Wandering Eyes

Charles Town canceled racing Aug. 8 as a result of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby moving through the area.View the full article

The Del Mar Jockeys will try their best to top their Saratoga counterparts in the ongoing Battle of East-vs-West Aug. 11. Performances are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. PT and will feature live and silent auctions and a cash bar.View the full article

Jean-Claude Rouget and Jerome Reynier, two of France's most successful trainers, have announced they will unite their operations on a joint license from Jan. 1 next year.View the full article

Dr. Rolf Embertson–a founding partner, shareholder and surgeon at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital–presented during the sixth installment held on Aug. 6 of the 2024 OwnerView webinar series which focused on the importance of a clear airway in racehorses, The Jockey Club of America said in a Thursday release. During the event, Dr. Embertson explained some of the common throat problems in Thoroughbreds. He detailed how those issues affect horses, and how they are perceived at sales and during their racing careers. A Q&A, sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds, allowed attendees to post questions, which were then answered at the conclusion of the webinar. Hosted by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and presented by Bessemer Trust, Stoll Keenon Ogden, and The Green Group, the panel was sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Click here to access past videos and for a schedule of upcoming presentations. The post OwnerView Webinar Covers Throat Surgery In Horses With Dr. Rolf Embertson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who won the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, has received a mark of 125, good for second in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings. Leading the list is G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief) at 128, while G1 Derby and G1 Eclipse Stakes victor City Of Troy (Justify) and UAE and Hong Kong Group 1 winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) are both tied for third on a mark of 123. In a five-way tie for fifth, Group 1 winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) improved to 122 after winning the G2 Lennox Stakes, while G1 2000 Guineas winner and recent G1 Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) also rose to 122. Also ranked at 122 is Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), and Hong Kong's Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who won the G1 Yasuda Kinen. Rounding out the fivesome is G1 Irish 2000 Guineas winner Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who added the G1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Other ranked horses include GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes victor Dornoch (Good Magic) at 121, as is GII Jim Dandy Stakes and GI Florida Derby winner Fierceness (City Of Light). A newcomer to the rankings is Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who won the GI Coaching Club American Oaks in commanding fashion to go with her other Grade I victories in the Acorn Stakes and Kentucky Oaks. For the full list, please visit the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities website. The post Goliath Moves Into Second On The Longines WBRR After King George Tally appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading jockey Lisa Allpress. Photo: Nicole Troost Leading jockey Lisa Allpress will be on the sidelines for an indefinite period after suffering a broken vertebra following a fall at Riccarton Park on Wednesday. Her mount, Pretending, broke down after crossing the line, dislodging Allpress, with the fall resulting in her injury. She subsequently underwent surgery at Christchurch Hospital on Thursday morning and her husband, Karl Allpress, said she has come through it well. “She is in Christchurch Hospital, and she has just got out of surgery,” he said. “She broke a vertebra in the lower back, and rods and screws have been put in there. “The operation went well, but at this stage it will be a long road to recovery. In true Lisa fashion, she is pretty tough, and she can beat the odds most of the time. “I will get down to Christchurch as soon as I can, but she is in the right place anyway.” It’s been a traumatic week for the Allpress family, with Karl also having lost his father. “We have had a week from hell because my Dad passed away and then this happens,” he said. The injury has also put an end to a looming trip to Japan for the couple. “Next Wednesday we were heading off to Japan for the World Jockeys’ Series,” Allpress said. “She works really hard to try and get these international invitations, and she has been lucky to get a few over the years. “She has got a really good relationship with the JRA (Japan Racing Authority), and she has got a big fan base over there, so we were really looking forward to it.” Allpress said his wife was looking forward to riding over spring and making her way towards the 2000-win mark, having 1948 domestic wins to her name to date. “She is riding winners and is trying to get to that magical 2000-win mark,” Allpress said. “She was on a really good roll, getting some nice rides and heading into the spring and building up relationships with good horses, and then this happens. But at the end of the day, I still have a wife, so that is the main thing. “They will do further scans and x-rays and we will go from there.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Tony Pike is looking forward to campaigning Rudyard this spring. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Rudyard made impressive progress last campaign and further improvement is expected from the dependable performer this time around. The Tony Pike-trained son of Charm Spirit made his way through the grades, placing in the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) along the way, before bagging a pair of open handicaps at Ellerslie and Pukekohe. He finished third in a 900m open heat at Te Rapa on Tuesday ahead of loftier targets through his upcoming spring and summer campaign. “He had quiet day out and he has come back in good order and he’ll probably have one more barrier trial and we’ll make a firm plan after that,” Pike said. “He was really consistent throughout last time and he’s the sort of horse that is still reasonably well-placed in handicaps so he should be able to pick up a couple of nice races. “He looks like he is in for a good season and if we place him right, he should be able to collect plenty of prizemoney.” Rudyard has won six of his 22 starts and Pike could look further afield later in the year. “There are plenty of options for him, possibly the Coupland’s Mile (Group 3, 1600m) at Riccarton might be a nice target for him,” he said. “He is entered for all three of the Hawkes Bay races, but he’ll probably miss the first one (Group 1 Tarzino Trophy, 1400m) and maybe have a crack at the mile (Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m). “Obviously, Legarto will hang around for that and she’s going to be very hard to beat in those races, so we’ll wait and see.” Two other younger members of the stable, Archaic Smile and Witz End, also stretched their legs at Tuesday’s trials. Saxon Warrior filly Archaic Smile won the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m) last season and finished runner-up in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). “I’m more than happy with her and she’ll improve a heap with the trial,” Pike said. “We’ll work out in the next week or so whether we head to Taupo for the fillies’ race as a pipe opener to the Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) or trial her again.” Witz End won twice last preparation and ran second in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas before he finished well back in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. “He has come back really well and obviously a heavy track around that tighter circuit with his action prevented him from showing his best,” Pike said. “He’ll take plenty of improvement out of his trial and he is a horse that I think the Coupland’s on a big, roomy track, especially with a firm surface, would be ideal.” Pike will have only two runners on Saturday at Te Rapa, with Agera getting the nod over Revuelto. “August will be pretty quiet and come September, like all the stables, we’ll be well underway,” Pike said. “Agera missed a couple of runs with abandonments and extremely heavy tracks, but he likes Te Rapa. “Admittedly, second-up over a mile is a slight query but he has worked very well and he should have a little bit more quality against most of those runners and looks a strong winning chance. “Revuelto was good winning on a very wet track at Counties. He still does a fair bit wrong, he’s on and off the bridle in his races, but he’s genuine enough and he’s improved and an each way chance at a bigger price.” Horse racing news View the full article

Synthetic track specialist Heart Of Gold. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The $100,000 TAB 2000 was tailor-made for a horse like Heart Of Gold, and the Sam Mynott-trained gelding simply dominated the feature at Cambridge Synthetic on Thursday. There are few horses around the country with a synthetic record like Heart Of Gold, with each of his six race victories coming at the Cambridge venue, initially for Darryn and Briar Weatherley before moving to Mynott’s stable over the summer period. Mynott earmarked the innovation race early in his current preparation and his sterling form on the surface continued in the lead-up, with a win and a close-up third behind race-rival Zappa Jak a fortnight ago placing him a $5.60 hope, with Rocket Lad on top at $3.70 with horse racing bookmakers. In the hands of Sam Spratt, Heart Of Gold settled into the box-seat third behind top-weight Opawa Jack, who set a solid tempo down the back straight. The majority of the 12-horse field were off the bridle nearing the home turn, but Heart Of Gold was travelling up strongly under Spratt and soon kicked away, with the margin only extending as he bolted in by 4.25 lengths. Ultimate Focus was game running into second, while Central Districts visitors Zappa Jak and Opawa Jack stuck on well to fill the first four. Mynott was thrilled to pick up the major spoils in a concept well-suited to the son of Niagara. “It was brilliant, we’ve been setting him for this race for the last couple of months and I was pretty happy with him coming into today,” she said. “We thought we had him pretty spot on and he’s broken the track record, so he’s definitely run well. “I think it’s an amazing incentive by Entain to put these races on, when otherwise would you get to race for $100,000 at Cambridge? There are horses that would never get a chance to run for that kind of stake, but here we are today and it’s great.” Although he is yet to salute on turf, Mynott has faith that Heart Of Gold can continue his synthetic form into the summer time with potential Group targets in mind. “He’s going to the paddock for a month now, that was always the plan,” she said. “I know he’s probably labelled as a poly horse, but on a good track on the turf I think he will be pretty competitive this season. “We’ll probably get him back in and hopefully target a race like the Waikato Cup (Group 3, 2400m) or something like that.” Heart Of Gold races in the colours of his owner-breeder Pam Brindley and her late husband Geoff, who have supported Mynott for a long period of time. “I had this horse as a yearling for Pam, I’ve had a few horses for her and she’s such a lovely person,” Mynott said. “She asked me if I could take him and give him a go and we do different things with him, he hardly ever gallops at the track. He goes for farm hacks, he goes around the hurdles and that just keeps him a really happy horse, he thrives off that type of lifestyle. “It’s awesome to get this for her, she loves her horses and if I ever say that I think one needs a break or whatever it will be, she trusts me to make that call. “She’s been a very loyal supporter of racing and on the poly track as well, so she really deserves this.” The seven-year-old was the fourth foal out of Brindley’s unraced Volksraad mare Champagne Lady, who also produced Listed performer Align With Me. Horse racing news View the full article

The 12th annual jockey karaoke contest held July 25 in Saratoga Springs raised over $140,000 for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) and the second half of the event is scheduled for next Sunday, Aug. 11 at Del Mar, the non-profit said in a release on Thursday. The competition between the jockeys at the Spa included judges Jayson Werth and Father Jim Sichko. Famed track announcer Tom Durkin once again served as emcee. Sponsors who made the event possible included 1/ST Bet, Godolphin, Donegal Racing, NYRA, Centennial Farms, Michael Imperio, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, WinStar Farm and the Jockeys' Guild. Click here for more information about the Del Mar event. The post Jockey Karaoke At The Spa Raises Over $140K For PDJF, Del Mar Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

World Pool will be part of the G1 Irish St Leger Day at the Curragh on Sept. 15 for the first time, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced on Thursday. It is one of three race meetings the globally commingled pools will be active at across the world that weekend, joining G1 Irish Champions Day on Sept. 14 and Makybe Diva Stakes Day at Flemington in Australia earlier that same day. With this addition, the entire Irish Champions Weekend will be part of the World Pool for the first time. A further two new race days have been added to the World Pool roster for the remainder of 2024, with World Pool active for the first time on Grosser Preis von Bayern Day (Nov. 10) from Munich, Germany and in operation for Argentina's G1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (Dec. 15) from San Isidro. Michael Fitzsimons, executive director, Wagering Products at the HKJC, said, “It's been another busy period for World Pool, and we're delighted to maintain the momentum by announcing our updated programme for the final five months of 2024. “We are always looking to strengthen our offering and by adding new World Pool race days from Ireland, Australia, Argentina and Germany to our roster for the remainder of the year, we continue to offer our global customers exciting, high-quality racing from all corners of the world.” The post World Pool To Be Active During Irish Champions Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland Library's Lecture Series returns with presentations by Maryland horseman and journalist Josh Pons, and NBC's Emmy Award-winning commentator Tom Hammond, the repository said in a release Thursday morning. Pons, author of the newly-released Letters from Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man o' War, and the Founding of Maryland's Oldest Thoroughbred Farm, will speak Aug. 29. Hammond's presentation over his new autobiography entitled Races, Games, and Olympic Dreams: A Sportscaster's Life is set for Sept. 24. Both programs will be held at Keeneland Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET. Each presentation will be followed by a reception and book signing, and a limited number of books will be available for purchase. Partial proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Keeneland Library Foundation, which supports the Library's preservation, education and outreach projects. Click here to purchase tickets or call (859) 254-3412. The post Keeneland Library Lecture Series To Feature Josh Pons And Tom Hammond appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a bidding battle, the star mare Prowess (NZ) (Proisir {Aus}) was snapped up for NZ$1,452,500 (€796,747) by an entity under the name Downtown from the Gavelhouse Plus standalone auction. The bidding was active between several parties, including underbidders Cambridge Stud, but Downtown responded to the increments and added the dual Group 1 winner to their broodmare band. Prowess retired with eight victories from 12 starts, ranging in distances from 1200 to 2050 metres. She was crowned the Champion Middle Distance Horse in New Zealand and claimed two Group 1 victories, along with a placing in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas. Her dam, Donna Marie (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), was served by Proisir last season and is set to return to the champion sire this spring. Prowess's full-sister was knocked down for NZ$1.6 million at this year's New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. The filly was purchased by the Pakenham-based trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman under the Moody Racing banner. She has been named Seychelles (NZ). The post Prowess Makes NZ$1.452 Million On Gavelhouse Plus 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 Friday at Saratoga: Friday, August 9, 2024 Saratoga 6, $90k, 2yo, (S), 6 1/2f, 4:02 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze A Million Stories (Thousand Words), FTMMAY, 100,000, :10 3/5 C-Julie Davies LLC, agent; B-Zilla Racing Stables Ozzy (Bernardini), OBSAPR, 35,000, :21 1/5 C-Arindel; B-Smart Choice Stable The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 9, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Though officials within the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority have already made huge strides forward in terms of across-the-board equine safety standards, one ongoing concern among stakeholders is that when it comes to the enforcement arm of the national program, an inflexibility in the way some cases are handled and sanctions meted out means the penalties don't always fit the crime. To discuss these concerns, the TDN recently spoke with Alan Foreman, chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and national ombudsman on behalf of HISA and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). In this role, Foreman serves as an impartial resource and advocate for the nation's horsemen and women. In Part One of this Q&A, Foreman discussed advocating for HISA to take a “fresh look” at the banned substances list to re-categorize them “based on the severity or potential to affect the horse,” and to adjust the penalties accordingly “depending upon the category.” Foreman also called for the industry as a whole to “step forward” and advocate for a fairer system of enforcement where it sees problems in the current approach. “If it feels that these cases are not being handled fairly,” he added, “they need to step to the plate and say so.” The following is the second part of a long, discursive conversation. It has been edited for clarity and brevity. TDN: Let's talk about some of the other aspects of the adjudication system. The burden now is essentially on the trainer to prove the source of a positive finding where questions have been raised, whereas before, state commissions were more involved in this process. Just this past week in the TDN, Bill Mott's attorney raised concerns about just this. Do you also believe this a part of the adjudication process that needs correction? AF: The burden of proof prior to HISA was absolute. Horsemen were held strictly liable for the violation, to explain the circumstances. The appropriate penalty was then issued. The standard under HISA is essentially identical. Strict liability. Now under HISA, it's to establish how the drug got into the horse. And then the standard is: Can you establish no fault, no significant fault or negligence? Prior to HISA, an investigation would ensue. The commissions would cooperate in an investigation. The trainer would investigate. Ultimately, based on the facts and circumstances of that investigation, a final action would be taken, a penalty, or whatever. The same thing happens with HISA or HIWU, except that HIWU is the enforcement agency. They're separate. In part, they're independent. They're not a racing commission. They are the independent third-party arm that is responsible for enforcement. And so, my understanding is they conduct a complete investigation. They ask the trainer to investigate and provide whatever information is possible. A determination is made whether to prosecute the case or not. Not every case is prosecuted. There are cases that are thrown out that you don't read about. Putting that aside, if you're dealing with controlled substances, it's a very quick process and a relatively easy and smooth process. In the banned substance area, it is very tough, partly because with respect to banned substances, you have to establish to the best of your ability how the drug that was reported got into the horse's system. How did it get there? And then, based upon how it got there, are you at fault? Are you not at fault? Were you negligent? That's the standard that arbitrators and HIWU lawyers will look at in determining whether to prosecute a case and its outcome. But the burden that has always been on the trainer, and it's always been a tall burden in horse racing. TDN: Just look, however, at the sheer costs involved with defending yourself. They're enough… AF: …That's a separate issue. First, let's separate out the controlled substances from the banned substances. If somebody wants to hire an attorney and go through the process [for controlled substance violations], they can do so. It's an inexpensive and relatively quick process. With respect to banned substances, it's a totally different ballgame. And I think we all acknowledge that it is a very expensive process. It's an onerous process that quite frankly is a very heavy lift for most horsemen. And that's always been of great concern. HISA instituted the pro bono program, which has helped a number of trainers. But a lot of trainers don't qualify. And therefore, they don't get the benefit of free legal counsel and that part of the system. TDN: As you point out, it appears rare that a trainer would intentionally administer a banned substance. The penalties are large and potentially career-ending. It's extremely expensive to defend yourself. And yet the fact remains, the onus is on the trainer to prove that they're not responsible for a banned substance positive. And that's a big burden to prove. And so again, my question is this: Should the system be modified so that HISA or HIWU or some kind of regulatory body is more involved, more cooperative in the investigation to determine the source of a banned substance positive finding? AF: Well look, let me say that I totally agree with your premise. Totally, okay? And I believe that it's incumbent on the industry working with HISA to take a fresh look at the banned substance rules and penalties. I don't think anybody would quarrel that provisional suspensions, significant penalties, are appropriate for the use or administration of substances that could affect the integrity of the sport or the safety, health and welfare of the horse. Bu there are substances getting into horses that would not be carried by a veterinarian, or prescribed in very unusual situations, for which trainers have had their careers upended. Prior to HISA, a 60-day suspension was a significant suspension to a trainer. A 30-day suspension was a significant penalty. We're dealing with far more significant penalties now that not only have the potential to affect a trainer's livelihood, but they anger owners. And are they truly a deterrent? I mean, isn't there a better way to do it? When HISA was created, the concern in the industry was the lack of uniformity, the lack of speed in many jurisdictions over adjudicating cases, and the overall fairness of the system. That's what HISA was created to address. I think that many people feel that there has been overreach with respect to the penalties as they relate to many of the substances on the banned substances list and the ability of trainers to defend themselves. TDN: I've heard from individuals involved that some case arbitrators appear to have little practical knowledge of the specifics of horseracing, and have shown significant deference to the prosecution as a result. Is this something you've seen? If so, is this an issue that needs addressing? AF: In the controlled substances cases, you don't have an arbitrator. The so-called arbitrator is in the banned substances cases-they all are required to go to arbitration. And the arbitration system is the system that is used in international equine sport. It's used in Olympic sport. It's used in those bodies that abide by the world anti-doping agency code. JAMS is the entity that is the judicial arbitration and mediation service. They specialize in arbitrations. The arbitrators who hear the HISA/HIWU cases are familiar with HISA rules because they're the same rules that apply across sports. They may not be familiar with the nuances of horse racing, but the analysis is the same, whether it's horse racing or horse showing, or Olympic swimmers. And that is: How did the drug get into the horse? What is the drug? What effect can the drug have on the horse? And is there a fault? Is there no fault? Or is there limited fault or is there negligence? The standard is the same. And it's incumbent upon both the prosecution and defense counsel, to the extent that there are nuances in horse racing, to establish and lay out those nuances. TDN: But there are important differences between horse racing and some of these other equine sports, right? AF: In some states pre-HISA, you had hearing officers who worked for the state. You had racing commissioners who may not have been familiar with horse racing but who were adjudicating cases. So, this is the system that was set up. These are the rules. And if they wanted to include those who are familiar with horse racing, they certainly could have put that in the rules. But that's not the way the rules were established. TDN: If you had established the rules, would you have somebody else arbitrating these cases? AF: I personally would prefer to have arbitrators who are familiar with our sport. But that's not the way the system is set up. And I think you needed to have a system that was totally unbiased. TDN: What do you think of the HBPA's efforts to impose no-effect thresholds? AF: The issue of no-effect thresholds is not new. It's been looked at by the industry and by the RMTC for over 20 years. I mean, we went from a point of what people thought was zero tolerance to a system where, with respect to 30 controlled therapeutics, we established threshold levels. And those threshold levels for those particular drugs were well studied. They informed the RMTC and ARCI of where it could comfortably set a threshold for substances that are routinely used in the treatment of the health and welfare of the horse, and not compromise either pain management or the integrity of the race. But there are thousands of drugs and those drugs have not been studied. And to make a determination of each individual case, whether or not the concentration that was reported could have affected or did not affect the performance of a horse is relatively impossible. And so, it's very difficult to establish no-effect thresholds. You don't know dose of administration. You don't know route of administration. You don't know time of administration. How do you measure the effect of a particular substance on the horse? We'd all like to see it. Who wouldn't want to see it? But I think it's a really, really difficult task to require. TDN: Difficult. But as you say, the RMTC had been doing that for years. AF: There are drugs that have been used for years, well studied in horses. There is scientific literature in support of it. You can't do that for every drug. And that's why the standard in horse racing pre-HISA has always been: Is this a drug that does or could have the potential to either affect the performance of a horse or affect the body systems of the horse? The standard has never been based on the concentration of the drug in the system. Look, this is all about contamination at the end of the day. It's all about contamination. And contamination is a confounding and perplexing problem for the industry. And it's one of the reasons why we have and have had the absolute insurer rule, because it's just so difficult to referee cases to determine the severity of what's happened or to put blame on someone else. TDN: Finally, I have heard dozens of times over the past year or so from stakeholders that HISA could have avoided these teething problems by using the ARCI's model rules and building off of that. From where we are right now, do you think that that should have been done? AF: Well, I'm going to make this point that may make me somewhat unpopular. As I look at the statistics over the past year regarding fatalities and breakdowns it makes a case, and that is: Backing off the administration of medications under the new system together with the heightened safety program, I believe, has contributed towards the substantial reduction of fatalities. Anyone who doesn't think we were facing an existential threat because of those fatalities has their head in the sand. The controlled substances adjudications have been very similar to pre-HISA. The difference is the system is transparent and horsemen are seeing the actual violations. They really didn't know what was happening in the industry pre-HISA. And I would argue that it's very similar. More to your point, yes, I would've preferred to see the ARCI rules. The problem with the ARCI rules was that not every jurisdiction adopted them. They were not being uniformly applied. Look, the ARCI adopted the Mid-Atlantic safety program together with the NTRA safety program. The work that was being done in California and Kentucky-that is the HISA program. So, to me, those of us who were using this Mid-Atlantic system, there wasn't a big adjustment with HISA. We're playing between the bookends right now in trying to resolve the best way to address and adjudicate banned substances. And I know that's been the focus of this interview. But I would tell you the safety program has been a home run. It's been good for the industry. It's something that was desperately needed. And by applying safety standards uniformly across the board, we've put the industry in a far better place than it was two years ago. The post Alan Foreman Q and A Part 2: Legal Representation “A Very Heavy Lift for Most Horsemen” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Archer Stakes contender Berkshire Breeze. (Photo by Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Despite suffering defeat at Flemington last weekend as an odds-on favourite, Berkshire Breeze will still proceed to the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at the same track on September 14. The British import, who had won his previous three starts in impressive fashion, was beaten by two and a half lengths by Horrifying in last Saturday’s 2530-metre race. However, trainer Ciaron Maher confirmed that the Group 3 contest, which offers a ballot exemption to the Melbourne Cup for the winner, remains the goal. “It was another good run,” Maher told Racing.com. “The winner went very well and he’s a horse in form, so nothing’s changed, we will continue. “His target race for this preparation has been the Archer, so he will have a light few days freshen up as his normal routine and we’ll work him down into the Archer.” Horse racing news View the full article

Manzoice winning the 2022 Group 1 VRC Derby. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Trainer Chris Waller remains optimistic about Manzoice’s chances as the 2022 Victoria Derby winner prepares for his comeback in Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Randwick. “He will be the first of our spring runners,” Waller stated. “The stayers, you’ve got to get them up and going early. “They will go there (on Saturday) and then to another race in two or three weeks’ time, like a Wyong Cup, then you’re just about at the Metropolitan.” Manzoice, who has been gelded since his 2022 Derby triumph, has not tasted victory since, but Waller highlighted encouraging signs from last season, including a second-place finish in the Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m) and fifth in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m). “He has shown glimpses of form,” Waller acknowledged. “He’s first-up over 1800 metres but in his trials, we have been trying to ride him a bit closer. He’s a lovely horse. “He shows us a lot more at home, but if you’ve won a Derby, you don’t just lose it completely. “We’ve still got hope that he can come back, and he will head towards a Metropolitan.” Horse racing news View the full article

Dual Group One winning mare Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) sold for $1,452,500 online on Thursday via Gavelhouse Plus after a protracted bidding war. The quality daughter of Proisir was trained by Roger James and Robert Wellwood for a family syndicate headed by Dean Skipper, and won eight of her 12 starts including five consecutive black-type victories as a three-year-old. Prowess was a $230,000 yearling purchase at Karaka in 2021 from the draft of breeders Hallmark Stud, and she turned that into more than $3 million when incorporating her $1,452,500 sale price and $1.65 million in prizemoney, She made a big early impression with a runaway romp by nine lengths at Wanganui in her only juvenile start. But it was as a three-year-old that Prowess really made her name. After spring placings in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and against males in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Prowess embarked on a winning sequence that spanned five feature races between New Year’s Day and the end of March. She kicked off with a comfortable win in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m), then produced a scintillating turn of foot to stun a star-studded field in the $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). After returning to three-year-old fillies’ company with a five-length romp in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m), Prowess took on older horses at weight-for-age and recorded a rare win by a three-year-old filly in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m). James and Wellwood then set their sights on Sydney, and Prowess produced perhaps the most impressive performance of her career with a three-length blitz in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. An injury-curtailed four-year-old campaign saw Prowess win the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m) in Melbourne and place in the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m). Voted the Champion Middle Distance Horse in New Zealand in 2022/23, Prowess provided a lifetime of memories for her owners and trainers. The daughter of Rich Hill Stud’s Champion Sire Proisir, Prowess is the fourth foal from the Don Eduardo mare Donna Marie (NZ). A recently turned five-year-old, Prowess is a half-sister to the Listed-placed Ajay Tee (NZ) (Foxwedge), while a full sister to Prowess was presented at this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale and was purchased for $1.6 million by Moody Racing, subsequently named Seychelles (NZ). View the full article

Ciaran Flynn has been appointed general manager of Navan Racecourse, it was announced by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) on Thursday. Flynn will take up his position with immediate effect and succeeds Aidan McGarry, who was in May named as the new general manager of Naas Racecourse. Flynn has worked in the sport industry since 2013 and held various operational roles in high performance sport with Paralympics Ireland, Tennis Ireland and the Sport Ireland Institute. He has held the role of operations lead at Navan since 2022. “I'm thrilled to be taking up the position of general manager at Navan Racecourse and I'm proud to do so as a native of nearby Duleek,” said Flynn. “Having worked here as operations lead for the past two years, I have seen why Navan is renowned as a top-class racecourse. I'll be working with a great team here and in HRI and I aim to build on the positive work that has taken place at Navan Racecourse over the past number of years.” Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, added, “It is exciting to have a Meathman at the helm at Navan Racecourse and I wish Ciaran nothing but the best in his new position. Ciaran brought great knowledge to Navan Racecourse when appointed as the racecourse's operations lead and the experience he has gained working alongside a most effective team at Navan and in HRI since then will certainly stand to him as he takes up this new challenge.” The post Ciaran Flynn Announced as New General Manager of Navan Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jean-Claude Rouget, one of the most successful trainers in French racing history, is set to join forces with Jerome Reynier. The news was reported by Jour de Galop. Rouget, 71, has training bases in Pau and Deauville and has managed the careers of some of the game's biggest stars, including Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners Sottsass and Ace Impact. The four-time champion trainer in France announced back in May that he had been suffering from exhaustion and was set to follow doctor's advice by taking a three-week break from training. The statement read: “Jean-Claude Rouget will be absent from the racecourse for the next three weeks. His two assistants, Jean-Rene Dubosc [in Pau] and Jean-Bernard Roth [in Deauville] will pick up the baton in the meantime. “Preoccupied with his state of exhaustion, his doctors have recommended he undergo medical examinations as well as complete rest. “Jean-Claude Rouget aspires to strictly adhere to this advice, which requires him to step back from his professional life, while he thanks everyone for their messages of sympathy.” It has not been confirmed whether joining forces with Marseille-based Reynier, one of the most progressive trainers in Europe, is linked to Rouget's health. More to follow The post Training Giant Jean-Claude Rouget To Join Forces With Jerome Reynier appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Missile Stakes Day 2024 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, August 10, 2024 First Race 11:30am AEST Visit Dabble The Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) headlines a bumper 10-race card at Randwick on Saturday afternoon. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and although the track was rated a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances, the sunny skies predicted in the lead-up should mean an upgrade into the Good range. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 11:30am local time. Missile Stakes tip: Schwarz The John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained Schwarz has been a well-supported favourite with online bookmakers since Missile Stakes betting opened, and it is easy to see why. The son of Zoustar showed plenty of class to claim the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) towards the end of last preparation before enduring a torrid run in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 1. He still holds residual fitness from that effort, and with a quality trial victory at Warwick Farm heading into this event, Schwarz should prove hard to hold out. Missile Stakes Race 8 – #3 Schwarz (4) 4yo Horse | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +120 with PlayUp Best Bet at Randwick: Age Of Sail Age Of Sail is yet to miss the frame in three starts this preparation and should have won in his latest effort at Rosehill on July 20. The Kris Lees-trained gelding was caught in a pocket with nowhere to go, with Kapakiri stealing his run in the final 400m. Although gate one means there is a chance Age Of Sail gets held up again, leave it in the capable hands of Nash Rawiller to make amends this time around. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Age Of Sail (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Nash Rawiller (61kg) +130 with Picklebet Next Best at Randwick: Invader Zim Invader Zim is searching for back-to-back wins after an impressive victory at Randwick on July 27. The four-year-old relished the Heavy conditions on that occasion, storming down the grandstand side of the course to get by Kerguelen in the final furlong. An extra 100m to chase down his rivals in this BM72 contest appears ideal, and although he needs to lug the top weight, Invader Zim should have this lot covered. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Invader Zim (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (59.5kg) +130 with Neds Best Value at Randwick: Arts Arts got a pass mark when returning at Randwick on July 27, although the 1300m was well short of her best trip. The daughter of Xtravagant still managed to finish well despite chasing on the worst part of the track, getting within 5.7 lengths of Cadetship. The Edward Cummings-trained mare hasn’t won since claiming the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) in April 2023, but with a significant drop in grade, Arts warrants an each-way ticket at juicy odds with online betting sites. Best Value Race 7 – #8 Arts (2) 5yo Mare | T: Edward Cummings | J: Kerrin McEvoy (57kg) +2200 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, August 10, 2024 1-5-7-8-12 3-9 1-2-3-4-6-9 2-6-7-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

John and Thady Gosden have opted to replace Kieran Shoemark with Ryan Moore for the ride aboard Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in Sunday's Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. The prospect of Shoemark being replaced aboard Inspiral, who was well-held by Auguste Rodin when last seen in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot was raised earlier this week by the owners Cheveley Park Stud. Confirming the switch, Cheveley Park's Chris Richardson said, “Ryan Moore rides Inspiral in the Prix Jacques le Marois on Sunday.” He added, “Ryan has ridden many of our best horses over the years and we are always keen to use him when he is available.” The post Moore To Replace Shoemark Aboard Inspiral In The Jacques le Marois appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Flemington trainer Simon Zahra will be hoping that history can somewhat repeat itself when Duke Of Hastings (NZ) (Sacred Falls) lines up at The Valley on Saturday. The six-year-old is due to contest the Domsafe Handicap (2500m) and as Zahra pointed out, there is a precedent with the horse using The Valley as a tool to return to winning ways. “He found form at this meeting last year, he ran a really nice fourth and then came up and won his next start,” Zahra said. “He enjoys the track, hopefully he can just jump out of the gates a bit better than what he did the other day.” A win on Saturday would be well deserved for Duke Of Hastings, who finished fourth at Flemington at his most recent outing after a slow start. “It was a bit frustrating the other day, he missed the kick and got back on the fence and couldn’t get going when he needed to and they didn’t make a lot of ground,” Zahra said. “It was frustrating on the day but he’s back in trip, back in class big time and at a track that he generally goes well at.” Out of the stakes winning mare Fairygem, Duke Of Hastings was a $10,000 purchase by Peter Franklin’s Cranton Bloodstock from Balndford Lodge’s Book 1 yearling draft at Karaka 2020, and he has earned A$249,250 in prizemoney to date. Zahra’s other runner on the day is Oceans Above (NZ) (Ocean Park), who suggested that a return to form was close two starts ago but was then beaten by more than 18 lengths at his next start. The Group One-winning trainer was at a loss to explain that latest performance. “It’s just unfortunate, you don’t know what you’re going to get with him,” Zahra said. “I went home and analysed it a bit, he actually doesn’t like being inside horses but in the past, he’s never carried weight, never been a horse to carry a lot of weight, so he’s going to come in well on Saturday with the claim as well. “We haven’t drawn great, but I think for a horse that doesn’t like being inside of horses, that’s probably a nice gate for him.” View the full article

The $100,000 TAB 2000 was tailor-made for a horse like Heart Of Gold(NZ)(Niagara), and the Sam Mynott-trained gelding simply dominated the feature at Cambridge Synthetic on Thursday. There are few horses around the country with a synthetic record like Heart Of Gold, with each of his six race victories coming at the Cambridge venue, initially for Darryn and Briar Weatherley before moving to Mynott’s stable over the summer period. Mynott earmarked the innovation race early in his current preparation and his sterling form on the surface continued in the lead-up, with a win and a close-up third behind race-rival Zappa Jak a fortnight ago placing him a $5.60 hope, with Rocket Lad on top at $3.70. In the hands of Sam Spratt, Heart Of Gold settled into the box-seat third behind top-weight Opawa Jack, who set a solid tempo down the back straight. The majority of the 12-horse field were off the bridle nearing the home turn, but Heart Of Gold was travelling up strongly under Spratt and soon kicked away, with the margin only extending as he bolted in by 4-¼ lengths. Ultimate Focus was game running into second, while Central Districts visitors Zappa Jak and Opawa Jack stuck on well to fill the first four. Mynott was thrilled to pick up the major spoils in a concept well-suited to the son of Niagara. “It was brilliant, we’ve been setting him for this race for the last couple of months and I was pretty happy with him coming into today,” she said. “We thought we had him pretty spot on and he’s broken the track record, so he’s definitely run well. “I think it’s an amazing incentive by Entain to put these races on, when otherwise would you get to race for $100,000 at Cambridge? There are horses that would never get a chance to run for that kind of stake, but here we are today and it’s great.” Although he is yet to salute on turf, Mynott has faith that Heart Of Gold can continue his synthetic form into the summer time with potential Group targets in mind. “He’s going to the paddock for a month now, that was always the plan,” she said. “I know he’s probably labelled as a poly horse, but on a good track on the turf I think he will be pretty competitive this season. “We’ll probably get him back in and hopefully target a race like the Waikato Cup (Gr.3, 2400m) or something like that.” Heart Of Gold races in the colours of his owner-breeder Pam Brindley and her late husband Geoff, who have supported Mynott for a long period of time. “I had this horse as a yearling for Pam, I’ve had a few horses for her and she’s such a lovely person,” Mynott said. “She asked me if I could take him and give him a go and we do different things with him, he hardly ever gallops at the track. He goes for farm hacks, he goes around the hurdles and that just keeps him a really happy horse, he thrives off that type of lifestyle. “It’s awesome to get this for her, she loves her horses and if I ever say that I think one needs a break or whatever it will be, she trusts me to make that call. “She’s been a very loyal supporter of racing and on the poly track as well, so she really deserves this.” The seven-year-old was the fourth foal out of Brindley’s unraced Volksraad mare Champagne Lady, who also produced Listed performer Align With Me. View the full article

Group One placed colt Linebacker(NZ) (Super Seth) will be back in action soon with the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained three-year-old set to be aimed at a series of elite level races this spring. The son of Super Seth won two of his three starts as a juvenile with a four-length debut victory at Hawkesbury followed by victory in the Gr.3 Baillieu (1400m). Linebacker then finished a hard-fought second behind star colt Broadsiding in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m). “He will trial next Friday,” Charlton told RSN. “He’ll have two trials, and will likely be running in the Ming Dynasty (Gr.3, 1400m) before the Golden Rose (Gr.1, 1400m) and then probably a race we always thought would suit him very well was the Caulfield Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m). “Beyond that, if everything is going to plan, we’ve got races like the Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m), or maybe a Spring Champion Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) back here in Sydney. But I guess his performances will dictate which way he goes through that latter stage of the campaign.” O’Shea and Charlton identified the smart colt when on their annual stud tour to New Zealand in December 2022, inspecting yearlings ahead of the Karaka Sales six weeks later. The Haunui Farm sold colt sports the colours of leading owners Frank and Christine Cook, and the ownership features several loyal stable clients. He was purchased by O’Shea Racing and Suman Hedge for $160,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. “It’s a great trip and you get to see the yearlings at their homes; it makes a big difference,” Frank Cook told the Sydney Morning Herald. “This colt walked out and was like a supermodel. “He just stood out, and as the tour went on we saw more of the Super Seths and it was clear they would make it. “He had a pedigree to match his looks back in the second and third dams, and we thought he would make a miler.” Bred by Jonathan Munz’ GSA Bloodstock, Linebacker is out of the English-bred Oasis Dream mare Garden Of Swans, who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes (2000m) winner and sire Mukhadram. View the full article

Leading jockey Lisa Allpress will be on the sidelines for an indefinite period after suffering a broken vertebra following a fall at Riccarton Park on Wednesday. Her mount, Pretending, broke down after crossing the line in the Elmwood Trading Co Maiden (1200m), dislodging Allpress, with the fall resulting in her injury. She subsequently underwent surgery at Christchurch Hospital on Thursday morning and her husband, Karl Allpress, said she has come through it well. “She is in Christchurch Hospital, and she has just got out of surgery,” he said. “She broke a vertebra in the lower back, and rods and screws have been put in there. “The operation went well, but at this stage it will be a long road to recovery. In true Lisa fashion, she is pretty tough, and she can beat the odds most of the time. “I will get down to Christchurch as soon as I can, but she is in the right place anyway.” It’s been a traumatic week for the Allpress family, with Karl also having lost his father. “We have had a week from hell because my Dad passed away and then this happens,” he said. The injury has also put an end to a looming trip to Japan for the couple. “Next Wednesday we were heading off to Japan for the World Jockeys’ Series,” Allpress said. “She works really hard to try and get these international invitations, and she has been lucky to get a few over the years. “She has got a really good relationship with the JRA (Japan Racing Authority), and she has got a big fan base over there, so we were really looking forward to it.” Allpress said his wife was looking forward to riding over spring and making her way towards the 2000-win mark, having 1948 domestic wins to her name to date. “She is riding winners and is trying to get to that magical 2000-win mark,” Allpress said. “She was on a really good roll, getting some nice rides and heading into the spring and building up relationships with good horses, and then this happens. But at the end of the day, I still have a wife, so that is the main thing. “They will do further scans and x-rays and we will go from there.” View the full article