Wandering Eyes

Stakes winner Collect Your Cash will continue his racing career in Sydney. Photo: Monica Toretto Stakes winner Collect Your Cash will continue his racing career in Australia after recently being purchased out of former trainer Shankar Muniandy’s Wingatui barn by leading Sydney trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The son of Rageese was bred by Windsor Park Stud and was offered through their ‘Racing, Racing and Beer’ South Island Sale as a yearling in 2022 where he was purchased by Ben Kwok, under his Lionrock Bloodstock banner, for $15,000. He was subsequently sold to a client of Muniandy’s, for whom he won two and placed in one of his six starts, including the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) in February. Muniandy was looking forward to campaigning the rising four-year-old this season, but said Waterhouse and Bott came knocking at an opportune time. “He was a horse I was looking forward to, but the offer came at the right time, and I think he will go well in Australia,” Muniandy said. “He is a half-brother to Debt Collector, who was a Champion Singapore Three-Year-Old. “He handles all sort of ground and he is pretty laid back, you can race him anywhere. He is up to the Sydney grade, he is a Group horse. “He has gone to the right stable and will get every opportunity.” Horse racing news View the full article

Divine Essence winning at Tauranga on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Moira and Kieran Murdoch completed the racing season in winning fashion, with Divine Essence scoring her maiden victory at Tauranga on Wednesday. Only lightly raced for a rising five-year-old, Divine Essence was having her fifth raceday start and second under the Murdoch’s care, with her most recent effort finishing back in the field on the Cambridge Synthetic. The mare looked to have gained clear improvement from the fresh-up run when trialling well in the heavy conditions at Avondale a fortnight ago but was among the middle-market paying $12.10 with horse racing bookmakers, while Led A Merry Dance jumped the $2.10 race favourite. After jumping well from barrier three, Divine Essence was steadied into third-last position on the rail by Jasmine Fawcett, with Led A Merry Dance firmly in her sights one spot closer to the pace. Teak led the field throughout the running and into the home straight, and while Led A Merry Dance quickly moved into contention at the 200m mark, Divine Essence was right on her tail and caught the favourite in the final bounds, with the final margin just a nose. Moira Murdoch said that the improved performance was expected, with Divine Essence showing plenty of promise before bringing that to race-day. “I thought it was a fantastic effort, very narrow obviously but she was really brave to the line,” she said. “She’s had so much promise and she’s finally put it together, which is really pleasing to see. “I think she will go on a better track as well, but I don’t think the poly really suited her, she got a bit of interference and it’s quite a tight track, so we opted to come here. “We’ll see how she comes through this and tick her over until the tracks improve a little bit. We were lucky to be the first race with the rail out wide.” Horse racing news View the full article

Ngakau Hailey winning aboard Bell Time Potae at Tauranga on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Lenny Winters has recorded two wins apiece in the last two seasons, and he left it to the last possible moment to equal that tally this term. The Kumeu trainer had been winless heading into the final day of the season at Tauranga on Wednesday, but he was hopeful of getting on the board with his two representatives. Bell Time Potae was the first to jump, where he was taken straight to the front by apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey, who dictated terms throughout and guided his charge home to an impressive 8.5-length victory. The 17-year-old hoop donned Winters’ silks once again in the following race, aboard Ocean Road, where they posted a 1.25 length-victory. Winters was duly rapt with his two-win haul on the final day of the season. “It was pretty cool to get two,” he said. “I only get two a year and I got two in the one day on the last day of the season, which is pretty awesome.” Bell Time Potae was having his first run since September last year, but took pleasing trial form into Wednesday, having finished runner-up at Pukekohe over 800m last month before winning his 800m heat at Avondale earlier this month. “He has improved off both of those trials,” Winters said. “At Puke he ran second and we didn’t think he handled the track (Heavy 9) that day and we were a bit concerned, but he then won at Avondale. “We galloped him at the beach with Ocean Road on Saturday and we put the blinkers on him, and he was doing better than Ocean Road. That told us that he had improved quite a bit.” Winters was just as pleased with the winning performance of Ocean Road, who was also first-up after similar trials performances, including winning his 950m heat at Avondale. The son of Shamexpress had been struggling to find form since his maiden win last year, and Winters said heading out to the beach every day has been instrumental in rejuvenating the rising five-year-old. “He has turned the corner a bit too. He goes out to the beach and rolls three or four times every day, and he is quite happy,” Winters said. “He was a bit naughty in the gates and we have taken him back there and put him in a few times and he was good in the gates today. I just think he is in a happy place.” Winters is hoping to better his customary season tally of two wins next term, and he believes he has the firepower to do so. “Tu Meke Potae is back in work,” he said. “We went to Ruakaka a month or so ago and he didn’t go so well, he had a few problems, but I three-quartered him on the beach the other day and he felt awesome. “We have got a half-brother to him by Jon Snow, Lord Commander, and he ran second at the trials at Avondale when those other two won. He is a really nice, big, strong horse, and I really like him too. “We have got a couple of young ones there as well that are ready to come back in work. I am looking forward to next season.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group 2 winner, Antino. Photo: Grant Peters Smart galloper Antino is building towards a return to the racetrack with an early season Group One target high on the agenda. The Tony Gollan-trained gelding has had a short break after contesting three races across the Queensland Winter Carnival, with a strong win in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm back in May the highlight in a campaign which culminated in a luckless 12th in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). “He raced in the worst part of the track in the Stradbroke,” Gollan told Radio TAB. “He should have come out from the corner and raced in the centre but his sectionals were still unbelievable for a horse that put himself in such a bad spot. “He is coming along well. He feels really good off a short lay-off and he will tackle some of the big guns first up in the Memsie Stakes in Melbourne.” The Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) will be run at Caulfield on August 31, with Antino to have a jumpout in a fortnight to prepare. “I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t run well,” Gollan said. “It looks like Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside are going to be in it but I expect him to race well and then he will step up to the mile at Flemington in the Makybe Diva (Group 1) a couple of weeks after that and then we can shape his preparation from there. “He is highly rated for a lower level Group handicapper and he is probably just on the cusp of being a weight-for-age rating. He sits in that tricky rating point at the moment where set weights and penalties races suit him well. “I just felt we’d kick him off in a couple of weight-for-age races, particularly with that winter residual fitness while the other horses are coming off autumn preparations. They are very good horses but I thought the winter preparation just helps you quite early in the spring.” Horse racing news View the full article

Jason Collett lifts Manaal (outside) to Group 1 success in the ATC Sires Produce Stakes. Photo: RacingNSW Michael Freedman has announced that his Group 1-winning filly, Manaal, will compete against her own age group at the start of next season. The Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on August 24 is likely to be her spring debut. “There are options. The Princess Series is the obvious one with the Furious, the Tea Rose and the Flight, but there’s also the option of having a look at the Run To The Rose, Golden Rose as a pathway,” Freedman said. “I think we’ll just see how she returns and make firmer decisions after that.” The Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) winner showed promise when finishing fourth in a trial behind Schwarz (Zoustar) over 900 metres at Warwick Farm last Friday, a performance that pleased Freedman. “Really nice. She went around, had a really easy one, I’ll probably give her another one in a couple of weeks’ time with the view to running first up in the Silver Shadow,” Freedman said of the rising three-year-old. “I thought she was pretty unlucky in the Golden Slipper from a horrible draw and you probably couldn’t read anything into the Champagne run, the track was so heavy which she didn’t handle. “She gives me every indication that a mile is within her scope so that leaves the Princess Series as a possibility.” Horse racing news View the full article

Coleman ridden by Ben Melham winning the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Kerrin McEvoy will reunite with Coleman when the rising three-year-old competes in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on September 7. The Matt Laurie-trained colt had an impressive first season, winning the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) and Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m). He also placed second in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) and third in the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), which was his most recent start. McEvoy fell in the final race at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day, suffering a spinal fracture that forced him to relinquish the ride on Coleman two weeks later in the Sires’ Produce to Damian Lane. “I don’t think it’s necessary to run in races like the Vain (Stakes),” Laurie told Racing.com. “He’s already done that and he’s better than that. He’s a Group 1 horse and that is what we are going for, and this (Moir) is an opportunity to knock that off. “The Coolmore (Stud Stakes) is miles away, and obviously that is on the cards and part of the program, but we’re hoping he can do it (win a Group 1) before then. “We’ll trial him and then get him to The Valley for a look. The Moir leads into the Manikato over 1200 metres three weeks later and that, too, looks a really suitable Group 1.” Coleman is listed as an $11 winning chance with horse racing bookmakers in Moir Stakes futures markets. Horse racing news View the full article

Tattersalls has appointed Dr Caroline Scott as its new finance director, it was announced on Wednesday. Scott is a chartered accountant and has been head of finance at Tattersalls since 2023, having first joined the sales organisation in 2006 as the assistant financial controller. In addition to her new role as finance director, Scott has been appointed as company secretary and her appointment also holds significance as the first woman to join the Tattersalls board in its 258-year history. Besides her longstanding role at Tattersalls, Scott's broad engagement with racing and bloodstock has included success as an amateur jockey and owner/breeder. She is also a Doctor of equine physiology. “It is an enormous privilege to be appointed as finance director of Tattersalls,” said Scott. “Having joined the company back in October 2006, I have enjoyed my time working in various roles within the finance department which have allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of Tattersalls and the industry it serves. “My wider industry experience as an amateur jockey, a doctor in equine physiology and an active owner/breeder will also serve me well in my new role and I am looking forward to embracing the challenges that come with this appointment.” Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony added, “Caroline Scott has been a key member of the Tattersalls finance team for many years and has a profound understanding not only of the Tattersalls ethos, but also the international bloodstock industry. She brings a wealth of experience to the role of finance director and will be a valuable addition to the Tattersalls board.” The post Dr Caroline Scott Named as Tattersalls Finance Director and Company Secretary appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zhijun Zhao secured Group 1-winning sprinter Espiona (Aus) (Extreme Choice {Aus}) for A$4.15 million (€2,490,512) at a standalone virtual sale held by Magic Millions on Wednesday. Trained by Chris Waller for Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds, Espiona won seven of her 24 starts and earned over A$3.3 million in prize-money during her illustrious career, with her biggest success coming in 2023 when she defeated the multiple Group 1 heroine Pride Of Jenni (Aus) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}) by a nose to win the G1 Coolmore Classic at Rosehill. Offered by Glenesk Thoroughbreds on behalf of her ownership group at Magic Millions, Espiona attracted strong interest from online and phone bidders before being bought by Zhao, who in May partnered with Yulong to purchase the 10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) for a record A$6.6m (€4,039,810) at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. “We are elated,” Martin said of the sale. “We were hoping for A$3 million but to get A$4.15 million is beyond our expectations. “We had 10 of her ownership group together in Sydney along with trainer Chris Waller to watch the sale and it was just amazing. I don't think any will be heading back to work or home soon!” Espiona was purchased for A$190,000 by Star Thoroughbreds and Randwick Bloodstock Agency's Brett Howard from the Torryburn Stud draft at the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She is out of a full-sister to the Listed-winning Bonny O'Reilly (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}), while her second dam is a half-sister to the multiple top-level winners Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale of the Cat) and Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}). “She had everything that the breeders want,” Waller said of Espiona, who was also placed at the top level on multiple occasions. “She had performance, she has the pedigree and the type and that's what Star Thoroughbreds buy. “It's a bitter sweet moment, but she won't be lost to the industry and now we can go back to Magic Millions and buy some more Espionas.” Barry Bowditch, Magic Millions managing director, added, “We are so thrilled for Denise Martin and her ownership group. The mare was a sensation on the track and we now hope she can do likewise at stud for her new connections.” The post Australian Sprinting Star Espiona Sold Virtually by Magic Millions for A$4.15 million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion Irish handler expects classy filly to handle distance challenge in Goodwood featureView the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Thursday, August 1, 2024 First Race 12:30pm AEST Visit Dabble NSW provincial racing returns to Hawkesbury Race Club on Thursday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. The rail is out +2m between the 1100m to 450m markers, while the remainder is in the true position. The track is currently rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptance, but with clear skies and warm weather forecast in the lead-up, participants should be racing on Good ground for the opening event at 12:30pm local time. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: House Of Cards House Of Cards returns after a 199-day spell and has been trialing exceptionally well heading into this first-up assignment. The son of Exceed And Excel put them away with ease at Randwick on July 19, careering away to score by a length as Tommy Berry had the four-year-old under a stranglehold the entire 840m journey. His form from last preparation reads terrific for this BM64 contest, and with barrier three allowing Berry to lob into the perfect stalking position, watch for House Of Cards to surge over the top to secure his second career victory. Best Bet Race 7 – #8 House Of Cards (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry (58.5kg) +210 with Bet365 Next Best at Hawkesbury: Visual Visual appears to have an element of class debuting for the James Cummings barn, hitting the line well to score by 1.4 lengths in a recent jump-out at Warwick Farm on July 15. She’s the first foal out of Godolphin’s three-time Group 1 winning mare Alizee, and she showed similar raw ability in her work, stalking her rivals before pouncing in the final furlong. Expect her to be ridden quietly throughout the 1000m journey by Kerrin McEvoy, but provided she gets clear running late, Visual should be exploding down the centre of the course. Next Best Race 3 – #12 Visual (5) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Kerrin McEvoy (55kg) +125 with Unibet Next Best Again at Hawkesbury: Literature Tycoon Literature Tycoon looks primed for a first-up assault after two impressive barrier trials at Newcastle. Her most recent piece of work came on the course proper, with the daughter of Written Tycoon striding through the line under her own steam to get within 2.8 lengths of Spywire. Tyler Schiller takes the reins from stall five, and provided he can slot her in for cover throughout the 1300m trip, Literature Tycoon should be right there when the whips are cracking. Next Best Again Race 2 – #10 Literature Tycoon (5) 3yo Filly | T: Nathan Doyle | J: Tyler Schiller (55kg) +200 with Neds Hawkesbury Thursday quaddie tips Hawkesbury quadrella selections Thursday, August 1, 2024 6-9-10-11 2-3-5-7-8 6-8-9 3-4-6-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Lenny Winters has recorded two wins apiece in the last two seasons, and he left it to the last possible moment to equal that tally this term. The Kumeu trainer had been winless heading into the final day of the season at Tauranga on Wednesday, but he was hopeful of getting on the board with his two representatives. Bell Time Potae was the first to jump in the Ultimate Mazda Maiden 3YO (1200m), where he was taken straight to the front by apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey, who dictated terms throughout and guided his charge home to an impressive 8-1/2 length victory. The 17-year-old hoop donned Winters’ silks once again in the following race, the Food 101 1200, aboard Ocean Road, where they posted a 1-1/4 length victory. Winters was duly rapt with his two-win haul on the final day of the season. “It was pretty cool to get two,” he said. “I only get two a year and I got two in the one day on the last day of the season, which is pretty awesome.” Bell Time Potae was having his first run since September last year, but took pleasing trial form into Wednesday, having finished runner-up at Pukekohe over 800m last month before winning his 800m heat at Avondale earlier this month. “He has improved off both of those trials,” Winters said. “At Puke he ran second and we didn’t think he handled the track (Heavy9) that day and we were a bit concerned, but he then won at Avondale. “We galloped him at the beach with Ocean Road on Saturday and we put the blinkers on him, and he was doing better than Ocean Road. That told us that he had improved quite a bit.” Winters was just as pleased with the winning performance of Ocean Road, who was also first-up after similar trials performances, including winning his 950m heat at Avondale. The son of Shamexpress had been struggling to find form since his maiden win last year, and Winters said heading out to the beach every day has been instrumental in rejuvenating the rising five-year-old. “He has turned the corner a bit too. He goes out to the beach and rolls three or four times every day, and he is quite happy,” Winters said. “He was a bit naughty in the gates and we have taken him back there and put him in a few times and he was good in the gates today. I just think he is in a happy place.” Winters is hoping to better his customary season tally of two wins next term, and he believes he has the firepower to do so. “Tu Meke Potae is back in work,” he said. “We went to Ruakaka a month or so ago and he didn’t go so well, he had a few problems, but I three-quartered him on the beach the other day and he felt awesome. “We have got a half-brother to him by Jon Snow, Lord Commander, and he ran second at the trials at Avondale when those other two won. He is a really nice, big, strong horse, and I really like him too. “We have got a couple of young ones there as well that are ready to come back in work. I am looking forward to next season.” View the full article

Apprentice jockey Sima Mxothwa ended the season in perfect fashion at Tauranga on Wednesday when recording his first win in the saddle aboard Hit The Switch in the Gartshore Construction (1400m). The expat South African was having his fourth raceday ride, and second aboard the Bob and Jenny Vance-trained Hit The Switch. The pair ran second at Pukekohe earlier this month, but were not to be outdone on Wednesday, running away to a one length victory over Koro’s Princess. “It’s good to finally get the monkey off the back and I can just focus on the future now,” Mxothwa said. “I was second on the same horse at Pukekohe and got beaten by Mighty Bright. The owners were happy with the ride and the run, and Mr Bob Vance said he would give me the ride next time. “It worked out quite well today and I followed the instructions. I just rode him the way I rode him last time. They told me I mustn’t fight him because once you fight him, he just grabs the bit, fights you the whole way, and he will come out on top. “He is a horse that doesn’t give up, he just keeps on fighting. When I asked him to kick, he did give me a kick and he kept on going and went a really good race.” Mxothwa is pleased he ended the season on a winning note and he is hoping his victory will help open up more riding opportunities for him in the new season. “It was great to get my first win on the last day of the season,” he said. “I am going to keep my head down and hopefully doors will start opening in the new season.” Mxothwa, who is apprenticed to Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, said he appreciates all the support he has received during his time in New Zealand. “It’s always good to have people supporting you because it is not always easy for trainers and owners to give young apprentices a shot when they aren’t experienced,” he said. “I came to New Zealand with no experience at all, I joined the (jockey) academy and I have got some really good people supporting and mentoring me. I’ll do my best to make them proud.” Mxothwa is hoping he can quickly add to his win tally when he heads to Ruakaka on Saturday to ride debutants For Honor and Eva Magical in the Kainui Pack & Cool (1600m) and Aotea Electric In Waipapa (1200m) respectively. View the full article

Moira and Kieran Murdoch completed the racing season in winning fashion, with Divine Essence scoring her maiden victory at Tauranga on Wednesday. Only lightly raced for a rising five-year-old, Divine Essence was having her fifth raceday start and second under the Murdoch’s care, with her most recent effort finishing back in the field on the Cambridge Synthetic. The mare looked to have gained clear improvement from the fresh-up run when trialling well in the heavy conditions at Avondale a fortnight ago but was among the middle-market paying $12.10, while Led A Merry Dance jumped the $2.10 race-favourite. After jumping well from barrier three, Divine Essence was steadied into third-last position on the rail by Jasmine Fawcett, with Led A Merry Dance firmly in her sights one spot closer to the pace. Teak led the field throughout the running and into the home straight, and while Led A Merry Dance quickly moved into contention at the 200m mark, Divine Essence was right on her tail and caught the favourite in the final bounds, with the final margin just a nose. Moira Murdoch said that the improved performance was expected, with Divine Essence showing plenty of promise before bringing that to race-day. “I thought it was a fantastic effort, very narrow obviously but she was really brave to the line,” she said. “She’s had so much promise and she’s finally put it together, which is really pleasing to see. “I think she will go on a better track as well, but I don’t think the poly really suited her, she got a bit of interference and it’s quite a tight track, so we opted to come here. “We’ll see how she comes through this and tick her over until the tracks improve a little bit. We were lucky to be the first race with the rail out wide.” By Iffraaj, Divine Essence was purchased by Brewers Bloodstock out of co-breeder Haunui Farm’s Karaka Yearling draft in 2021 for $80,000, with her dam a two-win O’Reilly mare Our Essence. The Murdochs will head north from their base at Karioitahi Beach to Ruakaka on Saturday with two runners, including a well-bred three-year-old debutant Horrie in The Homestead Sports Bar & Bistro (1100m) and consistent gelding Loose Change in the Kainui Pack & Cool (1600m). A son of American Pharoah, Horrie is the first foal out of talented race mare Contessa Vanessa, a winner at Group Two and Three level during her career. “We’ve got a nice first starter with a reasonable draw (three),” Moira Murdoch said. “I haven’t had any involvement with his owners previously, but they opted to bring him out to me, which was very nice of them, they’re a lovely bunch of people. “Loose Change is always very honest, so we’ll hope for good races.” View the full article

Stakes winner Collect Your Cash (NZ) (Rageese) will continue his racing career in Australia after recently being purchased out of former trainer Shankar Muniandy’s Wingatui barn by leading Sydney trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The son of Rageese was bred by Windsor Park Stud and was offered through their ‘Racing, Racing and Beer’ South Island Sale as a yearling in 2022 where he was purchased by Ben Kwok, under his Lionrock Bloodstock banner, for $15,000. He was subsequently sold to a client of Muniandy’s, for whom he won two and placed in one of his six starts, including the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) in February. Muniandy was looking forward to campaigning the rising four-year-old this season, but said Waterhouse and Bott came knocking at an opportune time. “He was a horse I was looking forward to, but the offer came at the right time, and I think he will go well in Australia,” Muniandy said. “He is a half-brother to Debt Collector, who was a Champion Singapore Three-Year-Old. “He handles all sort of ground and he is pretty laid back, you can race him anywhere. He is up to the Sydney grade, he is a Group horse. “He has gone to the right stable and will get every opportunity.” While he has lost the services of his stable star, Muniandy said he has plenty to look forward to this coming season, particularly with two-win mare Lucienne (NZ) (Proisir), who finished fifth in the Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), and promising rising three-year-old Enterprise (NZ) (U S Navy Flag). “Lucienne had a good spell and has been in work for four weeks,” Muniandy said. “I’ll get her up and going for Cup Week, we are looking for black type with her. “Enterprise ran second to Nucleozor in a two-year-old race first-up, and the Te Akau horse went on to win two more after that, including the Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m), so he has got good form behind him. “He is back in the stable and will go to the Ashburton trials in two weeks. He will be ready to rock and roll for Cup Week.” Meanwhile, Muniandy will be hoping to kick-off the new season in style when he heads to Riccarton on Saturday with I Hope I Never (NZ) (Ghibellines), who will contest the Group 1 Raceday Party – 14 September Rating 65 (1600m). “She has loved the wet tracks and her run at Oamaru last start was super, she got back and ran home strong,” he said. “The wetter the better for her, and if she goes well on Saturday, I might race her again on the last day over 1800m.” View the full article

The stage is set for redemption with Kiwi-bred sprinting star I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) and Trackside Media teaming up again to chase glory in this year’s A$20 million The Everest at Randwick in Sydney on 19 October. The Waikato Stud-bred speedster went agonisingly close to winning the 2023 edition of the world’s richest race on turf, only getting clear late to fly into 2nd, less than half a length away from the winner, Think About It. Trackside Media, the broadcasting arm of Entain Australia and New Zealand, who also operate the New Zealand TAB, have again secured a slot in the world’s richest race on turf. Entain Australia and New Zealand, Managing Director – New Zealand, Cameron Rodger, said the results from last year spoke for themselves, as New Zealanders embraced the race like never before. “Turnover on The Everest doubled from 2022 to 2023, with turnover on the race easily setting a new record, while the number of customers engaged on the race was also twice that of 2022,” Cameron Rodger said. “Turnover on the entire Everest meeting at Randwick also saw a massive increase, up more than 57 percent on the previous year. This momentum has continued since then, and The Everest is now a race clearly marked on the calendar of all New Zealand racing fans. “We’re delighted to be involved with Wish again, together with the team at Waikato Stud and Moody Coleman Racing. His win in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup in Brisbane last month showed us he’s going to be perfectly primed to climb the Randwick mountain in October and we’re sure he’s going to have plenty of Kiwi fans cheering him on too.” I Wish I Win’s breeder and part-owner Mark Chittick, of Waikato Stud, said the opportunity to combine with Trackside Media for The Everest in 2024 is the perfect approach for this year’s edition. “Wish has given us one hell of a ride from life as a foal through to performing at the elite level. Joining forces again with the Trackside Media team to put things right sets the scene nicely for 19 October. “I’ve seen plenty of racing fans around the country wearing the I Wish I Win caps from last year’s quest, and I have no doubt New Zealand will get behind him again.” Fellow owner Peter Moody, who trains I Wish I Win with training partner Katherine Coleman, is relishing the chance for another crack at The Everest. “We’re fired up about re-joining the journey with Trackside Media. I’ve been affiliated with Entain for a long time, and that relationship was only made stronger with the terrific experience we had last year. We went so close in 2023, and I am hopeful that we can go one better in just under three months.” Racing fans won’t have too long to wait to see Wish back at the track, with the gelding likely to begin his ascent towards The Everest from early September. View the full article

Gifted short course specialist Master Fay (Deep Field) might not be fully wound up if he steps out at Ruakaka on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean he won’t prove a handful for his rivals. The lightly tried six-year-old has delighted Cambridge trainer Chad Ormsby with his progress since returning from a break and with conditions to suit, he’s likely to kick off in the Alibaba’s Flying Carpets Kerikeri Cup (1100m). “We’ll be trying to avoid the wet tracks with him at this stage of his campaign, Ruakaka might be the best one but I’m not in any rush either,” Ormsby said. “If he runs, there’s no doubt he will be in the mix. He’s that way inclined when it comes to race day, he just goes out there and gives it everything and Ace Lawson-Carroll would ride him.” Master Fay was purchased by Ormsby under his Riverrock Farm banner for $100,000 out of Highden Park’s Karaka draft in 2019 as a pinhooking prospect but didn’t make it back to the auction ring. He was subsequently sold to clients of Caspar Fownes’ Hong Kong stable after three trial wins and made a successful debut at Sha Tin before he was laid low by soundness issues. The gelding returned to Ormsby and claimed the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) off the back of a Rating 75 win and suffered his only defeat in the autumn when he finished off the pace in the Gr.1 Newmarket (1200m) at Flemington. “He really did well during his break, he is just a bigger and stronger horse now,” Ormsby said. “He is still 30 to 35kg heavier than he was when he won on Karaka Million night, whether he has got more weight to strip off I’m not sure as he’s just a bigger horse. “He’s really well and if he runs on Saturday, it will be a stepping stone but we haven’t got any plans just yet. “There are options in Australia but not until later in the year and early next year.” Ormsby does have an eye on the Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa with Master Fay, but again the weather will have the final call. “We’ve got to get the ball rolling a bit first and take each run as it comes, obviously the Foxbridge is there but that’s generally run on a heavy track or close to it, which is what we’re trying to avoid so we’ll see how we go,” he said. Stablemate and promising stayer Outovstock (NZ) (Tavistock) has also returned to the fold. “He’s been back in work for about three weeks now and is looking fantastic and we’re excited about him for the spring and summer,” Ormsby said. “Our initial thoughts were that he would be going back to Australia, but there’s also a good amount of cash to race for here so he could race in New Zealand more than we had originally anticipated.” The son of Tavistock won the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) in the autumn before a midfield finish in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m). Another exciting young prospect is Street Boss’ daughter Sister Ping (NZ), who broke her maiden earlier this month on the all-weather track at Cambridge where she beat the older horses after rearing at the start and losing five lengths. “She had a two-week break after her win and at this stage she’ll head toward the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m),” Ormsby said. View the full article

Smart galloper Antino (NZ) (Redwood) is building towards a return to the racetrack with an early season Group One target high on the agenda. The Tony Gollan-trained gelding has had a short break after contesting three races across the Queensland Winter Carnival, with a strong win in the Gr.2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm back in May the highlight in a campaign which culminated in a luckless 12th in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). “He raced in the worst part of the track in the Stradbroke,” Gollan told Radio TAB. “He should have come out from the corner and raced in the centre but his sectionals were still unbelievable for a horse that put himself in such a bad spot. “He is coming along well. He feels really good off a short lay-off and he will tackle some of the big guns first up in the Memsie Stakes in Melbourne.” The Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) will be run at Caulfield on August 31 with Antino to have a jumpout in a fortnight to prepare. “I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t run well,” Gollan said. “It looks like Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside are going to be in it but I expect him to race well and then he will step up to the mile at Flemington in the Makybe Diva (Gr.1) a couple of weeks after that and then we can shape his preparation from there. “He is highly rated for a lower level Group handicapper and he is probably just on the cusp of being a weight-for-age rating. He sits in that tricky rating point at the moment where set weights and penalties races suit him well. “I just felt we’d kick him off in a couple of weight-for-age races, particularly with that winter residual fitness while the other horses are coming off autumn preparations. They are very good horses but I thought the winter preparation just helps you quite early in the spring.” Bred by Blossom Trading & Breeding Company Ltd, Antino is by Westbury Stud stallion Redwood and out of a full-sister to Group One gallopers Hurrah (NZ) (Bahhare) and Best Gift (NZ) (Bahhare). Antino is another quality graduate of the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, purchased for $27,000 by New Balance Racing at the 2020 edition from the draft of Cheltenham Stables. View the full article

Race 5 PLUNKET ELECTRICAL 2200m MILFORD SOUND (A Goindasamy) – Trainer Ms. A Tuthill advised Stewards, that upon return to the stable the gelding underwent blood tests which revealed a respiratory infection, further blood tests will be taken Wednesday 31 July. A Tuthill further advised MILFORD SOUND has been treated with antibiotics for the infection and will continue on with the gelding’s current preparation. The post Oamaru Jockey Club @ Oamaru, Sunday 21st July 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed 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-brother to a Group 1-winning juvenile filly. 6.55 Sandown, Novice, £10,000, 2yo, 7fT KING'S CHARTER (IRE) (Kingman {GB}) is a significant newcomer for Godolphin, being their €650,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase who is a half-brother to the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy). Also a half to the former Charlie Appleby runner Victory Dance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was second in the G2 Superlative Stakes, and full-brother to the dual group-placed TDN Rising Star Skellet (Ire), he will have to be smart to deal with Marc Chan's Starzintheireyes (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), a Ralph Beckett-trained relative of Crystal Ocean (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Hillstar (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) who was second in the hot Newmarket July Festival maiden won by TDN Rising Star Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). 14.05 Redcar, Novice, £8,000, 2yo, 5f 217yT ARABIAN ANGEL (IRE) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is a half-brother to the G3 Palace House Stakes-winning first-season sire Far Above (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) and a full-brother to the TDN Rising Star Night Raider (Ire) who debuts for Linden Bloodstock and the Karl Burke Stable. Among his peers is Amo Racing's similarly-unraced Diablo Rojo (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), a Raphael Freire-trained half-brother to the dual Group 1-placed San Donato (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire) who cost 325,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 2. The post Godolphin Introduce 650k Goffs Orby Half To Skitter Scatter appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amateur jockey Alice Procter, who injured her spinal cord in a Cartmel fall earlier this month, has left intensive care, the Injured Jockeys' Fund (IJF) announced on Wednesday. The 21-year-old was riding Uggy Uggy Uggy (GB) (Saddler's Rock {Ire}) for trainer Keiran Burke in a female riders' handicap hurdle on July 20 when the fall occurred, and has since undergone surgery. The IJF said in a statement on Tuesday, “Amateur jockey Alice Procter has now left Intensive Care at the Royal Preston Hospital. “As a consequence of her fall, she sustained an injury to the spinal cord in the thoracic region which is affecting the lower half of her body. This will require further careful evaluation to guide future treatment and rehabilitation. “Alice is extremely grateful for the skill and care of the hospital medical team and for the messages of support from her friends and colleagues across the industry.” A GoFundMe page has been set up for Procter with an initial goal of £5,000 by trainer Keiran Burke's staff. It has currently received £15,899. Burke said, “To have already raised so much money once again highlights how brilliant the racing community is in times such as this. “It really does highlight that in circumstances such as this, racing rallies together brilliantly.” A statement posted by Alice Gregory on the page reads, “While Alice excels in the saddle and was injured doing something that she loves best, she is also an integral member of Burke's Whitcombe Stables team in Dorset where not only does she ride out and provide brilliant care for the horses, but is invaluable in the office making entries and socialising with owners. “Alice faces a long journey in so many ways, but the purpose of this GoFundMe page is to make that journey just that little bit easier, allaying some financial worries that she doesn't deserve to endure and meaning that if there is something that she needs to purchase urgently, she has the means to do so.” The post Alice Procter Leaves Intensive Care, But Faces A “Long Journey” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After the withdrawal of leading 3-year-old miler Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Wednesday's G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood has suddenly and drastically changed shape with the race's two main protagonists now fairly equally-rated sons of Dubawi (Ire). If the 3-year-olds hold sway over their three older rivals as the betting suggests in this GI Breeders' Cup Mile qualifier, this will come down to a good old-fashioned Coolmore-Godolphin face-off between Aidan O'Brien's Henry Longfellow (Ire) and Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech (GB). Both TDN Rising Stars with contrasting profiles, they have shown enough to suggest that last year's runner-up Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) will have his work cut out to give away eight pounds weight-for-age. While Henry Longfellow was winning the G2 Futurity Stakes and G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at two, Notable Speech had yet to see a racecourse but after some impressive performances on Kempton's Polytrack during the winter and spring Godolphin's homebred surged to prominence with a win on his sensational turf debut in Newmarket's G1 2,000 Guineas. Denied the chance to contest the Guineas due to the overwhelming presence of stablemate City Of Troy (Justify), Henry Longfellow was instead sent to ParisLongchamp and suffered a cramped experience stuck in a pocket for the majority of the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Their paths met in the G1 St James's Palace Stakes and this time the Ballydoyle colt had ample space to express himself only to be run down by the emphatic and brilliant winner Rosallion. Notable Speech was only seventh at Royal Ascot, where the soft early pace led to his undoing. Whereas at Newmarket he was able to benefit from the strong fractions and close past a Rosallion who had already used up his unrivalled acceleration, Ascot was the other side of the coin and his prospects here will probably depend on how quick the tempo is in the early stages. What we did discover there was the fact that Henry Longfellow is a quick animal, with his closing two furlongs of :23.24 only just outside that recorded at the meeting by Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the Queen Anne two years earlier. If Henry Longfellow is allowed his own way up front, it could spell doom for the remainder and Ryan Moore will know exactly when to press the button so it could be that William Buick has no option other than to go forward on his chief rival to avoid the tactical compromise he suffered at Ascot. Aidan O'Brien is in confident mood. “We always thought he was a special horse and we were over the moon with his run at Royal Ascot,” he said. “If we'd got a clearer run in France, we would have known more going into Ascot so we went there just learning about him. There's every chance he'll progress. We think, as he's only really had the one proper run this season, that there is more to come.” According to Appleby, the one thing that is in no doubt heading to this important clash is Notable Speech's wellbeing. “I think he looks a million dollars and I will be disappointed if you don't like the way he looks on Wednesday,” he said. “Nothing came out in the wash after Ascot, the vet did all the checks and nothing came of it. It was one of those strange races to watch to be fair and the way the race was run, it was always going to be very hard from where we were. You can spot horses lengths in maidens and handicaps, but you can't spot Group 1 horses lengths round Ascot at that level and we were always having to chase.” “We gave him a bit of a break and from there on he hasn't missed a beat,” he added. “I couldn't have faulted him the way he went into Ascot, but his work has been very good at home again and he is showing all the right signs. He's showing the signs of what we see on the racetrack–his speed, he's got an electric turn of foot and he's been showing us that over the last few weeks. I'm looking forward to it.” How Much of a Facteur is the Cheval? Team Valor International and Gary Barber's Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) caught a few by surprise with his notable effort behind Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) in this on heavy ground 12 months ago, but had firmly established himself as a genuine top-flight runner by the time he was winning the G1 Dubai Turf in March. Paying the price for chasing his over-exuberant compatriot Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) up the centre of the track in Royal Ascot's G1 Queen Anne Stakes, he should be a different proposition back here but has crack 3-year-olds to tackle once again. On the comeback trail when third in the Queen Anne, Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's talented Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) should already be a Group 1 winner having endured ill fortune in the 2022 G1 St James's Palace Stakes. Despite that, he would be readily discounted here were it not for the fact that William Haggas is prepared to try him against the best and has fitted blinkers for the first time. “We are putting a pair of half-cup blinkers on him. He worked in them last week and he impressed me,” Haggas explained. “They are not there to frighten him, but they will help his concentration. He's going to find it tough against the three-year-olds, but he's getting his confidence back and he's in really good shape. I hope the ground continues to dry out, as the faster the better for him. I think he'll be competitive.” More Goodwood Delight… Also at Goodwood on Wednesday are two Group 3 contests in the Molecomb Stakes for 2-year-olds over five furlongs and the Oak Tree Stakes for fillies and mares over seven. The Molecomb sees Wathnan Racing's Listed Dragon Stakes winner Aesterius (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) take on Rockcliffe Stud's Listed Empress Stakes winner and G2 Prix Robert Papin third Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}), with Victorious Racing's impressive course-and-distance winner Soldier's Heart (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) an intriguing candidate as the 425,000gns top-priced colt at Tattersalls October Book 2. Wathnan's European racing adviser Richard Brown said of Aesterius, “We were delighted with him at Sandown and I think he has plenty of speed, so we're sticking at five furlongs. It's a big field, so we're going to need some luck, but he's a straightforward horse with a great temperament–he has a very relaxed demeanour which will stand him in good stead.” Trainer Ed Walker said of Celandine, “She's in flying form and is taking her racing unbelievably well. She seems to be getting bigger and better and stronger with it. She's been busy, but she looks a proper two-year-old and I think coming back in trip will be a benefit.” In the Oak Tree, Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's G1 Falmouth Stakes runner-up Jabaara (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) joins battle with Sangster and Babington's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches runner-up Kathmandu (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), with the lurker perhaps being Valmont's Stop The Cavalry (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). She impressed when making a successful winning return in a Chester earlier this month and it is interesting that Ralph Beckett is prepared to take this leap with her. Trainer Roger Varian said of Jabaara, “She's in good form and I think she will like the test of the Oak Tree. She is drawn a bit wide, which is a slight negative, but I think she is in good condition and she's in good order, so hopefully she will put in another strong performance.” The post Sussex Battle Of The Dubawis After Rosallion Defection appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caroline Howe, a lifetime equine enthusiast who competes in the hunter/jumper discipline, is the founder and executive director of the North Carolina-based Horse Welfare Collective. She created the non-profit organization–which she operates by herself–in 2021 to bring transparency to the American horse slaughter industry. Recent events–such as last week's news out of Florida involving the alleged slaughter of a Thoroughbred that was captured on a hidden camera–put TDN in touch with the Horse Welfare Collective. In a half-hour phone interview with TDN on July 29, Howe detailed what she is trying to accomplish with her efforts, with an emphasis on how the slaughter and the Thoroughbred industries overlap. A transcription of that conversation follows, edited for brevity and clarity. TDN: Please explain the Horse Welfare Collective's mission. CH: I founded the Horse Welfare Collective with the goal of really raising awareness about the U.S. horse slaughter industry and its impact on horse welfare, as well as public health, because there are public health implications with the U.S. horse slaughter industry. Initially, I really had no idea that U.S. horses were being sent to slaughter. So I just started doing more and more digging into that, and I realized that there's really this lack of awareness out there about what's happening to a lot of our horses. And also, there's a huge lack of oversight from the federal and state and local levels. TDN: A lot of people might think that when the federal government first started defunding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s ability to inspect horse-meat processing plants several decades ago, that helped to get rid of equine slaughter in our country because the plants couldn't legally operate without the inspections. But that's not the case? CH: When Congress voted to not appropriate funds to the USDA to inspect horse meat that effectively closed the–I think there were three at the time–U.S. horse-meat plants. But horse slaughter is demand-driven. Plants [in other countries still] slaughter horses based on the consumer demand for horse meat and the by-products. So with the cessation of horse slaughter in the U.S., it didn't help from the global perspective of welfare for the horses, because there continued to be an international demand for horse meat. That meant U.S. horses were instead being shipped to Mexico and Canada. TDN: But aren't there still safeguards in place to prevent or deter shipping of horses outside our country for slaughter? CH: When 30 horses at a time are crammed onto an 18-wheeler and shipped 28-plus hours to Mexico or Canada, the USDA really doesn't have any resources or funding to actively review any kinds of safeguards, or welfare guards, or public health guards that are put into place, such as shipping certificates and health certificates. They're also not able to enforce things like the Commercial Transportation of Equines for Slaughter Act, because there's a restriction of the use of federal funding to actually do that. TDN: Your collective tracks horses of all breeds. To what extent are Thoroughbreds involved, and what would you like people in our industry to know about the situation? CH: I want to start by saying that I think there are a lot of things that the Thoroughbred industry has started to do right. I think there's a lot more awareness about Thoroughbreds ending up in slaughter-market channels. I don't want to discount that by any means. But I definitely want people to know I look at shipping certificates in my work for the Horse Welfare Collective, and I see lots of Thoroughbreds on the shipping certificates. One of my first rescues was a Thoroughbred who was five years old and sold for $500,000 as a yearling. I reconnected that horse with their breeder. They were very happy [I did that], but they were crushed to learn the condition that horse was in, and that the horse was on its way to possibly being shipped to Mexico for slaughter. So I want people to understand that it doesn't matter what your horse accomplished, how much money they made, how much money they didn't make. If you're not following them or doing your homework to make sure you know where they're going and where they end up, it's very possible they've been slaughtered or are in a horrific condition and on their way to being slaughtered. It's also really important to understand where you're sending your horse in international markets. When you're selling a horse at Keeneland or Fasig-Tipton, and you're sending that horse to an [overseas] buyer, especially South Korea, they have a really hard time identifying where those horses go [after their racing careers]. I don't contact breeders so much any more to tell them about the conditions their horses are in, because it's honestly become so overwhelming I can't keep up. Sarah Andrew photo TDN: Are actions by rescuers buying horses out of American “kill pens” helping to fill the gaps left by governmental non-enforcement? CH: You have a lot of rescue awareness now, which is great. But now you have kill buyers really benefitting from this industry in a two-pronged way. Number one, they're still selling to slaughter plants. But they're also marketing these “for slaughter” horses to rescues. [The buyers want to prey upon the fact that] the more dire these horses' conditions are, the more likely it is that they'll get rescued. But then the horses are well-built, such as Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, they're continuing to be shipped to slaughter plants because they're a more attractive physical specimen. TDN: With specific reference to Thoroughbreds, are there geographic areas in the country where racehorses getting sent to slaughter are particularly problematic? CH: I see a lot of Thoroughbreds coming out of Ohio and Arizona. That's sort of a big pipeline. And this is a huge issue because this is where the lack of oversight comes in. People take Thoroughbreds from tracks or from livestock auctions and just kind of sneak them through the system. You used to be able to look at shipping certificates, and it's much harder to do that now [since the advent of] microchips. Now the vets who are doing the health and shipping certificates are no longer required to put the breed of the horse or any tattoos or markers, because now they have the microchips. So now it's virtually impossible to trace if Thoroughbreds are going across the border, particularly to Mexico. There are no identifying specifics on their paperwork–just microchip numbers. TDN: Some slaughter still takes place in this country in the form of black-market meat traders. In 2019, we reported on unsolved cases that seemed to fit this pattern in Florida, and there was another story in the Tampa Bay Times last week of an alleged Thoroughbred slaughter that is being investigated but has yet to result in any criminal charges being filed. CH: This is something that is much more difficult to uncover and understand. Particularly in Central Florida, in the Ocala area, and Southern Florida, in the Miami area, there is a market for the underground horse-meat trade. There are populations of people who live there and consume horse meat. My understanding is that the majority of them are Cuban, South American, but I don't have any concrete data supporting that. One thing that I also don't think people realize is that big game farms import a lot of horse meat to feed tigers, et cetera, so you'll also find instances of horses being illegally slaughtered around big game parks. TDN: In the Florida case from last week, a citizen took it upon himself to go undercover and infiltrate the alleged underground horse-meat trade. He purportedly captured the slaughter of a Thoroughbred in a video. When he turned his findings over to law enforcement, he wasn't pleased that his efforts did not yield immediate arrests, so he distributed his findings to the local media, resulting in broadcasts and published news stories. Law enforcement officials subsequently held their own news conference, and went on record saying that people who take undercover videos aren't helpful to obtaining convictions, because that type of evidence is problematic to introduce in court. What's your take on that situation? CH: My take on it is to have empathy for every side. I always go back to just finding common ground. What's something we can all agree on? I understand the arguments on either side, and I think everyone has really good points [from which] you can find common ground and learn from this situation to say, “Hey, how can we do it right next time?” This is a product of people not communicating or being on the same page. So people try to take things in their own hands, and then, as a result, it's just wires being crossed. So learn from this experience. Work with the USDA, work with the local government. Say, “In the future, what can we do to best help you prosecute people who are doing this illegally?” Most of the time, everyone has good intentions on the law enforcement side and on the animal welfare side. It's a matter of really embracing that and saying, “Hey, we all have one goal here. Let's work at this as a team, and understand that it's going to take compromise.” TDN: What can Thoroughbred industry participants be doing better to eradicate slaughter? CH: Number one, allocating more funds to aftercare programs. And putting a little bit more into finding some concrete solutions for these horses who are, for instance, kind of broken after they've raced and can't go on to have other jobs; having kind of retirement scenarios for them. I think it's also really important–and this is more ideological–just as a whole to understand that people get into raising and training and breeding because they love horses, and not losing sight of that. Realizing that when racing careers are over, these horses still have so much life to live. If you bring an animal into the world, you need to follow him and take some accountability and responsibility for making sure that they end up in a good spot. The post Q&A with Caroline Howe of the Horse Welfare Collective appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 5 SINCLAIR ELECTRICAL & REFRIDGERATION OPUNAKE CUP 1400m SAMOOT (M Hashizume) – Co-trainer Mr. R Wellwood reported to Stewards, upon return to the stable, SAMOOT, underwent a veterinarian examination which found the mare to have slight bruising in a heal. R. Wellwood further advised the mare has now been sent for a spell. The post Taranaki RI @ Hawera Racecourse, Tuesday 23 July 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 7 MARTIN COLLINS NEW ZEALAND MAAT 2000m THE CHOSEN TOSEN (J Doyle) – Stable representative Mr. R Mildon advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, however, THE CHOSEN TOKEN has been sent for a spell. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Cambridge Synthetic, Wednesday 24 July 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson’s team is flying. Not literally, as they are doing many miles up and down the middle of the South Island via horse transporter. But as far as form goes, the Oamaru trainer has produced excellent results this year which only seem to get better the further the winter goes on. While Williamson’s team on the track is doing their bit, he credits his team off the track for his great run of success in 2024. “It’s a big team effort and there are a lot of people supporting us.” “I think the support of the owners is one of the main reasons.” “We have been getting great support from a lot of owners, so we have been building for a while and now the horses are coming out and doing the job for us.” “The staff are obviously a key part of it, with the travel we do we have to have good people at home so we can juggle it all.” Williamson admitted he would be in all sorts of trouble if he didn’t credit his wife Charlotte for her contribution to the stable. “Charlotte does everything, the horses, all the paperwork and a lot of owner communication and she’s flat out with our three kids too.” “It is good to have her back driving when she can too because she is too good to be sitting in the stands.” Williamson leads the Otago trainers’ premiership with 25 wins, 11 clear of his father Phil. But he has no plans to start crowing about it or giving his father any cheek. “I am not saying a word,” Williamson said. “It has been a goal to win it this year and we are going to give it a good go.” “It would be nice if we could hold on.” “But I know Dad will be rolling out some nice horses.” As far as his two best chances at Winton on Thursday, Williamson is sticking with the tried-and-true in his in-form mares Haley Robyn and Terra Sancta. “Haley Robyn should have a good fitness advantage, she has been racing right through whereas the rest of the field has had a bit of a freshen-up with no racing in Southland.” “She’s in good form and hopefully she can take advantage of it.” Terra Sancta is in a similar spot heading into her Winton assignment. “Her last start win at Addington was great, she’s fit and well and I am expecting a good run.” Kerryn Tomlinson drives both Terra Sancta and Haley Robyn on Thursday. View the full article