Wandering Eyes

The inaugural Keeneland Championship Sale, to be held Oct. 30 in the Del Mar paddock, will feature 12 offerings, including interests in four horses expected to participate in Breeders' Cup championship weekend days later. Now available at Championship.Keeneland.com, the interactive catalogue features photos, videos, speed figures and more information for each entered horse. “Keeneland created the Championship Sale to be a fun, unique event that celebrates the Breeders' Cup World Championships and the sport, and we look forward to hosting a top-level experience,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We thank our owners and consignors for their enthusiastic support.” Breeders' Cup contenders or horses with connections to championship weekend in the catalogue include: A 50% ownership interest in recent GIII Vosburgh Stakes winner and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile contender Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke). The interest is consigned by I. C. Racing, agent. A 25% interest in Grade I winner and GI Breeders' Cup Turf contender Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Bellardo {Ire}), consigned by Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables and Marsha Naify. A 25% interest in undefeated Kilwin (Twirling Candy), winner of the Untapable Stakes and scheduled to start in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Stakes. The interest is consigned by Damian and Braxton Lynch's Royal Oak Farm, agent for owners BBN Racing. Pandora's Gift (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), a multiple group/graded stakes-placed winner in England and the U.S. who finished third in the GII Franklin Stakes at Keeneland Sunday. She is being pointed toward the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint or the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and is consigned by Stuart Williams Racing. She's Got a Way (Tonalist), a winning, stakes-placed half-sister to undefeated Japanese racing sensation Ecoro Sieg (Twirling Candy), among the favorites for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. The 5-year-old mare is consigned as a broodmare prospect by River Oak Farm, agent for Forever Spring Farm. The catalogue also features: a 25% interest in Grade I winner Book'em Danno (Bucherro), consigned by Gracie Bloodstock, agent for Atlantic Six Racing; Reincarnate (Good Magic), a graded stakes-winning colt consigned by ELiTE, agent; Rothschild (Uncle Mo), a multiple graded stakes-placed winner, also consigned by ELiTE, agent; Green Light (Hard Spun), a multiple stakes-placed winning sophomore and contender for the GI Hollywood Derby in late November. He is consigned by Bridie Harrison, agent for Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds; and Cornell (Into Mischief), a multiple stakes-placed winning 3-year-old colt consigned by ELiTE, agent. The auction also includes stallion shares in champion Flightline and GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint contender Cogburn (Not This Time). “The star power of this catalog, its quality and diversity will appeal to a wide variety of potential buyers,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “There's a renewed interest in racing that is very encouraging, and the Championship Sale is a gateway for new investors, as well as current owners, to participate at the highest level.” The Championship Sale event will begin at 5 p.m. PT and the sale will start at 6:30 p.m. The post Breeders’ Cup Contenders Among 12 Offerings for Inaugural Keeneland Championship Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gay Kelleway has sold her yard in Newmarket and is moving north to join forces with Ann Duffield. Kelleway, who trained at Queen Alexandra stables for 20 years, will eventually move in alongside Duffield at her Sun Hill yard just outside Middleham. Initially, the horses will be running under Duffield's name until all of the paperwork is complete. “We've both still got fire in our bellies and it looks the perfect fit,” said Kelleway, who has saddled 11 winners in Britain so far this season. “I've always been tempted to go up north because I've had a lot of winners up there and that's where many of my owners are based.” Duffield, wife of former jockey George, cited the difficulties trainers face today as one of the driving forces behind the move. She said, “It just makes more sense to share a business 50 per cent between us and go places than to keep 100 per cent and not go anywhere. Racing's a tough game and getting tougher–both our numbers were dwindling and this is a great way to be competitive moving forward. You have got to have the ammunition to go to war and this way we have the facilities, experienced and talented staff and a great environment to get back competing.” Duffield added, “We've known each other for years and, when she rang to say she had sold up in Newmarket, I asked what she was planning to do. Coming up to train with me just evolved naturally. A lot of trainers are sharing the workload now and it just made sense for us to do the same.” The post Gay Kelleway Leaving Newmarket to Join Forces with Ann Duffield appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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 Zarak's Laurelin during the Belmont at the Big A meeting. Big Apple Flavour For Laurelin Newstead Stables' Laurelin (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) won her career debut for trainer Graham Motion during the Belmont at the Big A meeting last week (video). Bred by M. H. Dixon and Mount Coote Estates, the chestnut filly cost Form Bloodstock €160,000 as a Goffs Orby yearling. The daughter of the winning Bari (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) is a half-sister to stakes winner Maud Gone Spirit (Ire) (Intello {Ger}), and she has a yearling half-brother by Space Blues (Ire) who sold to Alex Elliott for 32,000gns during Monday's session of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2. Her dam is a half-sister to the stakes winner and stakes producer Brindisi (GB) (Dr Fong), who is the granddam of G1 Prix du Moulin and G1 Prix d'Ispahan heroine Dreamloper (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Oaks victress Talent (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) is also kin to Laurelin. The Aga Khan Studs' Zarak has sired five winners from seven runners in the U.S. His best runner in that jurisdiction is GII Flower Bowl Stakes winner, GII Glens Falls Stakes runner-up and GIII Robert G Dick Memorial Stakes third Parnac (Fr). LOT 578: UPDATE! Laurelin (Zarak x Bari) broke her maiden on debut last night at Belmont At The Big A! She is the 2yo half sister to Lot 578 selling TODAY! He is a colt by Space Blues offered by MOUNT COOTE STUD@Tattersalls1766 @DarleyEurope pic.twitter.com/vr44SBx8el — Luke Lillingston (@lukelillingston) October 14, 2024 Repeat Winners The Swingtime Stakes at Santa Anita went to Queen Of The Mud (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) in the colours of Siena Farm, LLC, Stuart Grant's The Elkstone Group, LLC, Peter Deutsch and Michael Kisber (video). She is trained by Graham Motion. Former graded winner Lammas (GB) (Heerat {Ire}) prevailed in Fresno's Bulldog Stakes over the weekend. The gelding is owned by Ronald Charles and Samuel Gordon and trained by Manuel Badilla. Sorrento Sky (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) has now made it two on the bounce on the Southern California circuit after he captured a Santa Anita contest for trainer Phil D'Amato on Monday (video). He is raced by the Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, Saul Gevertz, Marc Lantzman and Michael Nentwig. The post Making Waves: Zarak Filly Graduates In New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Once again this year Arqana will be fundraising for the François Baclesse Centre in Caen through the Octobre Rose initiative, with all vendors invited to take part in a charity challenge during the October Yearling Sale. 'La Marche Rose' will start on Monday, October 21 and finish on Friday, October 25 when the gavel falls on the final lot. Vendors wishing to take part must form a team with some or all of their employees. At the end of each day, the team will calculate the average number of steps taken and turn it into donations for the François Baclesse Centre to support cancer research and care. Full details of the 'Marche Rose' initiative are available here. Meanwhile, a limited edition of the Arqana x Octobre Rose beanie will be on sale for €15 in the boutique, at the entrance to the restaurant Le Resto, and at customer service, with all profits to be donated to the François Baclesse Centre. A donation box will also be available at the papers office throughout the sale. Arqana chairman Olivier Delloye said, “All the Arqana teams were keen to renew their participation in this important campaign and give their support for the François Baclesse Centre, which is doing remarkable work in the fight against cancer. We are counting on the participation of all those involved in sales. This disease affects all, and we are convinced that everyone will want to take part in the charity challenge during this sales week.” The post Cancer Centre the Focus of Fundraising Effort during Arqana October Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under the supervision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and dictated by state and federal standards, five additional horses have been euthanized at Los Alamitos after they tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia.View the full article

The dam of G1 King George hero Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) leads the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale catalogue, which was released on Thursday. Set for Nov. 22-23, the sale features 348 lots and will begin at 10 a.m. each day. Previously, the dams of eight 2024 Group 1 winners–Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio), Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Lugal (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), New Century (GB) (Kameko), Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never), and Kalapour (Ire) (War Command) were sold in the Goffs ring. Some of the highlights of the 2024 catalogue include Gouache (Ger) (Shamardal) (lot 1184), the dam of the aforementioned Goliath in foal to first-year sire Baaeed (GB); Earth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 1181) in foal to New Bay (GB); lot 1192, Flight Of Dreams (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a full-sister to Group 1 winner Cloth Of Stars (Ire); Rainfall Of Colour (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) (lot 1159) in foal to Wootton Bassett (GB) who is a half-sister to multiple Group 1-winning miler Ribchester (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}); and Mer Lunaire (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (lot 1128), pregnant to Calyx (GB) and a half-sister to G1 Prix du Moulin hero Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}). A variety of covering sires are represented, and in addition to those mentioned above, Bayside Boy (Ire), Blue Point (Ire), Camelot (GB), Chaldean (GB), Dark Angel (Ire), Galiway (GB), Gleneagles (Ire), Invincible Spirit (Ire), Kodiac (GB), Mehmas (Ire), Modern Games (Ire), Mostahdaf (GB), Night Of Thunder (Ire), Paddington (GB), Sands Of Mali (Fr), Sea The Stars (Ire), St Mark's Basilica (Fr), Starman (GB), Starspangledbanner (Aus), Study Of Man (Ire), Teofilo (Ire) and Too Darn Hot (GB) all have mares in foal due to sell at Goffs. In 2023, Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), in foal to Frankel, topped the sale at €6,000,000. Overall, 327 lots sold from 444 offered for a gross of €40,751,500 and a clearance rate of 74%. The average was €124,623 and the median was €18,000. Goffs Group chief executive, Henry Beeby said, “If you're looking to breed a Group 1 winner, come to Goffs. Eight Group 1 winners in seven countries and all from mares sold at the November Sale for between €11,500 and €150,000 proves the potential on offer and we are pleased to present another quality catalogue with drafts from many of the sport's leading breeders alongside some truly special mares such as Gouache, dam of Group 1 winner and Japan Cup contender Goliath. As ever we thank them for their support and promise potential purchasers the warmest welcome and a catalogue of quality.” The post Dam Of Goliath Anchors Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-KEE, $100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 7f, 4:12 p.m. ET. SERAPHIA (Gun Runner) makes her first start for owners Twin Creeks, Jackpot, Whispering Oaks and Rick Ortyl. Initially, the filly was taken home for $675,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale before going for $1 million at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the juvenile is out of Temptress (Tapit), who was acquired for $400,000 by Avenue Bloodstock at the Keeneland November Sale while Seraphia was in-utero. A half-sister to GSW Donegal Moon (Malibu Moon), Temptress also produced GII Jim Dandy Stakes hero Tenfold (Curlin) and her filly by Curlin was bought by Repole Stable for $800,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale back in August. Seraphia's third dam is champion grass mare Possibly Perfect (Northern Baby). TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: Pricey Gun Runner Filly Makes The Races At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame's sixth annual Photo Finish exhibition will open in the Museum's von Stade Gallery Nov. 2 and will run through Feb. 2, 2025. The exhibit will also be available on the museum's website, racingmuseum.org. Photo Finish features selected amateur and professional photographs that document the Thoroughbred racing experience, from a serene moment on the farm to the exhilaration at the finish of a race. Each image captures an element of the strength, beauty, and emotion of the sport. Photographers from 11 states are represented in the exhibition. The post Photo Finish Exhibition to Open at National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oisin Murphy will officially be named champion Flat jockey in Britain for the fourth time in his career on Saturday. This year the jockeys' championship began on Saturday, May 4 and ends with QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot where Murphy will receive his prize. Before racing at Chelmsford on Thursday, Murphy had ridden 162 winners and held an unassailable lead over his closest pursuers, Rossa Ryan (108) and Tom Marquand (103). The 29-year-old succeeds dual champion jockey William Buick, adding to his three consecutive championship wins in 2019, 2020 and 2021. He also becomes the first Flat jockey since Kieren Fallon, who won the last of his six titles in 2003, to be crowned champion in Britain more than three times. Murphy has ridden two Group 1 winners on British soil this year and they both came at Royal Ascot where he partnered Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) to win the King Charles III Stakes and Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) to win the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. He added to those victories on the international stage when recently winning the GI Summer Stakes at Woodbine on the Breeders' Cup-bound New Century (GB) (Kameko). “I feel much more appreciative winning this championship,” said Murphy. “As I am now older it means much more to me. I am thankful to many people who have helped me in achieving the title for the fourth time. My agent Gavin [Horne] has been booking my rides in all my championship victories and for many years. My uncle Jim [Culloty] marked out my career from the very beginning on whose stables I was sent to, [including] Tommy Stack, Aidan O'Brien and Andrew Balding. “This season winning the Summer Stakes on New Century in Canada would be a highlight. I used to ride his sire and I have had success on his half-brother. I have ridden him a lot at home so seeing his career start gave me great pleasure.” He added, “Being at the end of the year, with many big races to come, it is hard to say [whether he'll target a fifth championship in 2025]. It will be something I will discuss with my family, agent and manager Jimmy [Derham] before I would set that target again. It's not something you just fall into–if you want to win a championship you have to have intent and be committed. It doesn't just occur.” The post Oisin Murphy Secures Fourth Champion Jockey Title appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

America's Day at the Races will present live, on-site coverage of the 103rd Far Hills Steeplechase Race Meeting Saturday afternoon from Moorland Farm in Far Hills, New Jersey. New York Racing Association host Acacia Clement will anchor the coverage from Far Hills and will be joined by analysts Joe Clancy and Richard Migliore. The Far Hills card will offer $720,000 in total purses and include five stakes among six races. The highlight of the card is the $250,000 G1 American Grand National, the richest race on the National Steeplechase Association schedule. America's Day at the Races, which will also include all the Saturday action from Belmont at the Big A, will start at 12 p.m. and run through 6 p.m. on FS2. In addition to stateside coverage Saturday, FOX Sports will present live coverage of British Champions Day from Ascot on FS1 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern and from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on FS2. QIPCO British Champions Day is the richest day on the British racing calendar. The post America’s Day at the Races to Provide Coverage of Far Hills Race Meeting appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a new partnership between the Aga Khan Studs and France Galop, it was announced on Thursday that the racing and breeding operation of His Highness the Aga Khan has committed to an across-the-card sponsorship of Prix Jacques le Marois day at Deauville from 2025. For nearly 40 years the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois, which boasts prize-money of €1 million, was sponsored by the Niarchos family whose long association with the race included nine victories in their familiar silks. The legendary Miesque was the first when winning back-to-back editions in 1987 and 1988, while her descendant, Alpha Centauri (Ire), was successful in 2018 and features alongside the likes of Dubawi (Ire), Goldikova (Ire) and Kingman (GB) among notable winners of the race this century. The Prix Jacques le Marois will take place on Sunday, August 17 in 2025, coinciding with the Arqana August Yearling Sale. The Aga Khan Studs will also sponsor the G3 Prix François Boutin, the Listed Prix Nureyev and the G3 Prix Lady O'Reilly (Prix Minerve)–a race in which the Aga Khan holds the record as an owner with 11 victories since 1966. Nemone Routh, French racing manager of the Aga Khan Studs, said, “His Highness and Princess Zahra Aga Khan are committed to supporting the French racing industry, with four of our stallions based at Haras de Bonneval: Siyouni, one of Europe's leading sires, Zarak, who is enjoying a meteoric rise, and our two young recruits, Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old Vadeni and Group-winning miler Erevann. “The G1 Prix Jacques le Marois is one of the finest eight-furlong races in Europe. Its exceptional track record speaks for itself and we are delighted to partner with France Galop to contribute to the promotion of this day, which occupies an essential place in the French racing calendar.” Elie Hennau, managing director of France Galop, added, “For more than 100 years, the Prix Jacques le Marois has been the epitome of talent and speed, becoming one of the summer highlights of the Deauville racing season. France Galop is proud to continue the history of this significant race in our racing calendar with a new prestigious partner, the Aga Khan Studs. “France Galop would like to take this opportunity to thank the Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard and the Niarchos family for their unwavering commitment to the Prix Jacques le Marois. Thanks to this exceptional partnership, the reputation of this challenge over the mile has gone from strength to strength. With our new partner, the Aga Khan Studs, we share the ambition to continue to grow the international renown of this outstanding competition.” The post The Aga Khan Studs to Sponsor the Prix Jacques le Marois from 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All season we seem to have been marvelling at 'another brilliant ride by Ryan Moore.' But the man himself chuckles at the idea that this has been a special year for him. “I suppose looking back there've been good days, but you only remember the last day,” he says. “We didn't win the Arc – so it doesn't feel satisfying at the moment.” As he says it, he really is laughing at how a recent disappointment can obscure the glories. This is life in the super-elite of world sport, where Moore belongs. Parts of racing have been slow to see that he shares the same small bracket of stars as Joe Root (cricket) or Antoine Dupont (rugby) – the ones several lengths clear of their contemporaries, and destined for reputational immortality. Moore is the best Flat race jockey on the planet: dedicated and deadly, relentless and artful. We sat down at Moore's home in Newmarket a few days after he had been beaten into third on Los Angeles in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. It was still eating at him. Had he expected to win? “I thought I could win. I went there thinking he could win,” he said. “So, even when it looks like a good year there are things you feel you could have done better.” The greatest names in sport share a characteristic. Winning a lot isn't good enough. They want to win every time. That insatiability burns in Moore's eyes as he looks back to Longchamp and ahead to a late autumn of mighty challenges: “Champions Day, Breeders' Cup, Melbourne Cup, Japan Cup. We've still got plenty to get done.” Part of my intention in interviewing him was to place him in that special worldwide category of 'boss' athletes who could all fit round one dinner table, if you could organise it. It seems obvious that Moore is in that class. But you can guess how his modesty collided with my mission. He was having none of it. “I dunno. The way I see it is that I ride for the best trainer who's given the best horses by a very supportive bunch of owners, at a fantastic facility,” he said. “So, it's what's behind me really – that's the proof of it. It's horseracing. It's about the horses, I always feel. They're the ones that will take you there.” City of Troy and Ryan Moore win the G1 Coral Eclipse Stakes | Bronwen Healy No problem. The praise can be ladled out on his behalf. A random sample might include Wigmore Street surging from near last to first in the Irish Cambridgeshire, Luxembourg's victory in the Coronation Cup, Kyprios holding off Trawlerman in the Ascot Gold Cup, or Fairy Godmother veering the width of seven backsides to fly up the stand-side and win the Albany Stakes. “Every year he's ridden for us he's got better,” O'Brien said at that Royal Ascot meeting. “He's the complete package in every way. He puts it all in, in every way. He's so committed, he's so straight, so dedicated, such an athlete.” If Moore, now 41, is reserved in his public utterances it's largely because he has no interest in performative chat. To see him at rest on an early midweek day is to realise how grounded he is in the challenge of working out in his head each race, each horse. The rolling conundrum, he says, is “different circumstances, different horse, different course, different ground, different jockeys.” The goal though never changes: “to get from here to there as fast as possible.” With all that to consume him, he has little interest in the abstractions of greatness, stature or the skills involved in what he does. Which is fine, because there are plenty of specific topics to keep us occupied, starting with the three horses I try to cite as evidence that it has been a stellar year: Kyprios, City Of Troy, Auguste Rodin. “He has that speed going forward. That's a good thing to have in his arsenal for America.” – Ryan Moore on City Of Troy The mountain tops laid out in front of Moore are Breeders' Cup Classic (City Of Troy), Melbourne Cup (Jan Brueghel) and Japan Cup (Auguste Rodin). This is Coolmore and Ballydoyle in full globetrotting mode. To be this intrepid, Moore will need to dash from Del Mar and the Classic on a 16-hour flight to Melbourne. Not forgetting of course Champions Day at Ascot. Landmark tests abound. City Of Troy and Auguste Rodin will both retire after America (2 Nov) and Japan (24 Nov). And the Breeders' Cup Classic is one of the few defining races to have eluded Coolmore and O'Brien. The hype is building. It draws another smile from Moore: “The only thing I do when I get on the horse is concentrate on him. The rest of it is irrelevant. We have to go out there and execute it.” At York in the Juddmonte International Stakes, the Derby and Eclipse Stakes winner City Of Troy forced a white flag up the poles of any remaining doubters. “Yeah, he did,” Moore agrees. “Ok, the Eclipse wasn't too pretty, but the form didn't work out too bad. His Derby win was good. We got it wrong in the Guineas. I thought his performance in the Juddmonte was top class. Everyone wants to see the next Frankel – but I've only seen one of them. That's the reality of it. I've seen a lot of good horses, but I've only seen one that's…” He waves his hand as if to say – beyond compare. Moore after riding City Of Troy to win The Juddmonte International Stakes at York Racecourse. | Getty Images From Moore's view in the saddle, City Of Troy's front-running performance at York was an insight into his chance at Del Mar: “He has that speed going forward. That's a good thing to have in his arsenal for America. It's a good trait to have.” And the encore of his jockey trying to pull him up after the line is for real: “Once he gets into his rhythm he can maintain his gallop. When he gets it right he will keep going. It's like an elite athlete who can keep going at 800m pace and keep timing it out.” Mechanically, Moore says, City Of Troy “has an extraordinary action. He seems to throw his front legs out and almost extend them – from the shoulder. Aidan was telling me how straight he is behind. He's almost like a deer. They think that's what makes him so brilliant.” So can he transplant Yorkshire form to California? “You don't know. Aidan has trained him since York with America in mind, and has been tweaking things, mentally preparing him. We don't know if we will handle the surface because we just don't know. Del Mar is a unique surface. He [Aidan] has gone close with horses in the past and he feels he can prepare him and give him the best shot he can have.” Moore speaks with equal fondness of Auguste Rodin, who is way too good to be called an enigma but has his quiet days. Wins in the Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes, Breeders' Cup Turf and this year's Prince of Wales's Stakes will be remembered long after his no-shows have been forgotten. “Auguste Rodin is a horse I rate really highly. I was annoyed with myself in the Irish Champion Stakes [where he was narrowly beaten by Economics]. He won the Prince of Wales which was great. I sat on him last week before the Arc and Aidan said – 'gun to your head now, which one do you want to ride?' And I said I'd like to ride him [Auguste Rodin]. But the way the weather came it was the right thing not to run him. “I'd love to see him finish off well in Japan. He is a very good horse. Very good horse. He has everything. He's always shown that he has everything. I saw him in that February when he was a two-year-old, and the first time I sat on him I told Aidan – this will be the Derby horse. He's been beaten but he's come back and won. Aidan's not afraid of him being beaten, so he's run him. It's going to happen.” Recent conversations with ex-jockeys suggested that many think, like O'Brien, that Moore continues to improve, year after year, even from an already extraordinarily high level: another idea he would rather not dwell on. “It will end one of two ways. Either I'll get told I'm not good enough, or I'll get carried off. I doubt it will be my decision.” He says: “I don't know, really. All I can do every day is try my best, eliminate mistakes. Riding the horses has always been the same. I've always enjoyed the actual race riding. I've always enjoyed riding good horses and I've always enjoyed riding in big races. So I suppose I'm probably doing more of that now than Mondays and Tuesdays at Windsor and Brighton. Now it's more focused on the Ballydoyle horses at the weekend, I suppose.” Ah, Brighton, his birthplace. Can we expect him back there for a cameo? Here he vents his frustration with race scheduling that condemns quiet mid-week days to only low grade racing (he thinks racing has an opportunity there to fill an entertainment void). “I'd like to go back [to Brighton] one day,” he says. “It's the quality of the race programme. If there's good horses to ride at those places you'd go. If the races aren't there for the better horses it's hard to have a reason to go there, which is a problem. “It is frustrating. Race programming…it's irritating when you have so many meetings on a Saturday afternoon, and it's competing with every other sport, no one seems to notice it. We've made changes, maybe some of them aren't working, so maybe we try others.” Forty-one is a late age in most sports but Moore's extended prime is a long way from fraying. A reminder though of time's inexorable march came with Sir Michael Stoute's decision to retire at the end of the current season. Stoute was the main mover behind Moore's graduation to the heights he occupies now. “Sir Michael is a lovely, lovely man,” he says. “He gave me great advice. He still does. I learned so much riding for him, and he gave me an opportunity very young, which took me to the next level. He developed me a lot. He'd say the things at the right time. He'd reassure you, if you needed it. He'd ring me up if I had a good day, ring me up if I had a bad day.” He believes Stoute will stick around in Newmarket but has no plan for himself when race riding leaves him behind. He does however speak of that day with gallows humour. “I certainly don't have an idea when it will end. It will end one of two ways. Either I'll get told I'm not good enough, or I'll get carried off. I doubt it will be my decision. I wouldn't put any date or goal on it. I'll just disappear.” He's laughing again – enjoying the darkness of it. “I used to see lads retire and think – you've got to be organised, you've got to know what you're going to do. You start work [in a new job] the next day. I really believed that was the way to do it. I've now reached the point where I don't have the energy to put into thinking what I'm going to do next. “But I do spend a lot of time thinking about what I'm actually doing now, rather than thinking too far ahead. You have to think about the next race, that's the immediate one. You can't get too far ahead. Or, I can't any more.” The amount of thought he puts into it couldn't be more apparent, as Ascot, Del Mar, Melbourne and Japan swarm in his mind. Generational supremacy is a full-time job, and Moore's grip on it remains unbreakable. The post ‘It’s About The Horses’: Ryan Moore, the Reluctant Superstar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New Century (GB), the full-brother to the colt who topped Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale when selling to Godolphin for 1,000,000gns, is said to be “flying at home” following his success in the GI Summer Stakes at Woodbine, with a trip to the Breeders' Cup next on the agenda for the son of first-season sire Kameko. Like Kameko, New Century is trained for owners Qatar Racing by Andrew Balding, who said “He's got a great constitution and has taken everything in his stride, from travelling to Canada and winning to preparing now for the Breeders' Cup. He's been flying at home since he arrived back from Canada.” The Summer Stakes was a “Win and You're In” for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and all roads now lead to Del Mar where New Century will try to double his top-level tally when he lines up on Friday, November 1. Balding acknowledges that the sharp track might not be ideal, but he considers it a challenge worth taking on with a colt who continues to go from strength to strength. “He's a horse that learns and improves and he's turned into a fantastic competitor,” the trainer added. “It's probably not the ideal track for him, but this is the Breeders' Cup–a million-dollar Grade I–and we're going for it. We'll need a bit of luck with the draw, but he's taken international travel in his stride.” David Redvers similarly hailed the temperament of New Century after selling the full-brother at Park Paddocks on Thursday in his role as owner and managing director of Tweenhills Stud where Kameko stands. He also serves as the racing and bloodstock manager for Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and his brothers' Qatar Racing. “New Century was bred at Tweenhills, he's by Kameko and he's trained by Andrew [Balding]–the whole story has come full circle,” said Redvers. “Winning at the Breeders' Cup is one of Sheikh Fahad's unfulfilled ambitions and to have a genuine contender in New Century gives the whole operation a huge boost.” Boughey Fillies set for Breeders' Cup The New Century team will be joined in San Diego by Newmarket trainer George Boughey, who is looking forward to travelling with both Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in his quest for a first winner at the Breeders' Cup. The consistent Believing is set to take her chance in the Turf Sprint following a series of near-misses at the top level in Europe, while Soprano is an intended runner in the Filly and Mare Turf, having filled the runner-up spot on her most recent outing in the GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland. “She's a dream filly to train,” Boughey said of Believing. “Her rider Holly Walker has done a fantastic job with her and we've kept her work light. She's danced every dance and kept improving. We were unlucky not to win the Nunthorpe at York and we were drawn on the wrong side in Ireland, but she's been knocking on the door and, hopefully, it will open at the Breeders' Cup.” Believing will reportedly wear cheekpieces for the Breeders' Cup, a decision influenced by her performance at Ascot last year when she contested the Champions Sprint Stakes. “We put a set of cheekpieces on her for Ascot last year and I think that was as well as she's ever travelled–she was pretty much the last horse off the bridle,” Boughey continued. “That race was a defining factor in our decision to send her to America, because she travelled so well in the early stages of the race. It's a fast five [at Del Mar], but I've heard it can suit closers. As long as she's not too far out early, I think we'll see her finishing very strongly.” Meanwhile, Soprano is said to have come out of her race at Keeneland last weekend in excellent shape as she prepares to step up in distance for the Filly and Mare Turf. “She's put on muscle and weight and has turned into a big, strong filly–if she stays, she'll be a live each-way chance,” said Boughey, who has gone close at the Breeders' Cup before when Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) was beaten just a length into fourth in the 2021 Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar. “To have runners there is special,” he added. “The Breeders' Cup has always been an important event for everyone involved and we're excited to be part of it again.” The post New Century “Flying” in Preparation for Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ascot's Qipco British Champions Day took its final shape on Thursday morning, with the middle-distance heavyweights Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) heading a 12-strong cast for Saturday's £1.3 million G1 Qipco Champion Stakes. Isa Salman Al Khalifa's G1 Irish Champion Stakes winner and The Aga Khan's G1 Juddmonte International runner-up are joined by the G1 Irish Derby third Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), one of two for Ballydoyle, and another French raider in Iresine (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}) who gives to provide Marie Velon with a first winner in Britain. In the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, 13 milers will line up headed by Nurlan Bizakov's multiple group 1 winner Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and the David Menuisier-trained G1 Sun Chariot Stakes winner Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) and the G1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes sees a field of 14 featuring Juddmonte's impressive G3 September Stakes scorer Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) and Ballydoyle's G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). In the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, 20 sprinters include the G1 July Cup hero Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and the G1 Haydock Sprint Cup winner Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) while Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) looks to extend his winning streak and win the G2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup for the first time. His eight opponents include the horse that defeated him 12 months ago in Godolphin's Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}). Ascot confirmed on Thursday that the three races staged on the round course would be switched to the inner flat track due to heavy ground. The Long Distance Cup, Fillies & Mares Stakes and the Champion Stakes will now take place on a surface officially described as soft. Clerk of the course Chris Stickels explained, “The Long Distance Cup decreases in trip by 82 yards and the mile and a half Fillies & Mares Stakes decreases by 78 yards. If the forecast is accurate, I expect conditions to remain the same and we're expecting some rain Friday night into Saturday. We're generally dry up until then and we may see a slight improvement in conditions before then, and with rain Friday night and Saturday morning, I would imagine conditions will end up similar to how they are now.” The post Economics And Calandagan Head Dozen For The Champion Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

World Pool's contribution to British and Irish racecourses has surpassed £50 million since its inception in 2019, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced on Thursday. A total of 580 races across nine different tracks in the UK and Ireland have been globally commingled by the HKJC since the World Pool's inaugural fixture at Royal Ascot in 2019, with the Curragh, Epsom Downs, Goodwood, Leopardstown, Newbury, Newmarket, Sandown Park and York all hosting World Pool racedays. Since its inauguration, the number of World Pool races has increased dramatically, from 30 races held at Royal Ascot in 2019 to 135 races held across the nine different racecourses this year. The landmark £50 million figure comes as World Pool builds towards its final fixture of the 2024 British and Irish Flat season at Ascot this Saturday on QIPCO British Champions Day. Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products at the HKJC, said, “World Pool has come such a long way since we first launched at Royal Ascot in 2019. It's been incredibly rewarding to see how much it has grown over the past six years and everyone at the Hong Kong Jockey Club is thrilled to see so much money going back into racing in so many different ways. “As World Pool continues to grow its presence and popularity, further investment will flow back into the sport, continuing to boost prize money, which in turn should have a positive impact on the size and quality of fields. Healthy field sizes and high-quality racing is what grabs the attention and interest of punters across the globe.” In addition, the HKJC and partners have helped fund the World Pool Moment of the Day initiative for the past three seasons, which supports racing's grassroots by giving back to grooms. Each Moment of the Day winning groom receives a £4,000 cash prize and is also in with a chance of a VIP trip to Hong Kong. The inaugural World Pool UK & Ireland Jockeys' Championship was also launched this year, with the winning rider receiving £50,000 to donate to a charity of his or her choice. Points are awarded based on the World Pool win dividend for every World Pool race in the UK and Ireland. With one meeting left to go, Billy Loughnane (187.50 points) has a commanding lead over his nearest pursuer, Oisin Murphy (97.25). The post World Pool Contribution to British and Irish Racecourses Hits £50 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, October 19, 2024 First Race 2:40pm ACST Visit Dabble The Darwin Turf Club will host a competitive five-race card with 47 horses accepting. Up to 14mm of rain has fallen in the Top End this week with showers and a top temperature of 33C the forecast for Saturday. The rail will be in the true position, and Fannie Bay will be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: Magnetic Tycoon Magnetic Tycoon was a last-start winner on September 14 over 1600m against 0-58 opposition. Stepping up to 1600m for the first time in June, the son of Written Tycoon saluted in 0-58 grade before finishing second against 0-66 class and third at Class 2 level in July. The gelding is happy to set the pace, but after spending six weeks in the paddock, he settled at the back a month ago before powering home to seal victory by half a length. He will carry an additional 2kg on Saturday, but Magnetic Tycoon should still prove too good for his rivals. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Magnetic Tycoon (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Aaron Sweeney (60kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Starspangledancer Starspangledancer returns after a last start ninth in The Rosebowl (0-70) for the fillies and mares on July 17 during the Darwin Cup Carnival. It was the first time that the five-year-old mare had stepped up to 1300m. The daughter of Starspangledbanner not only runs well fresh, but she has good early speed and should find the fence and lead. Before the Rosebowl, Starspangledancer saluted in two of her three previous starts over 1200m at 0-58 level in April and in the 0-62 ranks against the fillies and mares in early July. Next Best Race 3 – #3 Starspangledancer (3) 5yo Mare | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: Debating Debating opened as a $12 chance with horse racing bookmakers after finishing at the tail of the field in seventh place over 1200m against Class 2 opposition on September 21. The four-year-old gelding had boasted respectable Darwin and Alice Springs form, so he clearly had a bad day and is worthy of another chance. In 10 NT starts, the son of Reward For Effort has claimed two wins and five seconds from 1200-1400m and was fourth in the NT Guineas (1600m) in the Red Centre back in March. Debating enjoys racing on the speed and drops 2kg. Best Value Race 1 – #7 Debating (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Ella Clarke | J: Adam Nicholls (58kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 19/10/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, October 19, 2024 1-2-3 1-3-4-5 1-2-4 1-2-5-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Caulfield Cup Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria When Saturday, October 19, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) headlines the bumper 10-race meeting on Caulfield Cup Day on Saturday afternoon. Outside of the opening event, every race is to be run for black-type success, signifying one of the better days of racing in Victoria throughout the spring. Persistent rain is forecast on Friday and leading into Saturday for the region, meaning the Good 4 track rating will likely find itself as a Soft 5/6 come raceday. The rail will be out 3m the entire circuit, with action commencing at 12:15pm AEDT. Race 1: 3YO Open (1400m) Sugar Coat was only bettered by the classy Ndola in a small field at Sandown on September 28, and a similar effort on Saturday should see the son of Exceedance bring up a third win at start four. The three-year-old gelding will likely roll forward from barrier 11 under Luke Nolen, and with Catoggio likely to lead the field up, Sugar Coat can apply the pressure as the turn for home and hopefully prove too hard to run down this time around. Selections: 1 SUGAR COAT 2 GETAFIX 11 TAKEN 4 CATOGGIO Next Best Race 1 – #1 Sugar Coat (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Ben Melham (56kg) +220 with Playup Race 2: Listed Gothic Stakes (1200m) Reserve Bank went huge in defeat when chasing home First Settler in the Danehill Stakes (1100m) by the barest of margins. The three-year-old colt steps up to the 1200m for the first time on the weekend, but based on what he has shown in his two runs this campaign, it looks ideal for the son of Capitalist. Luke Currie will need a touch of luck to land one off the rail from barrier eight, but if afforded that luxury, Reserve Bank looks to be the best horse in the race. Selections: 6 RESERVE BANK 3 ALDOlFITO 4 TARPAULIN 7 GALLANT SON Best Bet Race 2 – #6 Reserve Bank (8) 3yo Colt | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Luke Currie (56kg) +280 with Neds Race 3: Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) Politely Dun brought up an overdue maiden victory at Ballarat last time out, and as he steps up in class in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m), he poses a strong threat to the market fancies. Having run on with intent throughout his career, the son of Dundeel simply didn’t know how to put a race away, but with a confidence boosting win under the belt, there is no reason why he cannot go on with the job here. Joao Moreira hops on, and if the pair can gain a slipstream into the race when the whips are cracking, Politely Dun will take some holding out. Selections: 3 POLITELY DUN 1 KEENELAND 2 RED ACES 5 SCARY Caulfield Classic Race 3 – #3 Politely Dun (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Joao Moreira (57kg) –100 with Dabble Race 4: Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) Femminile caught the eye when running on strongly against the boys in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) last time out, and she comes to Caulfield against her own sex, she shapes as key chance in the Ethereal Stakes. Barrier one is a touch concerning for a filly who wants to settle towards the rear of the field, but in the field of 10, it should not be any issue. The Dundeel filly is screaming out for the 2000m at this stage of her campaign, and with even luck, Femminile will take some beating. Selections: 3 FEMMINILE 4 HURRY CURRY 1 TOO DARN DISCREET 5 KILLCARE BEACHGIRL Ethereal Stakes Race 4 – #3 Femminile (1) 3yo Filly | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Thomas Stockdale (57kg) +700 with Bet365 Race 5: Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m) Passeggiata ran a bottler on return at Moonee Valley after settling a mile off the pace by her standards before charging through the line nicely to be beaten 1.4 lengths. As a natural front-runner the performance reads even better, but drawn barrier two under Tim Clark, it should be handlebars down for the Winning Rupert mare in the Alinghi Stakes. With the best front-running jockey in the saddle, and the ability to hold a high-cruising speed, Passeggiata should prove too slick. Selections: 5 PASSEGGIATA 8 ISTHMUS 10 NIANCE 1 GUMDROPS Best Value Race 5 – #5 Passeggiata (2) 5yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Tim Clark (56kg) +850 with Marantelli Bet Race 6: Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) Matisse has placed on two occasions from three starts at Caulfield, and if we get a fair track on Saturday, she can cause a minor upset in the Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m). The three-year-old filly was strong through the line upon return at Moonee Valley over 1200m, and now stepping up to the 1400m, should see the Microphone filly produce her best. Matisse is armed with a strong turn of foot when ridden cold, and if she gets a genuine tempo to chase, look for her to be storming home late. Selections: 5 MATISSE 3 GEEGEES MISTRUTH 2 TOBEORNOTTOBE 1 AMEENA Thousand Guineas Prelude Race 6 – #5 Matisse (8) 3yo Filly | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Michael Dee (56kg) +700 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m) The quaddie kicks off with the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1000m), and if Katsu is anywhere near his best fresh from a spell, he can run away with the prize. The five-year-old gelding will appreciate the sting out of the surface, and considering he has three wins from first-up runs, it is easy to see he does not take long to come to hand. Jordan Childs will look to lead from barrier two, and if the pair can cross race favourite Estriella, Katsu has traditionally proven hard to get past. Selections: 5 KATSU 1 ESTRIELLA 6 SANS DOUTE 8 REY MAGNERIO Caulfield Sprint Race 7 – #5 Katsu (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs (Weight kg) +700 with Boombet Race 8: Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) Seonee is simply the wrong price in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m). The six-year-old mare has three wins and a second from five second-up runs, and boasts six wins and a second from seven attempts at 1400m. The Winning Rupert mare claimed Group 2 success towards the end of last campaign, so there is no doubt she is up to the level, and with even luck from barrier 16, the $31 on offer with horse racing bookmakers will look to be the wrong price at one stage or another. Selections: 5 SEONEE 4 SKYBIRD 2 REVOLUTIONARY MISS 14 PLENTY OF AMMO Tristarc Stakes Race 8 – #5 Seonee (16) 6yo Mare | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Billy Egan (57.5kg) +3000 with Neds Race 9: Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) The 147th edition of the Caulfield Cup has attracted quite an even field for the first of the three major spring races in Victoria. Can Chris Waller claim a third Caulfield Cup in five years with race favourite Buckaroo? Or can his old sparring partners in Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Ciaron Maher or James Cummings spoil the party? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 Caulfield Cup Race 10: Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) Aegon put in a stinker in Group 1 company last time out, but with a freshen-up, he poses as a great each-way play in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m). Despite being well held in the Memsie Stakes behind Pericles and Gentleman Roy, the son of So You Think ran a brilliant fourth, beaten less than a length behind the pair the start prior over 1400m. He will appreciate any rain that may fall and with even luck in running, he can added another Moonga success to his record after claiming this race in 2022.. Selections: 13 AEGON 2 GENTLEMAN ROY 1 PINSTRIPED 8 RIPCORD Moonga Stakes Race 10 – #13 Aegon (16) 7yo Gelding | T: Andrew Forsman | J: Blaike McDougall (57kg) +900 with Boombet Caulfield Cup Day 2024 quaddie tips Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, October 19, 2024 1-5-6-8 2-4-5-7-9-14 2-5-6-7-8-13 1-2-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Francis Lui’s youngster bids to make it three from three when he returns in Sunday’s Class Three Shared Prosperity Handicap (1,200m).View the full article

Race 6 MCCREA PAINTERS & DECORATORS ASHBURTON CUP 1600m NORTIBUTNICE (K Williams) – Trainer Mr J Bullard reported to Stewards, that upon return to the stable the mare underwent blood tests with no abnormalities being detected. J Bullard further advised it is his intention to continue on with NORTIBUTNICE’S current preparation. THE BUFFER (Y Atchamah) – Trainer Ms. K Williams advised Stewards, that upon return to the stable THE BUFFER underwent a veterinarian examination including blood tests which revealed the gelding to have a viral infection and treated with the appropriate medication. K Williams further advised THE BUFFER has now been sent for a ten-day spell. The post Ashburton Racing Club @ Ashburton Raceway, Saturday 12 October 24 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

After more than five decades at his Tuhikaramea property, near Hamilton, Graeme Rogerson has decided it is time for a change. Rogerson has developed his 43-hectare farm into a world-class training facility, initially for thoroughbreds, but he has diversified into harness racing in the last 20 years. The Hamilton City boundary has slowly moved closer to Rogerson’s property, to the point where it is now on the city fringe, and Rogerson believes now is the right time to sell. “I have been here 54 years, it is a long time and the city has outgrown us, it is in the city now,” Rogerson said. “It is just time for a change. It’s a beautiful place but time catches up with everyone.” While he will sell the farm, which is listed with Bayleys, Rogerson will retain his house at the front of the property, and he will look to purchase more land to continue his business. “We will buy another place somewhere. It is still all up in the air and Bailey (Rogerson, granddaughter) might take over the training, we will just see,” he said. “I might scale down a bit. I have been training for something like 54 years, and we have had over 5,000 winners.” While thoroughbred racing has been Rogerson’s main business throughout his time training, he has followed his passion for standardbreds in recent years, installing a trotting track at his property and taking out his trainer’s license in 2008. He has recorded 465 wins during his time as a harness racing trainer, and he is looking forward to continuing his involvement in the code, albeit in a reduced capacity. “I have cut back my trotting team,” he said. “I think we have got 15 in work and I have got James Stormont here and we have got some nice horses. I have got a two-year-old by American Ideal called Go Jimmy Cassidy, and he (Jim Cassidy, former jockey) is in it. “My good trotter (Lovemeto) won a trial at Melton (Melbourne) yesterday. He had a few little issues and we sent him over there to the Ballarat Vet Clinic.” Rogerson is also campaigning his multiple Group One-winning thoroughbred Sharp ‘N’ Smart in Victoria, with an eye towards next month’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington. The former New Zealand Horse of the Year is already assured a start in the time-honoured race and will have one final hit-out in the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) at The Valley next Friday. He heads into the Melbourne feature off the back of an unplaced run in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington earlier this month, and Rogerson, who trains in partnership with his wife Debbie, said his gelding didn’t get conditions to suit. “He probably shouldn’t have run in the Turnbull, it rained and we didn’t get away with the track. He didn’t have any luck in the running from his outside draw (13). “I have nominated him for the Geelong Cup (Gr.3, 2400m), but at this stage he is running in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup next Friday night. “He is already qualified for the Melbourne Cup and Craig Williams rides him.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk Rogerson property listing: https://www.bayleys.co.nz/listings/commercial/waikato/hamilton/179-183-and-293-tuhikaramea-road-2315991 View the full article

Joe Pride says Epsom Handicap winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) is still on the improve as he prepares for his next big challenge at Randwick. Ceolwulf was well beaten by Pride Of Jenni in their only clash to date but trainer Joe Pride is convinced the recent Epsom Handicap winner will run a much better race when they meet again in the King Charles III Stakes at Randwick. Exciting four-year-old Ceolwulf stormed home to claim his first Group 1 win in the Epsom at Randwick on October 5 and the gelding returns to the scene of that triumph to contest Saturday’s $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m). The 12-horse field is headlined by reigning Australian Racehorse of the Year, Pride Of Jenni, and the defending champion Fangirl. Pride ran Ceolwulf in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick at the end of his autumn campaign in April, and the then three-year-old finished second last as Pride Of Jenni destroyed her rivals in a memorable front-running performance. The trainer said this week Ceolwulf would be ‘a much better horse’ this time around compared to when he raced in that Queen Elizabeth Stakes. “He was backing up off the back of a heavy track and a Derby run, and he was still a colt,” Pride said. “He’s a different animal now to work with and he’ll run a much better race.” Pride said Ceolwulf had shown he’s a lot sharper this campaign with more tactical speed, which the trainer believes he’s going to need in Saturday’s weight-for-age contest. “And looking at the race make-up, I think there’s some real pressure in this race,” Pride said. “Pride Of Jenni has earned her place as the favourite but I think she’s going to have to earn this win. “If she wins this she can have the champion tag, for mine.” Ceolwulf is on the third line of betting behind Pride Of Jenni and Fangirl and Pride can’t fault the way he has come through the Epsom. “What an exciting horse,” Pride said. “He’s quite amazing the way he’s been able to absorb pressure and handle his runs. He’s an absolute elite athlete and he’s still on the improve. I can’t wait for Saturday with him. We’re really looking forward to it.” Chad Schofield picked up the ride on Ceolwulf in the Epsom and his pre-race confidence was justified when the gelding sprinted down the outside in the straight to win. He is booked to ride Ceolwulf again on Saturday. “He did have 54 kilos, but the acceleration he showed me over a mile was that of a horse of the highest quality,” Schofield said. “It’s obviously a big step up and he’s obviously racing two of the best horses in the country. “We know Pride Of Jenni’s style and we know how good Fangirl’s finish is, so he’s going to know he’s in a race but he’s just a tough, good racehorse. “And I feel like he’s getting better as well, if you look at his form and speak to his trainer.” View the full article

Australian visitor Rolls is aiming to finish a frustrating trans-Tasman mission on a high note when he contests the New World Otaki Handicap (1600m) at Otaki on Saturday. Rolls travelled over from Maddie Raymond’s Warrnambool base in late September for a shot at the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), but the eight-year-old failed to make the final field at Matamata, instead having to start in the undercard 2000m race where he finished a meritorious second to Wolfgang. “I thought he was really good, we’d obviously trained him to be running at a mile, so he was a bit on the fresher side rather than the 2000m, particularly being five-and-a-half weeks between runs,” Raymond said. “He had to carry near-topweight up there, so I thought it was a nice run.” Following the race, Raymond shifted her focus to last Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa, but another stroke of bad luck on the morning of the $550,000 feature continued his Kiwi woes. “He travelled up to Te Rapa on the Friday, and unfortunately on Saturday morning, he was just brewing up a foot abscess overnight,” Raymond said. “We obviously couldn’t run him in the Livamol, but we were able to get a farrier to him in the afternoon to fix that up and he’s 100 percent now. “We missed out on getting a run in the Arrowfield and then after missing the Livamol as well, so it’s been an expensive trip over for the owners. “He’s in such terrific order and has been the whole time he’s been in New Zealand, other than last Saturday, so he’s definitely ready to go to the races and do something while he’s still over there. “He’s stabled at Otaki, so it made sense to have a look at this race.” Raymond travelled back to Melbourne on Wednesday evening where she soon will be joined by her charge, who has been right at home at his temporary base. “He’ll come home on a flight next Wednesday, he’s been in work for quite some time, so we’ll let him have a break then prep him for our winter over here,” she said. “He’s thrived, I don’t think he’s left a scrap of feed since he’s been over there and he’s thoroughly enjoyed the environment. “He’s been training down at the Peka Peka Beach every day, it’s a beautiful beach and surface to work him on.” The Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) winner will carry the 60kg topweight in Saturday’s race, where he will be ridden by regular hoop Harry Grace. View the full article

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh has a host of horses just a step away from booking trips south to the New Zealand Cup carnival. However, one who has already clipped his ticket is Nest Egg (NZ) (Reliable Man) who will continue his preparation in the Elsdon Park Handicap (2100m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. The son of Reliable Man is a proven distance performer and while he was successful over the course and distance last time out, there is a feeling he’s now looking for further. “He was second-up when he won and he still had that freshness about him and he needs good footing and got that on a beautiful track like Ellerslie,” Marsh said. “He’s a fresh 2000m horse and now he’s a run deeper into his prep and with 60kg, he’s certainly not going to be as effective. “He is going a lot better this preparation and I’m sure he’ll run well, but he’ll be looking for the 2600m of the Metropolitan (Listed) at Riccarton and then the two miles (Gr.3, New Zealand Cup).” Nest Egg will be defending his Metropolitan Trophy next month and bidding to go one better in the Cup after his runner-up finish behind Mahrajaan 12 months ago. Of his stablemates at Ellerslie, Marsh is keen on the chances of Tossuforit in the Head To Trackside.co.nz (1100m). “She’s had the one run back, she’s drawn one and has the claimer on in Ngakau Hailey and she’s probably our best on the day,” he said. The Zoustar four-year-old gave a good sight when resuming at Te Rapa where she finished a close second. “Bourbon Empress is going well and Bourbon Proof is a really nice maiden, albeit kicking off from a bad draw,” Marsh said. The former was an impressive last-start winner at Matamata and runs in the Barfoot & Thompson Handicap (1600m) while Bourbon Proof resumes in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis (1200m) following a debut second in May. “If Bourbon Proof could win, he could potentially back up in the Sarten Memorial (Gr.2, 1400m) and then get down to Riccarton,” Marsh said. “Kiwi Skyhawk will go down and if Super Photon can bounce back in the Sarten he’ll go as well.” They are all in contention for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) while two fillies remain in the mix for the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “The following week at Ellerslie, we’ve got Sexy And I Moet and Love Poem in the Soliloquy (Gr.2, 1400m) and if they run well then they’ll head down as well,” Marsh said. “Even Bourbon Empress holds a nomination for the TAB Mile (Gr.3, 1600m) on the middle day at Riccarton and is another one that could potentially be there.” View the full article

Kiwi-bred sprinter I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) will be flying the New Zealand flag high when he heads to Randwick on Saturday where he will be seeking redemption in the A$20 million The Everest (1200m). The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained gelding was runner-up to Think About It in the rich feature last year and he will once again fill Trackside Media’s slot this weekend, where he will jump from the more favourable barrier nine compared to his ace draw last year. “We have worked out that one is not in his favour and of his last five or six runs he has drawn one four times,” said Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick, who bred the gelding and races him in partnership with Moody. “We certainly wanted to be outside of four and it wouldn’t have worried us if it was the outside barrier. It (barrier nine) sets us up perfectly. We are hoping we can sit three back, a couple out, he can do what he wants to do and hopefully finish first. “I think there is a bit of speed in the race, which is probably a bit different to last year, which is great.” Chittick is excited to have partnered with Trackside Media once again and said second time round has felt like a more enjoyable experience. “It is fantastic to be tied up with Trackside again and going over there and having a crack at it with New Zealand in behind us,” he said. “Last year, he was the first New Zealand horse to run in the race and Entain was new in town. It was full on. “By the time we got to about now, and certainly Saturday, it was like ‘let’s just get on with this’, whereas this year it has been a bit easier to get on with our day job, which is day and night at this time of the year. “Around the farm, the buzz is really building towards Saturday and we are really looking forward to it. “Happy horse, happy trainer and happy owners. It is a hit-and-run mission this year (heading over from New Zealand) and hopefully we can come home with the prize.” Moody is just as excited about the weekend and said I Wish I Win is in great order ahead of his weekend assignment. “Myself and Katherine are proud to be representing Entain and Waikato Stud with I Wish I Win in The Everest on Saturday. He is in great order,” he said. “He will have a few days there to settle in pre-race. A few showers of rain are forecast up there, but that won’t disappoint us, it takes a little bit of jar out of the ground for him. “I think barrier nine is ideal, he will be able to sit midfield or the second half three deep and get a bit of cover and be the first one to peel and hopefully the first one over the line.” It has been a big week for Waikato Stud, with Mark’s son, Harry, becoming the third generation of the Chittick family to sell at an Inglis sale. The 18-year-old offered a Super Seth colt out of unraced Thorn Park mare Believe You Me through Ohukia Lodge’s 2024 Inglis Ready2Race Sale draft. He went through the sale ring as lot 15 and was purchased by Hong Kong trainer Ricky Yiu for A$240,000. “It was really nerve-racking, I couldn’t sleep (the night before) but it is all worth it and it all paid off,” Harry Chittick said. View the full article

Race 3 DON LOOKER – CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 2000m INVESTIGATE (S Weatherley) – Trainer Mr. T Pike reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, INVESTIGATE has now been sent for a brief spell and will look to return to racing in December. DODGY ONE (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. D Hollinshead advised Stewards, DODGY ONE underwent chiropractor treatment on 17 October for overall general soreness and it is his intention to continue with the gelding’s current preparation. D Hollinshead further advised he may look to remove the blinkers for the DODGY ONE’S next race-day start. Race 4 ALL THE NEWS @ TRACKSIDE.CO.NZ 1200m SAKO (M Cartwright) – Stable representative Mr. R Mildon reported to Stewards, that the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of SAKO, and it is their intention to continue with the gelding’s current preparation. R. Mildon further advised that the stable may to look to nominate SAKO for the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing meeting on Saturday 28 October. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa, Saturday 12 October 24 appeared first on RIB. View the full article