Wandering Eyes

Noting the unique experience offered—even compared with the heights of any sport—retired major league baseball player Jayson Werth believes racing needs to find creative ways to bring more people in as owners.View the full article

In a statement Aug. 13 from one of the sport's preeminent owner-breeders, it was announced that all of the Aga Khan horses trained by Jean-Claude Rouget will be moved to Francis Graffard with the purpose of "streamlining their operations". View the full article

The 107th annual general meeting of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA), held on Tuesday, Aug. 13, saw members and trustees gather at Newbury racecourse to discuss the ongoing challenges in British racing's future. Philip Newton, chairman of the association, reiterated that evidence-based strategy as well as incentives and intervention were working, and that the methods were the way forward for a sustainable future. Newton took time to highlight the positive impact of both the Elite Mares' Scheme as well as the Great British Bonus (GBB) Scheme. The latter has paid out over £16-million in bonuses to owners, winning connections, and breeders in the last four years since its launch in 2020, and there has been a 16.3% increase in the median price of a GBB-eligible filly at sales. “We believe that additional money needs to be set aside to reward breeders and owners that adopt policies and behaviours that deliver and influence positive change and participation for the whole health of the sport.” There was frustration, however, as Newton discussed the effect of self-interests within the industry with different and more immediate agendas; ones he claimed were slowing down progression. There was also conversation on the need for transformative change to racing's finances, which Newton described the current state as a 'plan to fail'. “To rely upon the structure and funding model that has existed since 1962, and with media rights from 1986, is to plan to fail and I am not being dramatic or overstating the potential crisis that we are facing.” The TBA is currently exploring opportunities that different audiences and markets can provide the racing product, and Phase two of the project is due to begin shortly with a report expected at the end of the year. One key area is equine welfare, with the association calling for clear action to deliver a structure, strategy, and funding solution beyond talk and good intentions. “We have the foundations of a structure with RoR [Retraining of Racehorses] to deliver aftercare, we have the HWB [Horse Welfare Board] to set the strategies and police delivery. We urgently need a funding proposal, and I am grateful to my Deputy Chair Kate Sigsworth, who has taken this responsibility on, and is close to a proposal that already has much industry stakeholder support,” Newton commented. Tribute was also paid in regard to the passing of Paul Darling last week. Darling was the chairman of the Horse Race Betting Levy Board and a noted supporter of the Great British Bonus. The meeting's official matters of business also included the extension of Newton's term of office to 2027 to ensure a full term as chair and the appointment of two new elected trustees in Joe Callan and Jan Hopper. Kate Sigsworth was also confirmed as re-elected for a second term as deputy chair while Colin Bryce stepped down after four years as a trustee. A full summary of the meeting minutes is available here. The 2023 annual report was formally launched and may be found here on the TBA website. The post Evidence-Based Strategies Key To Work of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Assocation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Seize the Grey will bypass the Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course in favor of the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing Sept. 21.View the full article

Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) leads the Timeform juveniles as the highest rated this season with a 116p, and the fillies are dominating the pecking order. A 9 1/2-length winner of the Listed Chesham Stakes at the Royal Ascot meeting, and producing another dominating display July 25 en route to victory in the G3 Jockey Club of Turkey Silver Flash Stakes, the 'TDN Rising Star' is the highest rated 2-year-old and her stablemate multiple Group-winning Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) picks up the joint second spot with a rating of 112p. She shares the ranking with G1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes heroine 'TDN Rising Star' Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), who in winning the race accomplished a feat not witnessed in 13 years since La Collina (Ire) (Strategic Prince {GB}) claimed the prize in 2011. A filly has only finished the season in Timeform's top spot as highest-rated juvenile once in the last century–Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy) in 2016–but with the highest rated colt, Listed Railway Stakes winner Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), coming in at 110p and 'TDN Rising Star' Ancient Truth (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) only narrowly behind at 109p, the colts are lagging behind thus far in the season. “Of the 12 juveniles in Britain and Ireland with a Timeform rating of 105 or higher, four of them are fillies,” said Timeform handicapper Billy Nash. “At this stage last season there were 11 juveniles in Britain and Ireland rated 105 or higher and not one of them was a filly–Relief Rally was the highest on 104.” For his effort in last Sunday's G1 Prix de Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois, Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) has improved his rating from 123 to 125 after defeating French Guineas victor Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and multiple Group 1-winner Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who was trying for a three-peat. The post Fillies Dominate the Timeform Juvenile Pecking Order appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It is 15 years since Gwen Monneraye and Lucie Lamotte launched their La Motteraye Consignment and since then they have built their business up from scratch to being responsible for topping the Arqana August Sale of 2018 with a €1.4m Dubawi colt. Last year La Motteraye was the fourth-leading vendor with 16 yearlings sold at an average price of €201,563 and it would be no surprise to see them near the top of the table once more. The stud's draft of 30 yearlings are garnered from an international client base, including Heike Bischoff and Niko Lafrentz of Gestut Gorlsdorf, the breeders of German Derby winner Sea The Moon (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and their fellow German-based Michael Andre, breeder of Group 1 winner Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}). Closer to home, their French clients include David Salabi of Haras de Thenney and Samuel de Barros of Haras des Authieux, who raced the Prix de Diane winner Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}). Gwen Monneraye says: “I think there is reason to be optimistic about the sale. Saratoga was very strong and Deauville a year ago was very strong as well, so the mood seems to be good right now. “Overall I am very happy with our draft. We have the filly out of Channel and the mare's two-year-old [Ultrasoul] was second first time out and has an entry in the Lagardere as well as in two Group 2s in England [the Champagne and the Mill Reef Stakes]. “We are selling half-siblings to three Group 1 winners: Alenquer, then there is a Siyouni half-brother to Aspetar (GB) (Al Kazeem {GB}) and an Earthlight half-brother to [G1 Metrolpolitan winner] Just Fine (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). There's also yearlings by Frankel, Wootton Bassett Too Darn Hot, Sea The Stars and Sea The Moon, so it's very exciting. The vibes are also really good about St Mark's Basilica's first yearlings. “We've been working with Gorlsdorf for the last year. They are very successful breeders and they know their stuff. It's always good to work with established breeders. We also have a good relationship with David Salabi of Haras de Thenney. We are selling the half-brother to [Listed-winning two-year-old] Fakarava for him, and it's a young farm so that is exciting for the future. “Our own farm has been extended again this year. We have extended it every year and we bought a farm this year, last year and three years ago, so it is now 220 hectares. It is important to have plenty of land so when we have had the opportunity we have taken it. “Ciara O'Connor takes care of all the sales for us. Everyone knows her and likes her and it is great to have her help.” Draft highlights: Lot 32, by Victor Ludorum (GB) out of Wild Blossom (Ger) (Areion {Ger}). The half-sister to G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Alenquer is from the first crop of Darley's Classic-winning son of Shamardal, Victor Ludorum. The second dam is Wind In Her Hair, but don't be fooled – it's not that one. This one, however, is from a decent family herself and is a half-sister to four black-type performers. Lot 53, a colt by Frankel out of Ambition (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) Ambition was herself the winner of the G2 Prix La Corrida and runner-up in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet, but she is also a daughter of the Oaks winner Talent (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). This is her first foal. Lot 91, a filly by Wootton Bassett (GB) out of Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) From the Fittocks Stud foundation family of Souk (Ire), Channel is a granddaughter of the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Magical Romance (GB). The mare's first two yearlings to sell fetched €400,000 and €200,000. The draft also features the first yearling by Tally-Ho Stud's Starman (GB) to go through the ring. Lot 259 is a filly out of a half-sister to the GII New York Stakes and G3 Prix de Psyche winner Homerique (Exchange Rate). Claim to fame: Along with Alenquer, other notable graduates from La Motteraye Consignment include dual Group 2 winner The Juliet Rose (Fr), G2 Great Voltigeur winner Deauville Legend (Ire), G2 Prix du Muguet winner Sibila Spain (Ire), and the G3 Molecomb Stakes winner and G1 Middle Park third Armor (GB). Last word: “Last year's sale was just fireworks: it was amazing to be a part of it.” The post The Arqana Lowdown: La Motteraye Consignment appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced offspring from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Wendesday at Saratoga: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo, f, (S), 5 1/2fT, 4:00 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Mischief Lady (Honest Mischief), OBSMAR, 57,000, :10 1/5 C-New Hope AB LLC, agent; B-Paddock Proud LLC Princess Mischief (Honest Mischief)-MTO, FTMMAY, 55,000, :10 1/5 C-Sequel Bloodstock, agent; B-Chris Englehart, agent Timia (Honest Mischief), OBSJUN, 100,000, :10 1/5 C-Julie Davies LLC, agent; B-S O K Racing Partnership The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 14, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association is hosting a webinar for THA trainers Sept. 6, featuring representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage & Hour Division, as well as the New York State Department of Labor. Topics will include employer requirements for the H-2B visa program, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and investigative processes, along with labor law specifics for New York State employers. Speakers will include: Sarah Decker, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist – DOL/Wage & Hour Division; Cynthia Spahl, Regional Enforcement Coordinator for the H-1B and H-2B programs – DOL/Wage & Hour Division; and Reyna Moreno, Deputy Director of the Division of Compliance and Education – NYSDOL. The webinar will offer Continuing Education credits and registration is required. Contact membershipservices@nytha.com for more information. The post NYTHA To Host Trainers Webinar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Less than a week after it was announced that Jean-Claude Rouget was set to join forces with Jerome Reynier, the Aga Khan Studs revealed that it has relocated horses trained by Rouget to Francis-Henri Graffard. A statement released on Tuesday said, “The team at Aga Khan Studs extend their heartfelt thanks to Jean-Claude Rouget for his dedication over the past 19 years, during which time he has won seven Group 1 races for H.H. the Aga Khan, including Valyra (Prix de Diane), Ervedya (Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, Coronation Stakes and Prix du Moulin de Longchamp) and more recently Vadeni (Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse Stakes).” Graffard has already enjoyed a huge amount of success for the Aga Khan, most notably when sending out Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Rouhiya earlier this summer. It was revealed last week that Rouget, 71, who has training bases in Pau and Deauville, would operate alongside Reynier from January 1, 2025. The post Aga Khan Relocates Rouget-Trained Horses To The Care Of Graffard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

From trainer Philip Antonucci: In the year 2024, the words “OFF,” “YIELDING,” “SOFT,” “GOOD,” and “FIRM” are unacceptable characterizations of turf conditions; a surface much more complicated and living than a mere word. How Firm? How soft? On Saturday, I tweeted about the need for the American industry to learn from established practices worldwide. We need to adopt a more consistent measurement of turf conditions, a system that has already been successfully implemented in other parts of the world. Turf moisture measurements and “numerical ratings” are not new. Europe uses Turf Trax to give the going conditions quantitatively on various parts of the racetrack. Australia uses a 1-10 rating system to quantify how much “give” a racetrack has. America has qualitatively relied on rating courses. It is time to put a number on it. Once enough data is collected about “ratings,” it would benefit the industry to establish a “par rating” across the country in which races will remain on the grass or pulled off. This will significantly increase consistency, transparency, and expectations of whether it is safe to race, holding racetracks and industry participants accountable. Horseplayers will have more accurate data to see which horses performed on racetracks with various moisture levels. Owners and trainers will be able to make better judgments on the placement of their horses. Racetracks and turf superintendents no longer have to be the “bad guys,” as you cannot argue with a number. We do not have to reinvent the wheel; copy what works. We are entering a dangerous territory where any rain is becoming grounds for off the turf, which is unfair to horseplayers, owners, trainers, and even turf superintendents. Data is the way forward, and we must collect and apply it to make more informed decisions; we owe it to everyone. The post Letter to the Editor: Putting a Number to a Turf Course appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano and Classic-winning trainer Jena Antonucci will be signing posters of 2023 Eclipse Award winner Arcangelo (Arrogate) at Saratoga Race Course Saturday at 11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Renowned artist Greg Montgomery has produced exclusive limited-edition poster prints featuring Arcangelo, Castellano, and Antonucci for the Museum. Each autographed poster is $20. Any additional items fans would like signed will also be $20 per autograph. The Museum's open-air satellite facility is located behind the racetrack's grandstand just across the pedestrian path from the Fourstardave Sports Bar. The post Castellano, Antonucci to Sign Arcangelo Posters at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dunchurch Lodge Stud's homebred filly First Instinct (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), a 2-year-old daughter of G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Proportional (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}), made a winning debut over six furlongs in Tuesday's Weatherbys Global Stallions App EBF Maiden Fillies Stakes at Nottingham. Weatherby's Global Stallions App EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes @NottsRacecourse Nottimgham – 2 ans – Femelles -Maiden – 1223m – 11 Pts First Instinct (Bated Breath (Gb) @JuddmonteFarms – Proportional (Gb) par Beat Hollow (Gb)) Tom Marquand @TomMarquand W J Haggas… pic.twitter.com/pCrOK4OJs7 — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) August 13, 2024 2nd-Nottingham, £6,899, Mdn, 8-13, 2yo, f, 6f 18yT, 1:14.44, g/f. FIRST INSTINCT (GB) (f, 2, Bated Breath {GB}–Proportional {GB} {G1SW-Fr, $357,727}, by Beat Hollow {GB}) dwelt at the break and raced towards the rear through halfway in this unveiling. Coming under pressure to reduce arrears approaching the final quarter-mile, the 4-1 chance went second passing the furlong pole and was pushed out to deny Kalahari Blue (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) by a neck nearing the line. “It's important, first time, that they enjoy it and that they learn to race the right way,” said Maureen Haggas. “She behaved immaculately all day and has taken it all in her stride. There was plenty going on and it was a nice first run. She's not short of speed, but has a bit of growing to do.” First Instinct is the 10th of 11 foals and sixth scorer out of G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Proportional (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}), herself a full-sister to G3 Park Express Stakes victrix and G1 Irish 1000 Guineas third Vote Often (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}). Proportional was a 150,000gns acquisition, carrying the winner, at Tattersalls' 2021 December Mares sale. Final Instinct, whose second dam is the dual Group 3-placed Minority (GB) (Generous {Ire}), is a half sister to Listed Kildare Finale Stakes victrix Variable (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and a yearling filly by Frankel (GB). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $4,770. O/B-Dunchurch Lodge Stud Company (GB); T-William Haggas. The post Daughter of Marcel Boussac Heroine Proportional Makes Winning Debut at Nottingham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In 2009 when Tom Rooney joined the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's 17th Congressional District–a Southwest portion of the Sunshine State–he assumed passage of a bill to permanently ban the commercial slaughter of horses, along with their export for such purposes, was a slam dunk. “I did not think that this was going to be a controversial issue,” said Rooney, now the president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). “It immediately became one of the most contentious, where I was like, 'yeah, I oppose horse slaughter or the exportation for human consumption. Who wouldn't be for that?'” The bill in question is the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE Act), which would formally put an end to the slaughter of horses in the U.S. for human consumption. Right now, the ban on horse slaughter in this country is by omission. Appropriation acts prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using funds to send their staff to inspect horses before slaughter. In its current iteration, the bill would also prohibit the “shipping, transporting, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donating” of horses for commercial slaughter. Passage of the SAFE Act would not be a panacea for the industry's ongoing efforts to fill gaping aftercare gaps across the country–nor is it necessary for these gaps to be filled unilaterally. But many believe it would hasten that process, forcing a swifter expansion of a more organized aftercare network. As to the why of the bill's unsuccessful passage thus far–it has been knocking around the capital in some form or other since about 2001–blame in part legislative inertia in Washington. “I'd say the last seven, eight, nine, 10 years, it's been so stagnant on really everything. They're trying to do sweeping bills, but even then, they're not always succeeding,” said Chris Heyde, founder of Blue Marble Strategy, a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C., pointing to the delays in passing the Farm Bill, to which some legislators are trying to attach the SAFE Act. Rooney agrees. Though he said that legislators from the Western states have proven some of the biggest opponents to the SAFE Act, seeing the bill as a “slippery slope” towards prohibiting slaughter of other animals. This ideological divide can be seen through groups like Protect the Harvest, founded by wealthy oilman Forrest Lucas. In the eyes of Protect the Harvest, not only does the SAFE Act need to be quashed, but the USDA should once again fund and facilitate horse slaughter on U.S. soils, where the treatment of the horses, they argue, would be better than in Mexico and Canada. “Opening processing in the United States will help curb the problem of unwanted horses being abandoned, starved or shipped long distances outside of animal welfare oversight,” it writes. Have the Western states ever loosened their stance on the bill? “If you're asking has this issue softened over the years, I don't think so,” Rooney replied. The issue of “unwanted” horses is an argument oft repeated by one of the most vocal opponents to the bill, Douglas Corey, a veterinarian from Washington and former president of the Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). In 2020, Corey told a subcommittee on health within the House committee on Energy and Commerce that the bill offers “no solution” to the problem of the unwanted horse, which represents “a group of horses within the domestic equine population that are unwanted, needful, or their owners are no longer interested in them, or not financially able to aid the horse with appropriate care.” Corey added that “proponents of the legislation suggest that these horses will be absorbed by the alternative homes, rescues and retirement facilities.” However, “these options are already under stress and overcrowded,” he added. This argument, said Heyde, has been wheeled out repeatedly over the years even as the number of horses sold for slaughter has fallen dramatically. “When he started that speech, we were slaughtering 150,000-200,000 horses a year in the United States, and he said, 'oh, what are we going to do with all these horses.' And then we were slaughtering 70,000 horses. 'Oh gosh, the sky's falling in, what are we going to do with all these horses?'” said Heyde. But approximately 20,000 horses are still exported for slaughter annually. And Corey's argument that rehoming and rescue centres are stretched thin remains painfully accurate. Heyde, however, sees the equation as one of simple supply and demand. “Now we're down to about 20,000 horses [exported for slaughter annually] and there are no horses running down the streets. There are now more rescues than there ever have been. We've got a 'Homes for Horses Coalition' that I helped start with the Humane Society several years ago,” he said. “What did we do with all of the horses? Something happened to them,” he added. “And don't forget, the nature of a rescue is to operate at capacity.” Chelsea Perez, senior project manager for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), agrees how passage of the SAFE Act has been obstructed by dissemination of “misinformation” clouding the issue. “There has been an 88% reduction [in horses going to slaughter] over 10 years, and at the same time, there has been a reduction in neglect cases,” said Perez, adding how the number of American horses exported for slaughter represents a small percentage of the horses that die of other causes each year, and dealt with responsibly. “There's just no evidence that slaughter and abuse and neglect are tied together.” The problem, Perez added, is how some misleading talking points are baked-in among important stakeholder groups. “People genuinely believe them sometimes,” she said. “A lot of the veterinarians that I speak to on the ground, they believe them, they think it's true, even though that's just not what we're seeing.” Which comes to the role that non-profit organizations play in the bill's passage. Groups like HSUS and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have made a public show of support for the SAFE Act over the years. Heyde, however, questions just how incentivized some animal advocacy groups are to get the bill over the legislative finish line. Indeed, investigative news outlets like ProPublica have shone a light on the broader non-profit world in recent years, showing how in some cases, their immense money-making efforts have been used to enrich the fundraisers while spending little on the causes. “When I first came into the animal movement 20 years ago now, I asked around because I wanted to go to an organization that I knew actually did the work, and was not just a money-making, fundraising machine,” said Heyde. According to ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer, the HSUS' 2022 revenues were in excess of $157 million. All told, HSUS executive compensation topped $3.2 million that year. According to Charity Navigator, the organization spent about 68% of its 2022 revenues on program expenses, and 25% on fundraising. In 2022, revenues for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) topped $376 million, while its president and CEO Matt Bershadker earned over $1 million. The ASPCA spent about 76% of its revenues on program expenses in 2022, and nearly 20% on fundraising efforts. Animal Wellness Action is another group that fundraises off the SAFE Act. The organization was founded by Wayne Pacelle, who resigned as CEO of the HSUS in 2018 after being accused of sexual harassment and assault by several former employees. The non-profit record $1.06 million in revenues in 2022. Nearly 13% of the organization's total expenses went to executive pay that year. Perez pushed back strongly against any suggestion the HSUS is using the issue of horse slaughter as a fund-raising opportunity. “There is no part of our internal work that reflects the suggestion that we want to fundraise off of this. I can genuinely stand by that comment,” said Perez. “And I can tell you personally, the slaughter issue is one that consumes a massive amount of my mental energy.” Perez added how at a recent series of meetings, she and her colleagues sought to determine what “success would look like” in their work on issues like horse slaughter. “Across the board, people wrote on the papers they turned in that success would look like we wouldn't have a job anymore,” Perez said. Some 23 years after the first iteration of the legislation was introduced, however, what would it take to push the SAFE Act over the finish line? What Needs to Happen Now? All interviewed for the story believed how, in this era of Congressional dysfunction, it would need folding into a larger omnibus bill, as happened with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). Another useful approach, said Heyde, would be for “spread-thin” animal organizations to focus their time and resources on a select set of bills at any one time. “A great deal of perception is that it's already done,” said Heyde, of the SAFE Act. “So, when you get [House and Senate] members that already think it's gone, and you get animal groups who are pushing 6000 different bills–of which this is still one of them–it gets lost in that big mess of animal bills. Members get distracted. They go off and work on other legislation.” Perez, on the other hand, takes a pluralistic approach. “It definitely is much better when we as animal organizations work together,” said Perez. “In everything, it's more impactful to have a united voice, and be aligned in what we are asking for.” If the SAFE Act also had strong backing from influential voices within the racing industry, Perez added, that too would further engender legislative support–something Heyde agrees with. “I wish the racing industry would be more aggressive in it. I wish we had more leaders,” said Heyde, adding how the death of long-time horse advocate John Hettinger has hampered recent efforts. “We just need to reinvigorate it with major donors and major business leaders and major owners.” At least two of racing's most visible and vocal owners have come forward to press the issue. Last month in the TDN, John Stewart promised to keep the conversation about slaughter going. The same goes for Mike Repole, through his team's ongoing efforts to establish a sustainably funded and comprehensive network of accredited aftercare facilities nationwide, along with a system of incentives to drive demand for retired racers. “It's without question that huge strides have been made to reduce the number of horses sent abroad for slaughter–down nearly 90% in the last decade, and even higher over the last three decades. But we all know the number needs to be zero and it isn't that now,” said Pat Cummings, executive director of the Repole-founded National Thoroughbred Alliance. “A small number of Thoroughbreds still end up at kill pens, and I think you can reasonably surmise that while tremendous strides have been made in our greater aftercare efforts over the last 20 years, there is still so much more to be done,” said Cummings, who added how passage of the SAFE Act should help expedite that process. “It's beyond time to move this forward.” The post Time to Pass the SAFE Act, But How? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a start against the boys looming in the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 24, Thorpedo Anna has surged to the head of the pack in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.View the full article

The catalogue for the Tattersalls September Sale has been released and is available online, the auction house announced via presser on Tuesday. Set to take place on Tuesday, Sept. 10 after having previously gone late August, 240 lots have been assembled with 155 colts and geldings both in and out-of-training as well as 77 fillies and mares both in and out-of-training. Seven broodmares were also catalogued. Scheduled to go through the ring are consignments from some of England's leading trainers including lots offered on behalf of John & Thady Gosden and Roger Varian. Highlights of the sale include Lot 71 God of Fire (Ire) (Muhraar {GB}), who comes into the auction riding a three-race win-streak and hails from the family of European champion 2-year-old colt, and joint champion 3-year-old St. Mark's Basilica (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). That multiple Group 1-winner's half-brother is twice Group 1-winning Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), whose shared Group-winning dam is a half-sister to the mare who produced multiple Listed winner, multiple Group-placed Dancing Tango (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). The 4-year-old brings a Timeform Rating of 97 from his last three efforts. Group-winning form will also be on offer as Dubai Station (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), lot 58, and Tactical (GB) (Toronado {Ire}), lot 128, will pass through the ring. Amo Racing's multiple Group-placed Crispy Cat (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), lot 186, will be offered with a stakes victory in the States to his credit from his last three races. Also catalogued is Born Ruler (GB) (Kingman {GB}) as Lot 190, a grandson of European champion 3-year-old filly, Irish champion older mare and multiple Group 1-winning globetrotter Ouija Board (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}. As such, the 4-year-old gelding hails from the family of European joint champion 3-year-old colt Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and that one's half-brother, Group 1-placed Frontiersman (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Lot 111 Mascapone (GB) (Massaat {Ire}) is Listed-placed in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot with a full-sister catalogued to Book 3 of the October Yearling sale to go a month later. The full catalogue may be viewed here. The sale will be held both in person and online, with buyers having an option to bid online via the Tattersalls Live Internet Bidding platform. Print catalogues will be available from Tattersalls and Tattersalls representatives on Monday, Aug. 19. “Since its inception in 2020, this fixture–previously held in late August–has quickly established itself as a consistent source of Group winners bought for as little as 10,000 guineas and this year's Tattersalls September Sale has been well supported by many of the leading British and Irish trainers,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony. “The hallmark of horses in training sales at Tattersalls is quality and diversity and the catalogue has all the ingredients to attract an abundance of domestic and international buyers to Park Paddocks for the 2024 Tattersalls September Sale.” The post Tattersalls September Sale Catalogue Available Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

So what became of the likely lads and lassies? Since 2011, there has been a seven-figure top lot each year at the Arqana August Sale. We are talking about some of the best-bred horses in Europe here. Yearlings that have been given the best possible chance of being good from the day that they were born. But did time prove them worthy of their top lot status? We all know that, in this business, money doesn't guarantee anything. If that was the case, what a boring sport this would be. However, it's fair to say there has been some correlation between the Arqana August Sale top lots and high-class runners, with Magic Wand (Ire) perhaps being one of the best examples. This Galileo (Ire) daughter of the Listed-winning Dansili (GB) mare Prudenzia (Ire) boasted the most obviously high-class pedigree when being offered under the hammer here in 2016. A half-sister to Irish Oaks winner Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), who became something of a sales ring show-stopper herself when lighting up the Goffs November Mares Sale in 2013 at €6 million, Magic Wand was destined to draw a huge amount of interest at Arqana. It seemed fitting that Coolmore, whose colours were carried by Chicquita following that €6 million transaction, landed Magic Wand for a sale-topping €1.4 million and it proved to be money well spent by what she achieved on the track. A Group 1 winner in Australia, the hardy and ultra-consistent Magic Wand filled the runner-up spot in some of the world's most prestigious races–the Hong Kong Cup, Irish Champion Stakes and Arlington Million–which led to her amassing career earnings well in excess of €4 million. Bred by Monceaux, a name synonymous with big-ticket lots at Arqana, in partnership with Skymarc Farm, Magic Wand is certainly one of the top lots who lived up to her billing and is rightly thought of as something of a poster girl for the sale. Of course, it doesn't always work out that, for a seven-figure investment, you net yourself a globetrotting superstar. Other big-money buys have not been as lucky. It was a decade back where the well-bred Fadillah (GB) (Monsun {Ger}) commanded €1.2 million and, while she began her career with a pair of victories, was ultimately beaten in a Goodwood handicap off just 79 on her third and final start. A sister to five winners, including German Oaks winner Soberania, Fadillah subsequently sold for 700,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale to Katsumi Yoshida and she has already produced a winner in Japan. In 2015, a Dubawi (Ire) colt from the Monceaux draft smashed a 13-year-old record of €2 million when selling to John Ferguson on behalf of Godolphin for €2.6 million. The horse would go on to be named Parabellum (Ire) and, rather unfortunately, he still holds the record as the most expensive yearling ever sold at the Arqana August Sale which is a shame, as his career nosedived after some initial promise. A Galileo half-brother to Ectot (GB) and Most Improved (Ire) was the only horse to grace the seven-figure mark in 2016 when selling to Coolmore and, while he [South Pacific (GB)] managed to win the King George Stakes at Royal Ascot for Aidan O'Brien, he was ultimately no star and was later sold to continue his career in Australia. It has been something of the Dubawi show ever since 2016, with the Dalham Hall-based stallion siring all bar one of the seven-figure top lots in the intervening period. Al Battar (Ire) [sold for €1.55 million in 2017], Swift Verdict (GB) [sold for €1.4 million in 2018] and Queen Of My Heart (GB) [sold for €2.4 million in 2021] all proved bitterly disappointing on the racetrack. However, Magic Wand's half-sister Philomene (Ire), who fetched €1.625 million in 2019 to Godolphin, carried her top lot status with distinction on the racetrack by winning twice, including the G3 Prix Penelope, and chasing home Joan Of Arc (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the Prix de Diane. The only horse since 2017 to top the Arqana August Yearling Sale on seven figures is Siyouni's son Shin Emperor (Fr) – a full-brother to Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass (Fr). Bought by Japan's training legend Yoshito Yahagi for €2.1 million, Shin Emperor hit the frame in the Japanese Derby back in May. But the best is still expected to come from the colt, who is firmly on course for a European campaign in the second half of this season. Should Shin Emperor's career culminate with him emulating his brother in the Arc, which he is understood to be training towards, he would prove the ultimate flag-bearer for the seven-figure top lots at Arqana. The post What Became Of The Arqana August Sale Top Lots? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Yann Barberot trainee Lhakpa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}–Enchanting Skies {Ire}, by Sea The Stars {Ire}), a half-sister to the multiple Group 1-placed Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), followed up a narrow debut victory at Compiegne in June with a 1 3/4-length success in Tuesday's Prix du Mezeray at Deauville. 2nd-Deauville, €34,000, Cond, 8-13, 2yo, f, 7 1/2fT, 1:40.49, gd. LHAKPA (IRE) (f, 2, Siyouni {Fr}–Enchanting Skies {Ire} {SP-Fr}, by Sea The Stars {Ire}), who posted a narrow victory going seven furlongs at Compiegne in her June 22 debut last time, broke in fourth and went forward to gain an early advantage in this one. Unflustered on the lead into the home straight, the 9-5 favourite was shaken up with 300 metres remaining and kept on strongly in the latter stages to score by 1 3/4 lengths from La Ferveur (GB) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}). Lhakpa, a €650,000 Arqana August graduate, is the second foal and winner produced by Listed Prix de Thiberville second Enchanting Skies (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), herself a sale-topping €500,000 Baden-Baden September yearling in 2016. The March-foaled bay's dam is one of four stakes performers out of the stakes-placed Estefania (Ger) (Acatenango {Ger}), headed by G1 Preis von Europa victor Empoli (Ger) (Halling). Estefania, in turn, is out of a half-sister to multiple Group 1-winning G2 German 1000 Guineas and G2 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) heroine Elle Danzig (Ger) (Roi Danzig). Lhakpa is a half-sister to last term's G3 Prix La Rochette victor and multiple Group 1-placed Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Sales history: €650,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €32,000. O-Everest Racing, Qatar Racing Ltd & Mme Barbara M Keller; B-Ecuries des Monceaux, Qatar Bloodstock Ltd & Mme Barbara M Keller (IRE); T-Yann Barberot. Prix Du Mezeray Deauville – Classe 2 – 2 ans – Femelles – 1500m – 6 Pts – Bon (3.1) Lhakpa (Ire) (Siyouni (Fr) @AgaKhanStuds – Enchanting Skies (Ire) par Sea The Stars (Ire)) Maxime Guyon @maximeguyon_off Yann Barberot @BarberotYann Everest Racing Ecurie Des… pic.twitter.com/e0DSX4SEJv — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) August 13, 2024 The post €650,000 Arqana August Graduate Lhakpa Goes Two-For-Two in France appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Bluegrass Community and Technical College has partnered with New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program to allow students of BCTC's Equine Program to learn at New Vocations' Lexington facility. The BCTC Equine program provides instruction on essential skills required for a variety of careers in the horse industry and all students receive hands-on instruction in basic horse care management learning industry-accepted standards and techniques in the program's foundational lab course. Students taking this lab at New Vocations will learn with recently retired racehorses as they transition to be adopted for second careers as part of New Vocations' mission: Rehab, Retrain, Rehome. The partnership will allow the BCTC Equine program to grow without incurring any extra costs for the college, enabling it to accommodate more students each semester who are interested in pursuing careers in the equine industry. “The BCTC Equine Program provides exceptional training to students wanting to pursue careers in the horse industry,” said New Vocations Thoroughbred Program Director Anna Ford. “The concept of having BCTC students learn basic horse care while working with our horses has been a great experience and lines up well with our mission. Having the extra help will be extremely helpful as finding and keeping good help in the barn continues to be a challenge.” Upon completion of the EQS 104 lab, BCTC Equine students are eligible for internship placement in equine breeding operations and veterinary clinics and they can continue their hands-on training with additional Thoroughbred-specific lab courses during the summer semester at the Thoroughbred Training Center, which includes internship placement at Thoroughbred yearling and training operations. The post BCTC Partners with New Vocations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Silk Road LLC has launched its digital Thoroughbred auction platform BidXSell.com, with its dedicated concierge consignment division, eCONSIGN-IT set to host its inaugural flash sale Aug. 28. The inaugural auction will feature Salute the Stars (Candy Ride {Arg}), winner of last year's Pegasus Stakes. BidXSell was developed to allow industry stakeholders to buy and sell bloodstock at limited cost, according to a press release from Silk Road. The digital auction ring allows owners to sell bloodstock directly from farm sites and the BidXSell platform puts the remaining necessary infrastructure directly into the hands of sellers, eliminating the need for third party and commission fees. The BidXSell platform will allow sellers to maintain their individual brand identity, hosting sales under their own name and logo. Sellers will own the content of their site and be issued links to their published sales for use in advertising, social media and communications. Users establishing a seller account will be able to sell bloodstock for a $500 listing fee, with no commission or RNA fees. BidXSell also offers a full service “entry to exit” concierge plan with its eCONSIGN-IT division. That division will offer all services necessary to sell a horse, including veterinary, media resources, and money transfer, for a yet-to-be-announced flat fee. The platform will offer a private auction feature which will allow boutique horses, seasons, and shares to be offered to personally invited buyers selected privately by the seller. This private auction tool will allow owners to establish the real-time market value of a horse without risking fees incurred by buying a horse back. “This platform was created to be revolutionary,” said Saeed Almaddah, President and CEO of Silk Road. “In a legacy industry like the horse industry, the BidXSell auction platform will prove to be an economic driver in the new and vastly growing digital marketplace. It will allow breeders, owners, and consignors to capitalize on their investments at the most ideal moments, put full control in their hands, grow their industry relationships, and improve their bottom lines.” Almaddah continued, “This will be a pivotal moment in the industry and the platform will prove to be the “Shopify” of horse sales. The platform will also connect international markets, such as the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and the United States, with the Middle East being a strong burgeoning market that will thrive on this connectivity and access.” BidXSell.com is currently open to establish bidder accounts. The consignment division, eCONSIGN-IT, will host its inaugural sale when it offers Salute the Stars. The auction will open for bidding Aug. 28 at 8 a.m. and will close Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. More information about Salute the Stars will be available in the sale catalogue which is scheduled to post Aug. 21 at www.bidxsell.com. The post BidXSell Launches with Inaugural Digital Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Normandy resident and regular TDN contributor Alix Choppin uses her local knowledge to offer overseas visitors some valuable pointers on where to eat, drink and be merry after a long day at the Arqana sales Despite being home to no more than 5,000 souls in the heart of winter, Deauville in summertime turns into a buzzy, sleepless town where restaurants, bars, clubs and countless sorts of hybrid eating/drinking/partying venues combine to make stay-at-home nights an unlikely option. Perhaps one of the most iconic venues, to the extent that its name will sound to many readers almost synonymous with after-racing/sales chill out is Le Brok. The small, narrow bar with a sunbathed terrace recently underwent a change of ownership after the infamous Phiphi, aka 'Mojito World Champion', retired. Following a thorough renovation, Le Brok reopened with a fresh look and concept. Gone is the Cuban theme, however, house cocktails remain the signature product. Light food can also be enjoyed, making it the ideal place to relax and recharge after a day of pushing your step count through a combination of yearling inspections and top-class racing. Alongside the picturesque boardwalk 'les planches', which was created just a century ago, Ciro's is another flagship venue to have been fully revamped and renovated. First opened in July 1959, this institution of sophisticated gastronomy serves the finest seafood as well as traditional French dishes and patisseries, with the sunset as a stunning backdrop. Several more casual options have popped up on the beach in recent years and make for a hard-to-beat experience to round off a hot summer day. The historic Les Ammonites has now been joined by the aptly named Sunset Beach, La Paillotte and the latest addition La Villa Sur La Plage. For an early evening drink or an outdoor dinner to the sounds of DJ vibes, there is clearly no better way of making the most of summertime. Just off the beach, in the Casino basement, Noto is the new hub for festive dinners and clubbing warm-ups. Launched by leading 'gastrotainment' group Moma, which also operates venues in Paris, Saint-Tropez, Miami and Marrakech, it celebrates Italian cuisine with a jet-set twist. The risotto al tartufo (truffle risotto), served in a wheel of Pecorino cheese for the whole table, is a must-have. Live music brings a warm ambiance to the lavishly decorated room, and ensures a smooth transition towards Leone Discoteca, formerly known as Regine's, which is literally next door. After such rich delicacies and a long night out, those looking for a light lunch in town will enjoy Le Yacht, a brasserie with unheralded potential in my view. Located on the vibrant market square, it serves delicious crepes, salads and fresh fish throughout the day, with a fascinating outlook on the vegetable, cheese and clothing stalls that take over the square every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Just around the corner, Fanfaron remains – legitimately so – one of the most popular eateries among racing folks, while pizzeria Santa Lucia needs no more introduction. And for those with enough time and leg power to wander across the bridge to Deauville's sister town of Trouville, there are just as many attractive venues over there. The greatest challenge while staying in Deauville might prove to be finding enough room to sample all those yummy delicacies, and enough stamina to keep up with the most battle-hardened regulars. The post From Moules to Mojitos: A Gastro Guide to Deauville appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ben Gleeson was happy to receive a vote of confidence from in-demand jockey Michael Dee ahead of three-year-old-filly Bellatrix Star‘s (Star Witness) Australian debut at Caulfield on Saturday in the Gr.3 Quezette Stakes (1100m). Dee has ridden the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained filly in a jumpout and at trackwork at Cranbourne on Tuesday and he has given the stable’s Melbourne-based manager Gleeson a positive assessment. “He’s been very pleased with her and wants to stick with her, which says a lot,” Gleeson said. The Te Akau Racing filly had five starts in New Zealand as a two-year-old for two wins, including the Gr.2 Eclipse Stakes over her highly rated stablemate Move To Strike at Pukekohe. At her most recent start she finished fourth in New Zealand’s biggest two-year-old race, the Karaka Millions, behind Velocious. “She’s a lovely filly and she brings arguably the top New Zealand two-year-old form being around Velocious and Move To Strike,” he said. “She ran an unlucky fourth in the Karaka Millions and before that she defeated the winner. She’s got great form and it will be interesting to see how that stacks up here.” Gleeson said Bellatrix Star had been with him at Cranbourne for close to a month since coming over from New Zealand. “She’s had plenty of time to settle in and settled in really well. She had one jumpout in New Zealand and then the one jumpout here. The bulk of her work was done with Mark and Sam,” he said. Gleeson said early in Bellatrix Star’s career she tended to over-race, but she has learnt to settle better. “She’s settling now. Touch wood she does that on Saturday and if she does, it could open the door for 1400m,” he said. View the full article

Last weekend, Randwick took centre stage with its Missile Stakes meeting, while Moonee Valley, Sunshine Coast and Morphettville held strong support cards. With the spring carnival just two weeks away, this week’s edition of The Follow Files focuses on three runners who will compete in Group or Listed races throughout their preparation. You can add these horses to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and receive notifications before they run. Moonee Valley Track rating: Soft 6 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 2: 3YO Handicap (1000m) | Time: 1:00.61 Horse to follow: Last Druid (2nd) After breaking his maiden at Wyong in June, Last Druid has been sent down to Melbourne, where he has recorded back-to-back second-place finishes. The James Cummings-trained colt was very impressive in his most recent start, when the son of Brazen Beau had his first look at Moonee Valley over 1000m. In just his fifth career start, Last Druid settled last before weaving his way through traffic to let down with a strong finish, recording the fastest last 600m (35.26s), 400m (23.32s) and 200m (11.63s) sections of the entire meeting. When to bet: Cummings has nominated his colt in the Group 3 Vain Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield, where he could face off with Blue Stratum again. With an extra 100m and a bigger track, Last Druid can turn the tables from last start. Randwick Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 8: Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:09.73 Horse to follow: Arctic Glamour (2nd) Although Schwarz was an impressive winner of the Group 2 Missile Stakes, Arctic Glamour from the Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou stable produced a slashing finish to run second. This daughter of Frosted recorded her equal-best finish first-up since her last win in Listed grade back in October. This four-year-old mare smashed through the line and recorded the fastest last 600m section (33.59s) of the race and a sizzling 400m-200m sectional (10.93s). When to bet: With such a strong first-up performance under her belt, Arctic Glamour has built a good base for her to rise in distance next start. The stable could target a race like the Group 2 Tramway Stakes over 1400m on September 7. Race 9: Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) | Time: 1:50.55 Horse to follow: Manzoice (2nd) The 2023 VRC Derby winner, Manzoice, returned from a short break in the Premier’s Cup Prelude with a strong performance over the 1800m journey. The Chris Waller-trained gelding was given a near-perfect ride from Nash Rawiller, settling midfield before getting out to the middle of the track in the home straight. Even though he was slightly inconvenienced by Aramco, who was wobbling around in front of him, Manzoice ran through the line as strongly as any of his rivals. When to bet: Manzoice appears as though he is ready to win his next start over 2000m. Waller could choose to send him to the Group 3 Premier’s Cup on August 24, but he may give him a longer break with a big spring preparation ahead. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Ipswich Races Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Wednesday, August 14, 2024 First Race 12:33pm AEST Visit Dabble Ipswich Turf Club will host a very competitive eight-race card this Wednesday afternoon, with racing scheduled to kick off at 13:33pm AEST. With a lot of rain on the forecast, the track is tipped to worsen from its initial Soft 6 rating. The rail will move back into its true position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Ipswich: Real Rush Real Rush returned from a 19-week spell with a dominant all-the-way win at Doomben over 1200m. The daughter of Real Steel hasn’t raced on Soft or Heavy ground, but she has shown a liking for wet conditions in her most recent trials. With the aid of Cody Collis’ 3kg claim, Real Rush can use her early speed to find the front and run away with the prize again. Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Real Rush (8) 4yo Mare | T: Matthew Hoysted | J: Cody Collis (a3) (56kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ipswich: I Saw The Light Jack Bruce and Jake Bayliss will combine with I Saw The Light, who will be returning from a 17-week break without any public trials. The lightly raced five-year-old mare ended last preparation with a strong victory at Grafton over 1410m, defeating Superzoom by 2.8 lengths. This daughter of Divine Prophet has only raced on wet tracks throughout her three-start career, and with a perfect run expected from barrier three, I Saw The Light can take full advantage of suitable conditions. Next Best Race 8 – #13 I Saw The Light (3) 5yo Mare | T: Jack Bruce | J: Jake Bayliss (56kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Ipswich: Lantau Island Lantau Island did a lot wrong on debut for the Tony Gollan stable. The son of Star Turn made it difficult for James Orman to get to the running rail in the lead, and he wobbled out to the middle of the track before being run down in the final strides of the 1000m trip. If Orman can get him to jump well and find the front again, Lantau Island can go a couple better second-up. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Lantau Island (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: James Orman (58.5kg) Bet with Dabble Wednesday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Wednesday, August 14, 2024 4-5-6 1-3-4-5-8 2-6-9-10 4-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, August 14, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble The Lakeside circuit at Sandown will host yet another midweek metro meeting this Wednesday afternoon, with an eight-race card set down for decision. Despite the the initial Soft 5 rating, a favourable forecast for Melbourne should push the track into Good 4 territory. The rail comes out 6m for the entire circuit, with the action commencing at 1pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Ndola Ndola could not have done much more in his first two starts. The son of Justify was a dominant debut winner on the Pakenham synthetic on June 24, then ran home strongly behind Public Attention at Caulfield when beaten a long neck. This BM64 is a slight drop in grade, and despite needing to lug 60kg under Luke Currie, Ndola should be making it two wins from his first three starts. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Ndola (5) 3yo Colt | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Currie (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Royal Invader Royal Invader produced a strong form reversal to win at the Sandown Lakeside 1400m on August 7. The Invader mare is on the quick backup and goes up to 1500m for the first time, but the way she ran through the line suggests the extra yardage will be no hinderance. Mick Dee will need a touch of luck from barrier 12, but if the pair can land the one-one, Royal Invader should prove too strong inside the final 200m. Next Best Race 7 – #3 Royal Invader (12) 5yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Michael Dee (60kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again at Sandown: Freight Train Freight Train has not been seen since he was outclassed in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) on March 23. He will be hard to beat in this BM64 affair, however, and the four-year-old gelding has warmed up with a couple of smart jumpouts. If he produces anywhere near what he is capable of, Freight Train should prove too classy for this lot first-up. Next Best Again Race 2 – #5 Freight Train (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Blake Shinn (59.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Sandown Wednesday quaddie tips – 14/8/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, August 14, 2024 1-4-7-8-11-12 2-3-8-9 3-9-10 3-4-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Karen Fursdon’s solo training career opened with a winning chapter and she went oh so close to a fairytale ending at the weekend. Successful with her first runner in her own right when Blazing Boy opened her account at Te Aroha in 1998, the popular Matamata horsewoman’s final representative Vino Valentino (NZ) (Zacinto) finished a close second at Te Rapa on Saturday. It signalled the end of a long and successful career highlighted by the 2004 victory of Upsetthym in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) off the back of the Rhythm mare’s success in the Gr.2 Queen Elizabeth Handicap (2400m). She initially trained with her father Norm and brother Kevin and another subsequent partnership followed with Gemma Sliz. She was apprenticed to Fursdon, as was Waikato Clerk of the Course Anna Jones, and rode Upsetthym in her Ellerslie wins. “Dad, Kevin and I trained in partnership from 1983 before Dad retired in 1992 and then Kevin retired in the middle of 1998,” Fursdon said. “I went out on my own and later trained with Gemma before training on my own again,” Fursdon said. “I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it, being with Mum and Dad first and then with brother Kevin and my husband Kevin, who’s known as K2 to avoid confusion, and our three kids Jason, Ben and Nicky. “They all helped, everybody helped, and it’s always been a family orientated affair right to the last minute.” Upsetthym’s success in the Ellerslie feature provided Fursdon with the high point of her training career that netted 286 winners. “It was special for all my family and friends, it was unbelievable and everybody was so tickled pink when she won,” she said. “I also had a lot of help from Peter Stanaway who sourced horses for me from Sir Patrick Hogan and Upsetthym was one of them. “Without Peter I would never have got the mare and he did a wonderful job. Nearly every horse was syndicated and we won a lot of races and we were taking on the ride of a lifetime with Upsetthym.” Another topliner through the stable was the gifted Savabeel mare Yearn (NZ) (Savabeel). “She was a very special horse to me because we have a great friendship with (owners) Mark and Cath (Lupton) and he went on holiday and I looked after her,” Fursdon said. “There was a lot of banter about people telling Mark you won’t get that horse back as I won three in a row with her while they were away and to Mark’s credit, he didn’t want to take her back.” She prepared Yearn to win on seven occasions, including the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and placed in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Onlyarose, Baby Guiness, Silk Chardonnay, Maz Quinn and Le Sablier were other flagship performers while the latter’s half-brother I’ll’ava’alf was a well-performed jumper. “I had a lot of jumpers and just adore them. I would be really disappointed if we can’t get jockeys to come to ride our jumpers, to me that’s the main reason we haven’t got as many jumpers,” Fursdon said. She was also a pioneering figure in paving the way for women jockeys to become established and was a two-time ladies’ point to point winning rider in the early days. Fursdon spent her career training out of Willow Stables, which was originally purchased by her father in 1954. “We will thoroughly enjoy retirement and I can please myself what I do,” said Fursdon, who prides herself on her glass half full approach to life and racing. “The industry has had an unbelievable turnaround due to some very innovative people. “I love what’s happening with the hierarchy, they are so passionate and to see money coming in across the board, it still has to come in more to the bottom as well.” View the full article