Wandering Eyes

The Canterbury Jockey Club have announced Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Romanoff (NZ) (Belardo) as their representative for the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day, 7 March 2026. When purchasing their slot for the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, the Club decided to use it as an added incentive to compete in their two elite-level three-year-old features over New Zealand Cup Week – the $600,000 Group 1 Barneswood Farm 53rd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and $700,000 Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 53rd New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) – with the victor of the former having the first seat at the negotiating table. As the winner of last month’s 2000 Guineas, the connections of the Pam Gerard-trained Romanoff were duly given first right of refusal, and a deal was brokered this week. “The CJC is delighted that the strategic direction the Club took when buying a slot has continued this year, with the winner of the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Romanoff, representing the Club,” CJC Chair Diane Logie said. “On behalf of the CJC, I wish to thank the owners for reaching an agreement with us.” Romanoff is raced by a 13-strong ownership group and carries the Fletcher tartan silks of part-owner Hugh Fletcher, and he is delighted his gelding will be a part of the spectacle of New Zealand’s biggest day of racing. “The owners of Romanoff are thrilled to have secured the CJC slot for the second running of The NZB Kiwi,” Fletcher said. Bred by Marie Leicester, Romanoff was purchased by Ballymore Stables, in conjunction with bloodstock agents Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman, from New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka 2024 Book 2 Sale. He was secured out of Haunui Farm’s draft for $75,000. Being Karaka Millions eligible, next month’s $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) looms as an obvious target, with Romanoff likely to resume at RACE Trentham next month. “On returning from Christchurch, Romanoff had a brief break at Pam Gerard’s spelling farm and is now back in work, looking bright and stronger than ever,” Fletcher said. “Current plans are to run in the Levin Classic (Gr.2, 1400m) at Trentham and the Karaka Millions 3YO as lead-ins to The NZB Kiwi.” The 2000 Guineas is becoming a memorable race for Gerard, having quinellaed this year’s running with Romanoff and Affirmative Action (AUS) (Yes Yes Yes), and winning last year’s edition with Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel). While Savaglee chased other targets, Gerard is excited to have her first runner in next year’s NZB Kiwi, with victory in the Guineas also making Romanoff eligible for $1 million in bonuses up for grabs in The NZB Kiwi. “It was a brilliant win in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton and picking up the opportunity to run for an extra $1 million bonus,” Gerard said. It is also fitting for Gerard to partner with the Canterbury Jockey Club, with the Matamata-based horsewoman hailing from the region. “Being a Cantabrian myself makes the opportunity of the slot even more special,” she said. “We are really looking forward to representing the CJC and the wider Canterbury area.” View the full article

Maiden special weight, allowance, maiden optional claiming, and open stakes races at Gulfstream Park will get a Florida-bred purse boost beginning Jan. 1, according to a Friday afternoon release from the Hallandale oval. Gulfstream will increase the purses by using funds from the Florida-Bred Incentive Fund (FBIF). The FBIF for all maiden special weight and allowance races will increase from $5,000 to $10,000, maiden optional claimers will be upped from $43,000 to $50,000, and all open stakes purses of $150,000 or less will get an increase of $25,000. 1/ST Racing President Stephen Screnci said additional FBIF money will be used in the months ahead. “The FBIF funds have allowed Gulfstream Park to continue offering Florida-bred restricted races through the Championship Meet,” said Screnci. “For the last Championship Meet we paid out approximately $1.3 million.” The post Gulfstream Increases Florida-Bred Purses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's a piece of legislation not introduced yet, but that didn't stop two industry leaders from discussing at last week's racing symposium in Arizona a proposed immigration change that could alter the way the sport's workforce seeks employment here legally. At the symposium, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) CEO Lisa Lazarus reportedly discussed a plan to expand P Visas to include equine workers with a built-in funding mechanism for the organization, according to BloodHorse. Currently, the backstretch workforce falls under the umbrella of the Fair Labor Standards Act, limiting them to H-2B visas only. The H-2B visa program–which affords non-agriculture seasonal immigrant workers jobs in such industries as hospitality or with animals–has its limitations. It comes with a restrictive annual quota, and is typically only granted for a year, but it can be extended for up to three years. The P Visa is broken into four categories geared toward individuals with specialized skills. The P-1A is for athletes and sports teams (with an initial stay of up to five years). The P-1B is for skilled entertainers who form part of an entertainment troop. The P-2 is an artist and professional entertainer exchange program. The P-3 is for artists whose work is considered culturally unique. The last three categories come with an initial stay of a maximum one year. TDN obtained a draft version of a piece of legislation that has been shared among industry leaders, its structure mirroring what morsels of information were shared last week. The important caveat is that this is not the final version of the bill to be introduced–if indeed it eventually is. The draft P Visa legislation is geared toward equine workers who either care, feed, groom or train horses involved in equine sporting competitions, or who are involved in the breeding of horses that compete. The visa fee, as per this draft, is $1,500. For those equine workers performing tasks that fall under HISA's auspices, 100% of these monies will go into a Federal Trade Commission (FTC)-managed fund to be used “for the awarding of grants to States in which the State racing commission elects to remit fees pursuant to section 1203(f)(2) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act.” As to the monies collected for equine workers not covered under HISA, 50% would be used under the Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant Program for disabled veterans and disabled members of the armed forces. The other 50% of the fees collected would go into an “Equine Aftercare Fund” for equine aftercare programs. As drafted, this visa pathway wouldn't be available to the immigrant backstretch workforce already here. A spokesperson for Kentucky representative Andy Barr–who National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) president Tom Rooney reportedly said provided the idea behind the legislation–described its progress as being in its formative stages. “While we don't have legislation that Congressman Barr is endorsing or introducing yet, we are engaging with industry stakeholders, Congressional leadership, and the Administration to find the right path forward. President Trump and Congressman Barr have delivered great victories for the industry–including the enactment of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act and the 100% bonus depreciation provision of the Big Beautiful Bill that led to record yearling sales at Keeneland this year,” wrote Barr's communications director, Alex Bellizzi. Neither the NTRA nor HISA shared more than what was detailed last week, though spokespersons for both expressed support for a P Visa expansion proposal. “We know the industry needs more visas in general and needs more workers, so anything that does that we're in support of,” said NTRA communications director Thomas Meis. “We are excited for the potential of the P Visa expansion. We have no further comment beyond what Lisa and Tom shared at Symposium. Happy to have a conversation when legislation is introduced,” wrote a HISA spokesperson. Coady If and when this legislation is introduced, it will surely face stiff political headwinds. It was all the way back in 1986 that major immigration reform was passed on Capitol Hill. Added to that, Barr faces a contentious battle for the Kentucky senate seat soon to be vacated by Mitch McConnell. One of his rivals is trainer Dale Romans, who has made very clear that immigration reform is a backbone of his campaign. Given how Washington continues to be riven by political dysfunction, is this the right time to be pushing important immigration reform for the industry? “I believe that the timing might be ideal for an immigration program that has all of the requirements for both sides of the aisle,” said California Horse Racing Board vice chairman Oscar Gonzales, pointing to a climate characterized by an immigration crackdown that has targeted communities heavily reliant on immigrant labor, as well as the ongoing affordability problem. “If the equine community can prove that a segment of the worker population can get some form of work permits–in this case the P Visas–then perhaps that could be a model for other industries,” Gonzalez added. The post P Visa Expansion for Equine Workers: What’s Currently Known? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a threat of rain in Southern California next week, Santa Anita Park has delayed the close of entries for its opening-day card on Dec. 26 until Sunday, Dec. 21, according to a text distributed from the track's racing office.View the full article

Beginning Jan. 1, Gulfstream Park will increase Florida-Bred Incentive Fund purses from $5,000 to $10,000 for all maiden special weight and allowance races.View the full article

The Maryland Jockey Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Vincent “Jimbo” Bracciale, Jr., a beloved jockey, trainer, horseman, mentor, and friend. View the full article

Vincent “Jimbo” Bracciale, Jr., winning rider of 3,545 races–the bulk of them in Maryland, passed away Dec. 15, according to a release from the Maryland Jockey Club, which will hold a moment of silence and a video tribute after the first race Saturday. Bracciale was 72. Among Bracciale's many career highlights was piloting Ruffian to victory in the 1974 GI Spinaway Stakes and GIII Astoria Stakes. “I've ridden some good horses, but there was nothing to compare to her,” said Bracciale said in a 1988 interview. He also rode Broad Brush to a third-place finish in the 1986 Kentucky Derby after the pair captured that year's GI Wood Memorial; won the 1986 Queen's Plate on Golden Choice; and, among others, won the 1976 GI Amory L. Haskell Handicap aboard Hatchet Man over Forego during the time he was a contract rider for Greentree Stable. Bracciale retired from riding in 1990 and trained a small stable between 1992 and 2024. From 318 starts as a trainer, he won 31 races. Born in West Virginia and the son of a jockey, Bracciale is survived by his wife of 53 years, Terri, as well as five daughters and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A private service and burial will be held this week, with a public memorial mass to to held Jan. 8 at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church in Clarksville, Md. The post Jockey ‘Jimbo’ Bracciale Passes Away at 72 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Florida Derby (G1) winner Tappan Street scores a workmanlike comeback victory in a second-level allowance optional claiming race Dec. 19 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

7th-GP, $70k, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 3:18 p.m. ET Epic d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro), a full-brother to the once-in-a-lifetime Rachel Alexandra, makes his first career start for Todd Pletcher going two turns over the Gulfstream lawn. He brought $1.35 million from the fledgling Las Vegas-based Epic Horses at last year's Keeneland September Yearling sale. The bay was bred in Kentucky by Dede McGehee. “He is a really good mover,” the operation's advisor and CEO of Town & Country Farms Shannon Potter said at KEESEP while declining to reveal the names of the new owners. “He has a good walk and has a lot of hip and a big shoulder. We loved the way he looked.” Epic d'Oro, drawn widest of all in post 12, is listed at 6-1 on the morning line. Irad Ortiz, Jr. has the mount. TJCIS PPs 3rd-FG, $55k, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 2:45 p.m. ET Coronado (Nyquist), a $95,000 KEEJAN short yearling turned $550,000 KEESEP yearling, looks well-meant for his debut for Wathnan Racing and trainer Brad Cox. He was produced by the stakes-placed Quality Road mare Slimey. Luis Saez has the mount on the 3-1 morning-line favorite. The field of 10 also includes Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable homebred Golden Tempo (Curlin), a son of GSW & GISP Carrumba (Bernardini). He debuts for Cherie DeVaux. TJCIS PPs The post Saturday’s Insights: Full-Brother to Rachel Alexandra Debuts at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

California racing just got dealt another brutal blow. In a year when this sport should be doing everything possible to stabilize a fragile circuit, the loss of Grade I status for the Frank E. Kilroe Mile and multiple downgrades at Santa Anita and Del Mar is very concerning. When you strip premier events in the middle of a wagering and field-size crisis, you're not “protecting the integrity of the pattern,” you're accelerating the decline of one of the game's few remaining flagship jurisdictions. This outcome might look neat on a spreadsheet, but on the ground in California it means fewer top-class opportunities, weaker cards, and less incentive for owners to keep investing in this circuit. Hard to talk about “national balance” when Kentucky adds a Grade I turf sprint and fresh upgrades at Churchill and Kentucky Downs, while California absorbs a net loss in graded quality. At a time when the industry says it wants West Coast stability, this grading slate feels like the exact opposite of leadership. The post Letter to the Editor: Tom Ryan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Goodman Family has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the Thoroughbred Charities of America's upcoming 36th Annual Stallion Season Auction, to be held Wednesday, Jan. 7–Sunday, Jan. 11. The Goodman Family owns the historic Mt. Brilliant Farm in Lexington, Ky. “We are deeply appreciative of the Goodman Family's support,” said Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA. “The Stallion Season Auction plays a critical role in our ability to provide grants to deserving organizations nationwide. The Goodman Family's continued involvement reflects their meaningful dedication to our mission of supporting Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them.” The TCA Stallion Season Auction is the organization's largest annual fundraiser and opens with an online auction beginning at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 and continues through 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9. The online auction will offer over 200 seasons to stallions standing in 10 states and Canada. The majority of the seasons will sell during the online auction, however select seasons including Constitution, Patch Adams, Locked, and Liam's Map will be sold in the Live Auction and Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 11 at Harper Hall in Lexington, Ky. Tickets are available here. The post Goodman Family Named Presenting Sponsor of TCA’s Stallion Season Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last seen beating Horse of the Year candidate Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the GI Curlin Florida Derby in March but forced off the Kentucky Derby trail by injury, TAPPAN STREET (c, 3, Into Mischief–Virginia Key, by Distorted Humor) returned to the races Friday a winner in allowance company at Gulfstream. Sitting second on the long run up the backstretch in this one-turn mile spot, the 1-9 favorite let Steppe (Sky Mesa) do the heavy lifting from the rail but had to dig in to get by that rival as they turned for home. Steppe was game to the inside but ultimately second best on the day as Tappan Street drove past in the later stages to pick up the win for Brad Cox and Irad Oritz Jr. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0. O-WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc., Cold Press Racing and Qatar Racing; B-Blue Heaven Farm; T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $1,000,000 ylg '23 FTSAUG. TAPPAN STREET returns a winner as he wins the 7th race today at Gulfstream Park, ridden by @iradortiz do trainer @bradcoxracing and @WinStarFarm El ganador del Florida Derby 2025, TAPPAN STREET, retornó victorioso al ganar en reaparecida la 7ma del Viernes en Gulfstream Park,… pic.twitter.com/dcIc39fS2I — Agentes305 (@agentes305) December 19, 2025 The post Tappan Street Returns A Winner In Gulfstream Allowance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Dec. 19 its listing of United States graded and listed stakes races for 2026. The Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs becomes a grade 1.View the full article

Japan's 2-year-olds are back in action on Dec. 21 in the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1T), normally the bailiwick of runners destined for future glory at a mile.View the full article

Months after being named the 2024 Indiana Thoroughbred Owner's and Breeder's Association's Horse of the Year for 2024, multiple stakes winner Demolisher was euthanized after a bout with laminitis.View the full article

On Festive Friday at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, Heart of Honor, Opera Ballo, and Imperial Emperor all flashed credentials that could carry them to the top of the big Middle Eastern races later this season.View the full article

The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association presented its listing of U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes Races for calendar year 2026, the results of its annual grading session conducted Dec. 17 and 18. The committee reviewed 942 U.S. stakes races with a purse of at least $75,000, and assigned Graded status to 410 of them, five fewer than were graded in 2025, and Listed status to 211 races. Eleven Graded races were upgraded; one new Grade I and 10 new Grade II races were named; four new Grade III races were identified. Nine new Listed races and one new Listed-Restricted race were upgraded from non-Listed Black Type (NLBT) status. Thirteen Graded races were downgraded; two Grade I, five Grade II and six Grade III races were demoted. Six Listed races were downgraded to NLBT status. One race was upgraded from Grade II to Grade I status for 2026: the Ladies Turf Sprint S. at Kentucky Downs. Additionally, two races were downgraded from Grade I to Grade II status for 2026: the Franklin-Simpson S. at Kentucky Downs and Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. at Santa Anita Park. Ten races were upgraded to Grade II status for 2026: the Shawnee S. and Unbridled Sidney S. at Churchill Downs; Green Flash H. at Del Mar; Bryan Station S., Doubledogdare S., and Giant's Causeway S. at Keeneland; Ladies Turf S. and Nashville Derby Invitational S. at Kentucky Downs; Molly Pitcher S. at Monmouth Park; and Caress S. at Saratoga. For a complete listing of all graded and listed stakes for the 2025 season, click here. RACES UPGRADED FOR 2025: GRADE II TO GRADE I Ladies Turf Sprint S. at Kentucky Downs GRADE III TO GRADE II Shawnee S. at Churchill Downs Unbridled Sidney S. at Churchill Downs Green Flash H. at Del Mar Bryan Station S. at Keeneland Doubledogdare S. at Keeneland Giant's Causeway S. at Keeneland Ladies Turf S. at Kentucky Downs Nashville Derby Invitational S. at Kentucky Downs Molly Pitcher S. at Monmouth Park Caress S. at Saratoga LISTED TO GRADE III Hanshin S. at Churchill Downs Maxfield S. at Churchill Downs Indian Summer S. at Keeneland Limestone S. at Keeneland NEW LISTED RACES Autumn Days S. at Aqueduct Anchorage Overnight S. at Churchill Downs Fern Creek S. at Churchill Downs Leslie's Lady Overnight S. at Churchill Downs Jeff Hall Memorial Sprint S. at Ellis Park KY Downs Preview Ladies Turf Sprint S. at Ellis Park Myrtlewood S. at Keeneland Untapable S. at Kentucky Downs Holiday Inaugural S. at Turfway Park Note: One race was upgraded to Listed-Restricted status for 2026, Tranquility Lake S. at Del Mar. RACES DOWNGRADED FOR 2025: GRADE I TO GRADE II Franklin-Simpson S. at Kentucky Downs Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. at Santa Anita Park GRADE II TO GRADE III Fort Marcy S. at Belmont at Aqueduct Sands Point S. at Belmont at Aqueduct Gulfstream Park Mile S. at Gulfstream Park Joe Hernandez S. at Santa Anita Park Santa Maria S. at Santa Anita Park GRADE III TO LISTED Red Carpet S. at Del Mar Pucker Up S. at Ellis Park Greenwood Cup S. at Parx Racing Honeymoon S. at Santa Anita Park Las Virgenes S. at Santa Anita Park Palos Verdes S. at Santa Anita Park The post 410 U.S. Graded Stakes Marked For 2026–Five Fewer Graded Races, One New Grade I appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Out of action since his case of thumps in the GII Charles Town Classic Aug. 22, 6-year-old Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) returns to Gulfstream Park Saturday to contest the GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes. Having started each of his last four campaigns in Florida for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., the fan favorite, who won this same race in front-running style as a 3-year-old in 2022, gets back on track after an eventful summer where he ran seventh to Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the GI Whitney Stakes before fading from the lead on a hot night in West Virginia. “His last two races haven't been up to par,” Joseph admitted of Skippy who will make his 35th career start Saturday. “His Whitney wasn't too bad. It was his first start back. We had missed some time. He made a big run and got tired. That was kind of an OK race. His Charles Town race was very disappointing. He got the thumps (a spasmic contraction of the diaphragm similar to hiccups in humans) in that race. It's something he's done from time to time.” Now, off a four-month layoff, the earner of over $3.6m needs a good run here to springboard himself into contention for January's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational, a race he's contested each of the last three years, finishing third last year. “He's doing really, really well,” Joseph continued. “He's training really well. We gave him a break. All the data that you could get back is positive. He's 6 turning 7, but we feel like he's just as good now as when he's in peak form. Hopefully, that shows on Saturday.” Jockey Tyler Gaffalione, aboard for Skippy's first two starts of 2025, re-takes the reins Saturday from Irad Ortiz Jr. who breaks just inside of him on stablemate Hold My Bourbon (Anchor Down). A 4-year-old making his second foray into graded stakes company having run a tiring ninth after setting the fractions early in the GI Forego at Saratoga Aug. 23, he was most recently fifth over this distance at Keeneland Oct. 24. Godolphin homebred and 2-1 morning-line favorite Poster (Munnings), one of a trio of 3-year-olds in the field, gets back on the main track Saturday having run on all three surfaces this year. Last season's GII Remsen Stakes winner was an early player on the Road to the Kentucky Derby but finished third in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa in February and fourth on the Tapeta in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway in March. A debut turf winner as a 2-year-old, he returned to that surface most recently off an eight-month layoff to win an allowance race at Churchill Downs Nov. 9. “He's doing great,” said trainer Eoin Harty. “I wouldn't have brought him down there if I didn't have the utmost confidence that he's in great shape and ready to run a big race.” South American invader Con Compania (Chi) (Awesome Patriot) will make his first start for new trainer Robert Dibona after spending much of 2025 with Amador Sanchez. The 5-year-old gelding has already shown an affinity for the Gulfstream surface, winning three of his six starts from six furlongs to one mile. He'll try two turns for the first time Saturday. Longshots Racing Driver (Dialed In), Classic of Course (Awesome of Course) and 2024 GI Kentucky Derby finisher Catalytic (Catalina Cruiser) complete the field. Wolfie's Dynaghost leads in the River City field | Coady Media Over on the turf course in the GIII Ft. Lauderdale Stakes, 7-year-old Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper) ships south off a strong front-running 2 3/4-length win in Churchill's GIII River City Stakes over this distance Nov. 8. That was his first start for trainer Brian Lynch who took over from Jonathan Thomas. “He came over in very good order and fortunately enough he picked up where he left off with [previous trainer] Jonathan [Thomas],” said Lynch. “He touted himself going into the River City and ran like we hoped he would. Obviously he's a classy old horse. I was proud to be able to continue his winning streak and keep him out there because he looks like he could be a lovely older handicap grass horse.” Defending champ Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro) comes in off a winning effort in the Artie Schiller Stakes at Aqueduct Oct. 11 for trainer Todd Pletcher. “We'll give him a chance to defend his title,” Pletcher said of the Spendthrift Farm runner. “[He's a] cool horse, just so consistent. Always shows up and tries hard. I like the way he worked [Saturday] morning so hopefully that means he's sitting on a good one.” Coming in on a two-race win streak is Cugino (Twirling Candy) for Claude McGaughey. After taking the Red Bank Stakes at Monmouth Park Sept. 1, he just lasted to earn graded stakes glory in the GII Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct Nov. 2. “We love this horse,” said West Point's Tom Bellhouse. “Earlier in his career he was a touch unlucky. He had a couple of tough trips where it seemed like even when he won there was an inquiry. He was always bouncing off against somebody. This is one of those vintage Shug McGaughey training jobs where all of a sudden you have a horse that once they hit 4 and 5 [years old] and they're still in the program, they're excelling. Hopefully the best is yet to come with this guy.” Trainer Patrick Biancone saddles Beach Gold (Omaha Beach), a 4-year-old who broke his maiden over this course in March and returned to pick up two more wins over it in May and June. He exits a tough go in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland Oct. 4. The post Skippy Returns To Gulfstream In Saturday’s Graded Action appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One consideration for Eclipse Award voters to ponder is whether Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Forever Young should win the older dirt male Eclipse Award after making just one start in North America.View the full article

By Mike Love Southland trainers will be looking to bring home a few slices of the Phoebe Stud Harness 5000 pie from Ashburton on Sunday. A total of 28 Southland-trained horses will line up in the inaugural meeting. The 12 $60,000 finals were created with qualifying taking place over the past five months by stallions with a service fee of $5,000 or less. All races are classed as Listed and will be run over 1700m from the mobile. The shortest priced favourite of the southern-trained runners is November Nine ($1.50FF) for Riversdale trainer Carl Hanna in Race 1, the Smithfield Berries Mobile Pace for three-year-old fillies. The daughter of Sky Major has won once and placed twice from six starts – her most recent effort can be ignored after getting things wrong over the crossing at Wingatui. She will be driven by Matthew Williamson. “She’s been up at Brent and Tim White’s for a week and the reports have been good. I decided to send her up a bit earlier so they can give her a good run on the track leading into it,” said Carl Hanna. “They’re happy so I’m happy.” Hanna admits the small field of four will make it a tactical race. “It’s the drivers’ problem now!” Ryal Bush trainer Brett Gray will take the highest number of horses up from the south with four runners. Two of those runners come in Race 3, the South Island Seed Dressing Mobile Pace for four-year-old gelding and entires. Jaccka Evan ($12.00FF) for driver Jonny Cox and Foxing Easton ($20.00FF) for Brent Barclay both have attractive odds on offer and look sure to give a decent account of themselves. “Foxing Easton has drawn not too bad, two the second line which is why Brent (Barclay) was inclined to drive that one. It could work out alright from there for them,” said Brett Gray. “Jaccka Evan has drawn a bit wider so I don’t know what we will do from there. We will just leave it up to Jonny (Cox). He’s been racing alright.” Gray’s best winning chance of the day is Ultimate Collect ($3.60FF) in Race 5, the Morrison Racing/Groundwork Services Mobile Pace for four-year-old mares with driver Mark Hurrell. The mare by Ultimate Machete will need to overcome a horror draw of 15. “I’m really happy with her. I think she’ll run a big race and be a big chance. There’s a few nice chances but she’s a nice horse and can run a good mile.” Gray’s other runner is maiden pacer Our Twinkle ($35.00FF) in Race 11, the Majestic Horse Floats Mobile Pace for three-year-old colts and geldings and will have to take on the shortest priced favourite of the day in northern visitor Greased Lightning ($1.10FF) for trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan. “It’ll be hard for him but we’ll have a chance at some minor money.” Tisbury trainer Kirstin Green will be lining up three on the day including last start winner Madrik ($17.00FF) in Race 12,the Ashburton Engravers Mobile Trot for five-year-old and older geldings and entires. “He’s working really well and seems to be in a good space. We will need a bit of luck though. On his day he’s capable,” said trainer/driver Kirsten Green. Earlier on in Race 8, the Mainland Repairs Mobile for three-year-old trotting fillies Mor Moonlight ($14.00FF) will take her place from the unruly position. The One Over Da Moon filly has taken on strong company and acquitted herself well in her short career to date. “I think quite a bit of this filly. I think she’s capable of competing with them. She showed that when an unlucky fourth in a good race at her second start.” That was the Southern Trotting Oaks back on October 9 at Ascot Park which was won by none other than Ya Rite Darl who went on to win the Group 1 Queen Of Diamonds at Alexandra Park last Friday. “Being on the unruly will make it tricky, but she’s capable of footing it with them.” Green’s other runner is Garonne ($301.00FF) in Race 6, the A Team Construction Mobile for four-year-old geldings and entires.Green will drive all three runners. Race 7, the Paul Summerfield Plumbing (2006) for five-year-old and older geldings and entires has the most Southland representation on the day with six runners throwing up their Stags. Gore trainer Robin Swain takes two to the meeting – both lining up in race seven. Bowlem Over ($9.00FF) to be driven by Kirstin Green has been racing fairly and should enjoy the competitive race. The Net Ten EOM gelding will be looking for win seven at start 59. “He’s a bit of a grinder that doesn’t mind roughing it a bit. The harder they go the better,” said Robin Swain. His other runner the free-legged Magnetic Beckers ($17.00FF) driven by Brent Barclay looks to have a decent minor money chance at a good quote. “He’s a rough show from the draw because he does have a bit of speed if he gets a soft trip.” Winton trainer Alister Kyle takes two to the meeting including Tash’s Bad Girl ($13.00FF), who will be driven by Tim Williams. The seven-year-old Sir Lincoln mare is racing in the form of her life and lines up in Race 9, the Dairy Business Centre mobile pace for five-year-old and older mares. “She’s always had the ability. It would’ve been nice to have drawn a bit closer in because she lacks a little bit of gate speed.” Tash’s Bad Girl had a freshener before having a conditioning run at Winton on Sunday in preparation for this Sunday. “We were happy with her run at Winton. She won’t disgrace herself and deserves to be there.” Kyle’s daughter Natasha has been given a sound introduction to her driving career with their association. Natasha has been handling the mare brilliantly in her recent campaigns – driving her in three of her seven career wins as well as several placings on the mare. “It’s been giving her great confidence – she’s done a great job driving her.” Kyle’s other runner is Moon Light Terror ($501.00FF), a half brother to Tash’s Bad Girl, who lines up in race eleven and will begin at bolters odds. Phoebe Stud Harness 5000 already a winner By Brad Reid, NZ Standardbred Breeders There is a genuine sense of excitement and anticipation heading into this weekend’s inaugural running of the Phoebe Stud Harness 5000 at Ashburton, and rightly so. From its earliest conception, this initiative was designed to restore belief, accessibility, and aspiration for everyday breeders — and as we arrive at its first staging, there are already strong indications that it is beginning to do exactly that. Perhaps the most encouraging signal to date has been the behavioural response from stallion owners and breeders alike. The Harness 5000 has played a meaningful role in driving service fee recalibration across the market, with influential stallions such as Pebble Beach, Lazarus, and King Of Swing all reducing their advertised fees. Based on booking numbers from last month alone, those three stallions are collectively on track to save breeders in excess of $250,000 in service fees — a material reinvestment back into the grassroots of our industry. Just as importantly, the initiative has created genuine opportunity for new and emerging stallions attempting to establish a foothold in a highly competitive marketplace. With current bookings across eligible stallions now exceeding 700, compared with approximately 550 mares served last season, the growth trajectory is undeniable. That uplift reflects confidence — not only in the incentive itself, but in the broader concept of affordability, fairness, and commercial realism that underpins it. From a racing perspective, while a couple of categories have drawn smaller fields than we would ideally like at this first attempt, it is equally important to recognise what has not occurred. This has been far from the “bloodbath” some predicted. As eligibility numbers continue to build and stallion participation deepens, the Harness 5000 has all the hallmarks of evolving into something genuinely special over time. Yes, there are standout performers in certain divisions. Horses like Tarragindi and Greased Lightning will rightly start short-priced favourites. But rather than viewing that as a negative, we should be celebrating it. These are high-quality performers produced from affordable service fees, reinforcing the very principle this series was built upon — that excellence and accessibility do not need to be mutually exclusive. For many involved, this weekend represents a genuine Cup Day experience. The make-up of the fields tells that story clearly, with a strong representation of hobby breeders and owner-breeders who may not often find themselves competing for $60,000 finals on a single day. That breadth of participation is one of the Harness 5000’s greatest strengths and a critical indicator of its long-term value to the industry. Looking ahead, it is acknowledged that the placement of the series on the calendar will require review for next season, particularly given the clash with Invercargill Cup Day and the flow-on impacts for the West Coast circuit. That said, these are refinements, not flaws. The broader reality is that a breeding-led incentive capable of generating revenue for the business, while simultaneously redistributing opportunity across a wide cross-section of participants, is a rare and powerful double-edged sword. Finally, significant credit must go to the host club. The work undertaken to promote the event, create atmosphere, and deliver a full day of entertainment and racing deserves recognition. With so much action on offer throughout the day, the inaugural Harness 5000 shapes not just as a race meeting, but as an experience — and everyone involved deserves a genuine pat on the back. The first iteration is never about perfection. It is about proof of concept. On that front, the Harness 5000 has already delivered — and its best days remain firmly ahead. To see the Phoebe Stud Harness 5000 fields click here View the full article

Japan's 2-year-olds are back in action on Dec. 21 in the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1), normally the bailiwick of runners destined for future glory at a mile.View the full article

Monark Wood (Morpheus) (lot 28) topped the ThoroughBid December Sale at £22,000 on the bid of Max Comley Racing. The French hurdler is a three-year-old. Consigned by Ecurie Satalia, Monark Wood is a half-brother to graded-winning hurdlers Sticktotheplan (Great Pretender) and Full Of Life (Great Pretender). The seven-year-old gelding Gentleman Joe (Authorized) (lot 24) brought £20,000 from Matt Crawley Racing, Ltd. From Henry de Bromhead, he is a winner on the Flat and over hurdles. Of the 37 lots offered, 18 sold (49%) for a gross of £95,000. The average was £5,277 and the median was £2,250. James Richardson, CEO at ThoroughBid, said, “It's great to round off 2025 with another successful online auction, particularly with the sale of Monark Wood for French trainer, Davide Satalia. We've had some very positive feedback about the ease of using our platform for buying and selling horses from abroad and look forward to doing more of the same in 2026. I'm sure Max Comley will be excited to see Monark Wood arrive over from France, and we look forward to following his progress. “Consignments from Henry de Bromhead always attract plenty of interest, and Gentleman Joe was no exception, being knocked down to young up-and-coming trainer Matt Crawley for £20,000. We wish him the very best of luck with his new purchase. “Finally, I would like to thank all of our clients for their support in 2025, which has been our best year to date. We wish them all a very happy Christmas and look forward to working together again in the new year.” The post French Hurdler Tops ThoroughBid December Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing Ireland has announced a prize-money boost of €4.2m to €74.7m as details for the 2026 budget was revealed on Friday. Equine welfare and integrity along with education and training as well as breeding and sales are other key areas that HRI has targeted for investment. Details of the prize money strategy will be announced early in the New Year, together with 2026 revised race values which will commence from March 1. At the heart of this strategy is the delivery of a sustainable race programme and a competitive prize money distribution model. The budgeted number of race meetings in 2026 is 390. Meanwhile, following the recent Ministerial approval, the development of the Tipperary All Weather Track will commence early in 2026 with all-weather racing expected to commence in Q4 of 2027. This is a significant investment in the future of the racing industry. There is provision in budget 2026 for grant aid for capital developments in racecourses under a new scheme launched during 2025. The expectation is that HRI will fund €20m-€24m by providing 40% grant aid over a 5-year period, underpinning total capital investment of €50m-€60m by racecourses on their public facing and industry facilities. With regards to funding towards breeding and sales, the IRE Incentive Scheme, designed to stimulate trade at Irish sales and to fortify the Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing industry is producing a significant multiplier effect in terms of investment in Irish-bred horses. In 2026, HRI will provide for €1.5m in vouchers, up by €0.2m from this year, for qualifying winners that can be spent on Irish-bred horses at Irish auctions in 2026 and 2027. Suzanne Eade, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “Although HRI's overall allocation from the Horse & Greyhound Fund remained static in 2026, the revised allocation with €2m more available for current expenditure has allowed us to progress many of the ambitious plans laid out in our Strategic Plan 2024-2028. This has been achieved by driving efficiencies within the industry's operational expenditure, allowing us to respond to significant inflationary pressures. “HRI has consulted with key stakeholders, owners, and racecourses in determining both prize money strategy and funding the changes for 2026. These increases in prize money are crucial to the attraction of inward investment into Irish racing, the widening of the ownership base, and the retention of both owners and horses. “HRI welcomes the recent approval of the Tipperary All Weather Track Development by the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, with the work due to commence early in 2026 for completion by the end of the following year. “We have increased capital allocations, quite significantly, in the areas of equine welfare, in our people and their training, integrity, breeding and bloodstock sales and transformative digital and IT projects. “These measures, we believe, will provide Irish racing with a renewed stimulus, and afford greater attention to the people employed in it and to the horses themselves. As already stated, our commitment to nurturing success and inspiring participation will continue well beyond 2026 but it is vital these next steps are taken ahead of what will be an important year for our industry.” The post Boost In Prize-Money Revealed In Horse Racing Ireland Budget For 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What will racing look like in 10 years? We asked some of racing's best and brightest to give us their predictions. Want to submit an answer? Email suefinley@thetdn.com. BILL CASNER, CO-FOUNDER OF WINSTAR FARM What I am so optimistic about with horse racing right now is that young people are returning. Griffin Johnson has something like 2.5 million followers. When he went into the Derby, he had 1.2 million or something followers. He loves racing. He's got a vision of where it's going to go. He will bring, and he has the opportunity to bring, young people back to horse racing-make it hip-as long as we take care of our horses. Those young people must not see this as an abusive sport, which it has been. I've seen it for 62 years. But why I'm so optimistic is because we have put [the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act] HISA into effect. We have committed to eliminating the carnage. That's the number one thing-we have a future for the health and welfare of our horse. Without HISA, the outlook would be pretty grim. There are a lot of people out there that are anti-HISA. They look at HISA's growing pains, but they don't really reflect on what it has done for the horse. The only way we can survive as an industry is when we put the horse at the very top of the pyramid. And we have not been good at doing that in my lifetime. The horse has been a tool and it's been a commodity. You're talking about 10 years? You will have a fully matured HISA program that will be absolutely the cornerstone of our industry. We have the [diagnostic] tools. We're able to deal with [injuries] in an effective way before you ever have the catastrophic event. It's like the proverbial tear in the peanut package. I think we have a chance as an industry at rebirth. Golden Gate Fields | Horsephotos That said, California's gone. Belinda Stronach, she doesn't give a damn about horse racing. She could have been the one to save it. First thing she did was sell Golden Gate. Golden Gate was the heart and soul of the California breeding industry, and without that, the California breeding industry's gone. She's chosen to throw the industry in a ditch over more money. Beyond that, I'm optimistic. We have a chance for Arizona to come around again, perhaps have a place for those Western horses to run in Arizona. It's a big population center. The future of the Kentucky horse racing industry is so bright, because of the significant impact of historic horse racing on the economics. We have the best circuit in the country. Wyoming, too. Owners will go where the money is, you know. They've got historical horse racing up here. This is a market that really has a future in horse racing with this wonderful tool to grow our purses. Everything revolves around purses. Historical horse racing is a product that is owned by the industry. The commissions control it–it's not controlled by the legislature. What the legislature gives the legislature can take away. But with historical horse racing machines, those feed back into purses. We're also in a whole different age now of [artificial intelligence] AI. We're going to see in the next three years or so our whole economic paradigm change. It's a changing world. But I'm excited. I'm 77 years old and I am eating it up. I'm a horse junkie. I bought another mare the other day–I've got about 20 mares now. You know, every time one of those mamas gives me a new gift, man, it's just like Christmas. It's wonderful. The post Racing In 2036: Bill Casner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The inaugural edition of the $1-million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will be run on Saturday, February 7. The one-turn turf mile will be the most valuable Thoroughbred race ever to be held in Abu Dhabi, with the winner set to receive $600,000. The race is free to enter, with entries closing on February 4. Travel and stabling costs for overseas runners will be paid for by the Abu Dhabi Turf Club with owners, trainers and jockeys also being hosted for the event. Racing manager Ali AlJAaffal said, “The $1-million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will be the most valuable turf mile race to be staged in the Gulf region in 2026 and the new race demonstrates the ambition and vision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the determination to take horse racing in Abu Dhabi to new levels. The Abu Dhabi Turf Club has long been an integral part of the globally respected horse racing scene in the UAE, and we look forward to attracting a truly international cast of participants to the inaugural $1-million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup and to developing the race into one of the most prestigious turf mile contests in the world in the years to come.” The race will be linked with the $1-million GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic, run over nine furlongs at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, May 2. The winner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will receive an invitation from Churchill Downs Inc. to run in the Kentucky race, with entry fees waived and a travel stipends offered by the Abu Dhabi Turf Club. CDI vice president of racing Gary Palmisano said, “Churchill Downs, Inc. is fully committed to encouraging international participation in our extensive portfolio of Grade I races and we are delighted to announce the new link up between the $1-million GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic and the inaugural $1-million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup which is the most valuable mile race in the Gulf region. The Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic is one of five Grade I races on Kentucky Derby Day, annually one of the most spectacular days of sport in America broadcast to tens of millions of people throughout the world, and the association with the Abu Dhabi Turf Club is a demonstration of our commitment to international racing at the highest level.” The post Inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup To Carry Million-Dollar Purse; Race Linked To Turf Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article