Wandering Eyes

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

Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton barn were instrumental in their premiership defence last season, adding 64 victories to their 169 win haul, and their southern base have kicked of the new term in similar fashion. Their tangerine and blue silks were to the fore once more at Riccarton’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday, securing a treble, including a trifecta in the Hoteliers Challenge Rating 65 (1200m). After finishing runner-up in the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) on the turf at the Christchurch venue last Saturday with Freeze Frame, trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson were delighted to get on the board on Wednesday. Not Straight Laced kicked off proceedings in the Elmwood Trading Co Maiden (1200m) before Moon Rocket quickly doubled their tally when victorious Betavet Maiden (1400m), and French Rose led home a Te Akau trifecta later on the card. “It was great to start the season off yesterday down in Christchurch,” Bergerson said. “We would have loved to have won the Winter Cup but just missed the bob. “The team at Christchurch have had a fantastic season and they kicked that off again there on Wednesday with three really good winners. Hunter (Durrant, Riccarton stable foreman) and the team down there do a fantastic job, we are very lucky.” Just a week into the new season, Walker and Bergerson once again sit atop the trainers’ premiership alongside New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock, and they are keen to extend their tally when they head to Riccarton on Saturday where they are set to have a quartet of runners on the turf. Winter Cup runner-up Freeze Frame will back up in the Stephanie Murray Mortgages Open Handicap (1800m) where he will be vying to end a long and successful preparation on a high. “He is doing an incredible job,” Bergerson said. “He won first-up on a Good track over 1100m at Te Rapa in December and he is still racing now, deep into the winter. “Speaking to Hunter, he said he is fresh and bright at home, so we are keen to back him up in what we think is quite a nice race for him. “We are looking forward to seeing him step up to 1800m. We have stretched him out to a mile and he is doing a fantastic job. He will hopefully stay in time. “We will get through Saturday and I can’t imagine he would be doing too much more. Hopefully he can put his hand up again on Saturday.” Promising stayer Fierce Flight is down to kick-off his preparation in the Heatstore Open Handicap (1400m), but could be saved for another day if track conditions don’t suit. “Fierce Flight is on a New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) campaign,” Bergerson said. “There is a bit of rain forecast down there today and whether we kick him off on a really testing track over 1400m we are not really sure. “We could miss that and trial him, and then kick him off over a mile a couple of weeks later. He seems to be coming up well and has had a couple of good trials, one up north and then one down there as well. “He is proving himself to be a really handy stayer.” The stable will also be represented by Fellini in the Scenic Hotel Group Rating 75 (1600m) and Kith ‘n’ Kin in the Zilco Rating 75(1200m). “Fellini has been in good form and has been consistent without getting a win,” Bergerson said. “We would like to get him over the line first. He has been in good form at home and the team is happy with him. “Kith ‘n’ Kin we gave a bit of a freshen-up and she was first-up there on the poly and was very good late. She is not overly big, but one that tries really hard. She is certainly not out of it if she gets the right run and cops the track there, we are sure she can run a really good race.” View the full article

What Belmont Races Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, August 10, 2024 First Race 12:29pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Belmont Newmarket will headline the nine-race program at Belmont Park this Saturday afternoon, with racing scheduled to kick off at 12:29pm AWST. The track was rated as a Heavy 8 at the time of acceptances, but with little to no rain on the forecast, there is a possibility of an upgrade or two before raceday. The rail will be pushed out further to the +8m position for the entire circuit. Belmont Newmarket tip: Red Fifty Three Following a fourth-place finish in the Bolton Sprint, Red Fifty Three looks ready to run a big race second-up. William Pike retains the ride on this six-year-old gelding, who will be seeking his first win in Listed grade. The son of Gingerbread Man will settle midfield from barrier six, and if he can find a back to follow around the home turn, Red Fifty Three can take out the 2024 Belmont Newmarket. Belmont Newmarket Race 8 – #8 Red Fifty Three (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (54kg) +400 with Neds Best Bet at Belmont: Sensessional Sensessional brought up a hat-trick of wins at this track and trip on July 20, when William Pike gave him a perfectly timed ride to win in a photo finish. Hailing from the Grant & Alana Williams stable, this four-year-old gelding has been going through his grades nicely this time in. From barrier two, Sensessional will receive the perfect run in transit, and with even luck, he can extend his win streak to four. Best Bet Race 3 – #5 Sensessional (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (55.5kg) +110 with Picklebet Next Best at Belmont: Songaa Songaa returned from an 18-week spell with an ultra-impressive victory at this track and trip on July 20. The Mitchell Pateman-trained gelding has a strong record at the Belmont 1000m (5:3-0-1), and he will only improve second-up. With a hot tempo expected, Holly Watson can settle midfield on Songaa and save him up for one last crack in the final 300m. Next Best Race 1 – #3 Songaa (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Mitchell Pateman | J: Holly Watson (58.5kg) +320 with PlayUp Best Value at Belmont: Ultimate Command Ultimate Command could not hold out Russian Sniper when they clashed at the Belmont 1000m on July 27; however, with the aid of Luke Campbell’s claim, she meets her rival 2kg better off at the weights this time. This daughter of Rommel has impressive second-up form (6:3-0-0), and now that she rises to 1200m, Ultimate Command can turn the tables and get back to winning ways. Best Value Race 5 – #2 Ultimate Command (5) 6yo Mare | T: Neville Parnham | J: Luke Campbell (a1.5) (59kg) +1000 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, August 10, 2024 1-3-4 2-6-7 3-5-6-8 2-3-5-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Ipswich Races Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Friday, August 9, 2024 First Race 11:36am AEST Visit Dabble Ipswich Turf Club will host a very competitive nine-race program this Friday afternoon, with racing set to kick off at 11:36am AEST. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with no rain forecast on Thursday and Friday, it is expected to improve into the Good range. The rail will be pushed out to the +10m position for the entire circuit, so the track should play favourably for on-speed runners. Best Bet at Ipswich: Shot Of Whiskey Shot Of Whiskey heads to Ipswich seeking a hat-trick of wins after two strong performances to kick off this preparation. The Matthew Hoysted-trained gelding proved too good for his rivals in Class 2 Handicap at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m, where he let down well and held off the fast-finishing Bold Smuggler. From barrier three, Boris Thornton will settle in the one-one position and attempt to replicate his winning ride from last start. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Shot Of Whiskey (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Matthew Hoysted | J: Boris Thornton (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ipswich: Princess Moneybags Even though Princess Moneybags didn’t finish in the placings first-up off an 11-week spell, the Robert Heathcote-trained mare ran home strongly to finish fourth over 1000m. This daughter of Rich Enuff settled way too far back and would have taken good fitness benefit from the run. James Orman will be legged aboard for his first ride on this girl, and if he can settle midfield off the fence, Princess Moneybags’ turn of foot will give her every chance late. Next Best Race 3 – #7 Princess Moneybags (10) 4yo Mare | T: Robert Heathcote | J: James Orman (58.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Ipswich: Tipsy Tiger Tony Gollan and Angela Jones combine with Tipsy Tiger as the three-year-old filly makes her debut. This daughter of Jungle Cat was given one barrier trial at Doomben over 1000m in readiness for her first race, working home nicely under little riding. If Jones can settle behind the speed from barrier two, Tipsy Tiger can kick off her career with a win. Best Value Race 2 – #10 Tipsy Tiger (2) 3yo Filly | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (56kg) Bet with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Friday, August 9, 2024 1-3 1-2-3-5 1-3-4-8 2-4-5-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sunshine Coast Races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Saturday, August 10, 2024 First Race 11:38am AEST Visit Dabble Sunshine Coast Turf Club will host a rare Saturday metropolitan meeting this weekend, with a 10-race program set to kick off at 11:38am AEST. There is rain on the forecast for Friday and Saturday, so the track will be no better than the initial Soft 5 rating. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Bohemian Lad Bohemian Lad has yet to run a bad race in his seven-start career. Last time out, the son of Better Than Ready recorded the best last 600m section of the race to finish third behind Invincible Shield at Doomben over 1200m. This galloper has a strong record on his home track (2:2-0-0) and on Soft ground (4:3-0-1), so with conditions in his favour, Bohemian Lad can maintain his unbeaten record at the Sunshine Coast. Best Bet Race 4 – #5 Bohemian Lad (13) 4yo Gelding | T: David Vandyke | J: Nikita Beriman (57kg) +230 with Bet365 Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Beebee Dazzler Beebee Dazzler heads to the Sunshine Coast for the first time off the back of a strong performance at Ipswich. The four-year-old gelding finished off with a blistering turn of foot to fly home for second place behind Golden Decade over 1350m. James Orman can settle closer to the speed from barrier seven, and if Beebee Dazzler lets down like he did last start, he will prove hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Beebee Dazzler (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Kevin Kemp | J: James Orman (58.5kg) +320 with Picklebet Best Value at Sunshine Coast: Thesecondatportsea After just missing in a photo finish first-up, Thesecondatportsea from the Jack Bruce stable will only improve second-up over a similar distance. This daughter of Churchill was slightly held up on the home turn at Ipswich and finished off with a burst to run a close second behind Spray Gun. With the benefit of a strong tempo and a wide barrier (8), Thesecondatportsea will play a prominent role in the finish at good each-way odds with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 10 – #11 Thesecondatportsea (8) 5yo Mare | T: Jack Bruce | J: Jake Bayliss (56kg) +900 with Dabble Sunshine Coast quaddie tips for Saturday Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Saturday, August 10, 2024 4-6-7- 8-11-12-14 4-7-11 1-6-11-13-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, August 10, 2024 First Race 12:20pm AEST Visit Dabble For the first time since March, racing in Victoria heads to the Moonee Valley on Saturday afternoon for a competitive nine-race meeting. The Valley tends to favour those up on speed, and with the track rated a Soft 6 and the rail in the true position, it should be a similar theme this weekend. The action at Moonee Valley is set to commence at 12:20pm AEST. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Acromantula Having won this race last year, WA sprinter Acromantula returns to Moonee Valley first-up to defend his title. In three runs last campaign, he chased home classy sprinters like Oscar’s Fortune, Wild Belle and Amelia’s Jewel and was far from disgraced. This task is much easier, and from gate one with two trials under his belt, Acromantula will look to lead from barrier to box and should have no issue in lugging 60kg to victory. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Acromantula (1) 7yo Gelding | T: Daniel & Ben Pearce | J: Craig Williams (60kg) +400 with Playup Next Best at Moonee Valley: Big Me Big Me caught the eye of the Follow Files first-up from a long layoff. The very lightly raced six-year-old peaked on his run a touch over the concluding stages of 1000m on a heavy deck, but the improving ground at Moonee Valley should suit him. Jamie Mott will need a touch of luck getting off the fence early on, and if he does, Big Me should be the one finishing the best. Next Best Race 6 – #12 Big Me (2) 6yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: Jamie Mott (57kg) +280 with Picklebet Best Value at Moonee Valley: Blue Stratum After a smart maiden victory on the Pakenham synthetic, Blue Stratum offers great value with horse racing bookmakers as he returns to town second-up. The three-year-old colt had raced competitively without winning during his initial campaign, and he showed plenty of ability on his first look at the level below. Beau Mertens sticks on board, and with even luck at the right time, Blue Stratum can salute at a nice price. Best Value Race 2 – #2 Blue Stratum (3) 3yo Colt | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Beau Mertens (59kg) +800 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, August 10, 2024 5-12 2-3-10-11 3-4-5-9-13 2-7-8-11-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Rudyard(NZ)(Charm Spirit) 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 (Gr.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 (Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy, 1400m) and maybe have a crack at the mile (Gr.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 Gr.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 Gr.2 Wellington Guineas before he finished well back in the Gr.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 in the Te Akau – NZ’s Champion Stable Mile (1600m). “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.” View the full article

Two members of the current All Blacks rugby squad are hoping they will have cause for a double celebration this weekend. Damian McKenzie and Jordie Barrett will be cheering on their promising mare My Chablis(NZ) (Burgundy) at Friday’s Awapuni meeting ahead of their clash with Argentina in Wellington on Saturday evening. The duo shares in the ownership of the Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Burgundy who has made an encouraging start to her career with two wins and a placing from four appearances. My Chablis will run in the $100,000 Martin Collins Polytrack Innovation Race (1400m), in which she will be opposed by stablemate Hasstobefast. “Both of them are in very good order, they’ve done a treat and it’s nice to have a crack at a $100,000 race,” Marsh said. Bred by Mapua Bloodstock, My Chablis also has a pedigree to back her claims as she’s a half-sister to the dual stakes winner, multiple Group One performer and sire Ferrando. “She was bought privately out of the paddock at Archer Park, Dylan Johnson sourced her,” Marsh said. “He’s a bloodstock agent who works with us and he found her and liked her breeding, so we bought her. “We’d had a little bit to do with Damian and he was keen to take a little bite of the horse, so we got him and Jordie in. “We formed a syndicate with Martin Bradley, Dave Kneebone and Kevin O’Brien, who raced El Roca, and a few new owners.” My Chablis was unplaced on debut and returned from a spell with consecutive wins on the polytrack at Cambridge before a runner-up finish. Courtney Barnes will continue her association with the mare on Friday while Masa Hashizume will be aboard Hasstobefast who was runner-up on the all-weather track at her home track last time out. “They are quite hard to split and it will likely come down to who gets the best run in the race,” Marsh said. Meanwhile, two talented stakes-winning members of the team trialled well at Te Rapa on Tuesday ahead of their spring campaigns. Last season’s Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner Velocious claimed her 900m heat while Super Photon, successful in both starts including the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Stakes (1200m), placed in his heat. “They both went extremely well and will go to Taupo on August 21,” Marsh said. “Velocious will head to the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) and possibly Melbourne after that, we’ll just see how she goes,” Marsh said. “Super Photon will head toward the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) and then on to Riccarton for the Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m).” Older stablemate El Vencedor ended his last campaign with victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and holds a nomination for next month’s Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m). “He will have his first trial next week, we’re not desperate to get down there (to Hastings), but if it falls into place he’ll be there,” Marsh said. “He’ll have a run somewhere first and we’ll see what happens after that, nothing is fixed in place for him yet.” View the full article

Ashley Frye has waited over a decade to get back into the winner’s circle, but that wait is now over after guiding Float to success in the Nautical Insurance Grand National Amateur Championship (2200m) at Riccarton Park Synthetic on Wednesday. Having ridden 75 winners, two at stakes level, as an apprentice jockey, Frye’s professional career was cut short after a serious fall in 2014, aged just 18. After recovering from the accident, Frye followed in her father Danny Frye’s footsteps into the training ranks, with 19 successes to her credit, but the pull back to raceday riding was always there and she rode as an amateur on four occasions over the past two seasons. Based in North Canterbury, Frye had a long-standing association with fellow locals John and Karen Parsons, who gave her the ride aboard Float, the mare coming off a strong run for second behind Treaty Of Paris on the synthetic on July 26. Rated a $10.70 hope, Float flew the barriers and was eased back behind pacemakers Just Charlie and Jethro, who maintained a solid tempo through the staying contest. Frye showed her experience allowing the gaps to come turning for home, and once she saw clear air, Float shot to the lead and was never going to be run down, with Star In The Sky and Adam Scott running on strongly into second. Frye was rapt to pick up the win, expressing her gratitude to the Parsons’ and their charge. “It was very exciting that’s for sure, 10 years is quite a long time,” Frye said. “It was very special to get the win on one of John and Karen’s horses, I’ve had a lot to do with them and have a lot of respect for them as trainers. “I was very happy with her (Float) efforts, she jumped out of the gates and got there easy enough into the perfect position. They just kept the speed on so I slotted in behind them and she travelled up within herself, and when the gaps came she was just too good. “I love riding and always will. I’ve kind of set myself up in the training ranks now that I wouldn’t consider throwing that away to get back riding, so having this option as an amateur is really cool. “It gives us our adrenaline buzz and gets us back out there.” Frye will be back in her regular role as trainer at the Riccarton turf meeting on Saturday, with her Dundeel seven-year-old Astradeel lining up in the Vernon & Vazey Truck Parts Rating 75 (2000m) after picking up minor placings at his last three starts. “He got beaten a nose at this meeting last year and he’s in pretty good form and very well in himself so I’m expecting a nice run,” she said. “Hopefully the luck’s on our side on Saturday as well.” Back at her base in Balcairn, Frye is looking forward to taking a couple of younger horses to the trials in the coming weeks, including Princess Solitaire, a half-sister to Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner Warmonger and Group One-performer Blue Solitaire. “I’ve got a couple of wee babies going to the trials at Ashburton next week, including a just-turned three-year-old called Princess Solitaire. She could be quite exciting and has a bit of breeding on her page,” she said. “My big boy Darkhan Roar will be running at Oamaru at the end of next week, I’m pretty excited about him. He’s just taken a bit of time and is still learning, but the penny is not far off dropping so I’ve got a bit of time for him. “I just love the horses, I grew up with ponies and it’s always been that way. At the same time, we love going fast.” View the full article

An exciting new player has entered the New Zealand wagering industry, with the launch of betcha. The arrival of betcha yesterday is the first time since the TAB was established back in 1950 that there’s a new betting brand based in New Zealand. Entain Australia and New Zealand’s Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger, said betcha was a direct response to the increasing threat to New Zealand sports and racing caused by offshore betting operators. “In the three months to the end of June 2024, New Zealanders’ spending with offshore betting operators grew by 30%, continuing a trend over the last three or more years,” Rodger said. “Offshore spending is now estimated to be over $180m per annum, and this is led by the growth in offshore spending doubling in the 18-29-year-old age band in the last five years. “Their betting activity provides little to no benefit for the New Zealand racing and sports industries, and these offshore operators are under no obligation to provide the same level of harm minimisation support and account management tools that betcha will make available for Kiwis.” While the launch of the new TAB betting platform at the end of April has shown some growth in the 18-29 demographic, it’s clear that some Kiwis are seeking a point of difference from a brand like TAB, which has a long history in New Zealand. Entain’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mel Kenneday, said betcha – a digital-only brand – would bring a social vibe to the wagering sector. The brand is launching with the ability to create syndicates and bet with mates, making it a true social experience. “This new brand will emphasise the social and competitive value of sports and racing and introduce New Zealanders to the next generation of betting,” Kenneday said. “This means we’ll be focusing on some of those events and sports that the newer generation have really shown interest in, like football, basketball, and UFC, with betcha confirmed as New Zealand’s official wagering partner for UFC.” betcha’s innovative social & generosity products create new ways for people to engage. With betcha’s Toolbox, the power is in the punters’ hands. They have the freedom to choose which race, track or sport to apply their exclusive tool. betcha is live at betcha.co.nz and the app is available through Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store. Follow betcha at the following social channels: • betcha Instagram • betcha Facebook • betcha X • betcha Youtube View the full article

With 20 days down and 20 days to go for Saratoga 2024, the handle numbers are remarkably close to what NYRA posted in 2023. At the end of Wednesday's last race, $390,617,175 had been wagered on the meet, a 0.4 percent increase from the midway point of the 2023 meet. Last year's racing season was a trying one for NYRA as rain decimated parts of the meet. A total of $799,229,288 was bet on the 40 days of racing, a decline of 9 percent from 2022 figures. The wet weather led to NYRA taking 65 races off the turf. This year, 24 races have already come off the turf. This year's business has also been affected by weather. NYRA was forced to take all the races off the turf last Saturday on the day of GI Whitney and postponed two, the GII Troy Stakes and the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational. Dropping the two races from the card appears to have cost NYRA in the neighborhood of $5 million in handle. Whitney 2024 handle was $26,991,174. In 2023 it was $32,275,753. Three more races were taken off the grass on Wednesday. Average attendance at the meet has been 25,917, a drop of 3.1 percent from 2023. Despite the drop, NYRA is again on track to have drawn in excess of 1 million fans for the eight-week season. However, on-track handle through the first half is down 6.2 percent. Many other numbers are almost identical to 2023 figures. Both years, there have been 202 races run in the first half, which comes out to an average of 10.1 races per day. There have been 73 grass races this year, one more than last year. Field size is up slightly, to an average of 7.91 runners per race. That's a 4.3 percent increase from 2023. Irad Ortiz, Jr. leads all riders with 27 wins, three more than Flavien Prat. Chad Brown is comfortably in front in the trainer's race with 19 wins. Mike Maker is next with 14. The post At Halfway Point, Saratoga’s Handle Up Slightly from Last Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following a pair of consecutive defeats to kick off her 6-year-old campaign, Fev Rover attempts to get back in the win column by defending her title in the $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes (G2T) at Colonial Downs Aug. 11.View the full article

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