Wandering Eyes

HBRI (Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc.) and NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) Management have jointly announced today that due to continued concerns around the track’s performance, the decision has been made to bring forward a reconstruction of the track. As a result, racing will not resume at the venue in the immediate future. HBRI Chairman, Eliot Cooper commented, “While this news will be disappointing for the Hawke’s Bay community and racing enthusiasts, both parties believe that prioritising this project is essential for the long-term future of racing in the region.” NZTR Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe reiterated this message. “The decision reflects a commitment to addressing the underlying track issues for participants and horses alike.” The HBRI and NZTR Board and Management will meet later in the month to discuss next steps. Further information will be provided to the industry following this meeting to ensure stakeholders remain informed of the progress and potential timelines moving forward. Replacement dates for upcoming scheduled Hastings racedays will be advised over the coming days. View the full article

Melbourne Cup contender, Vauban. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) William Buick is set to ride the Willie Mullins-trained Vauban in the upcoming Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), while Kerrin McEvoy has secured the ride on stablemate Absurde (Fastnet Rock) for the Flemington showcase. Buick previously guided Vauban to victory in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup (3319m) at York in August and more recently to a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Irish St Leger (2816m) last month. “They seemed to travel very well, they’ve been here before and know what it’s like,” Mullins’ assistant David Casey told Racing.com. “Since they’ve arrived in Werribee, they’ve been very good. Vauban has put back on everything he lost, and Absurde has regained most of it. “They’ve done a bit of a hack and a canter, and we’re delighted with them.” Casey also shared insight into the stable’s approach for Vauban: “We went a different route last year because he had to qualify, and he did that after Ascot in Naas. We wanted to make sure we could get him here.” Regarding Absurde, Casey explained, “We were initially considering the Caulfield Cup, but after his win at Chester, we decided to go straight to the Melbourne Cup.” Horse racing news
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Alice Springs trainer Paul Gardner, with former Darwin-based jockey Casey Hunter following a win at Pioneer Park, has at least one horse nominated in all three categories in the 2024 Red Centre Racing Awards. Finalists have been revealed for the 2024 Red Centre Racing Awards in the Northern Territory. The presentation ceremony will take place following the Alice Springs race meeting at Pioneer Park on November 9. Apart from the Alice Springs Turf Club, the Tennant Creek Racing Club – which hosts its annual Cup Day meeting in May – helps form the Alice Springs and Provincial premiership. The equine awards include the Middle Distance/Stayer of the Year above 1400m, Sprinter of the Year up to 1200m, and Three-Year-Old of the Year. A judging panel will vote on each category, with the winner in each group in line to become Horse of the Year. That same judging panel will then cast their vote to determine the Horse of the Year. The voting period is from August 1, 2023 until July 31, 2024, with the finalists in each category having at least four starts in the Red Centre. Finalists will be assessed only on performances within the category being judged; however, intrastate and interstate performances will also be considered. Horses nominated in their respective category are as follows. Middle Distance/Stayer: Paul Gardner’s Better Not Fuss, Terry Gillett’s Altar Boy, Carol Hunter’s Desert Lass, Kerry Petrick’s Venting, and Ray Viney’s Duty and Quizzle. As winner of the Alice Springs Cup (2050m) in April, Venting will no doubt come under strong consideration. Sprinter: Gardner’s Red Wraith, Gillett’s Great Buy, Morgan’s Don’t Be Dramatic and Garrucha, and Petrick’s Throw At Da Stumps. Red Wraith had six wins and six minor placings from 17 starts, while Garrucha, formerly trained by Russell Bell, picked up five wins and two minor placings from 11 starts. Three-Year-Old: Gardner’s Better Not Fuss and Hey Bull, Kevin Lamprecht’s Beyond Ready, Morgan’s Don’t Be Dramatic, and Petrick’s Prancingintherain. Better Not Fuss not only won the NT Guineas (1600m) in Alice Springs, but finished fourth in the Darwin Guineas (1600m) and NT Derby (2050m) in the Top End. Beyond Ready – runner-up in the NT Guineas – had four Alice Springs starts and made two Darwin appearances for three wins, two wins and a third from 1200-1600m. Gillett ended the 2023/24 campaign as the leading trainer with 25 wins from Gardner (23), Paul Denton was the leading jockey with 24 wins from Sonja Logan (19.5), and Dakota Gillett was the leading apprentice with 16 wins from Emma Lines (14). Horse racing news
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Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Tuesday's Observations features a half-brother to a Classic heroine. 2.45 Yarmouth, Novice, £9,950, 2yo, 7f 3y (SWT) SALLAAL (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is a significant newcomer at a track his trainer Roger Varian has used for several of his better prospects, being a half-brother to this year's G1 1,000 Guineas heroine Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and the multiple group 1-winning globetrotter Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Among the rivals of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's homebred is Wicked (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Wathnan Racing's half-brother to the Classic-winning duo St Mark's Basilica (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) from the John and Thady Gosden stable. 6.00 Newcastle, Novice, £6,300, 2yo, c/g, 7f 14y (AWT) WAR HAWK (IRE) (Mehmas {Ire}) is a full-brother to the GI Del Mar Oaks and multiple grade II winner Going Global (Ire) and half to the dual group scorer Mitbaahy (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}) who represents Rabbah Racing having cost 180,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. Simon and Ed Crisford have charge of the newcomer, whose rivals include Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's similarly-unraced Archie Watson trainee L'Karama (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), another who cost that amount at that auction and who is a half-brother to the dual group winner Greenland (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}). The post Frankel Half to Elmalka Debuts at Yarmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lingering hurricane waters throughout the stable area and damage to several barn roofs have forced Tampa Bay Downs officials to reschedule the opening of the backstretch to Nov. 4.View the full article

BH Interview: Chris BakerView the full article

Graded stakes winner Copper Bullet (More Than Ready–Allegory, by Unbridled's Song) has been acquired by Marjorie Farms and will stand the 2025 season at the Fredericksburg, Texas farm for a fee of $4,000. The 9-year-old, winner of the 2017 GII Saratoga Special, previously stood at Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky. Copper Bullet is the sire of multiple stakes winner Copper Tax and stakes winner Ponce de Leon. “Copper Bullet's on-track success with both speed and at distance fits a wide range of breeders. Texas and the Southwest will be well served adding him to the region,” said the farm's bloodstock manager Jimmy Clanin The post Copper Bullet to Marjorie Farms in Texas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin It worked so well last Tuesday that Team Hughes will try to double down on taking juveniles to Cambridge for confidence-boosting wins tonight. Trainers Brian and Gareth Hughes took their stable star Captain Sampson to Cambridge last Tuesday to keep him ticking over for the Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes at Addington on Cup Day and he duly won beating older horses. Captain Sampson won’t be returning today as he heads to Alex Park this Friday but co-trainer Gareth Hughes hopes the same recipe works for Crumsy (R3, No.1) and Hot And Dangerous (R5, No.6). Both are two-year-olds maidens so find perfect juvenile non-winners races today but they have different immediate futures planned. Hot And Dangerous has only had three starts for two huge seconds and an unlucky unplaced effort when she never got clear in the Caduceus Club Final. She is already qualified for the Sires’ Stakes Final at Addington on Show Day so like Captain Sampson did last week she is using tonight’s race for fitness and to gain some experience left-handed before he trip south. While she opened the $1.70 favourite the race looks no pushover as she meets Amazing Captain (No.2) who she had to work hard to get past in their latest Alexandra Park clash so tactics and early tempo will be crucial. “Our filly is a lovely horse still improving but the other horse has the draw advantage so it should be a good race,” says Hughes. Crumsy is less exposed than Hot And Dangerous but is red hot in Race 3 which has few horses who should threaten him if he is able to lead “I think he can lead,” says Hughes. “Matty [White, driver] said he felt like he had good gate speed last start so I think we will use him early and he will be hard to beat around Cambridge in front. “He is a big horse who might end up taking more time than our other two-year-olds so after a couple more runs he might go for a spell and I think he will come back an even better horse.” The stable also has Inlouof (R7, No.2) in tonight and while he has not finished winning yet he meets some decent older horses in the last race. Tonight’s twilight meeting hosts the first two legs of the McMillan Equine Feeds NZ Junior Driver’s Championships, one trotting leg and one pacing. Both are very even as are the quality of drives allotted but local junior Emily Johnson looks to have a handy book with Ordained and Caulfield as does Carter Dalgety with Aradne and Conrad H. The series continues at Addington on Wednesday and back there on Friday. View the full article

Bob Baffert has no qualms about admitting that Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) is going to be a difficult horse to part with. The three-time Grade I winner and $2 million earner has been a steady presence in Baffert's barn for the past three years. “When you have them for that long, you actually get emotionally attached to them,” said Baffert. “She's such a sweetheart. She never gets worked up, never turns a hair and is just so professional. I've had some really good horses, but if they don't have the right mind, you don't see their full potential. She handled everything in stride. She's a superstar and when you have these superstars in your barn, you just love seeing them in the mornings.” After earning eight graded stakes wins over her four-year career, Adare Manor retired in September and is now set to sell at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale on Nov. 4. Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, the 5-year-old will be the third consecutive Grade I-winning mare campaigned by owner Michael Lund Petersen to be offered at the 'Night of the Stars' Sale. Champion sprinter Gamine (Into Mischief) brought $7 million in 2022 and Grade I victress Faiza (Girvin) sold for $4 million last year. “We've had the privilege and honestly the honor of selling some wonderful horses for Michael Lund,” said Fasig-Tipton's Boyd Browning. “We feel very fortunate this year to have the honor to do it again with Adare Manor. She fits in the same quality of those other horses that he's sold with us–great physicals, hand-picked by Bob and Donato Lanni and raced at the very highest level.” Baffert said he can still remember getting the call from agent Donato Lanni about an Uncle Mo filly that looked promising at the 2021 OBS June Sale. They purchased Adare Manor for Petersen for $375,000 and as soon as the filly arrived at Baffert's barn, the Hall of Fame trainer was impressed by what he saw. “She was a big, tall filly and we knew she was not going to be a sprinter,” he recalled. “We knew that once we stretched her out, that was going to be her game. It took her a while to really fill out because she's got this beautiful top line and frame and a beautiful neck and shoulder. We knew that the older she got, she was just going to become the beautiful, picturesque mare that she is now.” In her 3-year-old debut in her third career start, Adare Manor broke her maiden by 12 lengths. From there it was strictly graded stakes company for the remainder of her sophomore season. She earned a win in the GIII Las Virgenes Stakes and was runner-up in the GII Santa Anita Oaks and GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. Adare Manor earns her first of eight graded stakes scores in the 2022 GIII Las Virgenes Stakes | Benoit The dark bay upped her game the following year, claiming four straight graded wins including the GI Clement Hirsch Stakes over a field that also featured Grade I winner Fun to Dream (Arrogate) and multiple graded stakes winner Desert Dawn (Cupid). “Her best trait is her stride,” explained Baffert. “She's got an enormous stride and as a matter of fact, a lot of the riders felt that she probably could have run on grass with the way she moves. She takes one stride for her competitor's two. You can tell when horses are chasing her, they give up because they just can't keep up with her once she gets in that long, moving stride. And she's quick. She's very light on her feet for a big mare.” This year, Adare Manor stamped herself as one of the leaders of the Distaff division. Second in her 5-year-old debut against Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca) in the GI Beholder Mile, it was all wins from there as she earned a 100 Beyer Speed Figure on the road at Oaklawn Park in her 5 1/2-length domination of the GI Apple Blossom Handicap and then returned to California to reel off scores in the GII Santa Margarita and GI Clement Hirsch. It was that last win in the Clement Hirsch, over a field that featured champion Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) and the highly regarded Bill Mott trainee Scylla (Tapit), that Baffert said he will remember as her most impressive victory. Normally one to be first out of the gate and win from the lead, Adare Manor broke a touch slow and had to stalk from the inside. “They sent some horses out there and had her in a tough spot,” Baffert recalled. “Juan Hernandez, her jockey, didn't panic. She's the kind of filly that you don't want to just get her going, stop and then go again. She's so big. He got in a nice, relaxed mode. She was in tight the whole way. Turning for home, it looked like maybe she wasn't going to do it. Then all of a sudden he tipped her out and she got into that big, long stride and just motored them down.” “She showed a different dimension that we'd never seen before and I wish I had known about it before,” Baffert said with a laugh. “It would have helped her out in other races. Sometimes when you're the heavy favorite, you don't want to be too cute and try something different, but that day he was sort of forced to do that and it worked out.” Adare Manor wins the 2024 Clement Hirsch | Benoit With 10 wins from 18 career starts, Adare Manor retired as the highest-earning daughter of Uncle Mo and the sire's leading performer by graded stakes victories. Recently, Uncle Mo has made a statement as a broodmare sire with the likes of GI Kentucky Oaks victress and leading 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and fellow Grade I winners Muth (Good Magic) and Geaux Rocket Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}). Selling at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale as Hip 214, Adare Manor is the first foal out of Brooklynsway (Giant Gizmo), a granddaughter of Giant's Causeway who claimed six stakes wins including the 2016 GIII Doubledogdare Stakes over multiple Grade I winner I'm a Chatterbox (Munnings). “Adare Manor possesses some of the most influential stallions and influential names in our stud book with Uncle Mo and Giant's Causeway,” said Browning. “A Grade I performer and superb physical, she's the complete package and offers unlimited opportunity and unlimited potential to whoever happens to buy her.” While Baffert and the rest of Adare Manor's connections had high hopes that their talented mare could go out a winner at the Breeders' Cup before going through the ring at Fasig-Tipton, Baffert said that he is grateful to Petersen for keeping Adare Manor in training as a 5-year-old this year so that he could share one last season with his stable star. “Michael Lund has been fortunate and blessed to have mares like her, but he knows how hard it is to get a good horse,” said Baffert. “I'm happy he let us run for one more year. It really helped her and we had a lot of fun with her. We're going to really miss her. She has become like a pet in the barn now. I'm just blessed and lucky that she got to fulfill her talents. That's the thing about racing. Sometimes you have them and they don't get to do that, but she got to fulfill all of her talents.” The post ‘She’s A Superstar’ – Adare Manor Will Be Missed at Baffert Barn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BH Interview: Chris BakerView the full article

Old Friends will host a week-long celebration of GI Kentucky Derby Big Brown from Oct. 14-18. The event begins with an online silent auction which opened Monday and concludes Friday with a party at the farm with the silent auction closing and a live auction. Visitors will be able to meet the 2008 Kentucky Derby winners, as well as two other new arrivals to the farm: Cozmic One, first-born foal of Zenyatta; and multiple grade winner Mission Impazible. The silent auction ends Friday at 5:15 p.m. EST. All bidders, whether at the event or not, will have to register to bid. To register and bid on the online auction, go to: https://givebutter.com/c/jib8Qw/auction. The live auction will include halters worn by Big Brown, Cozmic One, Lava Man, I'll Have Another, Channel Maker, Silver Charm, and Unbridled's Song. Each halter has a Certificate of Authenticity. To obtain absentee bidding information, email horses@oldfriendsequine.org. Friday's activities also include Line Dancing (and lessons) with the Harrison County Boot Stompers, mini tours of the farm, and a photo booth. Trindy's Food Truck will be on site with food available for purchase. For more information, call (502) 863-1775. The post Old Friends to Host Big Brown Barn Bash appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale piggybacked off last week's bonanza at Book 1 with Godolphin once again flexing its muscle for a 875,000gns Sea The Stars (Ire) colt on a day when all of the key figures were up on last year. Monday's trade carried on from the trends set at Book 1, with Godolphin accounting for two of the three top lots with the newly-formed Amo Racing and Al Shaqab partnership accounting for the other–a 600,000gns filly by St Mark's Basilica (Fr). But lot 597, the Sea The Stars colt out of black-type mare Bighearted (GB) (Farhh {GB}), who was consigned by Staffordstown Stud, was out on his own as the day's top lot. “The mare is actually catalogued in the December Sale and that will freshen things up,” said Staffordstown's Richard Frisby. “This colt was accepted for Book 1, but we felt that if we dropped him in here he would be a stand-out, and I think that is what has happened.” Frisby added, “He is a fine first foal. Obviously he is a horse who will need a bit of time, but he has been bred to be a Classic horse. It is a family that has been very kind to us. Bighearted is in foal to Modern Games.” Once again it was Anthony Stroud, the leading buyer on the day with 17 yearlings added to his haul-including two Sea The Stars colts on behalf of Godolphin-who came out best of a strong battle for the day one showstopper. It was Blandofrd's Richard Brown who pushed him furthest. “He is a very strong, well-made horse from Staffordstown,” Stroud said. “It's a wonderful family and he looks a nice staying horse for the future. For all of those reasons, he fitted the bill as a nice horse for Godolphin and he will go to Charlie Appleby, as will the Sea The Stars colt we bought from Norelands. He was a very nice horse as well. Two standout horses, really.” Similar to Frisby, Norelands boss Harry McCalmont admitted that the decision to send the farm's Sea The Stars colt [542] to Book 2 was done in an attempt to stand out from the crowd. “We loved the horse,” McCalmont said. “He's a horse who could have been put in anywhere-he could have went to Goffs or he could have gone to Book 1. We decided to put him in here and we thank Mrs Tsui for sending us the mare. Delighted to get another good result for her and she's had a very good year. Sea The Stars goes from strength to strength.” He added, “We had horses to split up. We usually bring very few to Book 1 because it's normally so selective. I wish I had 30 yearlings selling at Book 1 this year, though! But that's the decision we've made and it's worked out very well.” The clearance rate stood at an impressive 90% [up 2% on last year] while the turnover climbed 3,066,000 million gns to 21,596,500gns. The average was up 18% to 103,829gns while the median dipped 6% to 65,000gns. Amo And Al Shaqab Bag 600k St Mark's Basilica Filly Alex Elliott revealed that Royal Ascot will be the dream for 600,000gns St Mark's Basilica filly whom the ace agent purchased on behalf of Al Shaqab and Amo Racing from Yeomanstown Stud. That partnership took Book 1 by storm last week and the powerful duo showed no signs of slowing down on Monday with a 840,000gns spend on two yearlings. But it was the Yeomanstown Stud homebred by St Mark's Basilica, out of Dark Angel (Ire) mare Angelic Light (Ire), herself a Listed winner, who stole the show. Elliott said, “She is an exceptional filly out of a Dark Angel mare, who is having more and more of an influence as a broodmare sire. She was one we very much honed in on. She's an early foal and I'd like to think that we can be thinking of Royal Ascot. It's a very good pedigree. St Mark's Basilica is obviously the unknown but he was a very good racehorse and he's got to have every chance at stud. If he keeps producing horses like that, I'm sure they are going to make big prices and have a big impact on the track as well.” Yeomanstown Stud sold five horses between 400,000gns and 475,000gns but Monday's result put the cherry on top of what has been a profitable 10 days or so at Park Paddocks. Rob O'Callaghan commented, “It's a savage result. We knew she was a good filly but we weren't sure what to expect. If you asked me what she'd have made last week, I'd have said two or three hundred, but, since she started showing, she's just been a pure queen. She's been flat out the past free days and had a lot of vettings. It's just a great result. I haven't seen many horses by St Mark's Basilica but we sent the mare back to him on the strength of this filly. We've loved this filly since the day she was born.” Shadwell Swoops For Too Darn Hot Sister To Group 1 Favourite Kalpana There was a time when Shadwell made Book 2 its own and, while a return to those levels of spending may not be in the pipeline, the legendary operation went to 425,000gns to secure a Too Darn Hot (GB) half-sister to the highly-promising Group 3 winner Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {GB}). That outlay would look very good value come Saturday afternoon, with Juddmonte's Kalpana as short as 7-4 to win the G1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on Sunday. Shadwell's Angus Gold commented, “The dam [Zero Gravity (GB) (Dansili {GB})] has done well with slightly lesser stallions but, when she went to a good stallion [Study Of Man], she came up with the goods. Obviously if Kalpana could win a Group 1 on Saturday that would be a huge update. Too Darn Hot is doing very well and we had a nice horse Alyanaabi (Ire) by him last year who finished second in the Dewhurst.” It was Richard Brown who sourced Zero Gravity on behalf of Whatton Manor Stud, who cleared over 1 million gns on Monday, for just 35,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale in 2021. Whatton Manor's Ed Player said, “Richard helps us buy mares and he picked this one-at the time there was a very good half-sister in Dermot Weld's yard. Apparently she had been working incredibly well and we bought her on the back of that. But she got injured and never ran so we thought we were in trouble.” He added, “But thankfully Kalpana has come out and with the amazing update, so the mare has proved she can do it. Kalpana has got a very good chance on Saturday, but I think next year, when she strengthens up, she could be a very nice filly. It is a dream to get a nice update like this and it helps.” Talking points Prominent breeze-up handler Eddie Linehan put his name in lights this year with Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who he sold to Jessica Harrington on behalf of the Silverton Hill Partnership at the Craven Sale for 200,000gns, won the G2 Beresford Stakes. It was no surprise to see the County Cork native pledge allegiance to the stallion and snap up another Too Darn Hot colt for 105,000gns from Baroda Stud. Study Of Man (Ire) has just 57 yearlings in his current crop and those who hit the market on Monday weren't missed. Joseph O'Brien went to 210,000gns to buy a fantastic model of a colt by the stallion, bred by Anthony and Victoria Pakenham, deep into the session from Jenny Norris, while Anthony Stroud bought another colt from Staffordstown earlier in the sale for 140,000gns. Johnston Racing, Andrew Balding and Billy Jackson-Stops were other noteworthy figures to sign for yearlings by Study Of Man on a day where he averaged 88,200gns for five lots sold. Due recognition for one of the best young stallions in Europe. The American buyers played a massive part in the record-breaking trade at Book 1 but there were a couple of new international names on the buyers' sheet on Monday, including US-based trainer Kenny McPeek, who bought an Ardad (Ire) filly from Kilmoney Cottage Stud for 150,000gns. Ben McElroy was another US-based buyer keen to get in on the action at Book 2. Having acquired four yearlings at Book 1 on behalf of Stonestreet Stables, McElroy added fillies by Zoustar (Aus) and Blue Point (Ire) to the team for 115,000gns and 200,000gns early doors. He said, “We said we'd strike early as we expect things to be strong. Like a lot of people, we found the competition tough last week so we're happy to get two on the board already. Hopefully they will look good value later.” McElroy went on to add another Blue Point filly to his shopping cart for 220,000gns from Barton Stud later in the evening. Blandford Bloodstock's Richard Brown went to 425,000gns earlier in the session to secure a Night Of Thunder filly consigned by Highclere Stud on behalf of Saeed Suhail. “I am a big fan of the stallion and he had a great weekend,” the agent said. “He [Suhail] bought two fillies here last year and they both ran on the same day at Haydock and won impressively. Saeed is here today. I showed him the filly out in the parade ring and he fell in love with her. She is an outstanding individual and out of a Shamardal mare. We were keen to buy a Night Of Thunder.” For all of the millions MV Magnier has spent at the sales, he had never bought a horse by Mehmas (Ire). That was until Monday when Coolmore bought a colt by the Tally-Ho Stud-based sire for 350,000gns. Magnier confirmed the colt would be joining trainer Roger Varian. He said, “Roger O'Callaghan has been telling us for a very long time how good a stallion he is. You have to listen to him sometimes!” Golden touch This is not Alex and Shane Power's first mention in this section and it certainly won't be their last. The brothers behind Tradewinds Stud enjoyed another big day in the sun when selling a Cotai Glory (GB) colt, bought as a foal for €52,000, to Anthony Stroud for 280,000gns. “The great thing about this industry is that the buyers give young people a chance. Without that, we'd be goosed,” Alex opened up afterwards. “So a big thanks goes to Anthony Stroud. We've been lucky to get a few touches this year and it's important. This was one of our best results to date and he was just a very well-reared foal when we bought him. I think the breeder was from Cork and you can't beat the land down there. We're delighted.” Lot 501 is a half-brother to three individual winners, including Thanks Monica (Ire (Teofilo {Ire}), who placed in the Oyster Stakes for Ralph Beckett. Special mention must go to John Foley of Ballyvolane Stud, who himself is no stranger to this section either. The word was out that he was expected to get many multitudes of the €28,000 he spent on lot 625, a belter of a Gleneagles colt, and in the end the gavel fell on a whopping 280,000gns to Amanda Skiffington on behalf of MV Magnier. Some shooting. Buy of the Day There was plenty of six-figure action during a strong start to Book 2 but one yearling who may well look to have been a value buy in the years to come is Newsells Park Stud's filly by Camelot (GB) out of an Oasis Dream (GB) half-sister to Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). She was sold as Lot 599 to agent Billy Jackson-Stops and trainer Tom Clover for 70,000gns. While that price certainly does not constitute a cheap buy, it was was some way below the day's average. Enable being on the page naturally points to this being a Juddmonte family, which has recently been enhanced by the G3 Prix de Penelope winner Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is out of another of the dam's half-sisters, Contribution (GB) (Champs Elysees). Under the third dam Apogee (GB) (Shirley Heights {GB}) can be found another raft of black-type winners including the G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Flintshire (GB) (Dansili {GB}). That's a deep pedigree to have behind a filly whose sire has provided this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking (GB) from another Juddmonte family – and a little bit of Sadler's Wells inbreeding certainly didn't hurt Enable. Furthermore, Tom Clover has already proved that he is more than capable of honing the career of a classy filly granted the ammunition. Thought for the day One leading Newmarket-based trainer summed up trade on Monday evening pretty well. After exchanging pleasantries, I asked if he had had any luck in the ring. “Nothing but bad luck,” came the reply. It was another good day to be a vendor at Park Paddocks. Pinhooking Fortunes on Monday Of the 258 horses catalogued during Monday's session, 59 were pinhooks, and after one withdrawal, 58 horses visited the ring. A total of nine did not meet their reserves and were buy-backs, leaving 49 yearlings marked as sold. Of the latter group, 30 made a profit ranging from 4,000gns to 243,567gns. Ballyvolane Stud offered lot 625, a son of Gleneagles (Ire) who sold to Amanda Skiffington on behalf of M V Magnier for 280,000gns, realising the highest return (243,567gns) among the lots sold for a profit. The colt was a €28,000 Goffs November foal. Nineteen lots lost money. The 49 pinhooks marked as sold were acquired for 3,380,461gns as foals and made 5,021,000gns on Monday representing a 48.5% return. We have multiplied the price of the foal by 1.1 and added a running cost of 12,000gns (for foals bought in guineas) or €15,000 (for foals bought in euros) for keep, feed, veterinary, shoeing, sales prep and sales entry fees. Depending on whether someone has their own farm, or where they choose to board a horse, will obviously mean that costs for each individual can vary significantly. It is worth noting that sometimes a horse can appear to be bought and sold by different names but have actually not changed ownership at all. The post Good Day For The Vendors As Sea The Stars Colt Highlights Book 2 Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hronis Racing's Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast), most recently second in the GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, worked five furlongs in :59.80 (3/32) at Santa Anita Monday. Trainer John Sadler said the 5-year-old is targeting the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, rather than the 1 1/4-miles GI Breeders' Cup Classic. “He got sick and missed some time when he came back up from Del Mar,” Sadler said Monday. “He wasn't able to run in the [Sept. 28] California Crown and I'm not sure if he'd be ready to go a mile-and-a-quarter.” Full Serrano won an allowance at Del Mar in his U.S. debut in August and was making his second start in the country when he came up half-length short of Mixto (Good Magic) in the Pacific Classic. Trainer Bob Baffert sent a pair of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile contenders to work in company at Santa Anita Monday. GI Del Mar Futurity winner Gaming (Game Winner) and GI American Pharoah Stakes winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) both went five furlongs in :59.00 (1/32). In addition to his Juvenile prospects, Baffert also worked Breeders' Cup Classic contender Newgate (Into Mischief) (5f, 1:00.00, 4/32) and Breeders' Cup Mile contenders Fort Bragg (Tapit) (4f, :49.40, 24/46) and Muth (Good Magic) (4f, :47.40, 5/46) Monday in Arcadia. Stronghold (Ghostzapper), winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby in April, worked three furlongs in :39.80 (25/25) Monday in Arcadia for trainer Phil D'Amato. It was the sophomore's first work since finishing second in the Sept. 21 GI Pennsylvania Derby. Over the weekend, D'Amato said Stronghold is possible for the Dirt Mile or he could wait for the Dec. 26 GI Malibu Stakes. The post Full Serrano on Track for Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A donor has pledged to match donations to the Virginia Thoroughbred Project endowment fund through the end of the year, up to $200,000. Over the past five years, the Virginia Thoroughbred Project has been dedicated to supporting retired racehorses as they transition into safe, fulfilling lives post-racing. In addition to horse care, VTP provides educational enrichment for local youth and community members, fostering a deep understanding of responsible horsemanship. It also offers a healing space for U.S. veterans, creating a unique environment where people help horses, and in turn, horses inspire healing and growth in those who need it most. The VTP's long-term goal is to be self-sustaining, generating enough annual income to cover farm expenses and to expand its educational programs with the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Wounded Warrior Project. For more information, visit virginiathoroughbredproject. Checks can be made payable to The Virginia Thoroughbred Project and mailed to: 11350 Constitution Hwy, Montpelier Station, VA 22957. The post VTP Announces Matching Donor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale will welcome 315 broodmares and weanlings to the Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion when it kicks off Tuesday for a single session beginning at 12 p.m. “It's as strong if not a stronger catalog than even what we had last year,” said Fasig-Tipton President & CEO Boyd Browning, Jr. “The New York-bred program continues to be strong and in demand. What we saw over the summer with the New York-bred yearlings is that there is plenty of quality here and the buyers really respond to that. There are some really great weanlings and mares available that show off how strong this state program is. Purses for New York-breds are going up and people can really take advantage of that.” The sale, which saw its start time delayed two hours Tuesday due to inclement weather in the Saratoga Springs area on Monday, will begin at 12 p.m. Browning noted that the weather certainly hadn't kept anyone away. “There's been a lot of action on the grounds over the weekend and today, even as everyone has been dodging the pouring rain.” Ahead of next month's breeding stock sales, buyers will have the chance to get their hands on mares in foal to new additions in the Kentucky stud barns like Arabian Lion, Dr. Schivel, and Kentucky Derby winner Mage. Unsurprisingly, New York-based stallions are hugely popular with Americanrevolution, Bucchero, Central Banker, Fire At Will, Honest Mischief, Mind Control, Mullion and Solomini all well represented as covering sires. Stallions with their first crop of weanlings cataloged include the likes of Corniche, Cyberknife, Drain the Clock, Early Voting, Golden Pal, Greatest Honour, Idol, Jack Christopher, Mo Donegal, Nashville and Speaker's Corner among others. Browning continued: “This sale is a standalone feature. It's an opportunity to let the New York-bred program shine. You saw it at Saratoga with the yearlings and we're very optimistic heading into Tuesday.” Last year, a colt by Good Magic set a sales record of $230,000 during the session which saw 156 horses gross $4,522,200 for an average of $28,988 and a median of $18,000. The post Fasig-Tipton Returns To New York With Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The presentations and video replay from the 58th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities, which took place at Saint-Cloud Racecourse on Monday, October 7, can now be found here on the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) website. The 2024 conference focused on upholding racing integrity, a key strategic point of the IFHA, and the overall programme examined items of key integrity threats and lessons from previous cases to determine how racing can utilise the most current approaches and techniques to protect the sport. Over 150 delegates from 40 different countries were in attendance. A noteworthy development announced during the conference was the official release of the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook. Described by the IFHA as “a comprehensive explanation of the components of racing that ensure integrity in the sport”, the Racing Integrity Handbook is available in full here. The post Replay and Presentations Available from the IFHA Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jim Allen has been appointed as the new general manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse, it was announced by the Jockey Club on Monday. He succeeds Tom Sammes, who leaves the Jockey Club at the end of this month. Allen's early career involved the management of two UK racecourses, Huntingdon and Sedgefield, before he served as racing director at Arena Racing Company (ARC) between 2006 and 2015. In this role he was involved in the innovation of the All-Weather Championships, the introduction of the new Tapeta racing surface at Newcastle and Wolverhampton racecourses, and the launch of sectional timing at all ARC tracks. Allen went on to train racehorses across the US and in France between 2016 and 2022, before joining Tapeta Footings as its operations director in 2023 to create new racing surfaces at Belmont Park, Margaux Farm and Santa Anita. He returned to the UK this year to take up the role of operations director at British Champions Series and will begin his new position at Epsom Downs on Monday, October 21, after QIPCO British Champions Day has taken place. “Having started my career at Huntingdon back in 1999, I'm absolutely delighted to be rejoining the Jockey Club,” said Allen. “I also grew up in Croydon and regularly attended Epsom from the age of 13, so it's a place that very much feels like 'home' to me. “As far as I'm concerned the Betfred Derby remains the most important race to the Thoroughbred breed and the most famous in the world, so I'm proud and excited to start working with the team. “I hope that my experience working across the industry in a range of different roles, from running racecourses to training racehorses, will give me a 360 degree perspective as we strive to ensure Epsom Downs reaches its full potential, both as a racecourse and training centre.” Amy Starkey, managing director of The Jockey Club, added, “I'm thrilled to have appointed someone of Jim's calibre to lead the team at Epsom Downs. “It is rare to find an accomplished racecourse administrator who also has expertise in training and caring for racehorses and his CV speaks for itself. With such experience and a wide range of existing stakeholder relationships, Jim will be a tremendous asset for Epsom Downs Racecourse and our training grounds.” The post Jim Allen Named General Manager of Epsom Downs Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Twenty years after the improbable victory of Singletary in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T), Little Red Feather Racing brings a trio of starters to the 2024 World Championships at Del Mar.View the full article

Former Fonner Park CEO Hugh M. Miner Jr. died Oct. 4 at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney, Neb. He was 78.View the full article

By Kristen Manning, courtesy of The Thoroughbred Report In a decisive move that underscores its commitment to global standards, Arion Pedigrees, Australia and New Zealand's leading thoroughbred pedigree provider, has taken a firm stance against Racing Australia's decision to upgrade The Everest and The All-Star Mile to Group 1 status. While Racing Australia hailed the upgrades as a landmark moment for Australian racing, Arion Pedigrees has opted not to recognise the new classifications until formal ratification is received from international authorities. The pedigree database, respected for maintaining the highest standards in thoroughbred bloodstock cataloguing, has made it clear that it won't be rushed into recognising races that, in its view, have not yet gone through the appropriate global processes. This move comes in response to what many in the industry see as Racing Australia “jumping the gun.” The announcement that The Everest and The All-Star Mile had been upgraded to Group 1 status was met with enthusiasm locally but concerns quickly surfaced about the lack of formal ratification from key international bodies, including the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee (IRPAC) and the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA). These approvals, Arion argues, are essential to maintaining the credibility of Australia's race classifications on the world stage. Kyla Johnston, Managing Director of Arion Pedigrees, expressed the company's steadfast commitment to integrity in an interview with The Thoroughbred Report. “We prefer to wait for formal international confirmation rather than rushing to upgrade races prematurely. For us, it's about ensuring the trustworthiness and uniformity of our pedigrees in line with global standards,” she said. A Longstanding Commitment to Integrity Arion Pedigrees' refusal to prematurely adopt the Group 1 classifications for The Everest and The All-Star Mile reflects a broader ethos at the heart of its operations. Founded in 1996, Arion has built its reputation on producing pedigree pages that not only meet but exceed global standards. By maintaining strict adherence to the International Cataloguing Standards, Arion ensures that its clients—whether breeders, buyers, or sellers—can rely on the accuracy and credibility of the pedigrees it produces. Johnston emphasised the importance of this approach, noting that international buyers, particularly those from markets with more rigid black-type systems such as Europe and Japan, depend on the integrity of Australian pedigrees when investing. “It's not just about putting a Group 1 label on a race; it's about ensuring that label holds the same weight here as it does in any other leading racing jurisdiction,” she said. “Our clients deserve to know that when they see a Group 1 race in an Arion pedigree, it's been recognised by the highest international authorities.” The Risks of Premature Recognition The decision by Racing Australia to push through the Group 1 upgrades without full international ratification has raised significant concerns within the industry. While The Everest and The All-Star Mile have undoubtedly attracted world-class fields, many are wary of how such unilateral upgrades might affect Australia's standing within the global thoroughbred community. Johnston pointed to the potential long-term damage of rushing such decisions. “It's not just about these two races,” she explained. “There's a much larger issue at play here. Racing Australia has indicated that up to 50 races across the country are under review for possible upgrades, many of which are based solely on local race ratings. Without international validation, we run the risk of inflating the black-type system and losing credibility on the global stage.” Indeed, the influx of proposed upgrades has sparked fears that Australia could face pushback from the international racing community. The Asian Pattern Committee has approved the Group 1 status for The Everest and The All-Star Mile, but none of the other proposed upgrades have yet received international approval. This could lead to Australia being relegated to part two of the International Cataloguing Standards, which would severely limit the international appeal of its black-type races. Johnston expressed concern that these premature upgrades could undermine the hard-fought reputation Australia has built in recent years. “Australia has become a major player in the international bloodstock market, with significant investment from overseas buyers. If those buyers begin to feel that Australia's black-type system is bloated or lacks credibility, it could have a serious impact on sales and investment,” she warned. The Importance of International Alignment At the heart of Arion's decision is a commitment to maintaining alignment with international standards. Johnston made it clear that Arion's position was not an indictment of Racing Australia's desire to innovate or promote its most prestigious races. Rather, it is a call for patience and transparency in the process of upgrading races to black-type status. “We fully understand the importance of races like The Everest and The All-Star Mile,” Johnston said. “These are races that have brought excitement and global attention to Australian racing. But to ensure that their new Group 1 status is respected internationally, we need to go through the proper channels. That means waiting for formal ratification from bodies like IRPAC and SITA.” This alignment with international bodies is more than just a formality for Arion—it's a core principle that protects the integrity of the global bloodstock market. Johnston pointed out that other racing jurisdictions, such as the UK and France, have strict protocols for upgrading and downgrading races, and it is this consistency that ensures their black-type systems are trusted worldwide. “The last thing we want is for Australia to be seen as lowering the bar when it comes to Group 1 races,” she said. A Broader Industry Concern Arion's stance has resonated with others in the Australian racing and breeding community, many of whom have voiced concerns about the potential consequences of Racing Australia's upgrades. Industry stalwarts like John Messara and Vin Cox have been vocal in their opposition, with both warning that the rapid expansion of black-type races could devalue Australia's racing programme. Messara, a breeding giant and owner of Arrowfield Stud, expressed fears that the Pattern system had been “hijacked” by state Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs), who are now making decisions without sufficient international oversight. Similarly, Vin Cox, a former member of the now-disbanded Australian Pattern Committee, criticised the lack of consultation with breeders and sales companies, arguing that the PRAs had effectively taken control of the black-type system and ignored the required due process. Johnston echoed these concerns, noting that while innovation is important, it must be balanced with the long-term interests of the industry. “We all want to see Australian racing grow and thrive,” she said. “But we have to be careful not to sacrifice credibility for short-term gains. The integrity of our black-type system is what attracts international investment, and that's something we can't afford to lose.” Looking Ahead For now, Arion Pedigrees will continue to operate under the existing guidelines set by the 2024 International Cataloguing Standards Book. While the local racing community may celebrate Racing Australia's decision to elevate The Everest and The All-Star Mile, Arion's decision to withhold recognition until formal international ratification is received serves as a reminder that credibility on the global stage is paramount. “We remain hopeful that these issues will be resolved quickly and transparently,” Johnston said. “It's in everyone's best interest that we work together to ensure that Australia's black-type system remains strong, respected, and in line with international standards.” In an industry where prestige and trust are vital to maintaining international investment, Arion Pedigrees stance is focused on ensuring that every upgrade is thoroughly vetted and aligned with the highest standards. The company's cautious approach may well be the safeguard the Australian industry needs to maintain its reputation in the international bloodstock market. TTR reached out to Racing Australia for comment but didn't receive a response before publication deadline. The post Arion Pedigrees Refuse G1 Recognition for The Everest and All-Star Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to inclement weather in Saratoga Springs, New York, Fasig-Tipton will delay the start time of Tuesday's Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale to 12 p.m. The sale was originally slated to begin at 10 a.m. “The weather conditions here in Saratoga have made it difficult for buyers to get their looking done in a timely manner,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “A two-hour delay to the sale's start will ensure that buyers and veterinarians can complete their pre-sale work properly.” The catalogue for Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale may be viewed here. Online bidding and phone bidding services will be available. The post Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale Start Delayed Two Hours appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two non-competition awards, the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award were awarded Monday by the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program. The Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work, and includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club. The 2024 Thoroughbred of the Year is Rockaway (Rockport Harbor), a 14-year-old gelding that retired from the racetrack in 2014 and was initially used as a lesson horse before beganing his career as a police horse for Coral Gables Police Department where he has become a loyal partner to Officer Ashley Sheran. “We are honored that Rockaway has been chosen for this recognition in his post-racing career,” said Sheran. “In reinstating the presence of a police horse for our department after almost a century, he has been become an extraordinary community policing asset. When patrolling, Rockaway offers the department a vantage point for subject recognition, and a strong visible presence that serves as a deterrence to criminal activity.” The young rider award, which recognizes riders 18 or younger who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities, has been awarded to both 14-year-old Madison Hightower and 16-year-old Ashlyn Tate. Created in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, year-end performance awards, a recreational riding program, and non-competition awards. The post TB Incentive Program Awards Non-Competition Honors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following Monday's confirmation stage, 17 horses remain in contention for Saturday's G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot, including the top-class three-year-olds Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Calandagan (Ire) in what has the makings of a blockbuster clash. Trained by William Haggas, Economics is unbeaten in four starts this season, culminating with a first Group 1 victory in last month's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, while French challenger Calandagan confirmed himself a major force to be reckoned with when filling the runner-up spot behind the outstanding City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August. Mickael Barzalona was recently announced as the new first jockey to the Aga Khan, the owner of Calandagan, but Stephane Pasquier is set to continue the association at Ascot, having partnered the son of Gleneagles (Ire) in every one of his five previous starts in 2024. “I'm definitely riding him at Ascot,” Pasquier confirmed. “That's good news for him and good news for me also. I rode him in work last week and he was very good. He is a fantastic horse and he's in good form. When I rode him last week he was perfect. “It's a strong race, but Calandagan did something so special at Ascot [when winning the G2 King Edward VII Stakes] and again at York. He has a very good turn of foot and it would need something very special to beat him–it would need City Of Troy to beat him!” Irish Derby hero Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a stable-mate of City Of Troy, is another talented three-year-old who shouldn't be underestimated if making a quick return to action after his third-place finish in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. He is one of six possible runners for Aidan O'Brien, with the others including the four-time Group 1 winner Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and G1 St James's Palace Stakes runner-up Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Other notable contenders for the £1.3 million feature contest on QIPCO British Champions Day include the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who needs to bounce back from a below-par effort in the Arc, progressive three-year-old King's Gambit (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) and last month's G2 Prix Foy scorer Iresine (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}). Supplemented Prague one of 15 Potential Rivals to Charyn Roger Varian's Queen Anne Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois winner Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) could face up to 15 rivals when he bids for a third Group 1 success of the campaign in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO). They include bargain buy Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who has been supplemented at a cost of £70,000 following his victory in the G2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket. Picked up for just 10,000gns as an unraced three-year-old out of Ballydoyle, he has been on a steep upward curve this year and trainer Dylan Cunha expects conditions at Ascot to play to the strengths of his stable star. “He won on soft ground last time when he took the Joel Stakes really well,” said Newmarket-based Cunha, who is a Group 1-winning handler in his native South Africa. “He worked nicely on Saturday morning, he's come out of it really well, and he's going to get his ground. We all felt it was worth having a go. “When you look at official ratings, he's now only 5lb below Charyn. We know he will have to improve a lot to beat Charyn, but he's definitely in great form, so we have to go for it. When a horse like him is on such a steep curve, especially at this time of year, you might never get one in this form again, so we're going in with a good chance. We're fairly confident he'll run well. We've spent the money, so it is written in the stars now–we've done our bit!” Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) looks another leading contender for David Menuisier judged on the form of her victory in the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, along with last year's runner-up Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) and the Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), both of whom are set to make the journey over from France. Best of the Rest on Champions Day Champions Day kicks off with the G2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup in which Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is set to bid for his seventh success of an outstanding campaign. He will have the opportunity to avenge last year's defeat at the hands of Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), who was last seen pushing Kyprios all the way in the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in June. St Leger runner-up Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a stable-mate of Kyprios, G2 Doncaster Cup winner Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and the improving Al Nayyir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) also feature in a possible field of 13. A total of 22 horses remain contention for the G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes, with the 2022 victor Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}) set to come up against a number of Group 1 winners from earlier this season, including July Cup hero Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and Lockinge scorer Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). The first three from last month's Sprint Cup at Haydock could also clash again, namely Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Kind Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) and Unequal Love (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}). The other Group 1 contest on the card is the Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes in which 19 horses are currently engaged. They include Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), an emphatic winner of the G3 September Stakes at Kempton on her most recent start, with the progressive Tiffany (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) and G1 Yorkshire Oaks winner Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) leading the potential opposition. The post Economics, Calandagan and Charyn Headline Champions Day Confirmations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article