Wandering Eyes

On a Sept. 2 afternoon, racing's living legend D. Wayne Lukas turned Saratoga Race Course into the setting for a festive celebration as he won the day's first race with Daily Grind on his 89th birthday.View the full article

A strenuous Southwell workout is on the agenda for City of Troy this month, when Aidan O'Brien is keen to replicate the early intensity of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) by having some of the fastest horses he can find go flat out over a mile.View the full article

George Murphy revealed Sept. 2 that White Birch (GB) will miss the remainder of the season after picking up an injury to his hock.View the full article

Just more than a month after becoming the first winner for freshman sire Imperial Hint, Tdz Hint of Power also became the multiple grade 1 winner's first stakes winner in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Stakes at Louisiana Downs Aug. 31.View the full article

NEWMARKET, England–Fifteen-year-old Ruairi Kilmartin was left speechless after his Dark Angel (Ire) filly–a mere €7,000 buy at the Goffs November Foal Sale–had provided him with a fairytale result when selling to Paul Corrigan for 70,000gns on the opening day of the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. “No, never,” an incredulous Kilmartin replied when asked whether he'd dared to dream of lot 159 making that sort of money. “I thought she'd make 20 or 30 grand, but that's exceeded my expectations. We were flat out there yesterday evening with 40 or 50 shows, and she had three vets, but I didn't know what would happen.” Certainly, few could have predicted what played out at Park Paddocks before an emotional Kilmartin watched his filly exit the sales ring, having achieved the sort of result that many involved in the game wait a whole lifetime for, often in vain. But don't be fooled into thinking that this was a stroke of luck on Kilmartin's part. No, this was all down to a young man who showed cool, hard judgement well beyond his years when he first saw the filly as a foal, less than three weeks after her full-sister, Heritage House (Ire), had finished fourth in a Listed race at Newmarket. “She was by Dark Angel and her dam was a half-sister to Mehmas, so it was all speed,” Kilmartin said of his reasoning behind the initial €7,000 purchase. “I saw her full-sister was in training with James Fanshawe and that she'd finished fourth in a Listed race. I thought she'd go on and get more black type, and luckily she did.” The filly was consigned by Kilmartin's father, Dermot, under the name of his Kildallan Farm in Westmeath. This seemingly wasn't Ruairi's first time with a bit of his own skin in the game, but he was in no doubt that this topped anything he'd done previously–and he has no plans to stop here, either. “I'll go buy a few more foals!” he said of what might become of his windfall. “I've had a leg or two in a few of my dad's breezers before now, but this is by far the best result–I'm delighted.” Equally delighted to get his hands on lot 159 was Corrigan, a big supporter of the Linda Perratt yard in South Lanarkshire. That is likely to be the ultimate destination for this filly after Corrigan secured her with an online bid, acting on the advice of another youngster with a big future in the shape of apprentice jockey Tommie Jakes. “Tommie chose her,” said Corrigan. “He rides a lot for us and his family became friends. His mum [Tonie] and dad [Jeremy] have had horses for a long time. They will look after her and break her, etc. before she most likely moves to Linda's yard. Tommie thought she had plenty of scope and she should be a nice horse in the making.” It's worth pointing out that direct statistical comparisons with last year are difficult with this being the first two-day edition of the Somerville Yearling Sale, but the clearance rate of 76% is likely to give the Tattersalls team cause of concern after the high of 89% in 2023. Of the 214 lots offered here on day one, 161 sold for an aggregate sum of 4,385,500gns. The average was 27,239gns and the median was 22,000gns. No Place for Nurturing Talent Like Tally-Ho The popularity of the first yearlings by July Cup winner Starman (GB) was a feature of the Doncaster Premier Yearling Sale. Out of the five highest-priced lots, he was responsible for two of them, helping him to an impressive average of £52,360 and an aggregate of £1,309,000 for 25 sold. A few days later and it was a case of deja vu here at Park Paddocks as Starman again made his presence felt with the top lot during this opening session, a half-sister to the G3 Palace House Stakes winner Seven Questions (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) who was sold to Richard Ryan for 100,000gns. She was consigned by Tally-Ho Stud who stand the first-season sire. Of the 12 Starman yearlings offered, eight sold at an average of 37,125gns and for a total of 297,000gns. It wasn't quite the fireworks of Doncaster but still took fair doing for a stallion who stood his first season in Mullingar at a fee of €17,500 in 2022. “She is a lovely filly, the mare is proven, and she will be the first Teme Valley horse with Karl Burke,” Ryan said of lot 154. “I have been looking for a nice horse for Karl for some time and she fits all the criteria. Karl trained Boogie Time [another half-sister by Kodiac] and he felt this was a step up as an individual. She has a great mind and a lot to like with a fabulous walk.” “I like the sire and I quite like them as a bunch,” Ryan added of the stallion. “I think he has got every chance.” Starman is certainly in the right place to make a good fist of his second career, while there are seemingly worse places to be than Tally-Ho if you're a young person looking to make your way in the industry, too. Indeed, look no further than young Ruairi Kilmartin, who already has his next steps mapped out after spending some time under the wing of Tally-Ho's Roger O'Callaghan. “I have been going around with Roger and he has been really helpful,” Kilmartin added. “I expect I will end up at Tally-Ho Stud, although my dad tells me to stick to the books!” Burns Doesn't Stick Around to Soak in the Acclamation The O'Callaghans weren't the only Irish racing dynasty able to celebrate a good day's work. Paddy Burns, who belongs to another family which has been heavily involved in this industry for several generations, with uncle Maurice the owner of Rathasker Stud near Naas, also came away from Tattersalls having landed a nice touch. That said, can it be called a good day's work when your Acclamation (GB) colt is the very first lot through the ring, allowing you to head for your ferry crossing at Holyhead around the time this scribe was still considering the breakfast options at Park Paddocks? I jest, of course, but the 75,000gns it cost Oliver St Lawrence to secure lot 2 certainly put a spring in Burns's step as he embarked on the long journey home to Loughtown Stud, a result which came about after he bought the dam, Adelante (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}) for 25,000gns at the 2020 Tattersalls December Mares Sale. “I bought the mare out of George Baker's yard,” Burns said of that initial purchase. “She was a tough, consistent filly and I like Zoffany as a broodmare sire. Royal Applause has worked on the family before, so we went for the same sireline with this colt. “Thankfully, he was very popular and a lot of great judges were very complimentary about him as a speedy, sharp-looking sort of colt. They followed through on that in the ring and Oliver, Fawzi [Nass] and the Victorious Racing team are very lucky and successful owners. Hopefully, this guy brings them more of the same.” Burns was a first-time consignor at the Somerville Yearling Sale, but he promised to be back–even if the early bird slot can't be guaranteed every time–while St Lawrence was busy trying to find another Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) for the Victorious Racing team. Bradsell, of course, sold at this sale for just 12,000 guineas in 2021, before finding his way into the hands of his Bahraini owners after being bought by Blandford Bloodstock for £47,000 at the Goffs UK Breeze-up Sale. On Monday three yearlings went the way of St Lawrence on their behalf for a total of 190,000gns, with the others including lot 163, Ballyvolane Stud's Ardad (Ire) colt who fetched 65,000gns. Talking points George Scott was one of the most active members of the training ranks at the sale as he signed for six lots in tandem with Billy Jackson-Stops, while Eve Johnson Houghton and Highflyer's Anthony Bromley were another formidable combination as they came away with six of their own. However, it was Clive Cox who arguably made the biggest statement as he went to 85,000gns to secure a Sands Of Mali (Fr) colt from the Barton Stud draft. Lot 200 was one of five purchases made by the Lambourn trainer for a total of 236,000gns. Philipp Stauffenberg was another first-time consignor at this year's Somerville Yearling Sale and, though his A'Ali (Ire) filly [lot 185] failed to find a buyer, it still proved a worthwhile venture as his other filly by Hello Youmzain (Fr ) [lot 223] went the way of Highflyer for 68,000gns. Admittedly, breeding precocious, speedy two-year-olds isn't really in keeping with the German way of doing things, but the name Stauffenberg Bloodstock is always to be respected in this game, whatever the circumstances. It will be interesting to see whether the team follow up with further consignments at this sale in the years to come. Last year a total of seven six-figure yearlings sold at this sale, so it's fair to say that there's work to be done on day two to at least match that feat after lot 154, the Starman (GB) filly, was the only one to reach that benchmark during this opening session. There's obviously no reason for the team at Tattersalls to panic just yet, with over 210 yearlings still to go through the ring on Tuesday, but they might have hoped to be a bit further ahead of the curve given the much bigger catalogue assembled for the first two-day edition of this sale. It wasn't just the top end of the market which seemed to suffer, either. The average for 161 lots sold on Monday was 27,239gns, while the median was 22,000gns. By way of comparison, the average at the end of last year's sale for 271 yearlings sold was 31,904gns. The median was 27,000gns. Buy of the Day There isn't much of lot 92, the Kessaar (Ire) colt offered by Ringfort Stud. Nor is there much to speak of when it comes to the race record of his dam, the Mehmas (Ire) mare Destacado (Ire), who retired as an 11-race maiden. However, dig a little deeper in the pedigree and there's enough there to suggest that he could prove a shrewd buy at just 5,000gns. This colt is Destacado's first foal, but she in turn is a half-sister to four-black type performers, including the Listed winners Redolent (Ire) (Redback {GB}) and Pepita (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire})–the dam of last month's G2 Lowther Stakes heroine Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB})–plus the G3 Albany Stakes third Illaunglass (Ire) (Red Clubs {Ire}). Every inch a two-year-old, lot 92 could be the type to emulate Pont Neuf (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), who won one of the first juvenile races of the season after being picked up by the same team–Anthony Bromley of Highflyer and Eve Johnson Houghton–for 24,000gns at this sale 12 months ago. Golden Touch Ruairi Kilmartin would have been the obvious way to go, but the team at North Fordon Farm also deserve a mention for the job they did with their Ubettabelieveit (Ire) filly who went the way of Rabbah Bloodstock for 62,000gns. Successful pinhooks to report were otherwise in relatively short supply on the day, so it's worth shining a light on the story of lot 189, a mere 12,000gns purchase at last year's Tattersalls December Foal Sale. She was sold on that occasion by Mickley Stud who would still have been celebrating this result for their first-season sire who stands at a fee of just £5,000. The post Teenager Ruairi Kilmartin Enjoys Dream Result with Dark Angel Filly at Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Arkansas Derby winner Muth (Good Magic) marked his return to the races Sunday with a victory in the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar. Checking off the initial box on his road back, the $2 million OBS March topper is now poised to take the next step on the road to this fall's Breeders' Cup, which will be held at Del Mar Nov. 4-5. “He's always been a really smart horse,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “You can place him wherever you want to. He had to move a little earlier because my other horse [Imagination] was breathing down his neck [in the Shared Belief]. It's good see him back off that long layoff. Now we can point for the California Crown.” The new GI California Crown, formerly the Awesome Again, will be run at Santa Anita on Sept. 28. The nine-furlong test is worth $1 million and is a “Win and You're In” for the Classic. Precluded from running in the Kentucky Derby due his trainer's ineligibility, the Zedan Racing colt was knocked out of last spring's GI Preakness Stakes due to illness. “It was so disappointing to have him ready for the Preakness then he gets sick,” Baffert recalls. “Something I was always worried about throughout my career, that these big horses would get sick. During the Triple Crown with [American] 'Pharoah' and Justify I went all those years and finally it hits. I think that's what every trainer worries about is sickness. When they get sick and they're travelling, that's why it hit him so hard.” Muth broke his maiden first out and then ran second in last year's GIII Best Pal Stakes, followed by a win in the GI American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita and a runner-up finish to Fierceness in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He started this year with victories in the GII San Vicente and Arkansas Derby before falling ill in May. “That was a really tough race,” Baffert noted of this weekend's Shared Belief. “There were some good 3-year-olds. It was like a Grade II race. There are no easy spots down here at Del Mar. All of them are going to be tough.” The post “One Step at a Time, Baby Steps”: Baffert on the Return of Muth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Using pedigree and proven stallions, Casse put together a successful roster of 2-year-olds for the summer meet. View the full article

A strenuous Southwell workout is on the agenda for City of Troy this month when Aidan O'Brien is keen to replicate the early intensity of the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) by having some of the fastest horses he can find go flat out over a mile.View the full article

The Dubai Racing Club Membership gives patrons access to the Parade Ring Lounge for all 16 Dubai Racing Carnival meetings, as well as a range of exclusive benefits.View the full article

As the final few days of the Saratoga Race Course meet rolled to an end, the traditional blend of excitement and electricity were back. View the full article

City Of Troy (Justify), a winner of the G1 Derby, G1 Eclipse Stakes, and G1 International Stakes this spring and summer, is still on target for a Sept. 20 Southwell gallop, trainer Aidan O'Brien revealed during the Irish Champions Festival media event at Ballydoyle on Monday. The colt is aiming for a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 2. O'Brien said, “He can go a mile, probably with four or five other horses and we'll go a good, strong pace and see what will happen. He'll work out of American [starting] stalls, so we'll have it as close as we can [to a race]. “Obviously we won't have the surface, but that's not a bad thing because we're coming off the grass and it's a little bit of a step in between, rather than the big jump straight away. “We'll work the fastest horses we can and we'll go very hard for the first half [of the gallop]. I don't know what's going to happen as any horse we've sent to Southwell has never worked well, they always just about finish with their lead horse and maybe this will be the same, I don't know.” Flawless at two with three wins including the G1 Dewhurst Stakes and G2 Superlative to his name from three starts, the bay made his 3-year-old bow when ninth in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. He's visited the winner's circle in each of his starts since, and made all of the running in the International Stakes at York on Aug. 21. “We were waiting to let him go forward, but we only wanted to let him do it before the Classic as while he was aggressive the last day, he'll be more aggressive the next day,” he said. “We didn't want to do that until very late because of what happened in the Guineas. It just took a long time to get back and we had to do it very subtle without him knowing. We had to keep him moving forward, so it took us a long time to get back to [front-running] at York. “Ryan (Moore) went forward at York, but it was still controlled aggression. I know him and the next day he will hit the gates and want to go.” A victory in the Classic has proven elusive for O'Brien, who added, “We think what he did is going to set him up well for America. We've never won the Classic, we've tried very hard for 25 years and it's a very difficult race to win. “There's no doubt probably [he could be better as a 4-year-old], but he's unique and he's a different kind of a horse, so I'd imagine he'll have to go off to stud. “He's just too different and from day one he was like that. He's a great shape–he's not too weak, he's not too small. He's perfectly proportioned and balanced and not extreme in any way.” The post Southwell Gallop Details Emerge For City Of Troy Ahead Of Breeders’ Cup Classic Bid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Second Stride has received a combined donation of $25,000 from the horsemen of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino. “Second Stride does an excellent job in horse aftercare,” said HBPA Executive Director Tim Glyshaw. “Whenever the Indiana HBPA or Horsehoe Indianapolis run into a situation where aftercare is needed, Second Stride has always been there to help us.” Additionally, Claiborne Farm's 7th Annual “Runhappy” 5K and 2.5K run/walk event, which will benefit Second Stride, will take place Sept. 20. The price to register is $35 (there are 39 spots left). To register, click here. The post Indiana HBPA, Horseshoe Indianapolis Make $25K Donation to Second Stride appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amateur rider Lauren Keen-Hawkins sustained a major head injury in a fall at Worcester on Sunday and has been hospitalised in Birmingham, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) announced on Monday. The rider was aboard trainer Kim Bailey's Faerie Cutlass (GB) (Black Sam Bellamy {Ire}) in the last race of the day, a 2 1/2-mile handicap hurdle and was dislodged three flights from the winning post. Keen-Hawkins has a win aboard Dandy Dan (Ire) (Midnight Legend {GB}), as well as a second-place finish at Worcester in July to her credit. In a statement released on Monday, the IJF said, “Amateur jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins had a fall in the last race at Worcester Racecourse yesterday and was taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. “Lauren has suffered a serious head injury and is now in critical care. Her parents and partner are with her and they kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time.” The post Amateur Jockey Lauren Keen-Hawkins Hospitalised Following Fall At Worcester appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), placed twice at the highest level, is in good order ahead of a start in the G1 Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Sept. 15, according to Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Harry Herbert. A winner of the G2 Sapphire Stakes over the minimum trip at the Curragh in July, the 4-year-old filly was third to Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) in the G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood, before running fan favourite Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) to three-quarters of a length in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes on Aug. 23. He said, “A wonderful performance and sensational splits through those last two furlongs so we head to the Curragh for the Flying Five, on a track where she won a Group 2 last time and hopefully she will be highly competitive again. “She's an extraordinary animal and giving everyone a lot of fun, so we hope it doesn't get too soft over in Ireland and she can go one better. “We'll see who turns up and what the ground is like and see what the final field for the Saturday looks like. Game on [for the rematch with Bradsell]. He's a wonderful horse, Bradsell, fantastic, and we weren't that far away on the wrong side. “This is a straight five and hopefully we can get Ryan [Moore] again and Bradsell will obviously be a pretty warm favourite and we hope to go one better.” Last out G3 Prix de Lieurey heroine Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is another Highclere filly hoping to make her mark at the highest level. Also slated for a start on Irish Champions Weekend in mid-September, the 3-year-old will start in the G1 Matron Stakes, all being well. Herbert said, “She's thriving, she's fantastic and I think what we learned in France was very much that we won't be afraid to ride her prominently. “She's had this little bit of a quirk where she's running free and then it's settle her down, settle her down at the back and in fact what she wants to be doing is be much more prominent. “She seems to really enjoy that style of racing so in Ireland that will very much be the plan to ride her sensibly but don't give her too much to do.” The post Highclere Fillies Target Irish Group 1s appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

George Murphy revealed Sept. 2 that White Birch (GB) will miss the remainder of the season after picking up an injury to his hock.View the full article

The lucrative purses offered by Kentucky Downs have done the job in attracting top horsemen from around the country to participate, but trainer Joe Sharp has separated himself from the pack through the first three days of the meet.View the full article

As the final few days of the Saratoga Race Course meet rolled to an end, the traditional blend of excitement and electricity were back. View the full article

Last week, the 40th Asian Racing Conference took place in Sapporo, Japan. You may ask what relevance that has for anyone with horses in Continental America or Europe? The answer is many owners and trainers today play on the global stage. As an extremely small owner and breeder, even I have horses in the U.S., Ireland, England, France, and fractional ownership in Australia. And what do we all do first thing every morning? Read the Thoroughbred Daily News, and many listen to the Nick Luck Daily Podcast. In doing so, we have a rough oversight of what is happening in our industry on a daily basis. Sometimes word filters via 'bush telegraph' from countries outside the U.S. long before it ever hits media sources. I'm sure there are perhaps other industries as globally connected, but I can guarantee not to the same extent, and this makes this industry unique. The connectivity of the Thoroughbred industry affords us the opportunity to manage information, to market, to publicize, to promote any message. Do we recognize this? Do we utilize this? NO. Why? Because we are all too siloed, too busy paddling our own canoes, too fractionalized to work together for the greater good of our sport and business. The chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, spoke of racing's social licence and “the challenge of how we as an industry are seen by people who are not in racing.” The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR), whose one-day conference preceded the Asian Racing Conference, did much to place the topic of aftercare on the minds of those in the corridors of power of racing jurisdictions around the world. There has been too much bad press on the subject on what happens to Thoroughbreds when their racing careers are over. Sadly, this is not unfounded, and it does need to be exposed, but unfortunately we as a collective have failed miserably to address this situation. Yes, great strides have been made in the last 15 or so years, but it is only since the inception of IFAR that the topic has been addressed uniformly. The organizations we have are brilliant, and are a gallant attempt to stuff the dike. They are a base from which to work to develop a model we can be proud of as an industry, and not a stopgap. We all know racing's social licence is wafer-thin. We know our fan base is diminishing in not all countries, but most. There are a gazillion marketing strategies out there with ways to attract a new and younger audience. The issue is the majority of the younger demographic today has no reference to horses, and has probably never even seen one in real life. Horses are about as relevant to them as dinosaurs. What we do have in the Western world is a mental health crisis, be it children with ADHD, learning issues, social anxiety, depression, isolation; adults who are the victims of domestic abuse, alcohol or drug addiction, PTSD, veterans, prisoners or those battling suicidal tendencies. The field of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) is one which has expanded exponentially over the last 20 years, to where today, many governments around the world are now helping to fund various EAS programs which are proving to be so much more effective than any recognized form of therapy or medication. The fact that EAS is changing lives is possibly one of the best-kept secrets of the 21st century. Today, there are a number of EAS programs using Thoroughbreds, and we are discovering that the Thoroughbred is ideally suited for this type of work. It is not a given, however, that this could be an avenue for many of our retired racehorses, as outside of the Thoroughbred community, our industry is viewed by many with suspicion and distrust. We are certainly not held in high esteem outside of our bubble. But we could be, and we could be leaders, IF instead of each paddling our own canoe, we come together collectively to promote the work being achieved by our retired racehorses engaged in the various models of EAS around the world. Not only could we inform, but we could reach a huge swath of the population and connect them to these magical creatures, creating an understanding of the bond which has existed between horses and humans throughout the centuries. Guarantee you wouldn't be finding articles in the Daily Telegraph titled “Should we be riding horses?” any more. Call EAS an olive branch to reconnect this industry to the rest of society, or carry-on selfishly banging your own drums proclaiming all the good you all individually do. (FYI, it's not working.) It's time to do better. We have an opportunity to create meaningful change, but this will not happen until organizations and corporations come together to work jointly to the same end. I have asked the world's auction houses to facilitate information on the many different modalities of EAS programs available. I now ask the racing and bloodstock media outlets if they would be prepared to do so? And whether the world's racecourses would take a look at programs such as Abijahs currently in operation at Canterbury Park with a view to replicating something similar. We are a global community. It's time to begin acting as ONE, and not as individual fiefdoms, if we are to survive as an industry. Suzi Prichard-Jones is an owner/breeder, and the author of 'Byerley, The Thoroughbred's Ticking Time Bomb.' She is also founder of the Byerley Turk & Godolphin Arabian Conservation Project. The post Letter to the Editor: A Unique Opportunity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A trio of new memberships offering enhanced access to the horseracing action at Meydan Racecourse for the 2024-2025 Dubai Racing Carnival, were announced by the Dubai Racing Club (DRC) on Monday. The Dubai Racing Carnival begins on Friday, Nov. 8. The Dubai Racing Club membership gives patrons access to the Parade Ring Lounge for all 16 Dubai Racing Carnival meetings, as well as a range of exclusive benefits. Rewards include complimentary food and house beverages, 10 entries to the DRC draw, valet parking and invitation to the Dubai World Cup post position gala in April. Members will also receive a complimentary desert ride at Emirates Equestrian Centre and discounts off guest admission to the races. It is priced at AED4,795. The general public season pass also gives entry to the DRC draw and Dubai World Cup meeting, while the trackside season pass encompasses complimentary self-parking in the VIP Zone, plus discounts on food, beverage and merchandise. The general public season pass is priced at AED70, while the trackside season pass is AED730. Ali Al Ali, board member and CEO of the DRC, said, “Our loyal fans are a huge part of what makes Meydan Racecourse such a special place and we are looking forward to welcoming them back for an exciting 2024-5 Dubai Racing Carnival. “To help bring racegoers even closer to the action we have launched three new membership options: DRC membership; the general public season pass and the trackside season pass. We recognise the importance of providing membership levels that suit everyone, from families who want to enjoy a fun evening out, our avid horseracing fans and to those who wish to visit for our unique hospitality.” For more details, or to reserve your membership, please visit the DRC website. The post New Memberships Launched By Dubai Racing Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Gold Award, in recognition of their sustained support of the British Armed Forces community, was awarded to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the organisation announced on Monday. The highest accolade available as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition scheme, the award is granted by the UK Government to employers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to those who serve and have served, including veterans, reservists and their families. The BHA has introduced a range of measures as part of their commitment to the armed forces community including bespoke advice and assistance programmes, flexible employment policies, additional leave to assist with training and deployment and a forces-friendly approach to recruitment. The BHA had signed the Armed Forces Covenant in October 2022. BHA director of Legal, Governance and Business partners, Catherine Beloff, said, “We are immensely proud that less than two years after signing the Armed Forces Covenant we have achieved the highest accolade awarded by the Employer Recognition Scheme. Securing a Gold Award is a wonderful accomplishment and a testament to our collective efforts to strengthen the BHA's valued relationship with the Armed Forces community. “The BHA is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our colleagues and will continue to ensure that our employment policies recognise and reflect the unique skills, knowledge and experience that serving personnel, veterans and military families can bring to the organisation.” The post BHA Given Gold Award By British Armed Forces appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1-winning sprinter Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) faces 21 rivals in Saturday's G1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock at the latest entry stage. Trained by Kevin Ryan, the 3-year-old colt won the G3 Sandy Lane Stakes in the spring, before prevailing in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Favoured for the G1 July Cup, he could only manage fifth, and has been benched since. Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), successful in that July Cup, was followed home by Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), who is trained by Karl Burke for Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum. Philip Robinson, assistant racing manager for the sheikh, said, “All is going well and it has been the plan for a while since she ran at Newmarket. “She was beaten about a length and a half last year and I think she is at least two lengths better this year, so hopefully she will be thereabouts. “It's the perfect race for her and one that has been on the cards for a long while.” Burke will also saddle G3 Prix de Meautry hero Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}) and multiple group winner Elite Status (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), with the latter also owned by Inisherin's owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. There will be three contestants from William Haggas's Somerville Lodge, including Commonwealth Cup second Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never), G3 Chipchase Sxtakes victor Motassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) and Cheveley Park Stud's Unequal Love (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}). Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is a late addition to the Sprint Cup, and was supplemented at a cost of £20,000 on Monday. The Bermuda Racing Limited runner won the G3 Summer Stakes two starts ago. Other likely starters are Group 1 winner Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Jasour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Givemethebeatboys (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), and Shouldvebeenaring (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who was a neck second in the 2023 edition. The post Sprint Cup Field Contains 21 Rivals For Inisherin At Latest Entry Stage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Camelot (GB)'s Los Angeles (Ire) is likely to contest the G1 Irish Champion Stakes on Irish Champions Weekend alongside Aidan O'Brien stablemates August Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Luxemborg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), O'Brien revealed on Monday. The master of Ballydoyle also outlined plans for other runners from his stable for the mid-September meeting. Five-for-six in his young career, with a third in the G1 Derby followed by victories in the G1 Irish Derby and G2 Great Voltigeur Stakes in June and August, respectively, Los Angeles faces a tough ask in the 1 1/4-mile Leopardstown affair on Sept. 14. He is also entered in the G1 St Leger Stakes at Doncaster that same day. “It looks like at the moment Los Angeles is going to run,” said O'Brien. “We had it in our head going to York that we might go that way and that was the reason for doing it. “We thought he's the kind of horse that could finish in the first three, four or five in a [Irish] Champion Stakes and could go onto an Arc. That's what we still think and if the ground got soft in France he'd have no problem with that. “Obviously we were delighted with his run in York. We could go to the Leger with him, but we have three others [by Galileo (Ire)] that look like real Leger horses (Illinois {Ire}, Jan Brueghel {Ire} and Grosvenor Square {Ire}) that will get the trip very well and we didn't think that he needs to go that trip. “It definitely won't do him any harm to run over a mile and a quarter and we'll learn a lot about him. He could be an Arc horse and I'd say there's no doubt he'll stay in training next year.” In 2023, Derby/Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin used a win in the Irish Champion as a springboard to a thrilling victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf. Although a winner of the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, the 4-year-old is aiming for some redemption after a fifth-place run in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes last out on July 27. The G1 Japan Cup is the long term goal for the son of Deep Impact. “He loves fast ground and his last bit of work was excellent, he showed a lot of zest in it,” added O'Brien. “He went by his lead horse very easy, whereas usually he wouldn't at that stage of the work. He was very confident and it was a bit different. “The plan is to go to Leopardstown and then go to Japan after it. We think he's a mile-and-a-quarter horse that gets a mile and a half, but he doesn't want any further than that. He's a very slick horse who travels very well and does everything very easy. “If he [Auguste Rodin] runs I'd imagine Ryan will ride him. I suppose if the ground got soft everything might change, but I'd imagine he will ride him.” Another Irish Champion Stakes entrant is Luxembourg, who claimed the G1 Coronation Cup in May. The 5-year-old entire led for part of the King George before succumbing to the charge of Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and finishing sixth. “Luxembourg is a very consistent, strong horse,” said O'Brien. “He'll go forward–over a mile and a quarter he doesn't mind making the running and you have to follow him because he won't be stopping.” On the juvenile front, the unbeaten Railway/Futurity Stakes hero Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) looms large in the G1 National Stakes, with G3 Acomb Stakes-winning stablemate The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) more likely for the Goffs Million on Sept. 28. Multiple group winner Bedtime Story (Ire), a winner of all four of her starts, and Lake Victoria (Ire), who sports a win in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes, will represent Frankel in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. The Cheveley Park Stakes is the aim for two-time Group 3 scorer Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). “That [National Stakes] was always the plan for Henri Matisse and the lads will decide whether the horse that won in York will run or not, but he's still there,” said O'Brien. “If he doesn't go there he'll go to the Goffs. He's being kept on the boil for the National Stakes, but the plan is that he'll go to the Million.” Group 1 winner Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is on song to race in the G1 Matron Stakes, while standout stayer Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is aiming for his second consecutive G1 Irish St Leger. Opera Singer (Justify) is targeting the G1 Prix Vermeille in the hopes of enhancing her G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe credentials. The post Los Angeles Likely For Irish Champion, As O’Brien Reveals Plans For Stable Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Executive Order, a 2-year-old Unified gelding, earned a 7 3/4-length victory on debut in an Aug. 31 maiden auction race at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

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High-class older horse White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a hock injury, it was reported by At The Races on Monday. Trained by John Murphy, White Birch kicked off the campaign in the best possible fashion with three straight wins at the Curragh, notably gaining his first success at the top level when last seen beating Auguste Rodin by three lengths in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in May. That performance identified him as potentially a leading player for the major middle-distance prizes during the summer, but he was subsequently ruled out of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Coral-Eclipse due to unsatisfactory blood results. The Murphy team had hoped to get him back for the autumn and a tilt at next weekend's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, but those plans have now had to be shelved after this latest setback. More to follow. The post Hock Injury Sidelines White Birch for the Rest of the Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article