannell, the president of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, told TDN's Bill Finley that even though passage in the House seemed to be a foregone conclusion, getting a companion bill passed in the Senate and signed into law might be difficult for pro-decoupling forces. “Our hope is that when this bill gets to the Senate, there will be no real appetite for the senators to deal with this,” Cannell said Feb. 8. “It has got to go through the two branches of the legislature and then it has to go to the governor [Ron DeSantis], who, last year, appeared at OBS and made it very clear he didn't have an appetite to wipe out an industry. I'd call it a long shot from the standpoint of the bill going through and completing its run through the Senate. Maybe that's too bold of a comment, but that's my gut feeling. My gut tells me it's not going to get through the Senate.” The nearly identical companion bill in the Florida Senate has been referred to three committees, but has yet to be scheduled for any committee debate in that chamber. The post Florida House Advances Decoupling, but Senate Has Yet to Schedule Hearings on Companion Bill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Returning to a track he has had much success over, the Phil D'Amato trainee enters the race off a game fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar, after being compromised at the break.View the full article

The Saudi Derby (G3) is a new addition to the Churchill Downs competitions seeking to lure foreigners to the Kentucky Derby (G1) but also has attracted some American 3-year-olds looking for an optional route to Louisville, Ky.View the full article

After finishing as the leading earner of any North American-trained horse in 2025 when earnings in the Middle East are included, Hit Show will chart a familiar path when he opens his 6-year-old season Feb. 11.View the full article

By Michael Guerin Talented driver Josh Dickie is hoping the next phase of his career can start with a win at Alexandra Park tonight. Dickie partners last-start winner Father Barry for his father John in the opening race tonight, the $15,000 Classique Landscapers Metro heat and punters can expect to see him doing far more driving for the family and outside stables in the future. Dickie and fiancée Sammy Kilgour have gone out on their own account after two years working for premiership trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer, that stint coming after the couple had been based in Victoria. “We just thought it was time to try to build our own business,” says Dickie. “We have a handful of horses and are training those alongside Dad on his property. “We have nice numbers there now but are looking to grow so will be at the yearling sales next week and I’ll be looking to get back into more freelance driving.” Dickie has driven 14 Group 1 winners and has already started to build his freelance contacts again now he is not tied to a stable. “And we want to train more as well,” he explains. “Dad was almost retired a couple of years ago but the three of us are enjoying being back working together so he says he will be sticking around for a few more years now too. “So the next phase is exciting.” Father Barry sits alongside Higher Power as one of the two most talented trotters in tonight’s opener but both can gallop so their clash could be decided by manners. Higher Power’s trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan hold the key to a few of tonight’s races, with Sooner The Bettor favourite for the main handicap pace even off his 30m backmark. Sooner The Bettor was a last-start third in the Auckland Cup and while his best performances come when able to lead or race handy, he only faces four rivals tonight so his handicap may not be enough to stop him winning. Later in the night a rare mobile sprint for the better grade trotters could see American Muscle potentially the value option as she has produced some top class sprinting performances in the last year. View the full article

By Michael Guerin A surprise driving decision will see two new combinations at the top of the market in tonight’s $100,000 Fahey Fence Hire Breeders Stakes (8.05pm) at Addington. Champion horseman Blair Orange produced a stunning drive to get General Jen home from five back on the markers in the Garrards Mares Championship two weeks ago, the lead-up race to tonight’s Group 1. But Orange sprung a surprise when he opted to partner General Jen’s stablemate Arafura tonight even though she has drawn the second line and not raced for two months. “Blair does most of our driving and got first choice of out three runners,” said Hayden Cullen, who trains with wife Amanda. “Once he did that it left the drive on General Jen free and we offered that to Mark [Purdon] because he was originally going to come down to partner Arafura. “Mark had already booked his tickets so will now drive General Jen instead and to be honest we can’t really split them.” That means two of the favourites have swapped drivers, with Purdon having reigned Arafura to win the NZ Oaks in November while Orange has done most of the driving behind General Jen. Which mare proves the stable’s best chance could come down to luck and tempo, with General Jen brilliantly fast but Arafura the more proven stayer and winner of both Oaks last season. “We all saw what General Jen did last start and she can win again but if I had to opt for one of ours I’d go Arafura,” says Cullen. “She may not have raced for two months but she is very forward and loves the 2600m. “She will need some luck from the second line but I think she is the best stayer.” The Group 1 is crammed with talent but the lead-up race two weeks ago suggested the four-year-old mares may have more upside than their older rivals like Francent and Esmeralda. Francent did have to work hard last start in the Garrards Championship though and with a better draw tonight gets her chance to try to fight the younger brigade off. The Breeders is the highlight of a stacked Addington programme, with Mr Love the $2.50 favourite for the Lamb And Hayward Trot (7.44pm) even off a 20m handicap. Pinseeker is red hot to win the Studholme Bloodstock feature pace (7.07pm)after easily beating Hadron Collider last start but Cullen, who trains the latter, thinks the gap between them will close tonight. “Our horse needed the run last start so will be a lot better this week but Pinseeker is going to be very hard to beat.” One of the early highlights of the meeting will be Race 1 (4.39pm), which boasts plenty talented pacers still on the way up, including the Cullen-trained Volare. “Our filly has just kept getting better but it is a really good field so it won’t be easy,” he says. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Kyoto and Tokyo Racecourses: Saturday, February 14, 2026 4th-TOK, ¥12,330,000 ($81k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1400m ASK DU CHAMP (JPN) (c, 3, Essential Quality–Red Lark {Ire}, by Epaulette {Aus}) is the first to race from his dam, who upset the 2020 GI Del Mar Oaks at 19-1 for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Paddy Gallgher and was subsequently acquired privately by Haruya Yoshida's Oiwake Farm. Given that he hails from the same female family as Japanese Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn), Essential Quality has proved popular with the Japanese buying public and this Feb. 9 foal was sold for just over $572,000 at the 2024 JRHA Select Sale. O-Hirosaki Toshihiro HD Co Ltd; B-Oiwake Farm; T-Hideaki Fujiwara FLIGHT MAP (JPN) (c, 3, Liam's Map–Enola Gay, by Uncle Mo), whose dam won the 2020 GII Appalachian Stakes for the Allen Stable and Shug McGaughey before fetching $250,000 with this colt in utero at Keeneland November in 2022, made an appearance during the foal section of the JRHA Select Sale in 2023, hammering for nearly $156,000. The 10-year-old Enola Gay hails from an active female family, as her half-brother Tomasello (Authentic) won last year's Kentucky Downs Preview Nashville Derby Stakes at Ellis Park. The female family includes last year's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity runner-up Blackout Time (Not This Time). O-Kazutaka Hosaka; B-Orion Farm; T-Hitoshi Kotegawa Sunday, February 15, 2026 2nd-KYO, ¥12,330,000 ($81k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1200m AMERICAN POWDER (f, 3, Charlatan–Girl Talk, by Medaglia d'Oro), a $150,000 Keeneland September acquisition by Yoshizawa Stable in 2024, is out of a stakes-placed daughter of One Caroline (Unbridled's Song), a two-time graded winner routing on the dirt and the dam of the Grade III-placed juvenile filly Improv (Distorted Humor). The third dam includes 2019 GI Kentucky Derby participant and four-time Japanese listed winner Master Fencer (Jpn) (Just A Way {Jpn}). The Feb. 17 foal is bred on a variant of the Speightstown–Medaglia d'Oro cross that resulted in Grade I winners Rock Fall, Prince of Monaco and Competitionofideas. O-Yoshizawa Holdings Co Ltd; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Koicho Tsunoda 4th-KYO, ¥15,620,000 ($102k), Allowance, 3yo, 1900m DANON BOURBON (c, 3, Maxfield–Wild Ridge, by Tapit) could hardly have been more impressive on his lone racetrack appearance to date, streaking home to graduate by 10 lengths going 1800 meters over a rain-affected local main track Oct. 26 (video, SC 8). A $450,000 Keeneland September purchase by Katsumi Yoshida, the Triple Crown nominee is out of a daughter of MGSW & GISP Wild Gams (Forest Wildcat), the dam of former 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Cazadero (Street Sense), GII Remsen Stakes hero Dubyuhnell (Good Magic) and SW Mt. Brave (Malibu Moon). O-Danox Co Ltd; B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY); T-Manabu Ikezoe AMERICAN STYLE (c, 3, Gun Runner–Medina Thunder, by Thunder Gulch) is a half-brother to SW & GSP Lights of Medina (Eskendereya), herself responsible for GSW Pioneer of Medina (Pioneerof the Nile) and June Eos (Constitution), a two-time winner in Japan. With Christophe Lemaire in the irons, the chestnut colt opened his account at first asking last Nov. 22 defeating Kirios (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}–Ivy Bell), who returned to graduate as a long odds-on favorite at this venue Feb. 7. American Style cost $400,000 at KEESEP in 2024. O-Yoshizawa Holdings Co Ltd; B-International Equities Holding Inc (KY); T-Hideaki Fujiwara The post Maxfield’s Explosive Debut Winner Danon Bourbon Back To Work at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3) at King Abdulaziz Racetrack feature American-trained runners or owned interests, other races on the Saudi Cup undercard also include notable U.S. representatives. View the full article

Bob Baffert's horses have found heartbreak in the final 100 meters of the Saudi Cup (G1) and will have to overcome that late-race challenge again Feb. 14 against a rival who has mastered that task.View the full article

Well-bred Aga Khan mares dominated on the second and final day of the Goffs February Sale, with Alex Elliott going to €190,000 to secure Shamalza (Lope De Vega), who the bloodstock agent said would continue her career for Valmont and trainer Ralph Beckett. A winner on debut for Dermot Weld back in September, Shamalza failed to land a blow on her only other start when the ground was heavy. A daughter of dual Group 2 scorer Shamreen (Dubawi), Shamalza is a sister to talented sprinter Shartash (Invincible Spirit) and Elliott said he is hopeful that she could have a lot to offer still on the track before ultimately ending up in the covering shed. Elliott said, “I wasn't really thinking about racing when I came over, rather to cover her with Kingman, but when I got here I loved her. She did well to win on her debut on good ground, but then she was well-beaten next time out on heavy ground. She is a good mover, so I think we will put her back in training and she will go to Ralph Beckett and see how we go. He added, “I actually bought her for Valmont and she will race in their colours. We will see what mark she has and how she is training. She is a winner, so we have nothing to lose. If we want to chuck her in at the deep end we can. She looks like she has been in training. There are lots of positives to her. She was in the range I had her, just a bit below the budget. I am happy to get her.” Shamalza was the highest-priced lot on Thursday and cemented a memorable renewal of the February Sale at Kildare Paddocks. The turnover for the two-day sale climbed by a massive 63% to €6,301,400 while the average was also on the rise by 37% to €24,615 and the median by 48% to €14,750. The clearance rate of 68% was also up by 1% on last year. Meanwhile, the newly-introduced point-to-point section of the sale brought in a respectable €585,000 for 11 horses selling at a clearance rate of 92%. Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby commented, “What a start to the new year. Goffs February has always been a first choice for so many at this time of year and, this year's renewal has recorded its highest turnover since 2007 when the sale was a four-day affair with over double the number of lots catalogued. However we frame it – premier, leading, whatever – what is beyond dispute is that we have enjoyed a sale that has exceeded expectations and has returned a turnover that is double last year and significantly ahead of any other sale this month. “Yesterday was extraordinary with the session accounting for the top 22 weanlings at any UK or Irish February Sale and huge increases at the top of the market as illustrated by the four six-figure transactions and quadruple the number at €50,000 or above. If that doesn't deserve the “premier” tag, I don't know what does! And those market leaders came from both the Flat and National Hunt spheres so underlining the diversity and appeal of the catalogue.” He added, “These results continue the very positive trends at superb renewals of our recent November Foal and December NH Sales, both of which make us very proud and grateful for the support we receive as we take nothing for granted whilst deriving quiet satisfaction that both are now clear market leaders in their own right, as is the case with this sale these days. “Today's mixed offering continued the vibrant trade headed by the top prices of the season for a filly and in foal mare at €190,000 and €98,000 respectively. Again, these highs are the result of the Goffs Purchaser Attraction Team and our friends at Irish Thoroughbred Marketing combining to ensure another truly international contingent of buyers have converged on Kildare Paddocks over both days with bidders from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Sweden, and, of course, the UK and Ireland. “The new Point-To-Point section attracted a large group of buyers despite some pre-sale predictions and would have benefited from further entries if the weather had been kinder (have we ever seen a January as wet as this one?) as we had more buyers than lots for the category so ensuring a very competitive trade. With a top price of €125,000 it made a good start to ensure it will become a regular feature of the sale in future. It just makes so much sense when we're here and the handlers can do a day trip so, if we get more favourable weather in early 2027, it will only grow. “As is our familiar refrain, always highly relevant and definitely bears repeating, we are indebted to every vendor for every entry as we are nothing without their horses whilst it is always a pleasure to welcome all our purchasers. It is gratifying that so many enjoy the unique customer experience the Goffs team and ITM provide to everyone who attends a Goffs sale, regardless of category or location.” The post Alex Elliott Lands Session-Topping Shamalza At Strong Renewal Of Goffs February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article