Wandering Eyes

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Monday will mark 70 years since the first running of the Ashburton Flying Stakes. In that time only 11 horses have won the race and then gone on to win the New Zealand Cup in the same year. Only two horses have done it twice – Lazarus in 2016 and 2017 and Terror To Love in 2012 and 2013. The first horse to do the Stakes- Cup double was Our Roger. He won the very first Ashburton Flying Stakes on Oct 1, 1955 for driver Chief Stipe Watts in 2:53 and then went on to win the 1955 New Zealand Cup five weeks later in 4:12.2. Technically Jack Litten trained the quinella in the Flying Stakes with Our Roger and Caduceus though Caduceus dead heated for second with Johnny Globe who started off the back mark of 30 metres and had just run a world record of 2:50.2 for the mile and three furlongs (2200 metres approx)! Watts won the Stakes the very next year as well with Caduceus. They were his only wins in the race. He drove in the New Zealand Cup 27 times. As well as winning with Our Roger in 1955 he was also successful with Integrity in 1946. In the very first edition of the Ashburton Flying Stakes front marker Gay Lyric, one of the outsiders in the 18-strong field, led and set a hot pace and around the final turn was the one to catch along with Recent Choice. Our Roger, Ohio, Thelma Globe, Au Revoir, Caduceus, Johnny Globe, and Rupee were the most prominent of the rest until Watts shot Our Roger clear at the 200 metre mark as the leaders started to tire. Caduceus and Johnny Globe issued their challenges wider out but it was Our Roger who had their measure, winning by a length. Favourite Rupee was the day’s hard luck story. He was checked and lost ground around the 1200 metre mark but staged a remarkable recovery, making up eight lengths in the home straight before finishing fourth. Rupee was second in Our Roger’s New Zealand Cup, beaten by two lengths. Our Roger had settled just off the pace before overhauling Rupee and Excelsa to win going away by two lengths. It was Our Roger’s 15th and last career success as it turned out – not bad for a horse that had been written off earlier in his career because of a “wind affliction”. Horses to have completed the Ashburton Flying Stakes – IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup double : Lazarus – 2016/17 Adore Me – 2014 Terror To Love – 2012/13 Flashing Red – 2006 Yulestar – 2000 Christian Cullen – 1998 Iraklis – 1997 Trusty Scot – 1978 Lordship – 1962 False Step – 1960 Our Roger – 1955 To see the field for this Monday’s Ashburton Flying Stakes click here View the full article

Trainers who line up their horses in the up-coming World Driving Championship will be in the running for a “cash” bonus. Five Garrards vouchers, each worth $500, will be won by trainers, with each starter entered automatically into the draw for the following meetings : Kaikoura (November 2 and 3) Cambridge (November 5) Winton (November 9) Addington (November 7) Addington November 11 There’ll be one winner at each of the above, with all five drawn on Wednesday, November 12. The results will be announced on hrnz.co.nz “We want the best horses possible to be driven by the world’s top drivers throughout the WDC so we want to encourage trainers to get involved in what will be massive week or so for the sport throughout the country,” says HRNZ’s Head of Racing and Wagering Matthew Peden. “The vouchers are additional to the stakes increases the WDC has already seen across the series of heats. They are rating penalty free as well.” Over the nine days 10 of the globe’s best drivers including New Zealand representative Blair Orange will battle it out, with the champion being crowned on IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day. The schedule for the WDC (20 heats) is : 3 heats at Kaikoura on Sunday, November 2 2 heats at Kaikoura on Monday, November 3 5 heats at Cambridge on Wednesday, November 5 5 heats at Addington on Friday, November 7 4 heats at Winton on Sunday, November 9 1 heat at Addington on Tuesday, November 11 For more information contact matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

The Nepheti (NZ) (Charm Spirit) of old showed her colours at Te Aroha on Wednesday, the mare kicking off her five-year-old campaign with a powerful victory in The George Abernathy and Associates 1150. Stakes-performed at three, Nepheti performed solidly without reaching those same heights last term, but looked ready to get back to the winner’s circle with two good trials this time in. In a competitive Rating 70 field, Nepheti’s $15 opening price was snapped up by punters, closing near the $7 mark. After a key rival in Magice was late-scratched at the gates, the mare got away well under jockey Joe Doyle and settled into the trial of pacemaker Oban, who ran along a good tempo alongside Mr Fortrus. Oban came well off the rail on straightening, leaving a big gap for Doyle to kick through and head for home on Nepheti as she started to go through her gears. Just as a competitive finish was shaping up across the track, Nepheti hit another gear, striding clear of her rivals to score by three-quarters of a length to Miss Madridista and Mr Fortrus. Her co-trainer Shaune Ritchie identified where he thought it might’ve gone wrong last prep, but couldn’t have been happier with how she returned as an older mare. “She was stakes-placed as a three-year-old and we thought she was going to be much stronger at four, but we just flatted her first-up running from a wide gate on an off track and she worked hard,” said Ritchie, who trains in partnership with Colm Murray. “That knocked her over as a four-year-old, so she’s come back stronger as a five-year-old. “There was a lot of depth in those trials and she was strong at the line, and when they trial like that, they never run poorly. “He’s (Doyle) given her a lovely ride. She looked a bit flat at the top of the straight and I was wondering if she was going to get into that next gear, but she did and the $15 looked good.” Nepheti brought her win tally to four from just 14 starts, carrying the silks of breeders Windsor Park Stud who race her alongside the Galaxy Racing No.7 Syndicate. View the full article

Michael Kent Jnr says he’s confident Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit) will be cleared to take his place in the Cox Plate this Saturday. But the stable will accept whatever decision Racing Victoria’s vets come to on Thursday. The Group 1 winner must be given the tick of approval after an “irritation” was detected in a fetlock joint on Monday. One of Globe’s trainers provided a positive update on The Verdict podcast on Wednesday morning. “As of this morning, Max rode him and said he felt fantastic – he’s his regular rider – and thought he was very sound, full of energy,” Kent Jnr explained. “He’s hopped on the truck and gone down to Seaford beach for a paddle, again. “We are really happy and we’d expect he’d get through the 9.30am vet check, on Thursday, no problem.” Globe’s connections paid a $200,000 late entry fee for the Cox Plate after he defeated the likes of Treasurethe Moment and Buckaroo in the G1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield. He’s drawn barrier seven for Saturday’s race and looks the natural leader. “I think Moonee Valley is a good track for him,” Kent Jnr said. “The rain is very welcome. “I didn’t think he could win a big race on a Good 3, but he did, and he ran a career-best, last start. “He is a really, really good wet-tracker. “It has just been the most remarkable rollercoaster, with Globe. “He won his first four starts, then had an issue in the Feehan when he was third favourite for a Cox Plate, a few years ago. “He’s had water-walker accidents, been up and down, and now he wins a Group 1 and here we are, on the rollercoaster again.” View the full article

It was a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at Te Aroha on Wednesday when Avantaggia (Wootton Bassett) broke through for her maiden win in the Donaghys Moxipor (1150m). The blue-blooded filly is a daughter of Coolmore’s ill-fated stallion Wootton Bassett and Te Akau’s former nine-time Group One winner Avantage. Following her stellar racing career, Avantage was bought by Tom Magnier and global breeding giant Coolmore off New Zealand Bloodstock’s online platform Gavelhouse Plus for $4.1 million. Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis went to last year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he purchased her first progeny, Avantaggia, for A$2.1 million. Avantaggia has shown trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson plenty, winning an 800m trial as a juvenile before returning at three where she won both of her trials over 800m and 850m. She then finished fourth on debut over 1200m at Ellerslie last month to subsequent Group Two winner Well Written and was subsequently backed into $1.90 favouritism for her second-up test. From her ace draw, she settled on the fence, a couple of lengths off pacemaker Earlicheer. In the home straight, jockey Opie Bosson weaved a path between runners and unleashed Avantaggia, who opened up several lengths on her rivals, and held off the late challenge of Confesara to win by three-quarters of a length. Bosson was pleased with her winning performance and said she had improved since her debut effort. “In her first start she had to work quite hard from the gate and probably used up a little too much petrol,” he said. “She bounced out of that race well and her work has been quite nice and barrier one was a big assist (today). “They were going quite quick and had her off the nickel most of the way, but she is a real professional and went through the gap as good as gold and the only thing she did wrong was look at the winning post.” Co-trainer Bergerson was rapt with the result and said it was a sentimental win for the stable. “It’s a bit of a full-circle moment,” he said. “We had so much to do with her mum and she has got plenty of her traits. “She was aided by a very good ride by Opie. He got a lovely track into the race and saved all the ground, which was probably the winning of it. “I think it was a sharp enough field, so hopefully she can go on with it. I am excited to see what is next.” Stakes assignments now await Avantaggia, but Bergerson said they will let the dust settle before making any firm plans. “We will just see how she comes through it,” he said. “The goal for her is certainly black-type and there are plenty of races coming up over that Christmas period, so hopefully we can steer her towards one of those.” View the full article

Levin trainer Josh Shaw will head to New Plymouth on Friday with a trio of runners, including two maideners he is hoping can breakthrough for an elusive win. Sweet Envy (NZ) (Sweet Orange) has been knocking on the door for some time, placing in five of her last six outings, and Shaw is hoping she can finally deliver for her connections in the NZB Mega Maiden Series (1200m). “She has been going good races,” Shaw said. “We would ideally have liked to have gone to Otaki a couple of weeks ago when they were called off. With five weeks between runs, I have freshened her up a little bit and dropping back to 1200m in what looks like a pretty good field, she should be half a chance.” Sweet Envy has drawn barrier one and will be ridden by Joe Doyle. “It’s not the best place to be, but she usually jumps the lids pretty quick,” Shaw said. “If she can jump clear of them, she might be able to work her way off them and get into a position where she needs to be.” Stablemate Predecessor (NZ) (Eminent) has placed in just one of her 14 starts to date, but TAB bookmakers have installed her a $3.70 favourite for Friday’s Bryce Revell (1600m), and Shaw shares their confidence. “She has had a good break after her last run at Hawera, which wasn’t too bad, and she has come back and put on really good condition,” Shaw said. “Amber (Riddell, apprentice jockey) takes a couple of kgs off, so she gets down to a nice, luxurious weight (54.5kg). “She has had the work put into her. Even though she hasn’t had a public trial, she has had three good, solid jumpouts, so she won’t lack for fitness. “I think she can really put her foot in the till, and I think we will see a different horse this campaign.” Shaw’s team on Friday will be rounded out by Billy Easton (NZ) (Road To Rock), who will be second-up in the Janelle Millar (1800m) after finishing last in his first-up assignment over 1700m last month following an 18-month break. “He is a mate. After Hinepara and Faraglioni have gone, he’s been there right the way through,” Shaw said. “He is just here to keep everyone in check. “I put him aside and gave him a long break, he had been in the stable from a two-year-old to a six-year-old, so he enjoyed a bit of downtime. “In-between times he came in and did a bit of work with the babies and got them going. He has always been in and around the stables, I have just never really pushed the button on him. This time he has filled out a little bit and he is going very well. “Whatever he does on Friday, he will improve on.” Meanwhile, Shaw has been pleased with the way Chart The Stars has come through her last-start victory over 1200m on Awapuni’s synthetic track last month. A half-sister to Shaw’s former Group One performer Faraglioni, Chart The Stars has shown Shaw plenty at home, but he said he is playing the waiting game with the four-year-old daughter of U S Navy Flag. “She has come through that win really well,” Shaw said. “She is a bit above average in ability. “She has gone to another level. I gave her 10 days in the paddock after that race, and I am just really waiting for better tracks. “It is a bit of a pain having to sit on your hands waiting for the better tracks, but they will come eventually and when they do, she will be putting her best foot forward.” View the full article

Edited Press Release The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) marked its 10-year anniversary in North America on Oct. 21 in Lexington, Kentucky by once again honoring and awarding the individuals that make the Thoroughbred industry the unique and special industry it is. Winners were announced in a total of seven categories with a total of $122,000 awarded. Scott Hazelton, FanDuel TV analyst, served as the master of ceremonies. Joe Clancy, publisher and co-owner of the Saratoga Special, and this year's judging panels chair, said, “I commented earlier in July the difficult task in determining the three finalists in each category. I must admit we were presented with an even harder assignment in trying to choose the actual winners in each category. It's rare for a triple dead heat in our business but that's pretty much what we faced with these fantastic and talented individuals in each category. They truly are the backbone of our industry and are great ambassadors and representatives of our sport.” The full list of winners, finalists, and runners-up are as follows: Katherine McKee Administration Award, sponsored by Keeneland Winner: Isabel Escobar (Todd Pletcher Racing Stable) Finalists: Vicki Forbes (Thoroughbred Daily News), Sandy Martin (Race Track Chaplaincy of America) Runners-up: Lacey Coler (Barton Thoroughbreds), Lauren Monnet (National HBPA) Support Services Award, sponsored by 1/ST Racing Winner: Lynne Hewlett (Hagyard Equine Medical Institute) Finalists: Robert “Elmo” Richardson (KatieRich Farms), Nathan Stephens (Stephens Farrier Service, Inc.) Runners-up: Mary Perkins (Keeneland Association), Steve Peterman (Gulfstream Park) Dedication to Breeding Award, sponsored by Hallway Feeds Winner: Sara Patterson (Cedar Run Farm) Finalists: Juan Piedra (Stone Bridge Farm), Mario Ponce (Coolmore American) Runners-up: Luis Sanches (Kenneth McPeek Racing Stable), Alan Shell (Kenneth McPeek Racing Stable) Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the NTRA Winner: Fiona Goodwin (Jena Antonucci) Finalists: Jackie Dayutis (WinStar Farm), Carlos Alarcon (D/M Racing Stables) Runners-up: Rafael Fernandez (Herringswell Stable), Lee Vickers (Miguel Clement Racing Stable) Managerial Award, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Winner: Jesus Pinales (Mulholland) Finalists: John Motaung (Sequel Bloodstock), Duane Reed (Coolmore America) Runners-up: Kali Kleinfelt (Stone Bridge Farm), Edwyn Kiely (Hunter Valley Farm) Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRABets Winner: Kinnon LaRose (Tom Amoss Racing Stables) Finalists: Braden Heath (Three Chimneys Farm), Ivanna Rabii (WinStar Farm) Runners-up: Madison Jackson (Churchill Downs), Maxine Pina (Taylor Made Sales Agency) Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs Winner: Nancy Turner (This Old Horse) Finalists: Peter Drumsta (Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program), CJ Wilson (Win Place Home) Runners-up: Victoria Mangini (Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Assoc.), Caroline Tatum (Sterling Equestrian) The post Godolphin Names 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LEXINGTON, KY – The four-day Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale reached its halfway point in Lexington Tuesday and continued to produce figures significantly ahead of its record-setting 2024 edition. Through two sessions, 540 yearlings have grossed $33,091,000 for an average of $61,280 and a median of $30,000. At the same point last year, 544 horses had grossed $28,753,000 for an average of $52,855 and a median of $20,000. The 2024 auction concluded with a cumulative record gross of $58,575,500 and a record average of $52,206. “The second session of the 2025 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale was another strong session,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “It posted increases in the average price, the median, and gross sales and the RNA rate was acceptable. Strong bidding continued again throughout. We've seen these same trends really from start to finish in the 2025 yearling marketplace. There were no real surprises. But it's always encouraging to feel the enthusiasm, to see the crowd that is here and to see just the overall level of activity. It felt good and we are looking forward to the next two days.” With 151 horses reported not sold, the two-day buy-back rate stands at 21.9%, just off last year's corresponding figure of 20.1%. A pair of colts topped Tuesday's session when selling for matching $500,000 bids just minutes apart. Gustavo Delgado's OGMA Investments was first to hit that mark for a son of Life Is Good consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. A few hips later, Mahmud Mouni bid $500,000 to acquire a colt by Into Mischief from the Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services consignment. Thank you for joining us for the second session of the Kentucky October Yearlings sale! @btbrowning recaps. pic.twitter.com/yLqF5S5SQA — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 21, 2025 Through two sessions, 37 yearlings have sold for $200,000 or more, up from 34 at the same point a year ago. Fergus Galvin of Hunter Valley Farm has experienced the market as both a seller and a buyer this week. “There are horses at all ends of the spectrum here, so it's a little bit hard to get a gauge on the market when you are looking at the results,” Galvin said. “But as sellers, it's the carry over from September. The good horses are making all the money and there is less and less tolerance for average horses.” As a buyer, Galvin signed for a $400,000 filly by Uncle Mo and a $290,000 daughter of Life Is Good. “We bought a couple of fillies last night for Qatar Racing and we are very happy with both purchases,” Galvin said. “Sheikh Fahad wanted a couple of well-bred fillies. Again they were about where we thought we would have to be. We bought some in September and we knew we would have to stretch on the good ones and the same applied here.” The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale continues through Thursday with sessions beginning each day at 10 a.m. 'Looks like a Million Bucks': Life Is Good Colt to Delgados “He looks like a million bucks–thank God we got him for half,” Gustavo Delgado, Jr. said with a laugh after signing the ticket at $500,000 to acquire a colt by Life Is Good (hip 576) from the Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consignment. Delgado did his bidding out back alongside his father, trainer Gustavo Delgado, Sr. The dark bay colt is out of stakes winner and graded-placed Shippy (Midshipman). He was bred by Vinnie Viola's St. Elias Stables, which purchased the mare for $130,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton February sale. Hip 576 c. LIFE IS GOOD o/o Shippy sells for $500,000 at Kentucky October Yearlings! Congrats to the connections: B: OGMA Investments C: @HillnDaleFarm, agt Br: St. Elias Stables#FasigKY @WinStarFarm @LlcOgma pic.twitter.com/w4fV8QbIbH — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 21, 2025 “We were fans of Life Is Good,” Delgado said. “We wanted one, but unfortunately we couldn't get one at Keeneland. It was very competitive. This colt looks like the kind of frame we look for. We are looking for two-turn horses, fast, and hopefully the ones that can take you to the Saturday races.” Also on Tuesday in Lexington, the Delgados' OGMA Investments purchased a filly by Epicenter (hip 471) from the Gainesway consignment for $95,000. “Thank God we have been able to get a few. It's very competitive,” Delgado said of the October market. “And more importantly, we have to say thank you to our partners. That's the main thing. You have to hook up with the right people. If you think you are going to do it alone, forget it.” Of the partners on hip 576, Delgado said, “We are still figuring it out. But it's already the existing partners that we have campaigned horses with. It's always a good feeling when you get the horse you want.” Just a few hips after Delgado made his winning bid, Libyan bloodstock agent Mahmud Mouni also went to $500,000, securing a colt by Into Mischief (hip 579) from the Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services consignment. Bred by Newtownanner Stud Farm, the yearling is out of Shopit (Yes It's True) and is a full-brother to stakes winner and multiple Grade I-placed Shoplifted. Mouni purchased another full-brother to the colt at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale for $450,000. That colt is now named Tanarout. Hip 579 c. INTO MISCHIEF o/o Shopit sells for $500,000 at Kentucky October Yearlings! Congrats to the connections: B: Mahmud Mouni C: Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services, agt Br: Newtownanner Stud Farm#FasigKY @spendthriftfarm pic.twitter.com/PDJ8nUYuE5 — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 21, 2025 $425k Flightline Colt to Morplay The final first-crop yearling by Flightline (hip 512) to sell at auction this fall will be heading to the Ocala base of Morplay Racing after bringing a final bid of $425,000 Tuesday in Lexington. “What's not to like about him?,” said Morplay managing partner Cameron Dulgar, who signed the ticket as Colorful Farm. “He is striking physically, with a big walk. That physical is hard to come by, especially with that page. We had to have him.” Hip 512 c. FLIGHTLINE o/o Safwah sells for $425,000 at Kentucky October Yearlings! Congrats to the connections: B: Colorful Farm C: @CrestwoodKY, agt#FasigKY @LanesEndFarms pic.twitter.com/fTtv5MzDnB — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 21, 2025 The bay colt is out of Safwah (Medaglia d'Oro), a half-sister to GI Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming (Bodemeister) and Grade I winner Hot Dixie Chick (Dixie Union). He was bred by RMJ Stables and was consigned by Pope McLean's Crestwood Farm. The yearling had RNA'd for $385,000 at the Keeneland September sale last month. “For us, we have been eye-balling pretty much all of the Flightlines to come through these sales and this one we really liked,” Dulgar said. “We had to reach in the pocket a little bit, but we were prepared to do that. We are just happy we got him.” Of plans for the colt, Dulgar said, “We will have to talk internally. We will bring him back to Ocala to our farm and just give him a once over and give him some time and make a decision from there.” While Dulgar and Morplay founder Rich Mendez are busy shopping at the October sale, they are looking ahead to a trip out west where Shisospicy (Mitole) is a contender in the Nov. 1 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. “To be honest with you, it's great to be here, but the Breeders' Cup is on my mind for sure,” Dulgar said. “The whole family is going out there, so it will be a really awesome moment.” Owned in partnership with Qatar Racing, Shisospicy is coming off a win in the GII Music City Stakes at Kentucky Downs. “She's doing amazing,” Dulgar said. “We saw her this morning. She is looking great, coming in sharp. She will work in the next couple of days and then she will ship over. We have high hopes, but just to be a part of it is really awesome.” 'Beautiful Horse': McCrocklin Strikes for $400k Omaha Beach Filly Ocala horseman Tom McCrocklin, who went to $400,000 to secure a filly by Omaha Beach (hip 455) early in Tuesday's second session of the Fasig-Tipton October sale, admitted its been tough buying at the yearling sales all season. “It's been extremely bullish all year,” McCrocklin said. “There is a lot of money still out there and I am just fighting for a little piece of the pizza at this point. I never feel like I have to buy horses, but Keeneland was record-shattering difficult and I am in the horse business and I need horses. And I have people who want to support our program, so we are actively trying to buy good horses and there will be more to come this sale.” Hip 455 f. OMAHA BEACH o/o Ready for Charm sells for $400,000 at Kentucky October Yearlings! Congrats to the connections: B: Tom McCrocklin, agent C: @TaylorMadeSales, agent for @WinStarFarm Bred & Raised Br: WinStar Farm#FasigKY @spendthriftfarm pic.twitter.com/EXdZDjkpyS — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 21, 2025 Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency on behalf of her breeder, WinStar Farm, hip 455 is out of Ready for Charm (More Than Ready). The mare, a half-sister to stakes winners Praetereo (Giant's Causeway) and Simply Spiteful (Speightstown), was purchased by WinStar for $120,000 at the 2022 Keeneland January sale. “Everything,” McCrocklin said when asked what attracted him to the filly. “Pedigree, conformation. She was a superior physical with big upside. And looks like a dirt horse. I didn't want to buy a filly with the perception that it was Omaha Beach and a turf horse. I think they come in both types. But I prefer her physical type. Beautiful horse.” While Fasig-Tipton will conduct its under-tack show at next year's Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale without timed workouts, McCrocklin said he has not changed his approach to buying yearlings this season to resell next spring. “I am not a believer that there are going to be a whole bunch of horses galloping,” he said. “The key phrase in that whole format is 'untimed.' There will still be a lot of stopwatches clicking in the grandstand. I can't pay $400,000 for this filly and keep her until Maryland in May and gallop. I am not disparaging anybody who wants to gallop their horse and I applaud Fasig for going out on a limb and trying something different. Historically, what brings money at 2-year-old sales? Fast horses, not good gallopers.” McCrocklin continued, “My position is, if we are going to do it? Let's do it across the board. OBS, Fasig–and what you will see is purchase for resale will become extinct. The breeders will need to start training horses to sell their offspring that they don't get sold in the yearling sales because there are some very good horsemen who have produced some really high-quality horses, Classic horses, that went through their programs for breezing. I still believe–and numbers for 2-year-old sales verify it–horses that breeze well and perform well at a 2-year-old sale turn out to be better racehorses relative to the other set of the population. I think it's out there in black and white. People don't like the process, go buy yearlings.” Mystic Guide Continues to Reward Investors For the second day in a row at the Fasig-Tipton October sale, a yearling from the first crop of G1 Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide rewarded pinhookers who invested in his weanlings last fall. This time it was a pinhooking syndicate which purchased a filly by the sire for $100,000 at the Keeneland November sale and returned her to the ring Tuesday as hip 541 to realize a final bid of $245,000 from Legion Bloodstock. Hip 541 f. MYSTIC GUIDE o/o Seabrook sells for $245,000 at Kentucky October Yearlings! Congrats to the connections: B: @HunterValleyKY, agt C: @LegionBldstk, agt #FasigKY @DarleyStallions pic.twitter.com/473wZjmhzR — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 21, 2025 “One of the partners picked her out last year,” said Fergus Galvin of Hunter Valley Farm, which consigned the filly. “She had a lovely frame and physique. She did great in the interim. We had a ton of action on her. We went from yesterday evening with one or two vets on her to maybe she had 12 or 15 by the time she got up to the ring. And there were several bidders on her. She was a lovely filly and a great advert for the sire. ” Hunter Valley had already had success with Mystic Guide at the Keeneland September sale. The operation sold a colt by the sire, purchased by Paul Neatherlin for $45,000 at the 2025 Keeneland January sale, for $425,000 to trainer Bob Baffert and The Three Amigos. “They have a great physique to them,” Galvin said of Mystic Guide's first crop of yearlings. “They have loads of stretch to them and great body. He was a good physical himself, but I think his offspring are a great reflection of him.” During Monday's first session of the October sale, Vinery Sales sold a colt by Mystic Guide for $150,000. The yearling had been purchased by a pinhooking partnership for $22,000 at Keeneland last November. The post $500K Colts on Top as Fasig-Tipton October Sale Maintains Record Pace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Riverton stayer Vamos will stay close to home over the next couple of weeks as he aims to finish a successful preparation on a winning note. The big-striding Vadamos gelding is a specialist on rain-affected tracks, with five of his seven career victories coming on heavy ground. While there was the option of racing further north this week, his trainer Kelvin Tyler opted for Thursday’s Auto Funds Open (1800m) at Gore and a similar contest next Sunday at Riverton where the ground will be more to Vamos’ liking. “He’s a lovely big horse, he’s at the top of the weights again this week but I think if I brought him up here (Canterbury) on the really firm tracks, he wouldn’t cope,” Tyler said. “We’re a bit restricted to where we race him, so we’ll run at Gore and then probably head to Riverton next week for an Open 2200m. After that, I might give him a freshen-up and bring him in for the autumn, looking to target some nice races then. “He’s definitely a staying horse, when the tracks are as heavy as they’ve been he can get away with a mile or 1800m, but he’s ideally looking for 2000m. “He’s thriving at the moment, he’s put on weight and racing well.” Southern apprentice Floor Moerman will claim three kilos off the six-year-old’s impost, bringing his weight down to a competitive 57kg. Tyler has been in Christchurch over the past couple of days with his trio of contenders for Saturday’s Riccarton meeting, including Four The Moment, who will take his place in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m). It all went pear-shaped from the jump for Four The Moment last start in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m), but Tyler has faith his homebred three-year-old can bounce back from the run. “He reared at the start and lost three lengths, then was hunted up and had the breaks on to slow him down,” he said. “He did a bit of work and the track was probably a bit firm for him as well, it just didn’t pan out on the day. “We put a line through that and he’s come through it well, I have a lot of faith in him so hopefully he can show his best colours this week. He’d probably want to go further, he’s really matured since being up here and works around like a nice old stayer now. “He’s doing everything right and I have no doubt he’ll get over ground.” Open class geldings Master Marko and Prince Alby are set to take on the Listed Sothy’s Spring Classic (2000m), with the latter building up to a tilt at the Gr.3 Martin Collins 162nd New Zealand Cup (3200m) three weeks later. “Marko does his best everywhere he goes and he’s come through his run (third in Ashburton Cup) really well,” Tyler said. “I was a bit disappointed with Alby’s run last start but looking back, the firm track probably wasn’t to his liking and he didn’t seem to want to let down on it. I guess he’s a smart one that looks after himself. “He had a nice gallop on the course proper and he’s well, he’s hopefully heading towards the New Zealand Cup.” Further north at Trentham, Tyler considered a black-type target for Freddie Time on Sunday in the form of the Gr.3 Gee and Hickton Funeral Directors Thompson Handicap (1600m), but is favouring the Rating 75 event over 1400m on the undercard. The talented Time Test gelding defeated a tidy field in the identical race last Saturday, capping off a run of good form in the Central Districts. “I was home on the couch watching and it was great, he’s a good horse and we were expecting a good run,” Tyler said. “I wasn’t too sure how it would pan out with the inside draw if the track got a bit wet, but it worked out really well. “While he’s still eligible to run in 75 grade with a two-kilo claim off down to 57.5kg, I’m swaying that way and I’d think he’d be pretty competitive. The Thompson has come up quite strong, so my gut feeling is staying in the 75. “He’s one of those perfect horses, nothing worries him. He just eats, drinks and races really well and he’s come through it well. “There’s no reason why he couldn’t back up I wouldn’t think.” View the full article

5. SKELLIG MICHAEL, GP, 10/18, 7 furlongs (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure-82 (g, 3, by Battalion Runner–Miss Monk, by Blame) O-Saint Celestine Thoroughbred Management. B-St Elias Stables (Fla). T-Victor Barboza Jr. J-Ernesto Jaramillo. The 4-5 pacesetter looked beaten at the quarter pole, but responded when set down by Jaramillo and kicked away to a five-length victory. The gelding is another bargain from Vinnie Viola's blue-collar stallion Battalion Runner: originally bought for $1,200 as a yearling, then pinhooked for $17k as a June 2-year-old. 4. CONFESSIONAL, KEE, 10/16, 7 furlongs (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure-85 (c, 2, by Essential Quality–Speedy Vanessa, by American Pharoah) O-Steve Landers Racing. B-Breed First (Ky). T-Brad Cox. J-Axel Concepcion. Congratulations to bettors who reasoned that a Cox-trained 2-year-old first-timer was value at 12-1 odds. He settled just behind the leading trio, shouldered for room 5/16ths out and won nicely. His workouts weren't flashy and six others in the field sold for more than his $160k yearling pricetag (including a $1.2-million yearling and a $975k 2-year-old buy), but that didn't matter. 3. PALADIN, BAQ, 10/17, 1 mile (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure-86 (2nd to 1st by DQ) (c, 2, by Gun Runner–Secret Sigh, by Tapit) O-Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith and Summer Wind Equine. B-Summer Wind Equine (Ky). T-Chad Brown. J-Flavien Prat. The $1.9-million Saratoga Brant-Coolmore collaboration contested the pace with Prat in his debut, responded when Renegade and John Velazquez charged up from the inside leaving the eighth pole, and took a light bump just before he was overtaken at the wire by a head. Stewards lit the inquiry sign (this wasn't the Kentucky Derby) and reversed the order. Given the Beyer, these are definitely two juveniles worth keeping an eye on. Advice: don't search for Paladin on Google unless you're a Dungeon and Dragons gamer. 2. RENEGADE, BAQ, 10/17, 6 furlongs (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure-86 (1st to 2nd by DQ) (c, 2, by Into Mischief–Spice is Nice, by Curlin) O-Robert and Lawana Low and Repole Stable (Ky). B-Robert and Lawana Low. T-Todd Pletcher. J-John Velazquez. We can debate whether Paladin or Renegade ran the better race; Paladin did dirty work on the pace and Renegade waited and came through between horses. Renegade also had one previous start – a distant 3rd in It's Our Time's runaway Saratoga win. Regardless, both were impressive. Repole signed the $975k ticket for yearling Renegade at Keeneland September, and the breeders bought back in, the Lows having raced his graded stakes-winning dam they acquired for $1.05 million from Bobby Flay. 1. DR. KAPUR, KEE, 10/16, 7 furlongs (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure-87 (c, 2, by McKinzie–Ava's Kitten, by Kitten's Joy) O-Ken Ramsey. B-Ken and Sarah Ramsey (Ky). T-Saffie Joseph, Jr. J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. It doesn't take much to get Ramsey excited, but with this colt (named for Dr. Sandip Kapur, who performed Ramsey's 2024 kidney transplant surgery) he has good reason. In the second division of split maiden races at Keeneland, this 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' went 7 furlongs in 1:23.71 compared to Confessional's 1:23.84. And he was beaten a neck at Saratoga in his debut with an 84 Beyer, missing that week's Five Fastest Maidens by a fraction of a point. This time, he finishes on top, and Ramsey says he is now being pointed for the Nov. 29 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs. The post Five Fastest Maidens, Presented By Taylor Made: Oct. 13-20 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Compiled by America's Best Racing, a rundown of this week’s horse racing coverage on TV, streaming, and radio.View the full article

Three-year-olds Gosger and Bracket Buster are entered for their first test against elders in a competitive edition of the $350,000 Fayette Stakes (G3) at Keeneland Oct. 25.View the full article

It's rare for a racehorse to have the same exercise rider for his entire career. It's almost unheard of for one rider to have been with a horse since the first time a saddle was on his back. But such is the case for Breeders' Cup hopeful Nakatomi (Firing Line). Jose Hernandez was the first person to ride the Grade I winner when he was just a yearling at Wesley Ward's farm, and five years later, he's still the one galloping him each morning at Keeneland. From the first time he sat on Nakatomi, Hernandez had a gut feeling about the oftentimes-fiery chestnut. “I remember when I got on him, I told one of the other guys that I really liked this horse because he felt so strong,” he recalled. “I got on him every day after that. Three months later he moved to the training track here at Keeneland and then he won his first start.” That winning debut came in April of 2021. In the years since, Nakatomi has grown into the star veteran of Ward's barn. As consistent as he is fast, the seasoned sprinter is Ward's all-time leading earner and has raced on three different continents. After a trip to Royal Ascot as a 2-year-old, Nakatomi won the 2021 Bowman Mill Stakes. Later as a 4-year-old, he placed in four graded stakes including the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Last year at five, he traveled to Dubai to run third in the G1 Golden Shaheen before earning his first graded victory in the GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap for owners Qatar Racing and Mrs. Fitriani Hay. With each passing season, Nakatomi seems to get sharper and tougher. After finishing second in his return trip to Dubai for the 2025 Golden Shaheen, the gelding turned in one of his best performances yet with his win in the GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes on Oct. 3. The six-furlong contest was a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. As Nakatomi gears up for his third consecutive trip to the Breeders' Cup, his rider believes that at 6 years old, he may have his best shot yet. “He's getting better and better,” said Hernandez. “He's really quiet when we go to the track, but then when he steps onto the track he's jumping around and ready to go.” With nearly three decades of experience, Hernandez knows when a horse is ready to run. Hernandez and Golden. Pal ahead of the 2022 Breeders' Cup | Coady Originally from Mexico, Hernandez moved to Texas 25 years ago and got a job breaking Thoroughbreds. Though he had worked with ranch horses back home, riding racehorses was completely different. At first, Hernandez worried he had made a mistake taking the job. “I've always liked horses,” he said. “But when the guy put me on the horse for the first time, the saddle was completely different! I fell off maybe three or four times that day. It was kind of scary.” Hernandez stuck with it, and it didn't take long before he was thriving in the role. After 10 years he moved to Florida. There he met Wesley Ward, who encouraged him to come ride for him in Kentucky. Hernandez has now worked for Ward for 13 years. His job is unlike most regular exercise riders, who ride only during morning training. Ward has a year-round base at Keeneland as well as a farm where he breaks yearlings. Hernandez has an important role at both locations. During the fall months when Ward's team is busy breaking babies, Hernandez starts his morning at Keeneland at 6:30. He rides seven or eight horses there, then moves over to the farm to work with the yearlings around 11:00. Hernandez with Wesley Ward and fellow Ward team veteran Osman Quevedo | Katie Petrunyak Hernandez said that working with the young horses is his favorite part of his job. “I've been breaking babies for a long time,” he said. “When you get on them for the first time, you never know what the horse is going to do. Not all the babies are the same. It takes a lot of patience.” He explained that the goal is to keep the youngsters calm and engaged, making every day a positive experience for them. Initially, the yearlings are saddled two to a stall to help them stay relaxed. They progress to being ridden up and down the barn aisle, and by the time they're ready to leave the farm about three months after arriving, they can gallop in a group in the pasture After the breaking process is done each day, Hernandez spends the afternoons filling whatever role is needed on the farm. He helps maintain the grounds, mowing pastures and seeding grass, and works closely with the mares and foals, ensuring the younger horses get the attention and handling they need. “I'm with the horses all day,” he said. “I see them when they're babies and see how they grow. I think you learn more that way.” Nakatomi and Hernandez preparing for the 2025 Breeders' Cup | Sara Gordon During his time with Ward, some of the most memorable horses he has worked with include Like the King (Palace Malice), who won the 2021 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks and went to the GI Kentucky Derby that year, and champion Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), winner of the 2020 GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. “Golden Pal had a lot of talent,” Hernandez recalled. “I really liked galloping him. He was easy.” Hernandez is hoping that in a few weeks, he can add a second Breeders' Cup winner to his resume. Following his Grade II score at Keeneland, Nakatomi breezed a sharp five furlongs in :59.20 on Monday, Oct. 20 in one of his final works before he ships to Del Mar. “Julio Garcia is the one who breezes the horse and I always ask Julio after he breezes how he did and he always tells me he was good,” said Hernandez with a proud smile. “I'm so happy and so glad Nakatomi got to win the race at Keeneland and now he is going to the Breeders' Cup. I feel good for him and I hope we can bring the victory to the barn.” Nakatomi's career reflects both his talent and the experience of the rider who has been with him from the very beginning. Their rare bond, built through years of steady training and shared triumphs, has brought Nakatomi to the sport's top level and a chance to secure a long-awaited Breeders' Cup victory. The post Nakatomi’s Rider Has Been With Him Since Day One appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group sire The Grey Gatsby will stand for an unchanged fee of €12,000 at Haras du Petit Tellier, Jour de Galop reported on Tuesday. The grey, who covered over 90 mares this term, now has 17 stakes horses–nine of them stakes winners–on the Flat. In the jumps sphere, he is credited with nine black-type progeny including stakes winner Isis d'Inor, who was graded placed. “The Grey Gatsby remains at the same stud price as in 2025 for the 2026 breeding season,” said Patrick Chedeville. “He will continue to stand at Haras du Petit Tellier. The stud is for sale, but it hasn't been sold yet, so we are continuing to stand at the stud. In the event of a sale, the different timeframes mean we could go through the breeding season.” The post The Grey Gatsby To Remain At €12K At Haras Du Petit Tellier appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features a half-sister to Calandagan. 5.07 Deauville, Debutantes, 2yo, f, 8fT CALASITA (IRE) (Zarak {Fr}) makes her debut in timely fashion just days after her illustrious half-brother Calandagan (Gleneagles) sealed European champion status at Ascot. Francis Graffard introduces The Aga Khan Studs homebred against a cast that includes Prince Faisal's Sindalah (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), an Andre Fabre-trained half-sister to the international heavyweight horse sire Mishriff (Make Believe). 4.43 Newmarket, Novice, 2yo, 8fT SUPERIOR CHOICE (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) debuts for Yuesheng Zhang and the Gosdens in the race won in 2020 by Hurricane Lane and is a standout as a 1.1 million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase. A son of the Prix de Royallieu and Ribblesdale heroine Loving Dream (Gleneagles), he encounters fellow newcomer Waves Of The Sea (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's homebred from the Richard Hannon stable whose dam is kin to Dubawi himself. The post Calandagan’s Half-Sister Calasita Debuts At Deauville appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-KEE $100k, Msw, 2yo, f, 7f, post time: 3:08 p.m. POWERED BY FAMILY (Quality Road), daughter of GI Personal Ensign winner Icon Project, debuts at Keeneland Wednesday for St Elias Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, the Kentucky-bred filly is a half-sister to Grade II winner Fashion Business (GB) (Frankel {GB}). The homebred filly will accompanied in her unveiling by Axel Conception. Tommy Town Thoroughbred's Mojo Promise (Into Mischief) debuts for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and his son and pilot, Keith. Bred by Kindred Stables, the $500,000 KEESEP buy is out of maiden Mor Mojo (More Than Ready). TJCIS PPS The post Daughter of Grade I Winner Icon Project Debuts at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Oct. 13-19View the full article

DEAUVILLE, France — There is no getting away from the name Night Of Thunder right now, whether on the racecourse or in the sales ring. He ruled Arqana in August when his daughter of Prudenzia sold for €3 million and the Darley sire was back in the top spot as the October Sale got underway on Tuesday. For the colt consigned as lot 86, it was a case of one powerful French-based breeding operation selling to another, with Nurlan Bizakov's Sumbe operation signing for the Al Shaqab-bred son of the Listed-winning Deep Impact mare Katara at €450,000. It was also a landmark transaction for consignor Windermere Stud, run by Pierre-Hugues Henry and Janine Gandy, former employees of Arrowfield Stud and the Channel Consignment who launched their business earlier this year and have been active at Arqana only since July. “We're very lucky, we've got good clients. Thanks to them. Having a horse like that in the first year is simply incredible,” said Henry, who added that hopes had been high for a strong sale for the colt. “Just for the fact that he's by Night of Thunder, who is flying,” he said. “It's perfect timing and he was a very nice individual, a good walker, a strong horse.” Sumbe's racing and commercial manager Mario Gussago agreed with that assessment. “Physically he was perfect,” he said. “And he's coming from a great breeding operation. Hopefully he's going to be lucky for the boss.” There are four more days of trade to come at Arqana but it must be acknowledged that this first select part of the sale was not a vintage session. A shaky start saw 50 per cent of the first 30 lots through the ring bought back by their owners. This improved steadily as the day wore on but set against the clearance rate for other yearling auctions this season, or for the corresponding session last year, it was an inauspicious start to the sale with only 70 per cent sold, compared to 86 per cent in 2024. The 150 yearlings who found a buyer sold for a total of €13,918,500, a tally which was 22.5 per cent down on last year's first-day aggregate. The average of €92,790 dropped by 16 per cent and the median fell to €70,000, from €73,500 last year. 'Out of This World': Wootton Bassett Remembered There are still a few years for the final crops of Wootton Bassett to emerge but the recent loss of the stallion at the age of 17 has been much lamented, as expressed by Nicolas de Watrigant of Mandore International when buying lot 179 on behalf of MV Magnier. He said, “Wootton Bassett was out of this world. He made everyone happy, from breeders to trainers to owners. We will miss him greatly. “This colt has inherited a lot of his sire's quality. I myself was very lucky with Wootton Bassett, resulting in two Group 1 winners being unearthed as yearlings, including Unquestionable, who was for Coolmore and Al Shaqab.” Offered by his breeder Haras du Mont dit Mont, the colt represents one of the most influential stallion families of recent times. His fourth dam Helen Street is the dam of Street Cry and granddam of Shamardal, with the latter also being broodmare sire of this particular yearling via the Listed-winning mare Shamtee. De Watrigant added, “Coolmore will find a worthy replacement at stud; they have extremely promising sons who have shone at the Classic level.” The number of sons of Wootton Bassett at stud will increase again from next year when Camille Pissarro and Henri Matisse join the ranks along with perhaps Maranoa Charlie and Topgear. Already ensconced are King Of Steel, Wooded, and River Tiber, with Almanzor now permanently based in New Zealand. Also in the Wootton Bassett supporters' club is Kieran Lalor of Al Shira'aa Racing, who said of his purchase of lot 170 from La Motteraye Consignment, “She's by Wootton Bassett, the best sire of our time in my opinion, and a full sister to a Group 1 winner. It was a no-brainer for us, and we're delighted.” Bought at €350,000, the full-sister to G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Zellie was bred by Clare Castle and is out of Sarai, a Nathaniel half-sister to the 1,000 Guineas winner Speciosa (Danehill Dancer). Sven and Carina Hansen's brilliant mare Pride (Peintre Celebre) also graces the family. Another Wootton Bassett colt (lot 112) will be heading south to Australia after the half-brother to Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Coeursamba (The Wow Signal) was sold from Julie Mestrallet's Haras de l'Aumonerie for €260,000 to agent John Foote on behalf of Lindsay Park Racing. Stroud Makes Cross-Channel Visit Worthwhile The Channel Consignment, with its draft stationed across the road from the main complex in a freshly renovated annexe of the racecourse, had a notably good day and is near the top of the vendors' table after the first session with 12 yearlings sold for an average of €122,250. Anthony Stroud signed for the most expensive yearling from the draft, a colt by Siyouni out of the dual winner Creedmoor (Invincible Spirit), herself a daughter of the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner and G1 Prix Morny runner-up Vorda (Orpen). The colt, who fetched €320,000, is part of an ongoing dispersal of thoroughbred stock by his breeder Al Shahania Stud, who will offer mares and foals in Newmarket and Deauville this December. One might think that by this stage of the yearling sales season, which has been ongoing since August and in its fifth consecutive week of sales in Ireland, Britain and France, the super-busy Stroud might be feeling a little weary, but in fact the opposite is true. “It's a ridiculous thing to say, but I could keep going,” he said while assessing the day's purchases for a variety of clients. “I've got a good team of people, with the vets and Matt [Coleman] and Emma [Beazley], and so it's pretty organised. I'm fully focused and I've been doing it a long time. A world war could be happening and you wouldn't know about it, you're so completely immersed in it.” Stroud continued, “I think I'm very lucky and privileged to be able to buy these nice horses and I've got some very nice clients and people who support me and go through me. Without them, this wouldn't be possible. The thing is that there are a lot of bloodstock agents that don't have orders, and they work every bit as hard as I might work, and that's pressure – that's hard work. When I'm doing it, I'm working hard, I'm buying a lot of horses and it's gratifying, but I know what the other side of the coin is, and I'm very appreciative of the position I'm in.” Stroud added that the Siyouni colt had been bought for a client of Andre Fabre. He also signed for two colts by emerging young stallion Palace Pier at €210,000 and €180,000, one for the same client and another for Peter Harris, who has also added a Youmzain colt (lot 57, €120,000) and a Dark Angel filly (lot 131, €55,000) to his string. Stroud said of the 91-year-old former trainer and breeder Harris, “He's remarkable. He's a great man and it's such an honour to work with him. I've done it since I was 22, so he and I have been together a long time.” He continued, “Ultimately, you're trying to find nice horses. So whoever you're buying for, at whatever level, you're trying to do the best you can for the budget you've got. Someone like Peter has his own criteria but he is very open-minded as well.” Also among the Channel Consignment's luminaries of Tuesday was lot 118, a Lope De Vega filly bred by Haras Voltaire. She was bought for €230,000 by Carlos Lerner, who, with son Yann, trained last year's Prix du Jockey Club winner Look De Vega, by the same stallion. “She's a magnificent filly,” he said of the third foal of the Group 2-placed Merimbula (Dalakhani). “She's a daughter of Lope De Vega, a stallion we particularly like. We're going to give her the time she needs and we hope she has as spectacular a career as her sire.” Baaeed Leads the New Boys Shadwell's first-season sire Baaeed had three yearlings in Tuesday's sale, two of which were sold at €320,000 and €270,000 respectively. Jeremy Para of SAS Marais signed for Haras de Colleville's colt out of the speedy Group 2 winner Restiadargent (Kendargent), whose offspring also include the G3 Prix Texanita winner Kingentleman (Kingman) and Listed winner Restiany (Frankel). Jeremy Brummitt and Ghislain Bozo of Meridian International teamed up to buy lot 206 from Ecurie des Monceaux. The Baaeed filly is out of the Listed winner Think Of Me, a daughter of the brilliant So You Think who died this week. Thought for the Day Perhaps hopes had been pegged a little high after a generally strong yearling season in Europe, but the vibe has so far not carried over into Arqana October. A patchy start to a bloodstock auction is nothing new, and it will be no surprise to see the clearance rate pick up for the forthcoming sessions. As we witnessed to a degree during Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, when a sale has been particularly strong in the previous year it perhaps has a daunting effect for some buyers, who may then return to action as the week unfolds. Tomorrow is another day. The post ‘Physically Perfect’ Night Of Thunder Colt Tops Steady Arqana Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk It’s a matter of when, not if, for the country’s top driver Blair Orange. The seven-time premiership winner is vying to become just the fourth driver in this country’s harness racing history to crack the 3000-win barrier, joining Tony Herlihy (3717 wins), Maurice McKendry (3429) and Ricky May (3189). With his career tally now at 2996, he has six drives at Addington today. Any win will of course inch him closer to his milestone, though he’s hardly brimming confidence ahead of the midweek eight race programme. “They are a bit of a mixed bag,” Orange says of his drives, “we will need a bit of luck.” Three of his drives will be for Michael House, starting with The Beach House in the first, The Lather Up – World Class Sire, Real World Value Mobile Pace. He’s drawn one over 1980 metres. “He was honest last week and looks a good top three top four chance.” Stablemate and last start winner Million Dollar Chic will be Orange’s drive in race 2, the American Ideal – A Lasting Legacy Mobile Pace (5.10pm). “He did win well last time but we will need a bit of luck from the outside draw.” Another House runner Courage Reactor has also drawn wide in Race 5, the Sweet Lou – The Future Is Sweet Mobile Pace (6.55pm). The six-year-old mare comes into the race on the back of two thirds. “She is a sit-sprinter so we just wait to see how things unfold,” says Orange. Both Million Dollar Chic ($3) and Courage Reactor ($3.60) opened as favourite in their respective races. Five win trotter Special Effects ($5.50) will again be handled by Orange in Race 6, the Speeding Spur – The Trotting Titan Handicap Trot (7.30pm). The Father Patrick gelding broke last start. “I take some of the responsibility for him galloping,” says Orange, “I will be a little more cautious at the start and he is with a chance.” Orange’s other two drives on the night will be Without Comparison (Race 3) and Fear Gogh (Race 8). So far this season Orange has 141 wins to be 36 clear of closest challenger Tim Williams. His latest win was with Tokyo Rose in Sunday’s Placemakers Oamaru Cup. Racing today starts at 4.35pm. To see the Addington fields click here View the full article

A 25% ownership interest in GI Breeders' Cup Sprint contender and future WinStar stallion Mullikin (Violence) has been supplemented to the Keeneland Championship Sale held at Del Mar Oct. 29, the company announced Tuesday. Mullikin will return to Del Mar to contest the Sprint having run third as the favorite in the same race last year. The interest is offered as property of WinStar Farm. “Our participation in the Keeneland Championship Sale with our Breeders' Cup Sprint entrant, Mullikin, is an opportunity to run for $2 million in 72 hours and have a stallion to boot,” WinStar President, CEO and Racing Manager Elliott Walden said. “We're offering more than just a percentage of a Breeders' Cup contender; this is an interest in an accomplished racehorse with a promising stallion career ahead at WinStar Farm.” Interested parties may call Liam O'Rourke at 859 351-4213 for additional information about this offering. The post 25% Ownership Interest In Breeders’ Cup Contender, Future WinStar Stallion Mullikin Supplemented To Championship Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Goffs October HIT and Yearling Sale at Doncaster on Tuesday was topped by up-and-coming hurdler Lord, who sold to Donald McCain for £70,000. Sold as lot 58 by trainer Olly Murphy, the three-year-old son of Best Solution is on a three-race winning streak over hurdles after finishing second on his hurdling debut. The dual placed hurdler King John Oliver (Karaktar) (lot 95) was offered by Rahinston Stud and caught the eyes of Olly and Aiden Murphy for £54,000. Rounding out the top three was the bumper-placed Answer That (Holy Roman Emperor) (lot 91), who changed hands for £30,000 to Highflyer Bloodstock from Anthony McCann. The yearling portion was topped by a daughter of Mehmas and Never Say Never (No Nay Never) at £40,000. Yapham Manor Stud consigned the relative of G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp heroine Gilt Edge Girl (Monsieur Bond), who sold to Bond Thoroughbred, Ltd. Of the 92 horses offered, 67 sold (73%) for a gross of £839,500 (+10%). The average rose 52% to £12,530 and the median increased 150% to £10,000. Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said, “These sales are designed to serve as an outlet at the end of the summer and after the major yearling sales and we would like to extend our thanks to the Brookhouse family for selecting Goffs to offer their dispersal. Their draft was well received and we are grateful for the support from others including Kevin Ryan who sent a large draft to Doncaster. However, we could always do with more horses as we have proved time and again that we get the prices if given the chances and this is something that we must continually remind our clients when selling horses of any sector – there is an alternative, and we are it. “We now look forward to returning to Doncaster at the end of the month for the NH Breeders Showcase plus, for the first time this year, we are holding a new dedicated online yearling sale on our new online sales platform – GoffsGo. Entries for this new sale are due by 6 November and the sale will be held on Thursday, 13 November.” The post Lord Tops Goffs October HIT And Yearling Sale At £70,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club reported Oct. 21 that 1,099 stallions covered 27,180 mares in North America during 2024, according to statistics compiled through Oct. 13. These breedings have resulted in 17,103 live foals of 2025 being reported to The Jockey Club.View the full article

A total of 13 wildcards, including Group 3 winner Alsakib, have been added to the Tattersalls Autumn HIT Sale catalogue. The sale will be held from October 27-31, next week. Offered by Andrew Balding's Kingsclere Stables as lot 319B, Alsakib is joined by the listed winner and group-placed Room Service (Kodi Bear) (lot 726F), who is part of the Kevin Ryan draft. There are also several two-year-old winners including August George (Night Of Thunder) (lot 319C); Gentle George (Sergei Prokofiev) (lot 319D); and the two-for-two Ghisa (Belardo) (lot 726E). Three-year-old winner Nasebah (Kingman) (lot 1110C) is another to have been added to the catalogue. The world's largest horses-in-training sale comprises 1,644 lots, headed by the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup winner White Birch, and the Tattersalls Autumn Yearling Sale is made up of 104 yearlings and will take place following the conclusion of the Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale on Friday, 31st October. The post Group Winner Alsakib And 12 Other Wildcards Join Tattersalls Autumn HIT Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With so many horses congesting the dressing rooms before the Breeders' Cup, the stage felt undeniably empty last weekend. Few, even so, will have been too intrigued by a French-bred Grade III winner over 12 furlongs of grass. After all, Venencia (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}) was bred from a mare meanwhile sold for just €17,000. Yet there won't be another page quite like this one, full of quirks and quality, in the Keeneland November Sale. Two things leap out straightaway. One is that damsire and grandsire are by full brothers. That kind of strategy is always fascinating, suggesting a wholesome regard for mares, and here achieves duplication of one of the greatest females in the story of the breed. (Interestingly, something similar lies behind Venencia's sire: his granddam is by Fairy King, while his own sire is out of a Sadler's Wells mare.) The other standout is Venencia's third dam, Northern Trick (Northern Dancer). And when you put that Classic winner and Arc runner-up next to the legend who produced the brothers in Venencia's third generation–none other than Miesque–it becomes immediately clear that this pedigree is largely the work of Stavros Niarchos and family. While one or two programs may have lasted the course even more resoundingly, notably one that has just delivered homebreds to win the premier prizes of the European autumn on consecutive weekends, arguably none has injected the international breed with more charisma. Miesque was its masterpiece. And, unlike so many of the great female runners, she matched her racetrack brilliance with a commensurate legacy. Here we will note only its proliferation through stallions. Her first foal was the global influence Kingmambo, while her daughters included the dam of Study Of Man (Ire) and second dams of Real Steel (Jpn) and Karakontie (Jpn). Kingmambo's full-brother could not quite match his success, perhaps feeling the burden of a supremely unimaginative name. But Miesque's Son only missed the G1 Prix de la Foret by a head, and did come up with a couple of elite runners. Miesque's Approval landed the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, 18 years after Miesque won her second; and Whipper, though falling just a length short of doing the same, won three Group 1s between six and eight furlongs. Whipper also pulled rank on his younger sibling Divine Proportions (by his sire's far more successful and expensive brother) when second and fourth respectively to Dubawi (Ire) in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois. Though a $4,000 yearling, Whipper showed all the sprinter-miler dash so characteristic of the Niarchos program, from Nureyev onwards. And while he achieved only marginal success in a nomadic stud career, his son Recoletos emulated both Miesque and Kingmambo as winner of the G1 Prix du Moulin in 2018. Recoletos also finished runner-up in the Marois to Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), granddaughter of Miesque's dual Classic winner East of the Moon (Private Account). Recoletos was retired at €8,000 and one of the more interesting mares in his debut book was Sign of Life, by Kingmambo's son Lemon Drop Kid out of Northern Trick's daughter Onda Nova (Keos). Sign of Life had shown only a little ability in a light career, and was culled from the Niarchos program. She was bought for just 8,000gns at Tattersalls by the trainer of Recoletos, Carlos Laffon-Parias. (Whose wife, by the way, is niece of Miesque's jockey!) Bar a first cover by The Gurkha (Ire), Sign of Life was sent to Recoletos annually until sold to Haras des Evees at Arqana in December 2022. She might have been expected to bring more than €17,000, her first Recotelos foal having won on debut at Chantilly 11 days previously. But that performance evidently brought its own reward, with the filly sold to continue her career in North America. Her name is, of course, Venencia. Having won a stakes for Chad Brown and narrowly missed a Grade I podium in a stint at Woodbine, last weekend she won the GIII Dowager Stakes at Keeneland on her first start for Brendan Walsh. She is a timely first Group/graded winner for Recotelos, relaunching next spring at the fine town of Pau in the lee of the Pyrenees; and a timelier yet update for her yearling half-brother by Zelzal (Fr), who goes under the hammer [314] at Arqana Wednesday. Whatever these may yet contribute to Venencia's page, one curiosity remains: the appearance of the forgotten Keos as sire of what proved to be Northern Trick's final foal. The son of Riverman won four Group sprints and was half-brother to the dam of Hector Protector and Bosra Sham (both by Woodman), but his stud career proved a sad oddity. He spent a single spring at Hermitage Farm, during which he covered the 19-year-old Northern Trick, back where she was foaled. (She had been bought by Niarchos as a yearling, co-bred by Warner L. Jones and William S. Farish III.) Keos then returned to Europe where he mustered only around 20 foals, at low fees, prior to his premature death. Unsurprising, then, that Northern Trick should have given him his best runner: Onda Nova, winner of the listed Prix Imprudence and now granddam of Venencia. But the reverse is also true, far more expensive covers having field to prompt Northern Trick to emulate Miesque as a dam of runners. Yet time would eventually reveal her second foal Lingerie (Shirley Heights) as founder of another tremendous Niarchos family, notably as dam of the top-class runners/producers Light Shift (Kingmambo) and Shiva (Jpn) (Hector Protector). So these seams of gold sometimes just run so deep that they take a little more time to reach–and, happily, a little less money. Barnes Keeping The Dream Alive No such short cuts available in the case of Barnes (Into Mischief), with a $3.2 million price on his head. Yes, nowadays there are places where you can clear even that kind of investment on the racetrack. But ultimately he needs to work out by becoming a stallion. And, having been by no means the only horse to misfire round Parx on his previous start, his eight-length rout of some fair operators in the GIII Perryville Stakes last weekend puts him right back in the game. His price as a Saratoga yearling was plainly divided between his physique and a family that extends through third and fourth dams who both won the GI Ballerina Stakes. First, in the 1993 running, came Spinning Around (Dixieland Band). Homebred by George Steinbrenner's Kinsman Farm, her contribution to its future was cruelly curtailed when struck by lightning along with her Capote colt in 1999. She was just 10. Fortunately, she had bequeathed two fillies. One, by Kingmambo, was sold to South America where she produced elite runners in Argentina, Peru and Ecuador. The other was millionaire Dream Supreme (Seeking the Gold), who equaled the 5.5f track record at Saratoga on debut and returned the following summer to win the Ballerina, seven years after her dam. Dream Supreme's third foal was Majestic Warrior (A.P. Indy), who also had his big Saratoga moment in the GI Hopeful Stakes. Admittedly he faced only three rivals and the two big favorites punched each other to a standstill. Nor did his stud career make him seem any more substantial a talent, but it appears that his full sister may now be leaving a mark. A.P. Dream won a maiden and proved a useful allowance filly before entering production, where her foals include Royal Ascot runner-up Wind Chime (Distorted Humor). But her last daughter showed nothing in just two starts for Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, who bought All American Dream (American Pharoah) privately after she had been retained even at $775,000–much the highest bid of the auction–at Fasig-Tipton in October 2018. Whatever she cost, and however disappointing on the track, All American Dream has proved a spectacular investment. Barnes is her first foal, and this summer her daughter by Flightline brought $1.1 million through the same Indian Creek consignment at Saratoga. Some high stakes being played, one way or another, but things are working out better than they did for Maimonides (Vindication) in 2007. Remember him? He cost $4.6 million as a yearling and it was his duel with Ready's Image (More Than Ready) that set up the Hopeful for Majestic Warrior. There was a forlorn attempt to salvage something from Maimonides at stud, but right now their trainer is presumably rather happier with the way Barnes could still work out. Medaglia d'Oro | Darley Old Gold Quits On A High A footnote like this barely does justice to the retirement of one of the most remarkable stallions of our times. But at least we made due acknowledgement, not so long ago, of the Indian summer being enjoyed by Medaglia d'Oro. His tremendously glamorous physique has adapted to every demand. Yes, he has had plenty of turf action. But as a son of El Prado (Ire), he has done something beyond the late Kitten's Joy as a conduit to North American dirt for Sadler's Wells. If we are belatedly witnessing somewhat increased traffic between the gene pools, either side of the water, Medaglia d'Oro has served as a crucial crossover influence during an era of cramped horizons. He leaves the stage with his legacy continuing to expand, through the likes of Violence (four sons of his own at stud) and Bolt d'Oro. Young stallions out of his daughters, meanwhile, include National Treasure, Prince of Monaco and Olympiad. The stallion who started out with Rachel Alexandra was already 22 when siring his current sophomores, including Grade I winners Good Cheer, Nitrogen and East Avenue. So the fact that the old boy retained the gusto to cover 56 mares this spring means that he may yet have a chapter or two to add to a quite wonderful saga. The post Breeding Digest: Miesque Mirror Does The Trick appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by TTR AusNZ The Herald Sun has reported that Racing Victoria's most senior veterinary officer, Dr Grace Forbes, has lodged a formal “Application for an order to stop bullying” with the Fair Work Commission, alleging she was “pressured and coerced” into clearing international horses considered at “high risk of catastrophic injury” to race. According to the Herald Sun, Dr Forbes, Racing Victoria's general manager of veterinary services since 2014 – alleges that senior executives, including chief executive Aaron Morrison and integrity boss Jamie Stier, urged her to be “flexible” in her application of the state's veterinary safety protocols. In her submission, seen by the publication, she claims the repeated requests to be “flexible” amounted to a demand that she act unethically and at odds with her commitment to equine welfare. “The repeated request of me to be flexible suggests that I should be unethical, which is at odds with my commitment to advocate for the horse,” Dr Forbes was quoted as saying. It reports that Dr Forbes raised concerns that permitting high-risk horses to race could lead to serious or fatal injuries and that her stance caused tension with senior management. She alleges she was later removed from her role overseeing international veterinary assessments and took personal leave citing “psychological and emotional exhaustion.” Dr Forbes also reportedly accused prominent international figures, including Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien and Melbourne Cup-winning owner Nick Williams, of applying direct pressure to Racing Victoria leadership to “soften” veterinary standards to allow more leniency for overseas runners. “I have no doubt that Mr Aidan O'Brien applied direct pressure to Racing Victoria leadership to soften the standards… to make the Veterinary Safety Protocols 'flexible', even if that meant risking catastrophic injury to horses,” Dr Forbes stated in her submission, according to the Herald Sun. It reports that Racing Victoria “strongly refutes” the allegations, describing them as inaccurate and disparaging. A spokesperson for the governing body told the publication: “Equine welfare is of the highest priority to Racing Victoria, which is why we've spent A$45 million on equine welfare programs, initiatives and resources since 2017… The protocols continue to set a global standard and we will not compromise these.” The veterinary protocols were introduced in 2021 following the death of Anthony Van Dyck in the 2020 Melbourne Cup – the seventh fatality in eight years, six of which involved European-trained horses. The new measures include compulsory pre-travel and pre-race CT or PET scans for all international entrants. Since those protocols came into effect, no fatalities have occurred during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The recent removal of Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius – after scans indicated a “heightened risk of injury” – indicate that the rules continue to be applied without regard to a horse's profile or connections. A Fair Work Commission hearing on Dr Forbes's application is expected to be held later this year. The post Racing Victoria’s Chief Vet Alleges Pressure To Clear High-Risk Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article