Wandering Eyes

The second horse through the ring Tuesday night at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale, a Gun Runner filly out of $4.5-million broodmare Pure Clan (Pure Prize), brought a cool $1.5 million from Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm LLC. Consigned as Hip 123 by Gainesway, agent XI, the chestnut filly was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm and is a half-sister to Princesa Carolina (Tapit), course record setter in the Dueling Grounds Oaks whose graded placings include the GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes. Dam Pure Clan won the GI American Oaks Invitational Stakes and GI Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes and foaled this filly Mar. 14. #FasigSaratoga Tuesday: Hip 123, a filly by Gun Runner out of GI winner Pure Clan, sells for $1.5 million to @whisper_hill from the @Gainesway consignment. A half-sister to PRINCESA CAROLINA. pic.twitter.com/X3qpPoNcSp — TDN (@theTDN) August 6, 2024 The post Mandy Pope Kicks Off Saratoga Sale with $1.5M Gun Runner Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Next week, when the international sales scene shifts to France for the Arqana August Yearling Sale, a good chunk of American agents, owners, and trainers will head on over for the party. No one ever needs an excuse to go to Deauville, but if you're looking to justify your trip to your principals or partners, look no further. We've got you covered. The selected sessions of the Arqana sale run from the 16th to the 18th, Friday to Sunday, and are followed by the V2 sale on Monday. “This is the sale that, pound for pound, produces the most Group 1 winners in the world,” said Michel Zerolo, whose Haras des Capucines will have the largest yearling consignment in the first three select days of the sale-45-and another 17 in the V2. Only three American sires-Kitten's Joy, Justify, and Maximum Security-are represented at the sale, but Americans don't come to Arqana to buy what they could buy at home, says Freddy Powell, Arqana's CEO, who sums up the appeal of the sale succinctly. “We have the best sires in Europe represented at the sale,” he said. “It's a really good way to have a feel for what's going on in Europe. As well as having a good time, in Deauville you will see-in quite a short time without too much hard looking at 600-700 horses–a very good representation of what is done the best in Europe. You will quickly see a very good diversity of stallions, a way of breeding, and pedigrees. If anyone wants an introduction to European racing, it is a wonderful one in Deauville.” In just the past few years, the sale has produced the French Derby and Arc winner Ace Impact (Ire), the French Derby winner Look de Vega (Fr), the French 2000 Guineas winner Metropolitan (Fr). Two 2023 graduates won races at Royal Ascot this year–Rashabar (Ire), who won the G2 Coventry Stakes, and Highbury (Fr), the winner of the G2 Queen's Vase. “Obviously, the success of the sale is a very good reason to come and buy horses in Deauville,” Powell stressed, “but when you go to some sales in Europe at the end of the year, you have to look at a lot of horses to see what's best and the diversity of product is not as wide as it is in Deauville for only 325 horses catalogued.” Young sires have been making headlines in Europe lately, Powell said, and most of the exciting young sires will be on offer next week. “In Europe in general we have a very good generation of new sires coming out, with sires like Blue Point (Ire) (seven on offer), and Too Darn Hot (GB) (six),” whose Oversubscribed (GB) was second in the GIII Lake George at Saratoga last week. “Zarak (Fr) (16 in the sale) is doing well, and we're pretty happy with the Zaraks we have.” Powell mentioned three sires with first two-year-olds that he said Americans would find interesting. “Some stallions to look at would be Hello Youmzain (Fr), a strong, powerful, well-balanced type of horse who throws horses with big hips. They are good models. Sottsass (Fr) had two very good runners here in France for Peter Brant two weeks ago–a winner and a second, both very impressive. And don't forget that his sister, Sistercharlie, won five Group 1s in the U.S. He produces those well-balanced horses who can adapt. I'm getting quite excited about that sire. And then there are a couple of Kamekos. He's a son of Kitten's Joy who is off to a good start at stud, and I think people will be interested in seeing them.” Among first-crop yearling sires, there is St Mark's Basilica (Fr), who Powell said was throwing well-balanced yearlings, and Victor Ludorum (GB). “He's by Shamardal, who has always worked on both sides of the Atlantic.” Among established sires, there are 30 Wootton Bassetts (GB), “who is working everywhere,” he said, 22 yearlings by perennial leading French sire Siyouni (Fr), and five from leading European sire Dubawi (GB), including the half-brother to last year's sales topper. Haras des Capucines offers three yearlings by American sires this year, a filly by Maximum Security and two fillies by Justify. The latter two were purchased as weanlings for $200,000 apiece at the Keeneland November sale. Lot 200, says Zerolo, “is out of a good Argentinian filly, Lucevan, who has already produced a good grass filly by Street Sense,” he says, referring to GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Champagne Anyone. “Here,” says Zerolo, “we have the Mr Prospector cross again, and she's a nice, big, strong filly and a good mover.” Lot 294 is a Justify filly out of San Saria (Ire). “I have an affinity for that pedigree because we used to own the second dam, San Sicharia (Ire), who became a nice filly, a Grade III winner, and this filly is lovely, with a old Lagardere pedigree that has been revived. If I recall, Vadsa (the fifth dam) and Vadsa Honor came out of the Newstead Farm dispersal in 1985.” “They are pretty similar,” said Zerolo of the two Justify fillies. “(Lot 294) has a little more white, two white socks, a very attractive head. She's a nice, attractive chestnut filly with an attractive walk. “I'm not an expert on Justify, but to me they look like what Justifys should look like,” Zerolo continued. “Having said that, City of Troy and the Nassau winner, Opera Singer, are light bays. These two are chestnuts–big, strong, athletic American-looking horses. The success of Justify is amazing, which is why he stands for what he does. The appeal is going to be across the board. The Europeans, Americans, Japanese and Australians will be interested in them.” Not that Americans need to cross the pond to buy Justifys, he said. “I would imagine Americans coming to Europe are looking to buy European horses. Otherwise, what's the point?” And to that end, he said, “the sire that I really, really like here this year is St Mark's Basilica. They remind me-and only the old guys like me will remember this-of the good Nureyevs, five generations back. He is producing lovely, lovely fillies. I'm quite taken by what I've seen. A lot of class.” Arqana charters a plane every year on the Wednesday after the Saratoga sale, flying from Albany straight to Deauville. “It's nearly full, so that's exciting,” said Powell. “Every year, we've got more people showing interest, people who came the previous year and sent back good reports. Some who came on their own are now bringing friends.” The Saratoga Sale and the Arqana August sale pair back-to-back events with great quality in a great environment. What's not to love? “Deauville is a wonderful way to discover Europe,” he said, “and we love showing the way. I'm pretty confident the French breeders and consignors have done a great job with their prep work because the horses we saw in the spring were quite exciting. There are a lot of good vibes and people are in good spirits.” The post Arqana For Americans: Diversity, Sire Power, and Some of the Best Europe Has to Offer in 325 Hips appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Ed Brown Society, led by Chairman Greg Harbut and President Clark Williams, accepted the 2024 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame award on behalf of the late jockey Abe Hawkins during the induction ceremony Friday at Saratoga Springs. Hawkins, who died in 1867, is known for riding Lecomte to victory over the previously undefeated Lexington in 1854. The Ed Brown Society is a Lexington, KY-based organization whose mission is to celebrate the history of African Americans in the equine industry, and to provide exposures, experiences, resources, and professional development to talented and focused young people of color who wish to pursue careers in the industry. Williams, who spoke during the acceptance speech for Hawkins, said: “We must work together… because we are better together… May this be the springboard our industry desperately needs to work together and do better for the sport we all love.” The post Ed Brown Society Accepts Racing Hall Of Fame Award For Jockey Abe Hawkins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brilliant Berti, coming off three consecutive wins at Churchill Downs over firm turf, could get his first test on wet ground on Aug. 10 in the $500,000 Secretariat Stakes (G2T) at Colonial Downs.View the full article

For Godolphin's Ottoman Fleet, the Fourstardave Handicap (G1T) could showcase a new dimension for the multiple graded stakes winner.View the full article

Porter on PedigreesView the full article

New Mexico-based Pierre and Leslie Amestoy, partners in late GISW Practical Move (Practical Joke), closed the one-horse flash sale hosted by Inglis Digital USA Tuesday with a high bid of $230,000 for Helicity (The Factor–Chasing Helicity, by Sky Mesa), a 2-year-old colt trained by Jack Sisterson. The colt will remain with Sisterson under the new ownership. “We are delighted with the success achieved by Jack Sisterson and his partners,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Liza Hendriks. “The flash sale concept has proven to be a valuable model, enabling owners to capitalize on opportune moments for selling and offering buyers the ability to purchase horses that had previously been less accessible.” Runner-up July 20 in a Saratoga maiden special weight, Helicity raced for the partnership of David Grund, Amanda Oster, and Sisterson after hammering for $120,000 at OBS March. Details on the colt can be found here. Helicity was based at Sisterson's Saratoga barn during the flash sale and was available for viewing each morning. He wore an Inglis Digital USA saddle towel in his :48.89 four-furlong breeze Sunday morning over the Oklahoma surface so potential buyers could easily spot him. “We were excited with the great result and loved being able to sell at a time that suited the horse in between races and the horse never had to leave the barn,” said Sisterson. “We will definitely be selling and buying in digital sales in the future.” Sisterson said prior to the sale he planned to target a race at Kentucky Downs for Helicity's next start. Entries for the Inglis Digital USA September Sale will close Monday, Sept. 16, with the catalogue to be released Friday, Sept. 20, and the sale held Wednesday, Sept. 25. To enter horses for the September sale and to register to bid, visit inglisdigitalusa.com. The post $230,000 for 2YO Maiden Helicity in Inglis Digital USA Flash Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Second Stride, the Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retraining program responsible for the adoption of over 1,700 retired racehorses since 2005, has two new unique partnerships, the non-profit organization announced Tuesday. Two ambassador horses will live at Valhalla Golf Club, recent host of the 2024 PGA Championship, for the remainder of the 2024 golf season. The horses chosen to represent Second Stride at Valhalla are GSW Hawaakom (Jazil) and GSP 2014 Triple Crown contender General A Rod (Roman Ruler). They will return to Second Stride's Chorleywood Farm this fall. In addition, the Second Stride's Oak Grove (Wagon Limit) is in residence at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Unraced Oak Grove will be available for adoption in October. The post Second Stride Partners with Valhalla and Derby Museum appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following his breakout stakes victory in the Aug. 3 Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, Arthur's Ride rises into sixth place in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll.View the full article

The 72nd annual Jockey Club Round Table Conference, held Aug. 1 in Saratoga Springs, New York, was livestreamed as it happened on The Jockey Club website last Thursday. Official transcripts and video replay are now available at jockeyclub.com. The Round Table Conference has been held since 1953 and annually features discussions on critical industry topics, including aftercare, equine safety, marketing, and national uniformity. The post Round Table Transcripts and Video Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Colonial Downs announced Aug. 6 that it had rescheduled racing from Aug. 8-9 to Aug. 12-13, respectively. The move was made due to the expected impact caused by Tropical Storm Debby.View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victories of Halfway Line and City Exile, both trained by Phil D'Amato, at Del Mar. Zoffany Gelding Strikes At Del Mar James Downey's stakes-placed Halfway Line (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}) took three tries, but came away with his first American win at Del Mar for trainer Phil D'Amato in late July (video). Bred by Juddmonte Farms, the 4-year-old gelding won thrice and placed in the Listed Prix Matchem in France for Francis-Henri Graffard in the storied pink-and-green silks, and changed hands for 320,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale in 2023. A son of the G3 Prix Imprudence second Midweek (GB) (Motivator {GB}), Halfway Line is a half-brother to the winning 3-year-old filly Mercury Day (Ire) (Time Test {GB}), the juvenile filly Midweek Break (GB) (New Bay {GB}) and a yearling filly by Bated Breath (GB). His extended family features the Group 1 winner Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), GI Arlington Million hero Set Piece (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and G1 Oaks heroine Reams Of Verse (Nureyev) among others. The late Zoffany has been represented by 29 winners out of 59 runners (49%) in the U.S. His six stakes winners there include GII Hollywood Turf Cup hero Oscar Dominguez (Ire), and Grade III winners Zofelle (Ire), Paris Secret (Ire), and Zoffarelli (Ire). City Exile Prevails At Del Mar City Exile (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) won for owners CYBT, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig and Jeremy Peskoff at Del Mar (video). Trained by Phil D'Amato, the gelding was bred by Carson Francis and partners. A 28,000gns Tattersalls Somerville yearling, the bay was winless in seven starts in Ireland for MRC International and David Marnane. After he was purchased by these connections, he won a Santa Anita maiden in January. His dam, the seven-time winner Curious Fox (GB) (Bertolini), has a trio of fillies yet to race born in 2022, 2023, and 2024, by Time Test (GB), Ardad (Ire) and Dream Ahead, respectively. City Exile is kin to Group 1 winner Top Guest (Ire) (Be My Guest). The strike rate for Cityscape's runners in North America stands at 75%, as he has three winners from four runners. The graded-winning pair of Chili Flag (Fr)–the GI Just a Game Stakes heroine–and Avenue De France (Fr) are his best representatives in that locale. Bated Breath Filly On Top At Del Mar Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Hannah Buckle (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) closed to take a Del Mar contest for Leonard Powell in early August (video). Bred by Irish Emerald Stud, the chestnut was making her fourth start. From two starts at Leopardstown, the filly was third for trainer Barry Fitzgerald and owner David Granville before joining her current connections. The eighth foal out of Listed Garnet Stakes second Thoughtless Moment (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), Hannah Buckle is her dam's seventh winner. Stakes winner Dancing Slippers (Nijinsky), the third dam of the winner, is also the ancestress of Zoftig (Cozzene) and her daughters Zo Impressive (Hard Spun) and Zaftig (Gone West), all three Grade I winners. Juddmonte's Bated Breath boasts a strike rate of 69%, with 22 of his 32 North American runners finding the winner's circle. His 11 stakes winners include four at the graded level, among them GI Ballston Spa Stakes heroine Viadera (GB). Repeat Winners McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) won the GII Glens Falls Stakes at Saratoga on Thursday evening (video). The Klaravich Stables' runner and Chad Brown trainee, a Grade I winner in 2022, is a regular on Making Waves. The GII Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes went to Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal) at Saratoga on Aug. 2 (video). The Godolphin homebred had captured the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes earlier this year for trainer Charlie Appleby. Godolphin's Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) added his third Grade II in succession, when swooping in Saratoga's Bowling Green Stakes for trainer Charlie Appleby (video). The Breeders' Cup runner-up won his first U.S. stakes in the GII Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland in April. Denford Stud's Eastern Empress (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a winner at Monmouth in June, added another tally to her ledger, this time at Colonial Downs in Virginia (video). The post Making Waves: D’Amato Runners Come Good At Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chromosomal errors are a common cause of pregnancy loss in mares, researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVG), as part of a team from Cornell University, have discovered in a new study. In humans, chromosomal errors are a common cause of miscarriage, accounting for up to 82% of pregnancy loss. Due to the similarities between human and horse chromosomal structures and other pregnancy characteristics, this research supports the use of horses as a novel model organism to study miscarriage in women. The findings of this study mean it is possible to now account for potential causes in 60-70% of equine early pregnancy loss–previously this figure was only around 20-30%. The study investigated the prevalence of aberrations in chromosomes in 256 cases of pregnancy loss–collected from 244 mares between 2013 and 2023–finding that triploidy (three haploid sets of chromosomes), was the most common aberration (42%). Other abnormalities identified included trisomy–the presence of one extra whole chromosome–and monosomy–the loss of one whole chromosome, in almost 12% of pregnancies. The team behind the study was overseen by Dr Amanda de Mestre, from Cornell's Baker Institute for Animal Health and included the RVC's Dr Jessica Lawson as well as other researchers from Texas A&M University and University of California Davis. Other lead authors included Dr Shebl Salem, a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell and Mr Don Miller, laboratory manager of the Cornell Equine Pregnancy Laboratory. For the full paper, please click here. Dr. Jessica Lawson, Research Fellow at the Royal Veterinary College, said, “In addition to the significant findings in the early stages of the equine pregnancy we, for the first time, have identified sub-chromosomal aberrations in an aborted fetus and a stillborn foal. These aberrations likely constitute a rare but important cause of later term pregnancy loss, and we look forward to continuing to investigate the clinical significance of these genomic changes.” The post Link Between Chromosomal Errors And Pregnancy Loss In Mares Revealed In New Study appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, VA has rescheduled their Thursday and Friday racing cards to dates next week due to impending weather in the area from Tropical Storm Debby. The Thursday, Aug. 8 card will move to Monday, Aug. 12 while the Friday, Aug. 9 card will be held as drawn Tuesday, Aug. 13. Officials are still monitoring the weather as it relates to the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing card Saturday which includes the GI Arlington Million and the Breeders' Cup WAYI GII Beverly D. Stakes. A decision on the Saturday card will be made by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. The post Colonial Downs Reschedules Thursday/Friday Racing Due To Tropical Storm Debby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following his breakout stakes victory in the Aug. 3 Whitney Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, Arthur's Ride rises into sixth place in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll.View the full article

Depending on the era one first became immersed in racing, there are certain sets of colours that have particular resonance. For many, the brown and white hoops, white cap, carried by the late Gerry Oldham's horses, many of them homebred by his Citadel Stud, will be favourites. Over the years they have been worn by jockeys aboard such special horses as the brilliant stayer Sagaro (Ire) – who has the rare honour of having a race named after him at Ascot – and 2,000 Guineas victor Zino (GB), trained like Sagaro by Francois Boutin, as well as the Harry Wragg-trained Irish Derby-winning brothers Talgo (Ire) and Fidalgo (Ire). The names of Oldham's colts always ended in an O, while his fillies ended in A. That theme, and those silks, have been continued by the owner-breeder's son James, with the distinctive hoops having most recently been carried to glory for him aboard Asinara (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}) at Ffos Las. The three-year-old is the seventh generation of her family to have raced for the Oldhams. “My father was always one for loyalty and sticking with things,” says James Oldham. “He started out in the late forties, so it was a slightly different era back then, but obviously he had stints in the UK before mainly focusing on racing in France. Actually, the colours disappeared in the UK for quite a long time.” The dispersal of the Citadel Stud, consigned by Gerry Oldham's longstanding friend and manager Peter Kavanagh's Kildaragh Stud, took place a little over a decade ago. A number of graduates have gone on to do well for other breeders, including Bocca Baciata (Ire) (Big Bad Bob {Ire}), from Asinara's family, who became a Group 2 winner for the Niarchos family's Flaxman Stables. “We had a big dispersal sale on my father's death because it was too much to manage for me at the time,” Oldham says. “But I was very keen to hold on to one, which I raced briefly. That was the dam of Asinara and I got lucky. She got to Group 3 level before sadly she had to retire, but it was just important for me to keep something on. “Now I'm doing it in a much, much smaller way than he ever was, but I love it, and I will never be anything other than small. My aim is to have three mares at any one time and leave it at that. At the moment I've just got the one but we'll see where we get to.” That one is Kalsa (Ire), a Whipper half-sister to Bocca Baciata and full-sister to fellow Group 3 winner Topeka (Ire), who also ran third behind Beauty Parlour (GB) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and was sold to Japan's Eishin Stables from the 2013 dispersal. Now 13, Kalsa, winner of the G3 Prix Edmond Blanc when trained by Robert Collet, is a permanent boarder at Watership Down Stud and has a Sea The Stars (Ire) colt heading to Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Kalsa wins the Prix Edmond Blanc in the historic Oldham colours | Scoop Dyga “I started off by going to not particularly established stallions and yet we produced a few winners,” Oldham notes. Kalsa has so far bred three winners from her first four foals, including the four-time winner Tamarama (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}). “No superstars yet, but on the back of that and a few conversations with Simon Marsh and with my father-in-law, who until his retirement was deeply involved in racing and has helped me along the way, we've actually gone to my dream stallion. Sea The Stars was the best horse I've ever seen live, and it was the best Arc I've ever seen.” Oldham's wife Katrina is the daughter of Michael Goodbody, the former president of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association who managed Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum's Gainsborough Stud for 25 years. “We were all pretty much hooked on racing,” he recalls. “That's how my father holidayed a lot of the time. Every August we used to decamp to Deauville, which was one of his loves, and that's all we did for two to three weeks every single year. I kept a very keen interest the whole way. And obviously with Peter Kavanagh and Brendan Hayes in Ireland, where the mares were, I got more involved in the latter part of his life, but then work called, really, so it couldn't be my main focus. But I actually married into a family which had been very involved in racing as well. “So I've got it from all sides. Michael's been great to me over the years and we're extremely tight.” To date, Oldham has raced only homebred fillies. “I haven't held on to any colts so far, but when I do they will end with an O. It came from my father's initials of GAO. That's how it all started out and we're continuing in that tradition,” he says. “Elsewhere, I've got a little racing syndicate of a few friends but really I just want to try and breed something where we can get a bit of black type. I don't think Asinara will ever be a superstar, but [her trainer] Charlie Hills likes her and it would be lovely to try and pick up some black type with her. “Tamarama we sold to Andrew Rosen and she was reasonably well rated in the end and went on to race in America. The dream of having my three mares would actually be to have three homebreds rather than buying them. So we'll see.” Based in Hampshire in the south of England, Oldham has so far resisted in following his father's lead in racing horses in France. “I would love to, and commercially it obviously makes a bit more sense,” he admits. “But France is just that much trickier to get to when you've got to fit it in with other things, although Charlie has sent me all around the country with Asinara. I've been to all sorts of places. But in practice I do like being able to see them race. I absolutely love it.” The post Citadel Line Thriving for Small Breeder with Deep Roots appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale released its catalog Tuesday with 4,396 horses set to go through the ring over 12 sessions. The sale will be held Monday, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 21 in Lexington, KY. “This time of year energizes Keeneland and our entire industry as we prepare to showcase an outstanding collection of quality yearlings and welcome many domestic and international horsemen and horsewomen to Lexington to participate in a vibrant marketplace unlike anything in the world,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Having achieved some of its strongest results in recent years and with an established record of successful graduates, the September Sale is a 'must attend' event for buyers and sellers around the world.” The format for the September Sale remains unchanged from last year with Week 1 featuring a two-day Book 1 (Sept. 9 and 10) and a two-day Book 2 (Sept. 11 and 12) followed by a dark day Sept. 13. Books 3-6 will be held during week 2. “Spanning two weeks and six books, the September Sale caters to buyers at every level, offering yearlings that fit various price points in each session,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “As the quality of entries continues to rise, so does the competition. Shopping on the grounds from Book 1 to Book 6 provides buyers the chance to find everything on their short lists and more. Last year, we were excited to see prominent buyers signing tickets not only on the first day of the sale but all the way through to the final day.” The catalog features yearlings from the first crops of Knicks Go, Essential Quality, Charlatan, Maxfield and Yaupon in addition to household names such as Into Mischief, Curlin, Quality Road, Tapit and War Front. The catalog can be viewed in its entirety here. The post Keeneland Catalogs 4,396 Horses For 81st September Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 227 entries have been received for the five Group contests scheduled to take place on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, it was announced on Tuesday. This is the largest number since 2018 and includes a record 56-strong entry for the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes, the feature race on the card slated for Saturday, October 19. The 56 horses entered for the Champion Stakes have won 37 Group 1 races between them, with Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) boasting the most decorated CV as a six-time winner at the top level. Aidan O'Brien has also entered star three-year-olds City Of Troy and Opera Singer, both by Justify, while another leading Irish-trained contender is White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), who defeated Auguste Rodin when winning the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May. Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), a spectacular winner of the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, is one of six French-trained entries. The others include Mario Baratti's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains scorer Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), while the pick of the home team could be William Haggas's Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), a wide-margin winner of the G2 Dante Stakes at York when last seen in competitive action in May. Metropolitan also holds an entry in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO) in which his rivals could include Godolphin's G1 2,000 Guineas and G1 Sussex Stakes hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who won May's G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh, is another Classic winner in contention, but battle-hardened older horses such as Roger Varian's G1 Queen Anne Stakes victor Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) should ensure that the three-year-olds don't have things all their own way. Opera Singer is one of 10 entries for Ballydoyle in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Filles & Mares Stakes, while last year's runner-up, Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), could attempt to go one place better, having found only Goliath too strong when contesting the King George on her most recent start. 2022 winner Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is another notable entry, despite disappointing in the G1 Nassau Stakes won by Opera Singer at Goodwood last time. The contenders for the G1 QIPCO Champions Sprint Stakes feature a number of horses who have already tasted success at the top level in 2024, including Lockinge Stakes winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Commonwealth Cup hero Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) and July Cup scorer Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). In the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) can be expected to take star billing if allowed to take his chance, having returned to the top of the staying tree this year with his back-to-back Group 1 victories in the Gold Cup and Goodwood Cup. Royal Ascot runner-up Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), who beat Kyprios by a neck when winning this race in 2023, could be in opposition once again, along with three-time winner Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) and last year's Gold Cup victor Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}). The second entry stage for the Group races on QIPCO British Champions Day is on Tuesday, October 1. The supplementary stage is on Monday, October 14. The post Entries Revealed for the Five Group Races on QIPCO British Champions Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell's Group 1 winner Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) is aiming to make his long-awaited return to the races in the G3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock on Aug. 10, according to trainer Owen Burrows. The 6-year-old gelding has been out of action with a foot issue since winning the G1 Prix d'Ispahan at ParisLongchamp in May of 2023. A multiple group winner, Anmaat was successful in the 2022 edition of the Rose of Lancaster. “All being well, he's going to run, we've had this in mind for him for a bit now, so fingers crossed we don't have any last-minute hiccups. It will be nice to get him back,” said Burrows. “His form has really worked out. He worked the Saturday before last year's Eclipse and worked the best I've seen him work. “Obviously, he was up against Paddington (GB) and Emily Upjohn (GB), so it wasn't as if I was thinking we were going there and definitely winning, but I thought he'd run a big race. “He just picked up a very complex foot issue and obviously he's had plenty of time, so it will be so good to get him back. “He wouldn't want the ground very quick. Not because he can't handle it, in France they called it good to soft but it was more like good to firm, it's more the fact with him being off so long. “Looking at the forecast, there is a drop of rain due on Thursday, so good ground will be perfect, we'd have no qualms then.” The post Group 1 Winner Anmaat Ready For Rose Of Lancaster Stakes 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 is the single such horse entered for Wednesday at Saratoga: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Saratoga 2, $80k, 2yo, f, (R), 6f, 1:44 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Royal Princess (Liam's Map), OBSMAR, 50,000, :10 1/5 C-Mayberry Farm, agent; B-Michael Maker The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Off a strong performance in Saturday's GI Whitney Stakes, Arthur's Ride (Tapit) jumped to sixth in this week's NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll. He currently ranks behind G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), top filly and the top-ranked 3-year-old Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), National Treasure (Quality Road), Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) and Idiomatic (Curlin). GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes winner Dornoch (Good Magic) is the top 3-year-old colt in seventh. Rounding out the top 10 are Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo), The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) and Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The post Arthur’s Ride Jumps To Sixth In NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Gulfstream-based Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (FTHA) awarded 16 college scholarships to children of qualified Florida-licensed backstretch employees and trainers Tuesday, the organization announced. To date, the FTHA, which aims to “foster, promote and improve business conditions in the racing industry”, has given more than $400,000 in scholarships through the Kent Stirling Scholarship Program. “This is a fitting tribute to Kent, who devoted his life to our industry and to its people,” said FTHA President Joe Orseno. “He was diligent in his efforts on behalf of the owners and trainers, but the backstretch workers always held a special place in his heart.” The post FTHA Awards 16 Scholarships Ahead Of 24-25 Academic Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dollars & Sense with Frank AngstView the full article