Wandering Eyes

Adrian Bull celebrates with jockey Kelly Myers after Jay Bee Gee won the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton. Photo: Race Images South The opening stakes race for the season delivered an incredible finish between a trio of talented gallopers, but after a tense wait, the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) went the way of Adrian Bull’s Jay Bee Gee. Jay Bee Gee had run in just one race since finishing back in the field in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) last November, with Bull returning to Riccarton to win the Amberley Cup (1600m) in June before preparing him for Saturday’s contest, concluding with a trial victory at Foxton on July 26. The unique preparation turned out to be the perfect winning formula for the son of Complacent, who got in on the minimum of 53kg under Kelly Myers, while defending champion Belardo Boy was tasked with the 60kg top-weight and sat a $5.50 second-favourite, with Freeze Frame on top of the market at $5 with horse racing bookmakers. Jumping from barrier 16, Myers ensured she wouldn’t be caught wide going forward to sit outside the early leader in Green Luck, with the initial pace short-lived as Craig Grylls sent Bradman onto the speed at the 1000 metre mark. Bradman left much of the field flat-footed and Jay Bee Gee went with him, the gelding looking to be running into second for much of the straight before Freeze Frame came scorching down the outside and the trio went to the post in unison, with a photo-finish required between the latter pair leaving an anxious wait for connections. The judge’s call eventually announced Jay Bee Gee the victor, with Te Akau’s charge Freeze Frame going down by the barest of margins and Bradman a further nose behind in third, while Justaskme was gallant running into fourth. Hunterville-based Bull and his emerald green colours are no stranger to the winner’s circle at Riccarton Park, having won the 2017 edition with former star Nashville, a horse Myers fittingly rode to victory in the Group 2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) and the Group 1 Otaki WFA Classic (1600m) over a decade ago. Myers cut an emotional figure post-race, paying tribute to Bull’s late wife Robyn, who sadly passed in late September last year. “I’m just so over the moon, I can’t explain how happy I am for Adrian and his family, Robyn will be up there looking down on us,” she said. “They are great family friends of ours, and they’ve been huge supporters of myself and Rosie (Fell, sister). We love winning a maiden race in these colours, so to win a Winter Cup for them is very special. “I didn’t think we were going to get past Bradman, he put up a really tough fight. I think Warren helped us more than anything, finishing down the outside and I had a feeling I had my nose in front, but I saw Warren throw his hand in the air and I thought oh well, he’s obviously thought he’s got it. “I was just really quietly hopeful cantering back. I thought it was a dead-heat and I would’ve been happy with that, but to get it on our own is just awesome.” The victory capped off a wonderful return to race riding over the past eight months for Myers, who made a much-welcomed comeback to the jockey ranks in December and picked up 30 winners in the second-half of last season. “I’m just really happy to be out there again,” she said. “My manager asked me what my goals are for the season and I think I’d like to double last season’s tally so about 60 winners, and a Group One would be nice.” Horse racing news View the full article

Rider Penalties T Newman | Tauranga 31 July; use of whip; suspended 8-9 August inclusive and fined $500. B Jacobson | Tauranga 31 July; use of whip; fined $350. T Moodley | Whangarei 3 August; use of whip; fined $750. A Najib | Canterbury 3 August; use of whip; suspended 8-21 August inclusive. R Muniandy | Canterbury 3 August; use of whip; suspended 4-11 August inclusive. B May | Canterbury 3 August; careless riding; suspended 8-21 August inclusive. H McNeill | Canterbury 3 August; failed to retire runner when out of contention; fined $900. T Jonker | Canterbury 3 August; use of whip; fined $250. W Kennedy | Canterbury 3 August; use of whip; fined $500. K Murray | Non-raceday dated 31 July; failed to ride trackwork while free of prohibited substance; suspended 9 July – 20 August inclusive and costs of $187.50. E Sole | Egmont 4 August; careless riding; suspended 5-11 August inclusive. A Mudhoo | Egmont 4 August; medical clearance required. J Mudhoo | Egmont 4 August; medical clearance required. T Moodley | Egmont 4 August; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalties S Ralph | Tauranga 31 July; late rider declaration; fined $50. B McDermott | Non-raceday dated 30 July; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $6,000. D Howard | Non-raceday dated 31 July; failed to train horse while free of prohibited substance; suspended 9 July – 27 August inclusive and costs of $187.50. Horse Penalties LIGHT SLEEPA | Whangarei 3 August; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. TREATY OF PARIS | Canterbury 3 August; slow recovery; veterinary clearance required. DONARDO | Canterbury 3 August; lame; veterinary clearance required. BELFIE | Egmont 4 August; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. Protest GREY INVADOR | Rangitikei 18 May; raced with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. The post 29 July – 4 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Crocetti (inside) dives to victory over Master Fay in the Kerikeri Cup (1100m) at Ruakaka. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) Crocetti, one of the brightest stars in last season’s outstanding three-year-old crop, showed he was back bigger and better after he provided a display of guts and determination to take out Saturday’s Kerikeri Cup (1100m) at Ruakaka. Taken north by trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata for a firmer surface to kick off his new campaign, that plan almost came unstuck as steady rain throughout the day saw stewards downgrade the official track rating to a Heavy 8 before start time in the feature flat event. Walker rolled the dice and left the strapping son of Zacinto in the field and he duly obliged under apprentice Triston Moodley in a driving finish with another class galloper in Master Fay, who was also kicking off his latest campaign. Moodley had Crocetti nicely placed in third along the rail throughout and elected to stay closer to the rail in the home straight, as the rest of the field swung wide for better going. Just as he hit the front with 200m to run, Crocetti was challenged by Master Fay who stormed down the outer to join issue as the pair slugged it out to the winning post, where the decision went in the favour of Crocetti by a head at the line. Walker breathed a sigh of relief after the judge confirmed the placings in a race which is quickly taking centre stage as a major lead-up event to the early spring features with horse like Imperatriz and Dragon Leap successful in recent years. “He hated that track as he was dipping and diving in it but he’s a tough bugger,” Walker said “Turning for home he (Moodley) was planning to come out to the middle, but they were all there and he would have looked stupid doing it, so he had to take that (inside) run. “That’s why they are good horses but if we got beaten, I would’ve been happy though I’ll never run him on a track like that again. “He could go to the Tarzino next, but the track would have to be good.” Walker was referring to the first Group One feature of the new racing season, the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 7 where his charge sits as the $3.50 equal Fixed Odds favourite with glamour mare Legarto. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Penalties J Lane | Non-raceday dated 30 July; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $1,000 (fine suspended for 12 months). A Roberts | Christchurch 1 August; failed to scratch runner by prescribed time denying a reserve a start; fined $300. Dog Penalty OUR SARA | Christchurch 2 August; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. Protest GO RUBY | Christchurch 14 June; raced with prohibitive substance in system; disqualified from 1st. General Race 11 at Christchurch GRC on 2 August was declared a no-race after the lure lost power. Race 10 at Auckland GRC on 4 August was declared a no-race after the lure lost power. The post 29 July – 4 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Driver Penalties A Poutama | Auckland 26 July (heard Auckland 2 August); careless driving; fined $500. D Ferguson | Auckland 2 August; careless driving; suspended 7-16 August inclusive. S Hill | NZ Metropolitan 4 August; use of whip; suspended 5-16 August inclusive. The post 29 July – 4 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

West Coast powering to victory in the Koral Steeplechase at Riccarton. Photo: Race Images South Outstanding steeplechaser West Coast laid down the gauntlet to fellow superstar jumper The Cossack for supremacy in next weekend’s Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) in emphatic fashion at Riccarton on Saturday. Shooting for his second win in three attempts at the traditional lead-up event, the Koral Steeplechase (4250m), the nine-year-old son of Mettre En Jeu never looked like he got out of third gear as he ambled around behind pacemaker Al’s Red Zed before making his bid for victory at the top of the home straight. Regular pilot Shaun Fannin eased him over the final two fences before allowing him to stride clear in the dash to the post where he won comfortably by two lengths from Country Bumpkin, with a similar margin back to the late closing Captain’s Run in third. Fannin, who will attempt to make it a three-peat aboard West Coast in the Grand National Steeplechase after their victories in 2022 and again last year, was delighted his tactics aboard the Mark Oulaghan-trained runner played out perfectly. “He has sort of had a tendency to hit a flat spot in his races, so I rode him right behind the speed and was happy to forego five or six lengths if he did, but he never hit it today that’s for sure,” Fannin said. “This was a super run and gives me great confidence heading into the National as he jumped super and when I gave him a squeeze up after the last, he went away on them again. “I’m keeping pretty fit at home to be ready for a week like this and I’d do anything to ride a good horse like this.” Oulaghan, who will also provide the favourite for the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) next Saturday in Berry The Cash, was pleased what he saw from his charge. “It was a very business-like run, and he got the job done at the end,” he said. “He travelled well, jumped well and got the good result. “It’s always good to win and that was pretty exciting. We like to bring a few horses down for the National and this race is such a natural lead-up for the big one.” With no disrespect to the other contenders for the Grand National, horse racing bookmakers anticipate a two-horse war between West Coast and the Paul Nelson runner The Cossack, with the pair listed at -166.67 and +160 respectively on the Fixed Odds market ahead of Captains Run at +900. Horse racing news View the full article

Medatsu was a gritty winner at Rosehill on Saturday. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au The Chris Waller-trained Medatsu ran out a gritty winner at Rosehill on Saturday as the four-year-old gelding recorded his first Sydney metropolitan victory. Medatsu commenced his career in New Zealand under the tutelage of Clint Isdale for whom he had placed in three of four starts, including finishing third in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m). Transferred to Waller’s Sydney operation last spring, the Kiwi import was a good winner at Kembla Grange over 2000m before finishing down the track in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m). After a lengthy spell, the son of Staphanos was sent out a $21 chance fresh-up and came from last to loop the field just before straightening under a clever Tommy Berry ride and fought gamely to defeat Until Valhalla and Autumnation. “There was good pace early but they backed off through the mid-stages and Tommy had the initiative to get rolling a bit earlier,” Waller said. “I didn’t know if he would sustain the run because he did get going early but to the horse’s credit he certainly did. “Tony Muollo and his brother Luigi thought enough of him to send him to Australia and have a little look at those spring three-year-old races, but he must have just had a little problem. He has had a decent break, and he has shown why he was brought to Australia with his performance today.” Winning jockey Tommy Berry confirmed that Waller had given him an open book to put the gelding into the race a little bit early. “I’m not sure if he would have liked it to be as early as I did, but I just thought because they had gone very steady, I didn’t want to make my move a bit late and have everyone start popping before the corner,” Berry said. “I made my move when it was a bit early for everyone else to make their runs and he sustained it really well. “Full credit to Chris and his team. They had a really good foundation in this horse first-up. “He is a progressive staying type and obviously Chris had a big opinion of him running him in a Group One at his second start here in Australia which you don’t see him usually do. He has had a little bit of time off and matured quite nicely and this is the start of what is to come from him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Rise At Dawn lead throughout to land the VRC Season Premiere Race Day Plate (1620m). Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Consistent galloper Rise At Dawn was in the winner’s circle at Flemington on Saturday when leading throughout to land the VRC Season Premiere Race Day Plate (1620m). Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, the son of Almanzor has raced well through the winter months and took on older rivals for the first time after turning four this week. The gelding has now won five of his 10 starts and been placed on a further two occasions, with his only disappointing performances coming in the autumn where he pulled up sore after trailing the field home in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1600m). “He’s building a lovely record,” JD Hayes said. “He’s so consistent and had nice residual fitness under him. He did really well at the farm with a month between runs and he was rated beautifully out in front and gave a strong kick so I know the owners here got a big thrill. “We’re very blessed with the facilities we’ve got to be able to keep them up and he’s one that absolutely thrives. He’s done a terrific job and long may it continue because the way that he runs, he is an awfully consistent animal, so I dare say he’s got a few more wins in-store off the back of that.” Winning jockey Daniel Stackhouse took luck out of the equation from the widest gate of barrier nine, crossing over to lead with ease. “He’s always shown promise his whole career and he’s just such a gem of a ride too,” Stackhouse said. “You ask him to quicken and he always finds for you and that’s all you can ask from a horse really. “I wanted to be positive and take it up and get away early and then be able to control it and come back. I heard Le Zebra come close to me and I just increased the tempo every time. I could see it’s head just in the corner of my eye and I think that’s where we won the race tactically. “Getting those other horses off the bridle, I knew my bloke was tough. He fights very hard when you need him. He’s just so well and going super.” Horse racing news View the full article

Horrifying made it back to back victories at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Talented stayer Horrifying caused a minor upset when defeating highly-regarded galloper Berkshire Breeze at Flemington on Saturday. The seven-year-old son of Shocking was having his third start for Warrnambool conditioner Lindsey Smith, having previously been trained by Mark and Levi Kavanagh. Beach life has given Horrifying a new lease on life as he made it back to back victories at Flemington after breaking a long run of outs a fortnight ago when successful over 2000m at the premier Melbourne racecourse. Horrifying ($9.50) sat outside Berkshire Breeze ($1.45) in a moderately run staying contest and jockey Blake Shinn ensured there was just enough pressure applied to the leader rounding the home bend before Horrifying proved too slick late to score by two and a half lengths. “We thought we’d be on the speed, similar to the other day,” Smith said. “Blake thought that he’d be one or two early and he’s obviously done his form on this horse. He said he can sprint a little bit and he trusted the horse’s fitness. “Obviously he’s back to his best, so that’s a good result for the owners and myself and the stable. We didn’t change much in the two weeks between runs. “It was just a case of keeping him happy and that’s what we’ve done down at the beach. Everyone’s been happy with him. I think he’s done one little bit of bowling in the heavy sand in the 14 days since his last run, so we’ll stick to that plan and see what turns up next.” Winning jockey Blake Shinn notched his first victory at Flemington for the season and was impressed with Horrifying, who has now recorded seven wins from 35 starts with a further eight placings. “Full credit to the horse and also Lindsey Smith and the team,” Shinn said. “That was a great effort. It’s great to see the horse returned to form and you know full credit to Lindsey last start but then having to back that up today with a performance up in distance and second-up, it’s a great effort. “We had moderate sectionals for the first part. We sat outside the favourite but we picked it up nicely. He’s a good stayer on his day and he displayed a great turn of foot and sustained it to the line. “He’s got more to offer this horse and if they can keep placing him right, he can keep winning.” Horse racing news View the full article

It was an emotional John Leek after Affluential (NZ) (Zed) provided him with what he described as the best moment of his training career with his tough win in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown Lakeside. The win also gave former English jockey Will Gordon his first feature win as a jumps jockey in Australia. Gordon said it was an amazing effort by Affluential as he over-raced for most of the race and then had to fight in the closing stages to hold off a late challenge from runner-up The Good Fight. It was Leek’s second Grand National Hurdle win with his other success in 2004 with Team Heritage when the race was held at Flemington. As Leek pointed out Team Heritage was ridden by his wife Andrea on that occasion. Leek’s relationship with Perth‘s leading owner Bob Peters over the past two years was the reason he secured the younger brother of 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant. Leek said Affluential was the only horse Peters had sent to him to train as a jumper. Leek identified the Grand National Hurdle as Affluential’s main target at the start of the campaign. Affluential (NZ) and connections celebrate their win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Affluential began his career over jumps at Pakenham in April and is now undefeated in four starts over the jumps. Affluential hit the front early in the straight, which concerned Leek as he knew he had raced fiercely and also he has a habit of stopping when he hits the front. “He was on the steel. When the other horse came to him I thought, ‘Oh God,’ but he had something left in the locker,” Leek said. “He does switch off a bit, he doesn’t stop trying, but he doesn’t try as hard when he hits the front.” Gordon said it was a tough ride as Affluential wanted to over-race throughout. “At no stage did I feel comfortable,” Gordon said. Gordon said he wanted to get a major race on his CV and was glad he had finally done so. “This is super satisfying. We targeted this race from a long way out so it’s pretty special,” Gordon said. Affluential was purchased out of Grangewilliam Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $140,000 by bloodstock agent John Chalmers, on behalf of leading Perth owner Bob Peters. View the full article

It was an emotional John Leek after Affluential (NZ) (Zed) provided him with what he described as the best moment of his training career with his tough win in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown Lakeside. The win also gave former English jockey Will Gordon his first feature win as a jumps jockey in Australia. Gordon said it was an amazing effort by Affluential as he over-raced for most of the race and then had to fight in the closing stages to hold off a late challenge from runner-up The Good Fight. It was Leek’s second Grand National Hurdle win with his other success in 2004 with Team Heritage when the race was held at Flemington. As Leek pointed out Team Heritage was ridden by his wife Andrea on that occasion. Leek’s relationship with Perth‘s leading owner Bob Peters over the past two years was the reason he secured the younger brother of 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant. Leek said Affluential was the only horse Peters had sent to him to train as a jumper. Leek identified the Grand National Hurdle as Affluential’s main target at the start of the campaign. Affluential (NZ) and connections celebrate their win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Affluential began his career over jumps at Pakenham in April and is now undefeated in four starts over the jumps. Affluential hit the front early in the straight, which concerned Leek as he knew he had raced fiercely and also he has a habit of stopping when he hits the front. “He was on the steel. When the other horse came to him I thought, ‘Oh God,’ but he had something left in the locker,” Leek said. “He does switch off a bit, he doesn’t stop trying, but he doesn’t try as hard when he hits the front.” Gordon said it was a tough ride as Affluential wanted to over-race throughout. “At no stage did I feel comfortable,” Gordon said. Gordon said he wanted to get a major race on his CV and was glad he had finally done so. “This is super satisfying. We targeted this race from a long way out so it’s pretty special,” Gordon said. Affluential was purchased out of Grangewilliam Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $140,000 by bloodstock agent John Chalmers, on behalf of leading Perth owner Bob Peters. View the full article

It was an emotional John Leek after Affluential (NZ) (Zed) provided him with what he described as the best moment of his training career with his tough win in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown Lakeside. The win also gave former English jockey Will Gordon his first feature win as a jumps jockey in Australia. Gordon said it was an amazing effort by Affluential as he over-raced for most of the race and then had to fight in the closing stages to hold off a late challenge from runner-up The Good Fight. It was Leek’s second Grand National Hurdle win with his other success in 2004 with Team Heritage when the race was held at Flemington. As Leek pointed out Team Heritage was ridden by his wife Andrea on that occasion. Leek’s relationship with Perth‘s leading owner Bob Peters over the past two years was the reason he secured the younger brother of 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant. Leek said Affluential was the only horse Peters had sent to him to train as a jumper. Leek identified the Grand National Hurdle as Affluential’s main target at the start of the campaign. Affluential (NZ) and connections celebrate their win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Affluential began his career over jumps at Pakenham in April and is now undefeated in four starts over the jumps. Affluential hit the front early in the straight, which concerned Leek as he knew he had raced fiercely and also he has a habit of stopping when he hits the front. “He was on the steel. When the other horse came to him I thought, ‘Oh God,’ but he had something left in the locker,” Leek said. “He does switch off a bit, he doesn’t stop trying, but he doesn’t try as hard when he hits the front.” Gordon said it was a tough ride as Affluential wanted to over-race throughout. “At no stage did I feel comfortable,” Gordon said. Gordon said he wanted to get a major race on his CV and was glad he had finally done so. “This is super satisfying. We targeted this race from a long way out so it’s pretty special,” Gordon said. Affluential was purchased out of Grangewilliam Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $140,000 by bloodstock agent John Chalmers, on behalf of leading Perth owner Bob Peters. View the full article

It was an emotional John Leek after Affluential (NZ) (Zed) provided him with what he described as the best moment of his training career with his tough win in the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown Lakeside. The win also gave former English jockey Will Gordon his first feature win as a jumps jockey in Australia. Gordon said it was an amazing effort by Affluential as he over-raced for most of the race and then had to fight in the closing stages to hold off a late challenge from runner-up The Good Fight. It was Leek’s second Grand National Hurdle win with his other success in 2004 with Team Heritage when the race was held at Flemington. As Leek pointed out Team Heritage was ridden by his wife Andrea on that occasion. Leek’s relationship with Perth‘s leading owner Bob Peters over the past two years was the reason he secured the younger brother of 2021 Melbourne Cup winner Verry Elleegant. Leek said Affluential was the only horse Peters had sent to him to train as a jumper. Leek identified the Grand National Hurdle as Affluential’s main target at the start of the campaign. Affluential (NZ) and connections celebrate their win. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Affluential began his career over jumps at Pakenham in April and is now undefeated in four starts over the jumps. Affluential hit the front early in the straight, which concerned Leek as he knew he had raced fiercely and also he has a habit of stopping when he hits the front. “He was on the steel. When the other horse came to him I thought, ‘Oh God,’ but he had something left in the locker,” Leek said. “He does switch off a bit, he doesn’t stop trying, but he doesn’t try as hard when he hits the front.” Gordon said it was a tough ride as Affluential wanted to over-race throughout. “At no stage did I feel comfortable,” Gordon said. Gordon said he wanted to get a major race on his CV and was glad he had finally done so. “This is super satisfying. We targeted this race from a long way out so it’s pretty special,” Gordon said. Affluential was purchased out of Grangewilliam Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $140,000 by bloodstock agent John Chalmers, on behalf of leading Perth owner Bob Peters. View the full article

Two promising additions to Allan Sharrock’s stable made a winning start to their campaigns at Hawera on Sunday, in the form of Street Gossip (So You Think) and Confetti (NZ) (Ocean Park). A five-year-old by So You Think, Street Gossip had raced in Australia for the duration of her 15-start career, winning the Listed Princess Stakes (1615m) and was third in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) in the care of Mark Newnham. The mare had her final start for her most-recent trainer Joe Pride for third in a Benchmark 94 contest in April, before being sold to Dianne McDonald at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale and crossed the Tasman to join Sharrock’s New Plymouth barn. Her first public appearance on New Zealand soil was a comfortable win at the Foxton trials on July 26, giving punters enough confidence to start her a $2.60 equal-favourite under the 59kg top-weight with Sinbin in the Paul Jones Construction 1200. Storming out of the gates under Lisa Allpress, Street Gossip had the early lead before Papa Surf crossed to take over, the grey maintaining a solid tempo up-front to the home turn. Street Gossip loomed up outside of Papa Surf at the 200 metres and her class was evident in the finish, pulling away to score with her ears pricked by 1 ½ lengths. “She was really good, I used it as a trial as she’s only had that one trial for me, so we went in a little bit blind,” Sharrock said. “She was comprehensive and we’ll probably look for an open class or black-type race for her now, she’s a nice mare. It would be good to get some more black-type for her. “Dianne McDonald purchased her and decided to leave her with me which I was proud of, so let’s hope it works out well going forward.” Earlier on the New Plymouth card, Sharrock and Allpress combined to take out a competitive Peter Kuklinski Retirement Maiden (1200m) with Confetti. A lightly-raced four-year-old, Confetti had three starts for Peter and Dawn Williams with her most recent run a bold performance for second at Te Rapa in May. After the successful couple’s retirement from training, Confetti was transferred to Sharrock and was also a trial winner at Foxton prior to having her fresh-up run at the Taranaki venue. The race was predicted as a three-horse contest between Confetti and promising types He’s Lucid and Belles Fate, and it panned out as expected with Confetti and Belles Fate fighting out a tight finish with the former prevailing by a neck, with He’s Lucid running gamely into third from back in the field. “She did a great job, I’ve always respected Peter Williams throughout my career and he passed this horse onto me with his retirement,” Sharrock said. “He said to me that it would win first-up and he’s a very good judge, so I’m happy to have her in the stable and happy to have another one for Waikato Stud.” Racing in the colours of the Matamata nursery, Confetti is a daughter of Ocean Park out of an unraced Rock’N’Pop mare Party Popper. “It’s a family that Waikato Stud have had for a while and they’d like to get some black-type at some stage, it wouldn’t be in this prep, but maybe next autumn,” Sharrock said. “She won’t do a lot (in the interim) as I don’t know how adept she is in heavy ground, it was nice to strike a (Soft) 7 today but we won’t be getting too many of those in the next couple of months. “We’ll just have to pick and choose a little bit as to where we go. “I like her, she’s a really nice mare.” Another of the stable’s representatives, Explosive Impact (NZ) (Staphanos), completed a winning treble for Allpress and Sharrock as the odds-on favourite in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1600m), earning her deserved maiden success by 2 ¼ lengths to fellow local Keen On Bubbles. A four-year-old by Staphanos, Explosive Impact was bred and raced by Explosive Breeding Ltd, as the first foal out of Jakkalberry mare Jakkie’s Dancer. View the full article

The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man) has stamped himself as a potential star jumper of the future winning Sunday’s BM120 Hurdle (3400m) at Sandown. The Patrick Payne-trained emerging jumper remained undefeated over the hurdles, making it two-from-two to start his jumping career after winning a 3200m maiden hurdle last start at Pakenham. Well-schooled in hurdle trials prior to his first jumps preparation, the eye-catching grey looked like a seasoned campaigner over the jumps in his handling of the majority of the obstacles. The six-year-old settled at the rear in the small field but steadily moved his way through the field and was in a threatening position with two flights remaining. Ridden by Will Gordon, the leading jumps rider allowed The Cunning Fox to challenge the leading pair of Hit The Road Jack and Treasured Crown approaching the home turn and the Reliable Man gelding strode clear in the straight to win by 12 lengths. Point Nepean jumped his way out of contention in the back straight but made amends on the flat to grab second from Hit The Road Jack in the final few strides. Representing the Payne stable, Neil Greaves, was full of praise for how the Reliable Man gelding handled the challenge. “The team have done a great job here with this horse, he had sort of reached his mark on the flat, but this seems to have given him a new lease on life. “He trialled quite a while back at Warrnambool and jumped terrific. “This was a good race today, good tempo on and he stood up to the pressure and Will Gordon rode him terrific, he was very impressive.” Will Gordon was impressed with how much the hurdler was enjoying the experience. “He’s pretty good this fella, I think he just enjoys the job,” Gordon said. “I think this job with the jumping just keeps him very interested, he seems to love it. “He was super today, and he was pretty dominant late.” Racing in the silks of managing owner Joe O’Neill’s Prime Thoroughbreds, The Cunning Fox had recorded four wins on the flat from 25 starts before being aimed over the jumps. The Cunning Fox was bred by Sven Hanson and was a $34,000 yearling purchase by O’Neill on the Gold Coast. Hanson and wife Carina bred and raced Reliable Man, who stands at Westbury Stud in New Zealand. View the full article

The return run of Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) is now less than four weeks away and the mare is set to step up her program with another jump-out at Cranbourne. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare had a jump-out over 800m at Cranbourne on July 22 and will have the second of her preparation over 1000m at Cranbourne on Monday. Pride Of Jenni is being prepared for her return to racing at Caulfield on August 31 in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m). The mare has not raced since winning the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April and owner Tony Otobre has signalled the mares’ main target is the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 19. The Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley the following week is also on the radar. Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said Pride Of Jenni was doing everything expected. “She had a gallop last week and will have a jump-out over 1000 metres at Cranbourne on Monday,” Turnbull said. “We’ll then work out what we do with her after that, whether she has a third jump-out or we take her away for a gallop. We took her to Sandown last prep before she got going and got a lot out of it. “Depending on the weather we’ll work out whether it’s better to take her away for another gallop again, a bit of a trip, which she may get more benefit out of.” The jump-out on Monday is then tenth of the morning but will be the first on the main grass at Cranbourne and opponents include stablemates Jennilala, Saint George, Immediacy, Mostly Cloudy, Shaiyhar and Uncle Bryn. Also down to have a jump-out on Monday is Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) who will be having the first of two hit-outs ahead of his expected return also in the Memsie Stakes. Mr Brightside’s spring program remains largely unknown on the eve of his first official jumpout, but there are two races that seem certain to feature the winner of more than A$13 million in stakes. The Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield at the end of August and the $5 million Cox Plate are etched into Mr Brightside’s spring program for 2024, but co-trainer JD Hayes said on Saturday that what happens in between is yet to be determined. “It’s the Memsie and then there are many ways to skin a cat,” Hayes said. “He’ll most probably end up in a race like the Cox Plate. “This is his first jumpout. He’ll just roll around and then have a trial on the Friday of next week and then we’ll be ready to go.” Regular rider Craig Williams will partner Mr Brightside in the 1200-metre course proper jumpout at Flemington on Monday. Hayes said the team were looking forward to another big spring with the seven-year-old. “He’s going very well,” Hayes said. “He is very happy.” He will jump-out over 800m on the course proper at Flemington in a heat that includes Bandersnatch, Munhamek, Caste and Zulfiqar. View the full article

Lisa Allpress saluted to the sky after a sentimental victory aboard Mike Breslin’s promising stayer Donnybrook (NZ) (Zed) at Riccarton Park on Saturday. Allpress has been one of the country’s top hoops for over two decades including winning four national jockeys’ premierships, and for much of her career, she has ridden with the last name of her husband Karl Allpress, whose father Lloyd sadly passed away recently. Her mount for the Gold Club Rating 75 (1800m), Donnybrook, was the first balloted horse for the Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) during the meeting, but after missing a place in the feature field was the favoured runner to win his consolation event at $3.20. Promising Southern galloper Riviera Rebel was second-favourite at $5.80, but his chances were soon put in jeopardy with the saddle slipping under apprentice Yogesh Atchamah, who managed to control the tempo in-front while Donnybrook bided his time comfortably midfield. Allpress showed her experience allowing the gaps to come for the gelding at the top of the straight and went to the lead inside of fellow Central Districts visitor Margherita Veloce. The pair battled out the final 50 metres with neither giving up the fight, but Donnybrook was slightly stronger in the closing stages pulling away by three-quarters of a length from a game Margherita Veloce. Returning to the winner’s circle, Allpress was swift in expressing her gratitude to her late father-in-law after the victory. “It means so much, it’s been a toss-up whether I could get away with wearing the black armband and you always wonder if there’s a bit of help from up above,” she said. “Realistically, this horse was a really good chance in this race as well so hats off to Mike for planning it out and pulling it off. “It really brings life into perspective and there’s more to life than just racing, I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the Allpress family as well as my own. I’ve been lucky enough to nearly be an Allpress as long as I was a Mumby, so they’ve been a huge part of my life. “I was looking over my shoulder thinking Gryllsy (Craig Grylls, jockey of Margherita Veloce), just get away, but he (Donnybrook) really fought well. I thought the 1800 would suit him, just getting over a bit more ground each time and the blinkers went on last start. “He’s a really nice horse in the making, I think we’ll see a lot of him in open company.” Bred by Stirling Bloodstock, Breslin purchased the Zed five-year-old for $40,000 at the 2021 Karaka Yearling Sales with the intention of finding a future Cups horse, and the win was Donnybrook’s fourth in just 14 starts. “He’s a horse that obviously we had aspirations to run in the Winter Cup if everything fell into place, and this race was always there in case he didn’t make the field,” Breslin said. “I wanted to give him a trip away to finish off this campaign with him and he coped very well, he’ll have a short let-up now and hopefully he’ll show us what we think he’s capable of in the late spring and early summer. “We’ve only just got him up to the trips that are going to suit him, he’s been a typical Zed in that he’s taken a bit of time to mature but he’s always been a natural athlete. “We’ve been patient with him, he was bred and purchased at the sales by myself and his co-owner Graeme Andrew to make a Cups horse, and that’s what we hope he’ll do in the next 12 to 24 months. “He’s going to come home and probably have a couple of weeks off, then we’ll be setting him up to get in on the minimum (weight) in a race like the Manawatu Cup (Gr.3, 2300m) hopefully.” Breslin is hoping he can pick up further spoils at Riccarton before returning to his base at Awapuni, with Showbastian Coe (NZ) (Showcasing) lining up in the inaugural Ripple Creek Equine Polytrack $100,000 (1200m) on Wednesday. The son of Showcasing has figured prominently on the synthetic surface at Awapuni of late with two wins and two placings from his last four starts, and he will run under a luxury weight of 52kg in the feature courtesy of Jim Chung’s two-kilogram claim. “He’s been really good (since getting to Christchurch), he had a gallop on the poly with race-rival Kana on Saturday morning and worked really well,” Breslin said. “Ratings-wise, there are a few better than him but he’s probably the only horse in my stable that is a synthetic specialist. He really seems to enjoy the surface at Awapuni, so hopefully it’ll be the same at Riccarton. “We realised the qualifying conditions of the race and he had to have at least three runs on the synthetic, and we always thought if his form was good enough, we’ll go down and have a crack at it.” View the full article

Local stayer Bosch (NZ) (Pentire) made amends for a luckless performance at Ruakaka a fortnight ago when powering to victory in the Alibaba’s Flying Carpets Stretch & Trim (2100m) on Saturday. The six-year-old by Pentire is prepared at the course by Michelle Bradley, who witnessed Bosch’s misfortune when held up at a crucial stage of the ITM/GIB Stayer’s Winter Championship Final (2100m) on July 13, eventually running into second behind Fly My Wey. Both horses lined up two weeks later over the identical trip, where jockey Sam Spratt took luck out of the equation early on Bosch when settling outside of Chevron who set a strong tempo under apprentice Triston Moodley. Spratt applied pressure to the pacemaker near the 600m with Fly My Wey in pursuit and the trio looked the main chances coming down the home straight, but at the 100m, Bosch found another gear in the soft conditions and kicked away to score by 3 ¼ lengths. Spratt has become somewhat of a course specialist at Ruakaka over the years riding over 100 winners, and she picked up an early double after dead-heating in the opener aboard I’m All In. “He (Bosch) ended up winning pretty easily, I wasn’t sure how far in front we were and I was a bit worried they were going to bomb us in the last little bit, but he’s won it well,” Spratt said. “To be fair, he probably should’ve won last start, he was very unlucky. It would’ve been better with that being a $60,000 race, but hey, it’s good. “Triston set up a really beautiful pace and starting rolling on the corner, which is perfect for Bosch. It all worked out really well. “He’s definitely strengthened up a lot this year, so I think he’s going to be a nice horse coming through. The sting out of the track like it was today is right up his alley. “ Bradley indicated she is eyeing a feature target later in the year for Bosch, with the win coming as a tidy starting point. “I was shaking a little bit, but once he turned the corner and Sam let him go it was game over,” she said. “I was a little bit worried about Fly My Wey, but he skipped away quite easily and I’m really happy with him. He’s strengthened up, he’s only just turned six and he’s lightly raced. “I’ve got a goal in mind this year that I’m hoping to get to, a race I’ve been wanting to have a go at and that’s the Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m). “We’ll get through his next couple, have a breather and if we get there, we get there. I know there will be a few horses a bit stronger than today, but we’ll give it a crack.” Bosch increased his stakes earnings north of $104,500 in stakes for connections, now having recorded three wins and eight minor placings from 20 starts. Bradley’s team also featured strongly in the following event, the Truweld Engineering (1600m), with stablemates Shockatillatap and Sulabella filling the minors behind impressive winner Tide And Time. View the full article

Street Fightin Man (NZ) (Pure Champion) lived up to his name with a gritty performance from the front to score in the Christchurch Casino 29th South Island Awards – 13 September Open (1200m) at Riccarton Park on Saturday. A seven-year-old by Pure Champion, Street Fightin Man has found a purple patch of form this winter with two victories and two placings from his past four starts, which placed him second in the market for the open sprint event at $5.30 with Listed winner Epee Beel on top at $2.20. The big gelding jumped positively from the gates and jockey Kate Hercock swiftly took advantage of his early speed, setting a leisurely tempo in front inside of The Good Shepherd. When the pressure came on, Street Fightin Man found plenty of kick under Hercock and set a challenge for Epee Beel and her stablemate Makabar. The Pitman pair chased gamely from back in the field and got within touching distance of Street Fightin Man, but he was too tough, pinning his ears back and finding the line to score by a neck to Makabar, with Epee Beel a further neck back in third. Steven Woodsford prepares Street Fightin Man out of Rangiora and he was thrilled to see the gelding continue his strong recent run of performances. “He’s come right, he’s tough and is in a golden run at the moment,” Woodsford said. “He might line up on the last day now (10 August at Riccarton), we’ll see. “I told the owners a long time ago I wouldn’t start him during (New Zealand) Cup Week, he’s had his go there and he will be saved for other parts of the season.” Hercock continued to figure prominently in the riding ranks last season since her return to race-day in 2021, posting 48 winners, and was happy to kick off the new season in similar fashion. “It was really good, he was a little bit slow away and Amanda (Pascoe) did say he likes to take a sit, but we got a nice soft lead and I thought if I could walk and sprint from the corner, we were away,” she said. “As soon as I gave him a dig he came under me and just kept fighting all the way up the straight. “He’s a beautiful ride, you couldn’t get a nicer horse to ride.” Street Fightin Man has now recorded seven wins from 44 starts and over $148,000 in stakes for his ownership group which includes Woodsford. He is out of a Thorn Park mare Ruby Tuesday, who also produced Woodsford’s two-win stablemate Aingie, by Darci Brahma. View the full article

Freshman sire Vekoma picked up his first black-type stakes winner as Louisiana Jess ran away from the field in the D. S. Shine Young Futurity Aug. 3 at Evangeline Downs. View the full article

Losing position on the backstretch when shuffled behind rivals, Adare Manor finds her stride late on the second turn and down the stretch to catch Scylla in the $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1) Aug. 3 at Del Mar.View the full article

Michael Lund Petersen's ADARE MANOR (m, 5, Uncle Mo–Brooklynsway, by Giant Gizmo) looked to have it all to do with less than a quarter mile to race in Saturday's GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar, but she went through her gears once into the clear to motor past 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) en route to a successful defense of her title. With the victory, the dark bay mare secures her spot in the field or the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff going nine furlongs over this seaside oval in early November. Pounded into 3-5, Adare Manor–who had achieved most of her prior career success when allowed to dictate terms–was beaten for speed and was settled off the pace by Juan Hernandez, as Olivia Twist (Mshawish) led in advance of Scylla. The Juddmonte runner, looking to complete a cross-country Grade I double for her sire and trainer Bill Mott, was sent into the lead by Mike Smith with fully 4 1/2 furlongs to go, and for a long while, it looked as if that bold move may have proved the winning one. Scylla led clear passing the quarter pole and Adare Manor was hard-ridden, but she picked up the bridle in the lane and steamed past Scylla for a third victory at the highest level. Flying Connection (Connect), second to Adare Manor in this year's GI Apple Blossom Handicap, won a photo for third. Sales history: $180,000 Ylg '20 FTKFEB; $190,000 RNA Ylg '20 FTKSEP; $375,000 2yo '21 OBSJUN. Lifetime Record: 18-10-5-0. O-Michael Lund Petersen; B-Town & Country Horse Farms LLC & Gary Broad (KY); T-Bob Baffert. ADARE MANOR ($3.20) WAS INCREDIBLE! The mare by Uncle Mo (@coolmoreamerica) sat back and got a perfect trip under @JJHernandezS19 to win the @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup Challenge Series $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch (G1) at @DelMarRacing! The 5yo was trained by @BobBaffert. pic.twitter.com/pXizDMG0I7 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 4, 2024 The post Adare Manor Defends Title In Clement Hirsch, Earns BC Distaff Berth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y.–Ferocious's (Flatter) blowout victory in the sixth race at Saratoga Race Course Saturday produced a series of backward and forward moments in the winner's enclosure. Ramiro Restrepo and Gustavo Delgado, Jr., principals in Mage's (Good Magic) rise to prominence and victory in the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby, held court following the $100,000 2-year-old maiden special weight race that might be the first big step for another standout. Restrepo and Delgado spearheaded the purchase of Ferocious for $1,300,000 at the OBS March sale and they were appropriately excited about the way he launched his career. Despite breaking a tad slow from the rail, eighth of nine, he quickly put himself into the race, grabbed the lead at the top of the stretch and cruised to a 7 3/4-lengths score under Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano. They completed the six furlongs over the muddy sealed track in 1:09.65 and paid $8.90 as the 3-1 favorite. El Prestigio (Practical Joke), the early pacesetter, was second, a nose ahead of Praetor (Into Mischief). Delgado, who trains the colt with his father, said his agility enabled Ferocious to overcome the tardy start. “I don't think you can ask for a better debut,” he said. Gentry Stable bred the colt and Restrepo and Delgado Jr. put together the partnership with JR Ranch, owned by Jose Aguirre; Restrepo's Marquee Bloodstock; High Step Racing and the Delgado's OGMA Investments. JR is the majority owner. Restrepo said that Ferocious, out of the Midnight Lute mare Napier, could not be ignored. “It's very difficult to find a horse with four generations of Juddmonte breeding like that at a 2-year-old sale. Usually, you find those things gone at the yearling sales,” he said and named some of colt's assets: “Physically so mature. His attitude. His attitude at the sale, like an older horse.” Ferocious's fourth dam, Nijinsky Star (Nijinsky) was purchased by Juddmonte and joined the broodmare band, establishing a female family line that led to third dam Willstar (Nureyev) and second dam Uno Duo (Macho Uno). Then it was Delgado's turn. “I think the credit goes to JR Ranch,” he said. “When we were trying to buy him, he wouldn't stop. That's what you need in those cases, some guy that has got that to carry on, in the bidding. That was good for us.” “Then since the horse is in the barn, so nice to be around. He's very chill. Any rider can ride, that kind of thing. We were pretty confident, though. I have to be honest.” Ferocious had some experience on wet conditions in training and Restrepo noted that when Gustavo Delgado Sr. saw the weather forecast a couple of days ago, “He goes, 'Don't worry about it, he's a duck.'” In May 2022, Restrepo and Delgado Jr. were so impressed with the 2-year-old Mage at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale that they went to $290,000, well beyond their budget, to buy the colt. Then they scrambled to find investors for what turned into a very successful venture. The 4-year-old stands at Airdrie Stud. “Mage is the gift that keeps on giving for us,” Restrepo said. “Its let myself go out and purchase horses that I could only dream of. Before it was just fantasy football.” With the credibility and the resources that a Derby win and the sale of a stallion can produce, they have been busy. “You know, Gustavo and his father are more than capable of, from the test into the Derby, to have a barn for these horses, and they're deserving of the opportunity as well,” Restrepo said. “We have 20-plus really nice 2-year-olds at the barn. Mage took us on this incredible ride, has given us a ton of experience to kind of be present in the moment. Now, hopefully, Ferocious takes the torch.” Said Delgado Jr.: “Because of him, we have this one.” Restrepo called Ferocious “a total package” and said he behaved like a seasoned pro at the sale. “He was taken out 100-plus times and always acted mature and confident and never lost any weight; actually toughened up at the sale, put up some good size,” Restrepo said. “When you see a horse thriving in those environments, mentally, you start saying to yourself up, 'maybe he can handle the big stage.' Today was Step One. Episode One. Chapter One. Page One. It's a cool start, right?” The post Ferocious Lives Up To His Name In Spa MSW appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brittlyn Stable's Ova Charged (Star Guitar–Charged Cotton, by Dehere), winner of this year's GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes and owner of the year's top Beyer Speed Figure, fell leaving the eighth pole during the running of Saturday's Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies' Turf Sprint Stakes and was subsequently euthanized. According to the track's Kevin Kerstein, the 6-year-old mare suffered a right front fetlock injury. Jockey Corey Lanerie walked back to the jockeys' room under his power. Bred in Louisiana by Evelyn Benoit's operation, Ova Charged won eight of her first nine starts, including five state-bred stakes events while under the care of trainer Jose Camejo. Turned over to trainer Shane Wilson at the tail end of 2023, Ova Charged had rattled off another seven black-type wins, including her first such success in open company in the Feb. 13 Mardi Gras Stakes at the Fair Grounds. In her very next appearance, she thrashed her fellow Louisiana-breds by 12 1/2 lengths in the Page Cortez Stakes, running the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:01.90 which translated into a massive 113 Beyer Speed Figure. She won the Chicken Fried Stakes at Lone Star Park June 29 in her most recent appearance. Ova Charged amassed a record of 15-1-0 from 19 starts for earnings of $918,575. Her passing comes just a month after the tragic death of Louisiana-bred Grade I winner Alva Starr (Lord Nelson) in a training injury. The post Louisiana-Bred Star Ova Charged Euthanized appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Locked in a nose-to-nose duel for the final sixteenth of a mile, Governor Sam was able to prevail at the wire Aug. 3 in the $100,000 Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park, becoming the first stakes winner for WinStar Farm's late stallion Improbable.View the full article