Wandering Eyes

A divided Kentucky Supreme Court ruled against trainer Kenny McPeek's claim for a commission on the sale of Daddys Lil Darling after his development of the multiple stakes winner led to a $3.5 million sale at auction.View the full article

Resolute Racing's John Stewart extended his fast-growing empire into Europe with the acquisition of recent King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) winner Goliath.View the full article

Pretty Mischievous, the 2023 champion 3-year-old filly of and Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner, has been retired from racing by owner/breeder Godolphin.View the full article

Resolute Racing's John Stewart extended his fast-growing empire into Europe with the acquisition of recent King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) winner Goliath.View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Brad Cox said he was listening to a radio show a few days ago and his ears perked up when the chat got to the upcoming GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar in November. “They were talking about Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) being a good matchup, and I was like, 'wow, she is completely forgotten,” trainer Brad Cox said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track Friday morning. 'She' is Idiomatic (Curlin), and if anyone has put her out of mind, they'd better rethink that. Idiomatic is indeed very much still in the discussion for best filly or mare in the country. At least around the Cox barn she is. The 5-year-old mare will be one of the marquee names in Friday's $500,000 GI Personal Ensign at Saratoga Race Course. Last year's Eclipse Award winner for Older Dirt Female is the 6-5 morning-line favorite in the 1 1/8-mile Personal Ensign, a race she won last year. That was part of her six-race win streak, which ended at Saratoga on June 8 when the Chad Brown-trained Randomized (Nyquist) beat her by a head in the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes at Saratoga. Randomized is in the Personal Ensign field, too, and is the 8-5 second choice in the field of five. Idiomatic, who finished third in the 2023 Horse of the Year voting after a campaign that saw her win eight of nine races–three of them Grade Is–has won two of three starts this year. As she heads into the Personal Ensign, Cox said Idiomatic could not be doing any better. “I think she is as good as she as ever been,” Cox said as Idiomatic was walked outside the barn. “I really do believe that, and she was damn good last year. We will let her determine whether she wants to be in the mix and people start talking about her again.” In her last start, Idiomatic and jockey Florent Geroux won the GIII Molly Pitcher at Monmouth Park by a head over Soul of an Angel (Atreides), trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr. Soul of an Angel (5-1) is also running in the Personal Ensign. Idiomatic has 11 wins in 15 career starts with two seconds and two thirds. Her loss in the Ogden Phipps was her first since May 6, 2023. “I don't know that I take (losses with her) personal,” Cox said. “I can't be really upset. Randomized is very good and it took a lot for us to get by her in last year's Breeders' Cup (Distaff). (Idiomatic) ran a great race (in the Phipps). It was not like she got beat by three or four lengths. We did not get the good bob. We are looking forward to giving her another run.” Mott Looking Forward to See What Improving Batten Down Can Do in Travers Mid-morning Thursday, jockey Junior Alvarado paid a visit to the stall of Batten Down (Tapit) at Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott's barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. “His jockey is going to have a talk with him,” Mott said with a chuckle as he watched the exchange. Batten Down schooling Wednesday | Sarah Andrew Juddmonte's Kentucky homebred Batten Down put his name in the 3-year-old ring when he finished third in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga last month. He was not going to beat Fierceness (City of Light), who won the race by a length over Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who was 5 3/4 quarters clear of Batten Down. But Mott saw enough in that race to give Batten Down a chance in the Midsummer Derby. “He needs to improve, but he is not far off,” Mott said. “There are horses in here that are more proven–Fierceness and Sierra Leone–but I think we fit with the rest of them. I don't know if he has to run the race of his life because, hopefully, he has a long career ahead of him. But he has to move forward off his last one.” Alvarado said he thinks the best formula for Travers success is for Batten Down to be on the lead. When he won the GIII Ohio Derby at Thistledown, he went gate-to-wire; he did the same thing when he broke his maiden on his fourth try on Apr. 30 at Churchill Downs. He won that race by 8 3/4 lengths. In the Jim Dandy, Batten Down was third pretty much the whole way around the 1 1/8 miles. “He gave 70 percent in that race,” Alvarado said. “It was a beautiful spot we were sitting on but I don't think that is what he wanted. He likes to be on the lead. When he is behind, he is not releasing his power. If he is on the lead, he'll keep going.” “He has early speed if we want to use it,” Mott said. Alvarado has ridden Batten Down in his last four starts. The Travers will be his seventh career start. Batten Down is out of the 2014 champion older mare Close Hatches and is a full-brother to Tacitus, who finished second in the 2019 GI Belmont Stakes for Mott. Batten Down is also a full-brother to Mott trainee Scylla, who is running in the GI Ballerina Stakes Saturday. “He has such a good pedigree that we were always optimistic about him,” Mott said. “At this time last year, he had not shown it yet. I am going into (the Travers) with a wait and see attitude.” Batten Down is 20-1 on the Travers morning line, sharing those longest odds with Honor Marie (Honor Code). “We're just very fortunate to have a horse good enough to able to compete,” Mott said. “He has earned his way in there. It's No Easy Spot for Speak Easy in Allen Jerkens In two career starts, Speak Easy (Constitution) has sparkled. Now comes the hard part. Speak Easy Wednesday | Sarah Andrew Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has chosen a tough assignment for the third career start for the colt, who is owned by Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC. Speak Easy is running in Saturday's $500,000 GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, one of five Grade I races on the 14-race Travers Day card. “This is a tall order,” Pletcher said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. “We are short on experience.” Speak Easy will be facing seasoned graded stakes runners like Book'em Danno (Bucchero), winner of the GI Woody Stephens Stakes in June, Prince of Monaco (Speightstown), who was second in the Stephens, World Record (Gun Runner), winner of the GII Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga earlier in the meet and Domestic Product (Practical Joke), winner of the GII Dwyer at Aqueduct last month. Siena Farm and WinStar Farm also own World Record and Timberlake (Into Mischief), who is also in the Jerkens. Speak Easy is easily the 3-year-old in the field of 11 with the least experience. Vettriano (Liam's Map) is closest to him with three starts and Little Ni (Mohaymen) has four. This is not a unique move for Pletcher. In the GI Belmont Stakes at Saratoga in June, he ran Mindframe (Constitution), who also had just two career starts. He finished second in the Belmont behind Dornoch (Good Magic) and then was second in the GI Haskell Stakes, also behind Dornoch, last month. Speak Easy, who will be ridden by Saratoga leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr., broke his maiden by 1 3/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park in January and Pletcher entered him in the GII Fountain of Youth. He scratched after getting loose in the post parade and resurfaced in an allowance at Saratoga on July 27 and he won that by 2 1/4 lengths. “I like the way he ran in the six-furlong comeback,” Pletcher said. “He showed versatility where he can come off it a little bit. This race should have enough pace where it can set up for his style. This is an ambitious move, but there is a lot of upside.” The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA Bets: Heading into Personal Ensign, Cox Says Idiomatic is as Good as She’s Ever Been appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin John Dunn says there is strength in numbers for the country’s leading stable as they prepare for the $40,000 Allied Security Maurice Holmes Vase at Addington tonight (7.58pm). But he is unsure whether that will be enough to help their stable win the automatic qualifier for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup even though they have six reps in the 2600m standing start Group 3. Team Dunn, which is officially Robert and Jenna but might as well have John’s name on the stationary too, have Double Time, Dalton Shard, Heisenberg, Charlie Brown, Who’s Delight and Mighty Looee in the Vase and John says he is happy with them all. “I suppose we have an advantage that we can work our good horses up together,” he explains. “It means they can train together, in different pairs or groups at different times, whereas maybe a smaller stable might not have a second horse that can go with their best one. “But I am still not sure that will help us win this week because it is a very even field and very big. “When you look at them, there is not many of the 16 you would be surprised if they won. “If I had to opt for one of ours I’d go Charlie Brown as the best chance this week because he has been trialing and working well.” Dunn thinks the size of the field could count against those who settle back, which might include favourite Ohoka Connor, who not only faces a 10m handicap but has been hit and miss from standing starts. Standing start manners could be crucial as once the big field settles into some sort of order they could easily pace around 3:13 for the 2600m and that would make it awfully hard for horses trying to come three wide, especially so early in their campaigns. The Dunn team aside you can make convincing cases for Macandrew Aviator, Franco Sinatra, Anything Goes and the Telfer pair of B D Joe (who might need a run after missing a trial) and Ohoka Connor if he behaves. The Vase is just one of the feature races Team Dunn hold a huge hand in as they also have three of the six starters in the XCM Basil Dean Free-For-All including a potential topliner in Sunnys Sister. Last season’s NZ Trotting Oaks and Derby winner has the motor to step into our thin open class ranks this campaign but still has a way to go to match the strength and incredible stamina of her champion older brother Sundees Son. “She will eventually measure up for sure but she is still learning and this 1980m start point hasn’t always been the best for her, just like it wasn’t for her brother,” explains Dunn. “She can win but it could be a funny little race being so early in the season. “Mighty Logan is a horse of ours who has really improved while Mr Love [trained by the Hopes] is a good trotter who will have a fitness edge on ours.” Tonight’s meeting starts with the clash of two smart maidens in Race 1, the IRT.Your Horse.Our Passion. Mobile Pace, with both Captain Moonlight and Treasure Cove headed for better things. The Dunns roll out plenty of talent away from the major races including smart three-year-old trotter Tyron Eros in Race 3, the Show Day Slot Races On Sale Now Handicap Trot. John warns he could need the run as the $2.80 favourite. “I think one of our best chances for the night could be One Over Da Line (R9, No.8) as he is in the right type of race.” Phelan to roll out big guns Scott Phelan is serving up the entree at Alexandra Park tonight but next week’s main course is the one punters will really feast their eyes on. Phelan and senior training partner Barry Purdon have some smart juveniles returning to racing tonight as well as in-form winter winners Ilsas Son (R4) and Artisan (R6) as big chances in the better class races. But while that gives them a strong hand tonight they unleash the real stars of their stable and some of the biggest names in New Zealand harness racing next Thursday. That will be when Merlin, Mach Shard and Sooner The Better start their road to the IRT New Zealand Cup with an outing at the Pukekohe trials where NZ Oaks favourite Duchess Megxit will also be seen in public for the first time. “The open class horses are all coming up well so it will be good to get them back doing something serious,” says Phelan. “They have still got a bit of their winter coats so a way to go yet, apart from Merlin who never really gets a winter coat because he is such an athlete. “He looks great.” Phelan welcomed the news Mark Purdon will have both Don’t Stop Dreaming and Millwood Nike in work at Matamata which raises the possibility they could also aim to race in some of the Alexandra Park spring races. “Even if you add only Don’t Stop Dreaming to our three that is some really strong early racing up here as they try to get ready for the Cup.” The two juveniles who resume in Race 5 (Purdon and Phelan Racing Supporting the NZHAT 2YO Mobile Pace) tonight, I Got Chills and Confederate, both look serious horses in the making but Phelan says the draw makes him lean toward I Got Chills. “That is only because of the draw. They are very even and I am confident Confederate will keep improving.” That is a good field with Bar Louie highly talented while the whole nine starters look likely to win races before the end of the year. The stable’s other juvenile rep tonight is The Night Agent (R8, No.2) in the Lincoln Farms Supporting the NZHAT Mobile Pace. He is a Captain Crunch colt out of superstar mare The Orange Agent. “He is quick but still learning so I might depend how they race is run and where he ends up,” says Phelan. Of the more tried and true team members in tonight Ilsa’s Son has no reason he can’t continue the dream start to the career of young driver Harrison Orange, who has partnered him to win his last two starts from only a handful of career drives. “He is an honest horse with good manners and he could easily win two or three more races so he has to be a chance.” Artisan continues her farewell tour before being retired to stud reverting to a standing start in Race 6 (Classique Landscapers Handicap Pace), which takes away her gate speed weapon. She faces a 10m handicap in the small field but is racing so well she can still be a factor providing she can step quickly, although she is up against a top class mare in Lady Of The Light, who has been well schooled from standing starts at recent trials. View the full article

Friday is shaping up to be quite a stakes-laden slate as the rescheduled King's Plate card from last weekend at Woodbine joins the GI Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga and a pair of pricey Grade IIs from Charles Town. TDN's full coverage of the races that were forced to move because of a deluge in Toronto can be found in Patrycja Szpyra's preview, plus a piece on the King's Plate by Bill Finley. As for the Spa feature, it boasts a set of intriguing match-ups between four of the runners from early June's GI Ogden Phipps Stakes. In Saratoga Springs that afternoon it was gate-to-wire winner Randomized (Nyquist) who bested 70 cents on the dollar favorite Idiomatic (Curlin) by a head, while Raging Sea (Curlin) finished fourth and Soul of an Angel (Atreides) checked in fifth. Out of the bunch, the 4-year-old Randomized is the only one to take a couple months off and drill for the Personal Ensign. Trainer Chad Brown did something similar last year after she captured by four lengths the GI Alabama Stakes and then was not seen until the GII Beldame Stakes during the Belmont at the Big meet in early October–she won by 3 3/4 lengths. “She's [Randomized] not a very big horse, but she's fast and she likes to go to the lead and carry her speed,” Brown said. “The Alabama [Stakes] is a really special race to win, and she's come back and carried her form into age four winning the Phipps. A really special horse for us, and she's got a lot of heart.” Juddmonte homebred Idiomatic, who won the Personal Ensign last year, will look to rebound against her rival. Trained by Brad Cox, the Eclipse winner barely held off Soul of an Angel in the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes at Monmouth July 20. Idiomatic | Sarah Andrew “She's very talented,” said Cox. “She's able to get into a race and use her big stride and set a solid enough pace to run them off their feet going into the far turn. She doesn't necessarily have to be on the lead. She tracked Randomized in the Breeders' Cup last year; we'll see if we can get a good trip on Friday.” Speaking of Soul of an Angel, the experienced Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee is not without a strong stakes win, which she posted in the GII Ruffian Stakes at the Big A in early May. “She ran huge last time against a Champion,” Joseph said. “Now, we go an extra sixteenth–we still don't know if that's what she wants or not, but we'll give it a shot again. If she can run similar to last time, I think she'll have a big chance. It's a stellar group.” As for Brown's other entry, Raging Sea is a 4-year-old filly who took home the GII Shuvee Stakes at Saratoga July 21. The Alpha Delta homebred has three graded stakes wins to her credit, but she is still looking for her first top level win. “She's going to have to step up,” Brown said. “She's been knocking on the door, and she just hasn't won a Grade I yet. This is a really tough race against proven, Grade I-winning mares, so she's going to have to step up and break through. But, she likes Saratoga and she's coming off her career-best race, so there's a chance she could do it.” Last but certainly not least, Xigera (Nyquist) makes her first appearance upstate since her days of running there on the grass. Certainly the 4-year-old's current season has not gone as well as 2023 did, but rest assured the combination of Philip Bauer and Rigney Racing deserve respect. Maybe the change of scenery from Louisville will help her flip the script? Whoever wins the Personal Ensign will have earned it. But we are not done yet, night owls. On Friday evening, Charles Town puts on their GII Oaks where 'TDN Rising Star' Impel (Quality Road) is seeking her first graded prize. In the bookend GII Charles Town Classic, the often-overlooked Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) will try to repeat from a year ago when he won by five lengths. The post ‘It’s Personal’ In Grade I Ensign Rematch At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Woodbine CEO Michael Copeland said track management felt rescheduling the 165th King's Plate and four other stakes for Aug. 23, a Friday, was better than a date this weekend. Not all Canadian stakeholders agree. View the full article

Godolphin took to X to announce 2023 Eclipse champion 3-year-old filly Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief–Pretty City Dancer, by Tapit) has been retired from racing. The social media post said, “Kentucky Oaks winner #PrettyMischievous arriving at her new home at #GainsboroughFarm today. Next stop, motherhood!” Last seen finishing fifth in the GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Aug. 3 at Del Mar, the Godolphin homebred had an abbreviated 4-year-old campaign after a return from her championship season. The 'TDN Rising Star' was spectacular at three, capturing the GI Kentucky Oaks, GI Acorn Stakes, and GI Test Stakes, in addition to the GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes. Brendan Walsh conditioned her for Godolphin. She was third this year behind last year's older mare champion Idiomatic (Curlin) in the GI La Troienne Stakes in her seasonal debut and third again behind Randomized (Nyquist) and Idiomatic in the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes. Pretty Mischievous retires with a record of 13-7-2-3 and earnings of $2,112,560. Godolphin has not disclosed breeding plans for the daughter of 2016 GI Spinaway Stakes winner Pretty City Dancer. The mare was a $3.5-million purchase at the Fasig-Tipton November sale by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock on behalf of Godolphin and has a 2024 full-sister to Pretty Mischievous. Pretty City Dancer directly descends from blue hen La Troienne–her seventh dam–through the Businesslike branch. Kentucky Oaks winner #PrettyMischievous arriving at her new home at #GainsboroughFarm today. Next stop, motherhood! pic.twitter.com/KDQIhSI6kU — Godolphin (@godolphin) August 22, 2024 The post Pretty Mischievous Retired to Godolphin’s Gainsborough Division appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up graduate Bambalam (Persian King). 16.45 York, Mdn, £100,000, 2yo, 7fT BAMBALAM (FR) (Persian King {Ire}), who was his sire's most expensive progeny sold at auction when becoming the fourth-highest-priced lot at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale in April, makes his debut in this valuable and always-intriguing British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes. Trained by Richard Fahey for KHK Racing, the 600,000gns purchase who is a half-brother to the group 3-placed Ritournelle (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) meets some promising types with the benefit of experience. They include Amo Racing's Ralph Beckett-trained €1million Arqana May Breeze-Up purchase Angelo Buonarroti (Justify) whose only run came when beaten around three lengths in the G2 Coventry Stakes; Ballydoyle's Curragh maiden-placed filly Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) whose dam is a full-sister to Galileo's Hydrangea (Ire), The United States (Ire) and Hermosa (Ire); Hidetoshi Yamamoto's Ultrasoul (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a Roger Varian-trained son of the G1 Prix de Diane heroine Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) who was second to the day's G2 Gimcrack Stakes contender Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) on debut at Yarmouth; and Wathnan Racing's Realign (Fr) (Blue Point {Ire}), a William Haggas-trained €550,000 Arqana May Breeze-Up purchase who also chased home Shadow Of Light at Newmarket. HOW THEY FARED 16.50 Leopardstown, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, f, 7f 30yT Native Verse (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), the 550,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 half-sister to the G1 Nassau Stakes winner Al Husn (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), was too keen early and after tanking her way to the front paid for it in the straight when fading to eighth. 16.10 York, Listed, £100,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 11f 188yT Sunderland Holding's 'TDN Rising Star' Sea Just In Time (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) was scratched from this Listed British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes. The post Friday’s Observations: Persian King Craven Breeze Up Sensation Debuts at York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There were two Grade I races last weekend in North America, one at Saratoga and one at Del Mar. One was on the dirt and one was on the turf, one at 10 furlongs and the other at nine furlongs. Other than both being carded for 3-year-old fillies, what did they have in common? Each was won by a daughter of a Lane's End sire. Union Rags captured the GI Alabama Stakes with Power Squeeze, while Twirling Candy took the GI Del Mar Oaks with Iscreamuscream. To add to the marvel, the exacta in both races was filled out by daughters of other Lane's End stallions: Candy Ride (Arg)'s Candied was second in the Alabama, while Honor Code's Medoro was second in the Del Mar Oaks. Honor Code's last U.S. crop was born this year as he transferred to Japan for the 2024 season, but Lane's End still stands his son Honor A. P. In addition, Twirling Candy also won Saratoga's Bolton Landing Stakes Sunday with 2-year-old filly Kimchi Cat and finished second with 4-year-old colt Maker's Candy in Sunday's Evan Shipman Handicap, also at the Spa. Both stallions represent generations of excellence at Lane's End. Both the sire and grandsire of Union Rags–Dixie Union and Dixieland Band–stood at the Versailles farm, while Twirling Candy is also part of three sire generations for Lane's End. He stands alongside both his sire, Candy Ride (Arg) and his son, Gift Box. What is the secret to this remarkable, generational success? “I don't know,” said Lane's End's Bill Farish with a laugh, “but we've been very lucky that way and it's so much fun to see it continue that way. Having sons and grandsons standing here is really special.” Making it even sweeter, when Lane's End opened its stallion division in 1985, “Dixieland Band was one of our first stallions, so to go from him to Union Rags is special. “Sire lines matter a great deal. Successful stallions tend to have successful stallion sons, so that's something we've always paid a lot of attention to.” Like any successful stallion farm, however, Lane's End's focus encompasses far more than what is happening solely with the home sires. “Our mission is probably similar to others, but we're always looking for the next top stallion and we're excited about some of our younger guys like Flightline, Up to the Mark, and Arcangelo,” said Farish. “It's just important that we keep that pipeline going to attract the horses with the best race records, conformation, and pedigree that we can.” Twirling Candy and Union Rags entered stud a year apart, the first in 2012 and the second in 2013. Both were highly successful race horses. Twirling Candy won the 2010 GI Malibu Stakes while setting the seven-furlong track record (1.19.70) at Santa Anita that still stands today. Union Rags won not just the 2012 GI Belmont Stakes, but also the 2011 GI Champagne Stakes. Each has found success in the breeding shed. Iscreamuscream marked the ninth Grade I winner for Twirling Candy, who has 21 graded winners among his 54 black-type winners. Power Squeeze is the sixth Grade I winner for Union Rags, whose 35 stakes winners include 17 graded winners. Union Rags | Sarah Andrew “Union Rags doesn't always get quite the support that Twirling Candy has had,” said Farish. “He had a lot of success early, but then it waned a little as there was a little bit of a lull. Now we're seeing the support carrying on. “Union Rags is such an underrated stallion,” continued Farish. “He's done so well and has been so consistent. To jump up and have another Grade I winner is great. And Twirling Candy is just on a roll. He's really fulfilling the promise that so many people have believed he had. People have had faith in him all along.” Farish said the two are not only very different physically, but also diverge from their own sires. “They're both good-sized horses. Union Rags is definitely a little bigger and a little more solidly made, where Twirling Candy is a little more angular. Both are very good-looking horses, both are very commercial, and both get very good-looking horses. They're different in appearance, as all stallions are. “Twirling Candy is quite a bit different than Candy Ride. He's bigger and longer, but very well balanced. He's really a great-looking horse. I would call him medium to slightly taller than medium. “Union Rags coming from that Dixieland Band line…he's a little bigger than both his sire and grandsire. He's such a good-looking horse, had such a great career, and is doing so well at stud. He's just got a little more scope than Dixieland Band, who was a little more Northern Dancer, obviously. Union Rags has more scope and size and length.” TDN Stallions: Twirling Candy from Thoroughbred Daily News on Vimeo. Farish also said breeders send the pair a wide variety of mares. “They attract different types, as they're obviously different sire lines. The Candy Ride sire line opens up to so many different lines where the Northern Dancer line kind of eliminates that, but they've both always gotten good mares. Union Rags does well with a little speed, while everything seems to go well with Twirling Candy.” Interestingly, that holds true while one glances down the list of broodmare sires represented by each stallions' stakes winners. Twirling Candy's mares cover a large breadth of damsires, while a significant percentage of the stakes winners by Union Rags are out of Mr. Prospector-line mares. Smart Strike is particularly represented, with nine of Union Rag's black-type winners–and five of his graded–directly out of Smart Strike mares. How appropriate that Union Rags has taken advantage of his opportunities with Smart Strike mares, as the feat last Saturday of Lane's End stallions sweeping the nation's Grade I races harkens back to another remarkable landmark set by Smart Strike. That late Lane's End stallion and two-time leading sire had three individual Grade I winners at Belmont Park on Sept. 30, 2007. “Smart Strike had three in one day at one track, from 1 1/2 miles to six furlongs,” said Farish. “That was an amazing day; three Grade Is on one card! One of them was Curlin.” Indeed, Curlin captured the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at 1 1/4 miles, English Channel won the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at 1 1/2 miles, and Fabulous Strike took the GI Vosburgh Stakes at six furlongs. Farish said multiple Grade Is on a Saturday for the farm, regardless if it's with one stallion or multiple stallions, is always special. “With Twirling Candy and Union Rags, it's great and two separate things, really. Each horse is their own situation. We don't really look at it as a farm achievement as much as we're rooting for both horses to do well.” Both stallions are ably represented in the upcoming Keeneland September sale, with the obvious standout being a filly by Twirling Candy out of Machmer Hall's Special Me (hip 230), making the offering a full-sister to GISW Gift Box. The post Saturday Sires: Twirling Candy and Union Rags appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Whit Beckman, in search of his first grade 1 victory, hopes late-running Honor Marie can take advantage of a projected pace meltdown in the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1).View the full article

Jockey Frankie Dettori gave Beaute Cachee another masterful ride on the front end to register a neck victory over stablemate Gina Romantica in the Ballston Spa Stakes (G2T).View the full article

Asfoora will look to gain the upper hand on Big Evs in the Aug. 23 Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) after dropping a narrow decision to that foe in the King George Stakes (G2) last time out. View the full article

Overnight purses at Keeneland this fall will mirror those from last year, with maidens racing for up to $100,000 in purses and first-level allowance runners potentially competing for $110,000. Those figures count purse supplements for Kentucky-breds.View the full article

One of the fillies with the capability of playing a spoiler Aug. 23 in the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) is Rigney Racing's Xigera, who figures to be the longshot in the betting but could return to top form at an opportune time.View the full article

With Europe's sprinting division positioned in a kind of limbo over the past year or so, the presence of Australian raider Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) has added some spice and it is with a tinge of sadness that Britain bids farewell to her after Friday's G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York. Her European tour has included success in the G1 King Charles III Stakes and a second in Goodwood's G2 King George Stakes, where she just failed to get to Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), and trainer Henry Dwyer is keen for another go. “It was billed as a bit of a mundane year for sprinters, so I like to think her presence has added a bit of colour to things,” he said. “We're pretty excited to get up there and we're been very much looking forward to York during the whole preparation. This is our grand final and everything has gone well so far and hopefully it can continue.” “There is no doubt she is in great order and she is really as good as she can be, it's the best I've ever seen her look and generally that translates to good runs,” he added. “That was the case at Goodwood and I think she's a little bit fitter for this run, so I think we are right where we need to be.” Big Evs was down the field in his tilt at this as a juvenile 12 months ago, which is his sole blip and any fears that this isn't his track were in part dispelled with his win in the Listed Westow Stakes in May. “I think if it stays quick ground, I wouldn't be surprised if the track record gets broken,” trainer Mick Appleby said. Others in the mix are Victorious Racing's 2023 G1 King's Stand Stakes winner Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), who returned with a win in Deauville's Listed Prix du Cercle earlier this month, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's G2 Sapphire Stakes winner Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and last year's hero Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) who needs to revive dwindling fortunes. Oliver St Lawrence, racing manager to Bradsell's owners, issued an upbeat bulletin on Thursday. “I've spoken to Archie [Watson] and he says the horse is in great form,” he said. “Hopefully he can acquit himself well, Hollie [Doyle] was really happy with him at Deauville and thought he was back. The Deauville opposition was good, but it was not group 1 standard, hopefully he can put his best foot forward. He's drawn in stall three so hopefully there is some pace around him and hopefully there isn't too much rain around.” Another Viking Raid… Friday also sees the G2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes, where Wathnan Racing's The Strikin Viking (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}) bids for compensation having been worn down late in both The 40 Curragh's G2 Railway Stakes and Goodwood's G2 Richmond Stakes. RP Racing's G3 Molecomb Stakes winner Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}) and Ballydoyle's G3 Anglesey Stakes runner-up Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) are the chief threats on form, with the latter's run behind Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) at The Curragh looking particularly strong now. “He ran very well for us at Goodwood in the Richmond,” Richard Brown said of The Strikin Viking. “The race was run at a blistering pace and he was just a bit off it and maybe he hit the front a bit soon. I think this fast six furlongs will really play to his strengths, but obviously it looks like being a good renewal. I saw him on Monday and he looked fantastic.” Of the unexposed types, Clipper Logistics' course-and-distance novice winner Andesite (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}) is intriguing with the form of his debut strong. He had to sit out Royal Ascot, but is highly-regarded by the Karl Burke stable while Godolphin's unbeaten Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) comes in off a win in the same Newmarket novice won by the fellow Charlie Appleby-trained Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) who captured this two years ago. Will The Stars Align? York also stages the G2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, with Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) the key older horse moving up to two miles for the first time having enjoyed a freshener since finishing third in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June. Judged by his 6 1/2-length defeat of Arrest (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in Chester's G3 Ormonde Stakes in May, he will be a tough nut to crack with his full-brother Broome (Ire) so comfortable at this trip but he meets a progressive 3-year-old colt in Align The Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Tony Farmer's triple handicap winner holds a St Leger entry and trainer Charlie Johnston has his eye on the Doncaster Classic. “We're going to have to take on some hardened, older stayers but between trying the trip and being out of form, most of them have some sort of question to answer and certainly no one else is coming into the race on the back of three straight wins and on such an upwards curve and a progressive profile,” he said. “We're hopeful that stepping up to two miles could see our horse improve again and he can finish in the first four here and still emerge with a lot of credit and keep his Leger credentials intact,” he added. “If he can go closer than that he will have bolstered his Leger ambitions significantly, so let's hope he can do so.” The post ‘This is Our Grand Finale’: Dwyer Relishing Asfoora’s Nunthrope Bid appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Luke Oliver after Spanish Tides won the Mia Kleer Hand Sanitiser Handicap at Moonee Valley Racecourse on July 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Trainer Luke Oliver is facing charges from Racing Victoria Stewards due to prohibited substances being found in Hey Bella under Australian Rules of Racing 240(2) and 104(1). Luke Oliver Charges Charge One: AR 240 Prohibited substance in sample taken from horse at race meeting Charge Two: AR 104(1) Trainers must keep treatment records The horse, Hey Bella, tested positive for dexamethasone, an inflammatory drug that is banned in Australian horse racing. These charges relate to a urine sample taken after Hey Bellas win in Race 7 (Rosemont F&M Maiden Plate, 1300 metres) at Cranbourne Racecourse on April 12, 2024.The stewards report details two charges based on the Rules of Racing. The first charge concerns the presence of substances from Prohibited Lists A and B in racehorses, with Hey Bellas sample containing dexamethasone, which is not permitted during races. The second charge accuses Oliver of not documenting all treatments given to his horses within the timeframe, with discrepancies noted before the race. These charges will be reviewed by the Victorian Racing Tribunal in a session that currently does not have a date. The results could have consequences for Oliver’s career. Horse racing news View the full article

After placing twice in group 1 company in her last two starts, Content lands her first top-level score in the Aug. 22 Yorkshire Oaks (G1). View the full article

A celebration of the remarkable and impactful life of John Hendrickson will take place at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Friday, Aug. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m EST.View the full article

There's no uncertainty in Ken McPeek's mind as to how the filly Thorpedo Anna will handle the 1 1/4 miles of the Travers Stakes (G1).View the full article

Once again, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be present to raise awareness for retired racehorses during Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 31, the non-profit said in a Thursday release. After a named race on the undercard, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, featuring a TAA-branded gift bag and blanket sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and Dean Dorton. A VIP experience will be also be auctioned and a variety of other events are planned. “Del Mar is extremely committed to the well-being of Thoroughbreds, both on and off the track,” said Josh Rubinstein, president, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “Our partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance reflects our dedication to supporting responsible aftercare practices.” Additionally, a combined check presentation for donations from Commonwealth and Ocean Reef Racing will take place during racing. The post TAA Onsite During Del Mar’s Pacific Classic Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WITH THE ANGELS (f, 2, Omaha Beach–Sister Margaret, by Pulpit) was accorded a 6-1 chance on the morning line for Thursday's state-bred opener from Saratoga but she was well-tried in the market and ultimately made even-money look like a gift in a debut romp that was worthy of the 'TDN Rising Star' designation. Having breezed an eighth of a mile in :9 4/5 before selling to agent Justin Casse for $350,000 at this year's OBS April Sale, the dark bay filly worked equally well over a conventional dirt surface and signaled her readiness for this assignment with a half-mile hit-out from that gate that was timed in :47 flat over a 'good' strip Aug. 16. Drawn wide, With the Angels hit the ground running beneath Jose Ortiz and went along in hand through an opening couple of furlongs in :22.51. Maintaining a safe distance on her rivals rounding the turn, she passed the quarter pole in :45.62, went farther in front with every stride while never feeling the crop and had a good 12 lengths on the well-meant Stone Smuggler (Honest Mischief) after six furlongs in a snappy 1:10.40. Princess Mischief (Honest Mischief) was clearly last from the stalls, but gained ground down the backstretch and sustained a long run to round out the triple at 29-1. Sales history: $65,000 Ylg '23 FTNAUG; $350,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Winning Move Stable, Oxley, John C., Lady Sheila Stable and Rideau Racers LLC; B-Joseph DiRico (NY); T-Linda Rice. Remember the name WITH THE ANGELS, the 2YO daughter of @spendthriftfarm stallion Omaha Beach, who broke her maiden impressively in today's opener with @jose93_ortiz up for trainer @LindaRiceRacing. pic.twitter.com/bFxYpvnTYW — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 22, 2024 The post Omaha Beach Filly Runs To the Money and Earns a ‘Rising Star’ at the Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Irish National Stud will host the fourth event in IEVA 's CPD 2024 Series Saturday, Aug. 31. Entitled “Surgery and Lameness”, the event is geared toward recent veterinary graduates and veterinary surgeons and will cover a wide range of topics from field anesthesia, castration, wounds and fractures. It will also look at the global career opportunities for equine veterinary practitioners as well as the importance of good client consultancy and engagement. The panel includes Simon Hennessey, Leah McGlinchy, Patricia Romero Marco, John Ortega McCormack and Marcus Swail. IEVA President Sabrina Barnwell will be the overseeing the event proceedings. Registration will commence at 9am in Osborne Hall at the Irish National Stud. Lunch and an optional stud visit will follow the last lecture. CVI points are pending. To purchase your ticket visit www.irisheva.ie. The post Irish National Stud Hosts IEVA Veterinary Lecture appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

No two racing fans ever experience the same journey into the sport. For some the excitement of the punt comes first and a true appreciation for what the Thoroughbred is capable of comes later. Others have always known and still couldn't care less how the bookies bet on the next big race in the calendar. But if there is a common thread in it all, then it most likely comes in the shape of that one horse nearly all of us have, the horse who did more than any other to help speed up the realisation that this was the game for you. Perhaps they won you enough money to pay for a nice holiday, or maybe they were the most stunning example of horseflesh you'd ever seen. It doesn't matter which; what does matter is that they got you here today as the sort of racing nut we like to think of most TDN readers as. For me that horse was Borderlescott (GB), the small, bay gelding who gained a devoted fan from the moment he stepped foot in the York parade ring on Saturday, October 8, 2005. This nascent racegoer, aged all of 11, was one of the few paddock watchers to brave the elements on that particular afternoon, a day as miserable as any I've experienced on the Knavesmire in the near 19 years since. As the horses filed out of the paddock for the day's feature contest, the £75,000 Coral Sprint Trophy, my mind was made up. £1 win on no. 13 were Mum's strict instructions, once I'd finally persuaded her to leave the dry and warmth of the grandstand. The rest, as they say, is history. How I spent my winnings of a saturated £20 note I couldn't tell you, but that Coral Sprint Trophy will always be remembered for it being the day I first started on the Borderlescott journey. And, boy, what a journey it was. For Jim Edgar and Les Donaldson, the two men lucky enough to own Borderlescott throughout his 85-race career, spanning a remarkable 12 seasons in training, the story began a couple of years earlier in the autumn of 2003. Whilst I left my first encounter with Borderlescott smiling from ear to ear, Edgar left his grateful that he still had a full set of teeth to smile with, looking forward to what the future might hold with the yearling by Compton Place (GB) out of the winning Touching Wood mare Jeewan (GB). “We went down in October and it was a really windy day,” Edgar says of the trip to Goosemore Farm, near Wetherby in Yorkshire, to inspect the colt bought by trainer Robin Bastiman for just 13,000 guineas at Doncaster. “They brought out this wee, scrawny-looking thing and when the wind got up he tried to headbutt me–I managed to get out of the way just in time! You could see the look on their faces, thinking that's the deal kiboshed, but we decided to buy the horse and never looked back after that.” Donaldson continues, “Jim said we'd take all of it and he was the first horse in the stable that Robin didn't keep a wee share in. He never hesitated to remind us of that as time went on!” Borderlescott raced four times at two, culminating with his first success in a Hamilton nursery, the 20-year anniversary of which recently passed on July 31. Lining up from a BHA rating of just 64, he ultimately ran out a decisive winner but not before giving his supporters a few anxious moments when threatening to boil over in the preliminaries. “I was a teacher and we'd brought a full minibus loaded with teachers with us from the school,” Donaldson recalls. “Of course, I went and said to them, 'Look, the trainer says he hasn't got any chance at all because he's already run his race'. You can imagine the stick I took after it when he actually coasted home.” “Mr Bastiman, you have yourself a Group horse,” was reportedly the post-race feedback from jockey Paul Hanagan. How right he proved to be, but first Borderlescott's three-year-old campaign was one of gradual progression through the handicap ranks, with his Coral Sprint Trophy win being his last of four that season. “That was the day I nearly fell in the River Ouse,” Edgar says of the post-race knees-up in York city centre. “We were in this pub next to the Ouse and I was really drunk. I think if I'd taken one more step forward, I wouldn't be sitting here now!” “He was lucky he got into the drink,” Donaldson chimes in regretfully. “I had to drive the car back to Robin's.” Edgar avoided disaster, thankfully, and for Donaldson it wasn't long before Borderlescott came up trumps again to satisfy his wish for a proper celebration, notably beating 26 rivals to win the following year's Stewards' Cup, one of the marquee handicaps in the Flat racing handicap. “The wee horse coming from a small, small stable, compared to some of the trainers who were there, it was just marvellous,” Edgar says of that day, before telling a story which suggests Donaldson didn't entirely lose the run of himself in the aftermath. “We were sitting in the lounge at Gatwick Airport with two hours to wait for the plane, so we said we'll go and get something to eat,” he remembers. “We get the menus and mister sitting next to me goes, 'Oh my god, £2.50 for a plate of soup!'. I just looked at him and said, 'You've just won 62 and a half grand and you're worried about £2.50!'.” “I tell you, he's never let me forget that,” Donaldson laughs. “But we were drinking with the hoi polloi that day. When the horse won they took us up the stairs to the reception and we met the various people from Goodwood, etc. I'm just a wee boy from Whitecross and Jim a kid from Glasgow, but there we were drinking with Lord Derby–it was just surreal.” Lord Derby was no doubt toasting the thrilling win of his beloved Ouija Board (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the Nassau Stakes which preceded the Stewards' Cup, the sort of contest which showed this young racing fan just how enthralling the sport can be, even before Borderlescott had gained the biggest success of his blossoming career to date. However, you soon learn that there are highs and lows to be navigated in this game, with no better demonstration of that for me than in the summer of 2008 when one of the wettest summers on record caused the Ebor Festival at York to be lost, so too my hopes of seeing Borderlescott race in the flesh for the first time since that Coral Sprint Trophy. The Nunthorpe he'd been due to contest, along with the meeting's other Group 1 events, the Juddmonte International and Yorkshire Oaks, was transferred to Newmarket's July Course, but it was of little comfort to a 14-year-old resigned to watching on from afar as star names such as Duke Of Marmalade (Ire), New Approach (Ire) and Lush Lashes (GB) were rerouted away from Yorkshire. Instead, it was left to local superstar Borderlescott to salvage a moment of cheer from the week for God's Own Country, with the joy of my old pal's Nunthorpe success overpowering the feeling of disappointment that I wasn't there to see it happen. “He just came flying up that hill,” Edgar recalls of the day Donaldson and himself became Group 1-winning owners. “That South African horse, the big grey [National Colour {SAf} (National Assembly)], went off at a tremendous pace that blew everything out of the water, bar the wee guy who came up on the outside. That was just a tremendous day.” “To win it at Newmarket, the home of racing, was great,” Donaldson adds. “And for Robin, Pauline, Rebecca and Harvey, who all put so much effort into getting a win like that, it was fantastic for them, too.” In 2009, Borderlescott's whole campaign was geared around to trying to defend his Nunthorpe crown, back in front of his adoring home crowd at York, around 15 miles from where Bastiman had masterminded his stable star's career, together with wife Pauline and children Rebecca and Harvey. Sent off at 9/1, carrying the weight of my £2 having doubled my stake since 2005, Borderlescott typically found plenty to get the verdict by a neck, providing one of the most memorable days on a racecourse for myself and so many others. “That was extra special for everybody,” Donaldson concurs. “When he won that day, I've never heard applause like it. Everybody was around the parade ring and Rebecca was in tears because that was her baby. “Robin, Jim and I were stood out the back as he took over in front and we couldn't speak. Tears were running down our cheeks. It was just a phenomenal experience and it will never leave me for the rest of my days. To win it at York was just something special.” The word “special” comes up again when Donaldson describes the experience of travelling to Hong Kong with his pride and joy in December of that year, while the first few months of the 2010 season followed a similar pattern to previous years for Borderlescott, who took until Goodwood to give the impression of a horse at the peak of his powers. With Kieren Fallon in the saddle for the first time, Borderlescott ran out a ready winner of the King George Stakes, on paper the perfect stepping stone to York where he was due to bid for a record-equalling third success in the Nunthorpe. However, it later transpired that he'd suffered an injury at Goodwood which threatened to curtail his season. “When he took it up and they went by the line, he hit a bit of false ground,” Edgar explains. “Whilst he won the race, he injured a leg and was taken away to the vets. He was there for seven or eight days and had x-rays, the whole thing. It was nothing major, but I would say he was never the same horse again after that.” The facts and figures tell their own tale. Though making it to the Nunthorpe just 22 days later, the injury said to be not as bad as first feared, Borderlescott was understandably not on his A-game in finishing sixth behind Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}). All told, he won just one of his 35 starts after that King George and his days of being a factor at the top table were a thing of the past. Regardless, his popularity with the racing public remained the stuff of legend, so too his enthusiasm for the game. The old warrior ran no fewer than 11 times in 2012 at the age of 10, with the day he won the Beverley Bullet under Freddie Tylicki threatening to take the roof off the grandstand at the East Yorkshire track. The retirement of Borderlescott was announced in November 2012 before a U-turn on that call saw him return to racing in July the following year, with Bastiman reporting that the then-11-year-old was still annihilating his younger work companions on the gallops. Though the final chapter of his career failed to deliver another success, he did achieve the notable feat of twice filling the runner-up spot in a race named in his honour, the Borderlescott Sprint Trophy at Musselburgh, in 2014 and 2015. “Jim and I were delighted to sponsor that race,” says Donaldson. “And at the paddock it was just incredible, the number of people who wanted to see him. He was nothing stunning to look at, but by god, he had a heart beyond all hearts.” The decision was made to bring the curtain down on Borderlescott's career, once and for all, after he finished fifth of six in a handicap at Ayr on Saturday, June 20, 2015, fully 11 years and nine days on from his debut at York. Back then I still had over a year left of primary school. By the end of Borderlescott's racing life I was in my final term at university, hell bent on a career in racing journalism and forever indebted to my favourite racehorse for setting me on that path. “There was a woman who used to send him a box of polo mints every month,” Donaldson says of my competition for the position as Borderlescott's number one fan, with a heavy concentration of his fan base able to be traced to the ancient town of Linlithgow and its surrounding area. “Where we come from, there's maybe another seven or eight towns within a few miles,” Donaldson continues. “When he won every race, none of the bookmakers could pay out on that day–they didn't have enough money. You have no idea how many people followed him. It all started with our pals and then it blossomed all over the place. It didn't matter if it was a trainer, an owner or a punter–they loved him.” Donaldson adds that he penned 76,000 words when he started to document the Borderlescott journey during Covid. Now a few days into this feature, I'm starting to see how it could easily happen, but it's time for the final word from Edgar and Donaldson on a horse who is now living a happy retirement in the 35 acres of Goosefarm Farm, with the 27-year-old Maromito (Ire) (Up And At 'Em {GB}), a seven-time winner for the Bastiman stable, for company. “I just think we had a tremendous time with him,” Edgar sums up. “And I think it was tremendous for racing itself because there's not many stories like that going about. Les was a school teacher, I was just a guy who worked in the railway, and we basically went around the world with this guy, starting at his home course at York and finishing up in Hong Kong. Not many horses will do that. “We had several people trying to buy him, people telling us to take it elsewhere, but we did it the way we wanted to do it. They [the Bastimans] were good to us and we'd like to think we were good to them. “Where he is now, he's just running about with his old pal. There's the two of them there and they're chalk and cheese–a bit like the partnership that we've had through the years, chalk and cheese again! Sometimes I wanted to go down one path and he [Donaldson] wanted to go down the other, but we always met somewhere in the middle.” “Jim moved into Linlithgow 30-odd years ago and we didn't realise we both had this great enthusiasm for racing,” Donaldson says of the common ground they initially found. “I can't thank Jim enough for helping me at the start. I was a teacher and I wouldn't have been able to go to very many things or afford it. Thanks to Jim, I was able to become a half-owner of Borderlescott with him. When I took early retirement at 55, little did I think that I would have the life that I had–and that was all through Borderlescott. “As Jim said, we didn't always agree and we had our moments, but the one thing we did agree on was how lucky we were to have a horse like Scotty.” Hear, hear. And whoever your Borderlescott was, I'm sure you feel lucky, too. The post Nunthorpe Hero Borderlescott and the Story of Yorkshire’s Favourite Son appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article