Wandering Eyes

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

Apprentice jockey Britney Wong has arrived in New Zealand for a short stint before she returns to her homeland in Hong Kong in time for the new season which begins on September 8. The 25-year-old has ridden in more than 600 races in Australia, notching 50 wins and 125 placings in her two-year development stint there and has been granted an apprentice jockey’s licence in Hong Kong, one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world. She will be the first full-time female rider on the Hong Kong roster since Kei Chiong retired from the saddle in 2017. Wong wasted little time getting accustomed to New Zealand conditions with three trial rides at Te Rapa on Tuesday for trainers Tony Pike, Barbara Kennedy and Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott. The talented rider’s time in South Australia concluded in March, but care of a burgeoning relationship between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the New Zealand Equine Academy, Wong’s riding talents will be on display throughout August in New Zealand. “I joined the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2016 and learned how to ride from scratch, I had never touched a horse before,” Wong said. “I spent a couple of years building up my skills and thanks to Hong Kong Jockey Club, I got the chance to go overseas in 2022. I spent two years in South Australia with Jon O’Connor and had good success with his great support. “Thanks to New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the New Zealand Equine Academy, I have the opportunity to ride here over the next three weeks which I am really excited about. “I haven’t been able to race ride since March, but I have been keeping fit riding in trials at Sha Tin and Conghua. It will be great to get my racing feeling back and try to get as many rides as possible and hopefully pick up a few winners before I go home.” Successful Hong Kong riders Vincent Ho and Derek Leung both enjoyed time in New Zealand before returning home to match it with the world’s best and like Wong are both graduates of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Talent Training Centre. Wong, who showed good athletic prowess in both swimming and shooting prior to joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said her last few years in the saddle have confirmed she is in the right profession. “I enjoy racing so much,” she said. “After those two years in Australia, I was convinced that being a jockey is what I am destined to be.” Wong is looking forward to the challenge of competing against the likes of Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman each week. “It is a very exciting challenge but at the same time quite daunting.” Wong said. “Obviously, riding against those top jockeys is not easy, but I will be able to learn plenty from them. “It’s easier to learn from them when you’re closer, you can observe and feel more and by getting involved, it’s the best way to improve.” Wong said there had been a number of people that have been instrumental in her success to date, but said her mentor was former star jockey Felix Coetzee, who is the Chief Riding Instructor at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “Our school coach is Felix Coetzee, who was one of the greatest jockeys in Hong Kong and I’m just glad that he is happy to help the next generation,” Wong said. “He’s here for me every day whenever I’ve got a question, I can just flick him a message or give him a phone call.” Hong Kong Jockey Club management conducted a selection process following all trainers being invited to submit an expression of interest to have Wong allocated to their stable. On Tuesday it was announced that Wong will be allocated to Trainer David Hall. Recently retired champion New Zealand jockey Leith Innes will be a guiding hand over the next few weeks with Wong as part of his new role with the New Zealand Equine Academy, while he will also be managing Wong’s rides. “I’ve just taken the role over and it’s just great to have someone like Britney turn up on your back doorstep where she’s ridden 50 winners and has got a license in Hong Kong when she returns in September,” said Innes, who was busy introducing the new arrival to all of the key participants at Te Rapa on Tuesday. “We haven’t got a lot of time to work with Britney between now and the three weeks that she’s here but hopefully we can get her a couple rides and some winners and play a small hand in her development. “The relationship between Hong Kong and New Zealand is very strong and there are a lot of Hong Kong-owned horses in New Zealand that are trialling up and getting fit before they go up there. “Britney’s naturally light and claiming two kilos, she’s won 50 races, so she’s well advanced and it’s great for Hong Kong to be trusting the New Zealand Equine Academy and bringing apprentices over, so I’m looking forward to it.” Amy Chan, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Head of Racing Talent Training and Headmistress of the Apprentice Jockeys’ School played a key role to enable Wong to continue her training and prepare for the 2024/25 racing season in Hong Kong with a stint in New Zealand. “Hopefully Britney will be race-riding within a week, with valuable support from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and the New Zealand Equine Academy, whom we look forward to future collaboration with,” Chan said. “Britney has a strong passion and dedication for horse racing. She is disciplined with a great work ethic. Her strong mindset and self-belief have helped her stay resilient and focused during challenging times. Britney used to be a swimmer and her natural talent and willingness to continuously improve her horsemanship has been crucial to her early success as a jockey.” View the full article

Tom Kitten winning the 2023 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW The James Cummings-trained pair of Tom Kitten and Zardozi hit the line locked together in a barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning, stepping out impressively ahead of a lengthy spring campaign. In Heat two of the morning, a field of five were sent around over 1000m on the course proper, with Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Zardozi striding to the front under Zac Lloyd. The four-year-old daughter of Kingman pinged the lids to take up the running but was soon swallowed up by stable companion Tom Kitten in the concluding stages, with the Godolphin duo clearing out by 1.25 lengths back to Francesco Guardi in third. The current Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) favourite Fangirl was sent around in the same jump-out, with the Chris Waller-trained mare only asked to stretch out under James McDonald to finish 1.58 lengths away in last place. Fangirl is still well supported with online bookmakers at +200 for the first Group 1 of the season, while Tom Kitten (+2500) and Zardozi (+5000) aren’t fancied, likely to figure over further distance later in the preparation. Horse racing news View the full article

The truly iconic Cox Plate start at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) announced on Tuesday that 137 horses are nominated for the 104th running of the $5 million Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday, October 26. This year’s nominations boast an impressive lineup, including 32 Group 1 winners, 34 three-year-olds (22 from the southern hemisphere and 12 from the northern hemisphere), 20 international contenders, 13 previous winners at The Valley, and 42 trainers. Horses from five countries are represented. Australian-trained entries dominate with 114 horses, followed by 12 from Ireland, five from the United Kingdom, three from Japan, and three from New Zealand. Returning to Moonee Valley are three previous Cox Plate competitors, including last year’s close runner-up Mr Brightside from Lindsay Park. He is joined by Chris Waller’s Fangirl and Danny O’Brien’s Young Werther. Australia’s local stars feature several Group 1 winners such as Pride Of Jenni, Via Sistina, Without A Fight, Riff Rocket, Broadsiding, Southport Tycoon, Amelia’s Jewel, Atishu, Zardozi, Zougotcha, and Tropical Squall. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, who made history in 2014 with Adelaide’s win, has nominated 12 horses, including the highly rated Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, Opera Singer, and Diego Velazquez. Japan is back in the Cox Plate after a hiatus since 2019’s win by Lys Gracieux. Their 2024 nominees include Mitsumasa Nakauchida’s Prognosis, Hishi Iguazu, and Killer Ability. The UK’s five entries are led by John Murphy’s White Birch. Harry Eustace has Docklands ready for the trip, and Charlie Appleby has entered Nations Pride and Measured Time. Brian Meehan’s Royal Ascot winner Jayarebe completes the UK contingent. New Zealand’s nominees, all past winners in Australia, are Sharp ‘n’ Smart, Legarto, and Mark Twain, continuing their strong tradition in the Cox Plate. Horse racing news View the full article

There have been 173 nominations for the 2024 Caulfield Cup. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) The countdown is underway for the 147th edition of the prestigious Caulfield Cup, with 173 nominations received for the $5 million Group 1 event over 2400 metres. This year, there’s a notable increase in international interest, with 36 overseas contenders vying for a spot in the starting field, up from last year’s 24. Leading the charge from Ireland is Aidan O’Brien, who has nominated an impressive team of 19 horses, including top contenders like Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, and Point Lonsdale. Joseph O’Brien and Willie Mullins also feature with A Piece Of Heaven and Absurde, respectively. Japanese trainers Noboru Takagi and Naosuke Sugai are aiming to add to their country’s Caulfield Cup tally, with Warp Speed and Shonan Bashitto showing promising form. Warp Speed, owned by Mr. Yamada, is well-suited to the 2400m distance, while Shonan Bashitto, reminiscent of past Japanese winners, recently dominated the Listed Sapporo Nikkei Open. From Britain, Andrew Balding and Charlie Appleby bring formidable stables, each with four entries. Appleby’s potential contenders include the globally seasoned Rebel’s Romance, Silver Knott, and Measured Time, enhancing the race’s international flavour. Domestically, the field is rich with talent. Anthony & Sam Freedman, last year’s winning trainers, have nominated six strong runners, headlined by defending champion Without A Fight and the promising import Place De Carrousel. Chris Waller, eyeing another victory following previous successes with Verry Elleegant and Durston, boasts 24 entries, featuring stable stars like Valiant King and Via Sistina. Ciaron Maher from Victoria and the emerging partnership of Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald from New South Wales add depth with 19 and an early qualifier in Fawkner Park, respectively. Meanwhile, ten-year-old Esti Feny has secured a spot thanks to his impressive win in the Mornington Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

The stage is set for another epic edition of the Ladbrokes Cox Plate as 137 horses have been nominated for the 104th running of the prestigious $5 million Group 1 Moonee Valley race on October 26th. Leading the charge is the history-making mare Pride Of Jenni for Ciaron Maher who enters as the early favourite […] The post 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Nominations Close: 137 Entries, 20 Northern Hemisphere Raiders appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Last Saturday, the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington headlined the feature meeting of the weekend. Meanwhile, Rosehill and Doomben hosted strong support cards. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners that are worth following throughout the campaign. Flemington Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: +10m entire circuit Race 4: Benchmark 84 Handicap (1100m) | Time: 1:03.63 Horse to follow: Fortunate Kiss (3rd) Fortunate Kiss made her debut for the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans stable and finished strongly over 1100m. In just her second try down the Flemington straight, this daughter of Divine Prophet settled at the rear of the field and let down with a blistering turn of foot. In the final 200m, Fortunate Kiss recorded the fourth-fastest section of the entire meeting (11.59s) and nabbed third place in front of the race favourite, Midtown Boss. When to bet: Fortunate Kiss will appreciate a rise in trip second-up, and if the stable can find a 1200m in the same grade, she can go a couple better next time. Race 8: Benchmark 100 Handicap (1410m) | Time: 1:23.85 Horse to follow: Holymanz (6th) Returning after an impressive autumn preparation, Holymanz was very good without much luck. This son of Almanzor attempted to run home from the back of the field but was held up from the 600m to the 150m mark before Mark Zahra could release the brakes. Even so, Holymanz recorded sectional times from the 400m (22.59s) and 200m (11.71s) that ranked inside the top 10 for the meeting. When to bet: Holymanz finished second in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes and competed in the All-Star Mile, so it is easy to make the case that 1410m was short of his best trip. A rise to 1600m second-up, and even luck, should give him every chance to win. Rosehill Track rating: Soft 5 (up to Good 4 after Race 1) Rail position: +7m entire circuit Race 7: Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) | Time: 1:03.48 Horse to follow: Spring Lee (2nd) Spring Lee was heavily backed with online bookmakers first-up at Rosehill over 1100m, and after settling near last on the rail, the Bjorn Baker-trained mare received no luck in the home straight. The daughter of Zoustar had to change tracks three times to get out of traffic before finding clear air in the final 150m. Unfortunately for her connections and followers, Rachel King couldn’t get the four-year-old mare out in time, and she could only manage a second-place finish. When to bet: With even luck, Spring Lee would have won the race. There is no reason to jump off this up-and-coming sprinter, and if she produces a similar finish in clear air next start, she will win. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, August 7, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Racing heads to Sandown for the third time in the space of a week, with eight races set for decision this Wednesday. The rail comes out 3m for the entire circuit, and a favourable forecast in the lead-up suggests the initial Soft 6 rating could improve towards a Good 4. The action is set to get underway at 12:25pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Fretta Fretta produced a solid return on the Hillside track at Sandown on July 24. Despite being left flat-footed when the sprint went on, the mare picked up late and was doing her best work through the line. The Frankel mare steps up to 1600m, which seems more to her liking, and from barrier three under apprentice Tom Prebble, Fretta will get every chance to bring up a third career win at start six. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 Fretta (3) 5yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Tom Prebble (a3) (60.5kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Luijzika Luijzika went from a Geelong maiden victory to being beaten by 4.7 lengths in a strong Group 3 on just her third start. That suggests not only does Ciaron Maher have a high opinion of her, but her best is yet to come. With some quiet jumpouts in preparation for her first race since February, Luijzika will be primed for this and should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 4 – #7 Luijzika (4) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (56kg) +190 with PlayUp Best Value at Sandown: Japanese Emperor While he has not tasted success since his maiden victory almost two years ago, Japanese Emperor meets one of the easiest fields he has seen in some time. The five-year-old gelding was beaten a half-length by Legarto in Group 1 company 18 months ago as a three-year-old, and if he can recapture that form first-up, Japanese Emperor can reign supreme at a very generous price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 7 – #3 Japanese Emperor (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Mike Moroney & Glen Thompson | J: Declan Bates (61kg) +1500 with Picklebet Sandown Wednesday quaddie tips – 7/8/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, August 7, 2024 2-4-5-7 3-4 2-3-4-9-10-11 1-2-3-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The CEO of NZTR, Bruce Sharrock, joined Michael Felgate on Racing Pulse to give an update on the state of jumps racing in New Zealand. View the full article

Kiwi trainer Danny Walker joined RSN this morning to give an update on the talented gelding, Crocetti. View the full article

Ken and Bev Kelso enjoyed plenty of success campaigning their former Group One star Bounding through her three-year-old spring campaign, and the Matamata trainers are set to follow that blueprint this season with another exciting filly. Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) garnered plenty of interest as a juvenile last season when winning on debut at Matamata by 9-1/2 lengths in February before finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) later that month. The daughter of Alabama Express enjoyed her spell over autumn and has returned with vigour, passing her first test of the season with flying colours when winning her resuming trial at Te Rapa on Tuesday, beating Group One winner Move To Strike in their 900m heat. “I thought it was a very nice trial, Sam (Spratt, jockey) sat her off the pace a little bit and she cruised into it and won nicely under a hold. I am very happy,” Ken Kelso said. “I haven’t done a lot with her, she doesn’t need to do a lot, she is quite a lightly framed filly. She has got a lot of ability and she is a natural with what she does.” Kelso said he is now weighing up his options and whether he will head back to the trials with his filly or kick her off spring campaign at Taupo in a fortnight. The latter option appeals to Kelso, with Bounding having done the same in her three-year-old spring campaign before going on to win the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 James and Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m), and finish runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), before ultimately winning the Gr.1 Railway (1200m). Kelso thinks Alabama Lass fits a similar mould and is thinking of following a similar path with the filly towards the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm 52nd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November. “I have got the option of either trialling her again or going to the three-year-old race at Taupo on the same day as the trials or go to the Group and Listed trial on that day,” Kelso said. “I am going to get her home and have a look and see what she has done, how she has done in the feed bin and decide on what we do, but those are the three options we have got. “We sort of did that with Bounding. She had won as a two-year-old and went to that three-year-old fillies race at Taupo. I am conscious of the fact of giving too many big trips away, so we will play it by ear. “She has been nominated (for the 1000 Guineas) and they certainly get away with it (mile) as a three-year-old, Bounding did. She ran in a 1000 Guineas and was very unlucky and got beaten for second and then came back and won the Railway. “She (Alabama Lass) will tell us after the Gold Trail (whether she is on track for the 1000 Guineas). The next logical step is probably the Soliloquy (Gr.3, 1400m), and if you go alright in the Soliloquy you can look to be going further at Riccarton.” Legarto cruised past quality opposition in her trial win at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Photo: Trish Dunell Kelso was also rapt with the resuming trial of multiple Group One winner Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), who took out her 900m heat against a quality field. “Ryan (Elliot, jockey) has been over to ride her a couple of times in gallops and keeps telling me she is better than last year, which is a big call,” Kelso said. “He said she is more forward this year and she has switched on a bit more, and I think that was proven in the trial today. She trialled up well and travelled into the race, which she didn’t do last year, she got beaten in a couple of trials and I was a fraction disappointed. “She tracked up into the trial today on ground (Heavy10) that is not suitable to her either. It was very pleasing. She is big and strong, and she has really pleased us at home.” Another trial looms for Legarto before she will likely head to Hastings to tackle the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) next month, although Kelso said that will be weather dependent. “She will trial again in the Group and Listed trial at Taupo and all going well, and the weather comes right, she will go to the Tarzino,” Kelso said. “It is all up in the air with the weather and tracks at this stage. That is the same plan that we had last year.” While a trip across the Tasman is potentially on the cards, Kelso said the prizemoney on offer in New Zealand is also an attractive proposition. “Our money here is very good and there is no rush,” he said. “I have thrown a nomination in today for the Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m). We haven’t made any firm plans until after the Tarzino and probably the Arrowfield (Gr.1, 1600m).” Meanwhile, Kelso was pleased to report the arrival of the first foal out of his former Group One winner Levante (NZ) (Proisir). “She had a lovely Snitzel filly foal on August 2, nice and early,” he said. “She looks a well-marked filly and Arrowfield are quite happy with her, and mum and foal have come through it well. I am rapt for Philip and Catherine (Brown, owners).” View the full article

It looks to be the end of the road of a long and distinguished career for top jumper The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) after suffering a suspensory ligament injury. The 11-year-old gelding is down in Riccarton and was set to meet arch-rival West Coast in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) on Saturday before the untimely injury. “He was alright on Saturday and he worked on Sunday. He hasn’t shown any lameness, but he has got fill around the suspensory, we looked at the scan and it was no good,” said Paul Nelson, who trains the gelding in partnership with Corrina McChief Stipeal. Nelson, who also part-owns The Cossack, hasn’t ruled out a return to racing for the son of Mastercraftsman, but admitted that scenario is unlikely. “He is definitely out for the season and will probably be retired,” he said. Initially trained by John Bary, The Cossack showed talent on the flat as a younger horse, running fourth in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) as a three-year-old. He recorded wins in his three and four-year-old seasons but was then winless for two years and Bary elected to try the gelding over hurdles. The Hastings trainer enlisted the services of leading jumps jockey Aaron Kuru, who guided The Cossack to a runner-up effort in his hurdle debut. Kuru was impressed with the talent under him and passed his thoughts onto his good friend Nelson, who already had The Cossack on his radar as a potential jumping star. “He had a couple of hurdle races and Aaron (Kuru) rode him and said he liked him. When he became available for sale we didn’t waste much time (in buying him),” Nelson said. The Cossack finished runner-up in his first two starts for Nelson before breaking through for his maiden hurdle victory at Te Aroha in August 2020. His first prestige title came two months later when taking out the Great Northern Hurdle (4190m) at Ellerslie. He continued his dominance the following year when taking out the Waikato Hurdle (3200m), Wellington Hurdle (3100m), and Grand National Hurdles (4200m) before defending his crown in the Great Northern. The Cossack picked up where he left off in 2022 when winning all three of his jumping starts in New Zealand, including the KS Browne Hurdle (3100m), Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3100m) and maiden steeplechase, before Nelson felt the pull to test his charge across the Tasman. The Cossack ran fifth in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) before lugging topweight of 70kg to within a half head of winner St Arnicca in the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m). The Cossack transitioned to a career over steeples upon his return to New Zealand and added further prestige titles to his record, including the Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4800m), and Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) in his final raceday outing at Trentham last month. In all, The Cossack recorded 19 wins and accrued nearly $700,000 in prizemoney in a career that spanned eight seasons. “Every win was great,” Nelson said. “It is hard to choose one highlight, but his second in Australia was up there too. He ran a good race in the hurdle, and he had to carry top weight in the steeplechase at only his second steeplechase start and he only got beaten by half a head. “He is one of those horses that don’t come around very often. He has hardly been beaten in hurdle racing and he has hardly been beaten in his steeplechasing career as well. It takes a special horse to do that.” The Cossack’s injury came at an unwelcome time, with stablemate Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) at Riccarton on Saturday when losing his rider at the final hurdle when several lengths clear of eventual winner Berry The Cash. Nelson said the gelding has come through the race well and will be looking to redeem himself when he returns to Riccarton on Saturday. “It looked like Dictation had the Sydenham won before he fell at the last. He has come through it well and he will run in the one-win hurdle on Saturday,” Nelson said. Nelson is also looking forward to lining up Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) in the Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury 134th Grand National Hurdles (4200m). The 10-year-old gelding heads into the race in winning form, having taken out the Wellington Hurdles (3200m) at Trentham last month, and Nelson is looking for a change of luck this week. “It will be nice to have a bit of change in luck as the last few days haven’t been that good,” he said. While The Cossack has been ruled out of the Grand National Steeplechase, Nelson may have another contender in the race in Al’s Red Zed, who finished fourth in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) last Saturday. “Al’s Red Zed is in the National Chase, but we have got to make up our mind about whether we are going to run him or not,” he said. Meanwhile, Nelson is urging the jumps racing fraternity to rally together in the wake of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s release of their consultation document on the future of jumps racing. “We need to encourage every participant in jumping to make a submission to NZTR, that is the most important thing,” he said. “I am certain there is enough support for jumps racing, but if people are lethargic about sending in a submission then we will be down the tube.” To read NZTR’s consultation document click here. View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) release of their consultation document on the future of jumps racing on Monday may have come as a surprise to many, but not leading jumps jockey Shaun Fannin. The Central Districts horseman has been a key figure in New Zealand jumps racing for more than a decade and has won multiple New Zealand Jumps Jockeys’ Premierships, but in the last couple of seasons he has been transitioning to a career a trainer and has been reducing his commitments in the saddle. Fannin is now committed to just riding his own horses, as well as Champion Jumper West Coast, who he guided to victory in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m) at Riccarton last Saturday, just two days prior to NZTR releasing their consultation document on the future of jumps racing. It was a welcome announcement by Fannin, who said the jumps racing fraternity has been seeking action from the sport’s governing body for the last few years. “It (jumps racing) has been under a bit of pressure for a few years now and we have been trying to make suggestions to help improve it for a fair while,” Fannin said. “We have been onto them (NZTR) for a while now and we have been waiting for something to happen, and luckily something has happened eventually.” The consultation period will run through to September 6, with NZTR proposing two options – the continuation of the sport with a dedicated strategy and additional investment, or a managed wind-down and eventual closure of jumps racing. Jumps racing has played a pivotal role in Fannin’s career and he believes it is a vital part of the sport in New Zealand, particularly for career development. Fannin and fellow top jumps jockey Shaun Phelan are both prime examples of this, with both horsemen now forging successful careers in the training ranks. “It (jumps racing) has been everything to my career, starting off there and then leading towards where I am today (training),” he said. “There is a lot of work that goes into jumpers, probably more so than the flat horses. A lot of people right from the grassroots level start with the jumpers, it is a real community, and without jumpers you miss a lot of your ground staff and people on the way through that can’t be jockeys, they have a huge involvement in the jumpers.” Fannin said the biggest issue jumps racing is facing at the moment is the shortage of jumps jockeys. “I think there is no lack of jumping horses around, the problem is most definitely with the riders,” he said. “There is a big opportunity with riders overseas if NZTR wanted to come together as an entity and advertise for riders to come over for a six-month period. “Joshua Parker (English jumps jockey) is over here at the moment. They can’t get rides overseas and he has ridden numerous winners since he has been over here, and he is trying to spread the word back there. “I think visas are a bit of an issue, but NZTR are a big enough entity to have some pull to be able to get work visas over here for them. I am sure that will solve most of the problems. “There are certainly a lot of jumpers around and at the moment they are having to scratch because there aren’t enough riders around.” Fannin said jumps racing is also a major player in extending the racing careers of many thoroughbreds and it helps reduce the bottleneck in rehoming retired racehorses. “They struggle to rehome a lot of horses at the moment, and this gives horses a second career after flat racing,” Fannin said. “If they got rid of jumps racing there are more horses that they have to think about rehoming and I struggle to see where they are going to place those horses.” Fannin is urging racing participants to have their say over the consultation period and submit their feed to NZTR, with the process outlined in this document: Jumps Consultation 1 Aug FINAL 2.pdf (nztr.co.nz) “It (jumps racing) is a great spectacle for everyone to be involved with,” he said. The jumps racing fraternity are contemplating their future during one of their biggest weeks on the racing calendar, the Grand National Festival of Racing at Riccarton, and Fannin is hoping he can ride West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) to his third successive win in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 149th Grand National (5600m) on Saturday. “He is a wonderful horse. He gave me a wonderful ride (last Saturday) and was strong to the line. It gives me plenty of confidence heading into the National this weekend,” Fannin said. Prior to his riding engagement at Riccarton this weekend, Fannin will be wearing his training hat on Thursday at Cambridge where he and his partner Hazel Schofer will line-up Fourty Eight (NZ) (Ekraar) in the $100,000 TAB 2000. The six-year-old son of Ekraar has recorded three wins on the synthetic and Fannin is hopeful of snaring the lion’s share of the prizemoney on offer this week. “He is three from three on the synthetic, so he deserves a shot at that race,” Fannin said. “It ($100,000 synthetic innovation race) is a wonderful incentive, and it is great to see.” View the full article