Wandering Eyes

Sara Ben-David has been appointed as the Acting Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC), Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced in a press release Thursday. The NJRC ensures the safety and integrity of the horse racing industry in New Jersey. Ben-David, a seasoned state government attorney with extensive experience in casino gaming and sports wagering as well as horse racing, was confirmed by unanimous vote during Wednesday's NJRC meeting. The NJRC is a nine-member bipartisan body appointed by the Governor. “New Jersey's horse racing culture is a unique one that spans back decades. To ensure that the integrity of the industry remains intact, it's important that we have an honest, devoted, and experienced leader at the helm, which is why I am thrilled to welcome Acting Executive Director Sara Ben-David,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I am grateful to Interim Director Thomas Salerno for his time and dedication to the Commission over the past few months following the retirement of former Executive Director Judy Nason. The future of our Racing Commission is bright, and I look forward to working with Acting Executive Director Ben-David as we seek to build on its legacy.” “I am so pleased to announce Sara Ben-David as the Acting Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission. Horse racing has deep roots in New Jersey, and it's our job to ensure that the sport is administered with integrity, fairness, and safety. I can think of no better person to lead the New Jersey Racing Commission than Sara,” said Attorney General Platkin. “During the past two years I have relied on Sara's judgment and expertise on horse racing issues and complex questions involving sports wagering and internet gaming. And I have no doubt that Sara will approach her work at the Commission with that same dedication and commitment to ensuring the soundness of this crucial industry in New Jersey.” “I also want to thank Interim Director of the Racing Commission Thomas Salerno for his service and leadership,” added Attorney General Platkin. “Tom's work allowed the Commission to continue without interruption during this transition period, building on the integrity and professionalism of Judy Nason, who was an exceptional Executive Director of the Racing Commission for six years before her retirement.” “We're pleased to welcome Sara to the NJRC, and we all look forward to working with her,” said Commissioner Francis X. Keegan, Jr. “She has a big role to fill, and we know her experience and enthusiasm will be an absolute benefit to everyone in the racing world. The NJRC is thankful for the continued support of Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin.” “New Jersey has a long and rich horse racing history, and I look forward to continuing the progress we have made to continually refine and improve the sport for the health and safety for all participants,” said Ben-David. “I want to thank Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin for their support and confidence, and for entrusting me with the responsibility to oversee the state's horse racing industry. I'm eager to get to work with new colleagues at the NJRC and its many stakeholders who are passionate about this incredible sport.” Ben-David has served as Counsel to Attorney General Platkin since 2022. From 2013 to 2022, she served as a Deputy Attorney General with the Division of Gaming Enforcement, where she was assigned to the Casino and Employee Licensing Bureaus. In that role, Ben-David handled complex casino licensing hearings before the Casino Control Commission, oversaw the development of the “Jackpot Intercept” for the Child Support Program, and prepared amended regulations enhancing equal employment opportunity protections within the New Jersey casino gaming industry. Interim Director Thomas Salerno, who assumed that role after the retirement of Judy Nason in May 2024, remains in his previous position of Assistant Director. Ben-David will begin her work as Acting Executive Director on August 12, 2024. The post Sara Ben-David Appointed as Acting Executive Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 12th annual 'Riders Up!' jockey karaoke contest, benefitting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), returns on Sunday, July 28 at Vapor Night Club in Saratoga Springs, the non-profit said in a Thursday press release. As in previous years, the Saratoga contest will be part of the Battle of East-vs-West with the Del Mar event being held on Aug. 11. Famed track announcer Tom Durkin returns as emcee, and this year's judges include Donna Brothers, Marisa Jacques, Mark Mulholland and Father Jim Sichko. Click here for more information. The post 12th Annual Karaoke Contest Benefitting The PDJF Returns To Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Monmouth Park's $1,000 Haskell Handicapping Challenge on Saturday, July 20, saw another record field and finished with New Jersey's own Pete Rogers atop the leaderboard, according to a release on Thursday from the racetrack. Rogers's $6,095.50 bankroll was best of 323 total entries and landed the Summit, New Jersey-resident a first prize of a Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge seat and $21,000. In total, Saturday's Haskell contest awarded 10 BCBC seats, two seats to the National Horseplayers Championship and $50,000 in cash. Monmouth Park's next live-money handicapping contest is Saturday, Aug. 3 and sports a $500 buy-in. Players may participate online through TVG/4NJBETS and Xpressbet or on-site at Monmouth Park. For information on contests, please contact Brian Skirka at bskirka@monmouthpark.com. The post New Jersey Man Wins Haskell Handicapping Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Downs plans to increase purses for nine of its 18 stakes by a total of $3.7 million from what was originally announced, pending regulatory approval, including the Nashville Derby Invitational (G3T) bumped from $2.5 million to $3.1 million.View the full article

Retired MLB star and GI Belmont Stakes-winning co-owner Jayson Werth will be the luncheon keynote speaker at the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS), taking place from Aug. 12-14 at the Saratoga Hilton, the organizers said in a release on Thursday. “I am humbled to be welcomed into the racing community alongside experts passionate about addressing the challenges and opportunities in racing and gaming,” said Werth. “It's an honor to share my own journey with such a remarkable group at the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga.” The RGCS will present more than 60 expert speakers across a wide range of disciplines, including academics, elected officials, lawyers, regulators, gaming operators and racing officials. The agenda includes 12 panels spread over three days with two evening networking receptions and a day at the races. Space is limited and registration is required. Click here for more information. The post Jayson Werth To Serve As Keynote For Racing And Gaming Conference at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse owner Brent Malmstrom told Wednesday's opening session of the annual National HBPA Conference that he has spent more than $620,000 “with no end in sight” on fighting the two-year suspension handed trainer Jonathon Wong after one of Wong's horses became the first to test positive in a post-race sample for the widely-prescribed diabetes medication Metformin under the HISA era. The comments came during the opening session of the four-day National HBPA Conference at Prairie Meadows. While Malmstrom doesn't own the horse at the center of the case, he has supported his trainer throughout the process. “You can agree with me or not, but I hope we can agree on one fundamental principle: No one should ever be at risk to losing their entire economic viability by no fault of their own. And that is something that is happening and will continue to happen until change occurs. There is fundamental unfairness where you can blatantly label someone a cheater when they've never had any opportunity to defend themselves,” said the West Coast businessman in the tech industry. “Back then you were labeled and branded and suspended as a cheater before you even had the results of the drug analysis… Now I understand the rules have all changed since then. But many of these changes have not helped our situation.” Appearing via Zoom because of flight cancelations trying to get to Des Moines, Malmstrom was part of the conference's opening panel titled “Status Report on HISA – Updates on Issues and Litigation.” Participating in person were Center for American Rights President Daniel Suhr, the lead attorney on the court challenge to the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act legislation brought by the National HBPA and 12 affiliates in the Fifth Circuit, and prominent Indiana equine attorney Pete Sacopulos, a racehorse owner and breeder who represents the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians in the litigation. National HBPA General Counsel Peter Ecabert moderated the panel. Malmstrom shared his experience as he has financed the ongoing effort to exhaust the new administrative procedures under HISA to get Wong's case into federal court. The trainer's case, from a race June 1, 2023, at Horseshoe Indianapolis, was the first of what has become a spate of Metformin positives. It also was among the earliest medication/drug violations sanctioned under the new policies put in place by the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority (HISA) corporation and its enforcement arm, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU). HISA and HIWU ultimately announced that they are not enforcing sanctions on new cases until more research is done on the effect of Metformin on horses. They said the new policy would not be retroactive, so Wong remains suspended, although he subsequently started racing horses in Louisiana, which under a separate court challenge received a stay to prevent HISA's rules from being enforced in that state. “If I knew what I know today back when all of this started, I probably would have just paid Jonathan to sit on the sidelines for the 18 months they originally were offering and I'd have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Malmstrom said. “I know others have received a more favorable outcome. I don't know how our situation is different, other than I continue to be an advocate for all the people who come behind. When you're the first, I think they want to make an example out of us.” HBPA attorney Suhr: Fifth Circuit “a great opinion” Attorney Daniel Suhr spoke about the July 5 Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' finding which found that while HISA's rule-making procedures were constitutional, its enforcement of those rules is not. The suit is in a 45-day period while the Federal Trade Commission and the HISA corporation decide if they will appeal. With the Sixth Circuit upholding HISA's legality, the split among jurisdictions is likely to land the case before the Supreme Court, Suhr said, adding that the additional case in Louisiana is still awaiting a ruling. There also is an Eighth Circuit case awaiting a decision. Even if the Fifth Circuit decision didn't give the horsemen everything they'd hoped for, Suhr called it “a great opinion.” “Judge Duncan gave us everything we need to go on and move forward in a great position,” he said. Suhr said that he was confident that if the case goes to the high court, the majority of justices would rule in favor of the horsemen and strike down HISA. In introducing the panel, National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback called it “a new day” in the wake of the Fifth Circuit opinion. “HISA has become our industry's new four-letter word,” he said. “But I also want to say that the National HBPA had the same mission longer than HISA. We wanted national uniformity. We strived for national uniformity. We even supported the RMTC (Racetrack Medication & Testing Consortium) in an effort to do it in a scientistic fashion. So the mission has been the same. But when we started down this path after the (HISA) bill was signed into law, I felt I made it very clear publicly that the stance of the National HBPA is, and remains, to do our due diligence to protect horsemen. That's what we're doing: We're pursuing this because there was a concerted effort to review the Act, and we did not feel like it was in the best interest of the horse. “We want a level-playing field. We want cheaters out of the game. But how are we going to do it in the best way possible to protect horsemen, and is this Act the right thing to do? I think now we can justly say this act as a whole is not right for horsemen and the horse-racing industry and it's not doing what is necessary to protect the horse.” Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg | courtesy of the HBPA Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg delivers keynote address Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg thanked the National HBPA Conference for coming to the Prairie Meadows racetrack/casino/hotel complex and praised Prairie Meadows and the Iowa horsemen for their important contributions to the state. In extolling the virtues of the Hawkeye State, he joked, “And, I will say, with apologies to some of your states like Kentucky, Maryland and New York and others, we're also home to the highest-stakes horse race of all: the world-famous Iowa Caucuses, where we help winnow the field in our Presidential nominating process and help choose the next leader of the Free World.” Amplifying horse racing in a new 'Light' Annise Montplaisir, co-founder and executive director of Amplify Horse Racing, and Price Bell, general manager of Mill Ridge Farm and one of the founders of Light Up Racing, talked about the new grassroots initiatives designed to create a new generation of racing fans and potential work force–in the case of Amplify–and to promote horse racing in a positive light while countering misinformation (Light Up Racing). Light Up Racing, patterned off a similar initiative in Australia, launched shortly before the Kentucky Derby. Already, they say they have responded to more than 3,200 inaccurate social media posts, according to Bell. Notably, it quickly launched on social media a video interview with equine surgeon Larry Bramlage about the successful surgery and promising prognosis for Just Steel, who suffered a leg fracture in the Preakness Stakes. The video countered social media posts suggesting that Just Steel was dead or would die shortly, changing the narrative to the care racehorses get and advances in veterinary medicine. Bell said that racing “must get away from sticking its head in the sand” while hoping potential controversy would go away, and instead should face such situations head on with accurate and timely information. “We have the opportunity to grow our sport by sharing the incredible experiences with our horses,” said Bell. “Transparency fosters trust and credibility. Alone, we can do very little; together we can do so much. Bell is a sixth-generation horsemen who also was a founder of the Horse Country program that makes many Kentucky horse farms available for public tours. “It's the power of the horse that brings us together.” Montplaisir, who grew up and became a passionate horse-racing fan in North Dakota, laid out Amplify Horse Racing's efforts in its short existence to become the American racing industry's youth arm through an array of programs and experiences. She said that in 2023, its first year with a full-time staff of two, the non-profit reached more than 17,000 young people with information about the thoroughbred industry. Already in 2024, Amplify Horse Racing has had in-person activities in seven states, with expectations of reaching more than 30,000 people by year's end. Montplaisir said Amplify wants to work with horse groups to bring youths to the track. She cited a recent summer program held at Hawthorne racetrack in Cicero, Illinois, sponsored by the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. She said of the five high school students who participated in the program “four came away wanting to be equine veterinarians.” She said Amplify's next step is employing regional ambassadors to expand the reach nationally. Aftercare, classifying races, Uncaptured Storm also in spotlight The aftercare panel on Wednesday's program has become a staple of the HBPA conference, taking on increasing importance as the racing industry finds ways to give its retired racehorses second careers from accomplished show horses to riding horses to what was affectionately called a “pasture potato.” Anna Ford | New Vocations Anna Ford, who with her mother founded New Vocations Racehorse Adoption in 1992, noted that the term aftercare wasn't used in the industry when they began. She told the audience how in the last 10 years, the awareness “of the need for aftercare has grown greatly. I think it started primarily when social media came on the scene. Even 10-12 years ago, you'd ask trainers, 'What do you do with your horses then they retire?' and most of them really didn't have an answer. Fast forward to 2024 and ask them, they have an answer 99 percent of the time.” Ford said last year that New Vocations' nine facilities took in 618 horses from 70 racetracks and adopted them out to new homes in 38 states. She said the average length of stay to be rehabilitated, if necessary, and retrained is 121 days before being adopted out. The average cost of the stay, including veterinary care is $4,500, with the average adoption fee being $1,400. Kirsten Green, administrator for the Retired Racehorse Project, explained that organization's market-based approach to aftercare, culminating the increasingly popular Thoroughbred Makeover event at the Kentucky Horse Park. That's where horses who had their last race or published work within the prior 18 months are retrained to compete in 10 disciplines for more than $100,000 in prize money. Green said more than 4,700 horses have been impacted by having the Thoroughbred Makeover from its 2013 launch at Pimlico through 2023. The result has been increased demand for retired racehorses, helping to take some of the costs of retraining those horses away from aftercare facilities. Veterinarian Stephanie White, president of Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART), spoke of the importance of Iowa's only accredited aftercare facility. Since HART's 2011 launch, 152 horses have gone through the program, with 127 adopted out, she said. The horses all have a connection to Prairie Meadows. “For our area, I'm quite proud of that number,” White said. “The first five years, we averaged about five horses a year. Since 2018, we've average 19.8 horses.” But like all aftercare facilities, funding remains challenging, along with the need for volunteers, she said. Races and their graded status The final panel of the day featured a detailed explanation of how races are assigned, or stripped of, graded status. The panel included Andy Schweigardt, senior director of industry relations for the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA); David O'Farrell, general manager of Ocala Stud and TOBA chairman; and longtime racing official Rick Hammerle, a consultant for 1/ST Racing and director of racing operations at Kentucky Downs. Pat Cummings, executive director of Mike Repole's new National Thoroughbred Alliance, moderated the panel. Pat Cummings | The Jockey Club As part of a conversation on finding other ways to fill races and get larger fields, the panelists broached the exploration of introducing ratings handicap races into American racing. Stressing that it would not replace claiming races, they said ratings handicaps would add a category where the condition of the race is based on performance ratings, not claiming prices. Yet to be determined is what entity and methodology would assign rating classifications to horses. The National HBPA also honored its 2023 National Claiming Horse of the Year in nine-time winner Uncaptured Storm, who won at least once for each of his owners after changing hands five times last year via the claim box. “This is a tradition that is a backbone of the industry, and certainly a backbone of our organization,” said Hambelback, adding that the candidates for the award “are very successful. But it doesn't mean that success is defined by purse account. It's not what they've earned as much as what they've done.” The post HBPA Conference Kicks off in Des Moines; HISA a Central Topic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caravaggio's name has been plastered all over the TDN recently on the back of Porta Fortuna and Whitebeam's exploits. TDN's Gary King chatted with Dr. Shigeki Yusa, Manager of the JBBA Shizunai Stallion Station, about the well travelled stallion who now calls Japan home. GK: How proud are you of Caravaggio's recent successes? Most notably Porta Fortuna and Whitebeam. SY: The two wins in two days made us very happy, especially with Porta Fortuna winning two Group 1 races in a row with the recent Falmouth Stakes victory, and Whitebeam repeating in the Diana Stakes. In addition, this year The Grey Wizard has won the U.S. GII Belmont Gold Cup Stakes and Tiber Flow has won the U.K. G3 John Of Gaunt Stakes, showing that his progeny have a wide range of success. These achievements demonstrate that Caravaggio's progeny can be successful from the age of two and have further growth potential, which was good for our promotion to Japanese breeders. カラヴァッジオ(USA) Caravaggio pic.twitter.com/od1zLPOSmi — shigeki yusa (@yusas) June 22, 2024 The first foal born in Japan this year also has a well-balanced physique inherited from his sire and has a good reputation, so I can't wait to see him make his debut in two years. GK: What encouraged the JBBA to purchase him from Coolmore in late 2022. SY: We had our eye on offspring of Scat Daddy to carry on the sire line of Johannesburg, who stood at our stallion station. We had several candidates and made our selection based on a comprehensive assessment of their racing records, stud records, physique, etc. GK: Can you describe how the JBBA works, please. SY: Since its establishment in 1955, the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association (JBBA) has provided the following support with the aim to achieve stable development of Japan's Thoroughbred breeding sector: Management of Stallion Stations: The JBBA manages three stallion stations in Shizunai (Hokkaido), Shichinohe (Aomori), and Kyushu, and provides internationally acclaimed stallions with high quality pedigrees at low stud fees. Farm Support: Subsidies for the improvement of farm facilities and the purchase of broodmares. Providing of Information: Since 1987, the JBBA has provided basic information on racehorses, stallions, broodmares and foals, racing results, and statistical information on sales through the Japan Bloodstock Information System (JBIS). Human Resource Development: The JBBA trains personnel related to the breeding and pre-training of Thoroughbred horses through its Stud Personnel Training Program. GK: How many mares has Caravaggio covered each year at the JBBA? SY: In 2023, 128 mares, and in 2024, 70 mares. GK: Of the mares covered by Caravaggio in Japan, any high-profile ones? SY: Here's a list: Graded Stakes Winner: Namura Lycoris by Jo Cappuccino, Winner of the Hakodate Nisai Stakes (G3, Turf 1200m) Dam of Graded Stakes Winner: Baika Tarquin by Empire Maker, Dam of Walzer Schall by Makfi, winner of the March Stakes (G3, Dirt 1800m) Daughter of Group 1 winner, half-sister to Group 1 winner, etc.: Viva Pace by Empire Maker, Her dam, Peace of World was the JRA Champion Two-Year-Old Filly and winner of the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1, Turf 1600m) Keep On Going by Deep Impact, Her dam, Lady Joanne (USA) is a winner of the Alabama Stakes (G1, Dirt 10F) Normalcy by Rulership, Her half-sister, Whale Capture is a winner of the Victoria Mile (G1, Turf 1600m) In addition to the above, Caravaggio has covered many mares from the Sunday Silence (such as Deep Impact) and King Kamehameha bloodlines. GK: The JBBA stands many stallions that are well known in Europe and America. Sharp Azteca, Declaration of War, Makfi, Noble Mission, Mischievous Alex, Bago, Animal Kingdom, David Junior, Creator, Aldebaran, Cape Blanco and Squirtle Squirt. What do you look for when acquiring a stallion for the JBBA? SY: In order to breed and train high-quality horses that are internationally competitive, it's essential to introduce superior genes and prevent extreme narrowing of bloodlines. With the aim to improve the quality of Japanese-bred horses, the association has made the introduction of excellent Thoroughbred stallions a major pillar of its breeding business. Noble Mission ノーブルミッション(GB) pic.twitter.com/6waNgq6vfN — shigeki yusa (@yusas) June 26, 2024 Our goal is to import many excellent stallions from all over the world to raise the standard of Thoroughbred breeding in Japan, prevent excessive concentration of certain bloodlines, and contribute to the diversification of Thoroughbred breeding in Japan. Fourteen of the 15 stallions currently standing at the JBBA are imported from overseas. Dancing Brave, who was an imported stallion that stood at the JBBA in the past, has left a significant mark on the current pedigree of Japanese horse racing, with progeny such as King Halo who is the broodmare sire of Equinox, and Kyoei March (winner of the Oka Sho, Japanese 1000 Guineas), who is the second dam of Marche Lorraine, winner of the GI BC Distaff. The post ‘It’s Essential To Introduce Superior Genes’: JBBA Delighted With Caravaggio’s Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ollie Sangster snagged last year's renewal of Sandown's Listed European Bloodstock News EBF Star Stakes with subsequent G1 Fillies' Mile runner-up Shuwari (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) and collected back-to-back renewals of the seven-furlong contest with recent Haydock winner Celestial Orbit (GB) (No Nay Never–Rose Bonheur {GB}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Settled off the tempo in seventh until easing closer in the home straight, the 9-1 chance moved to within striking distance with a quarter-mile remaining and was beyond recall once quickening to the fore approaching the final furlong, keeping on strongly up the hill to comfortably account for the running-on Anshoda (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}) by 2 1/4 lengths. Celestial Orbit, sent off at 9/1, is a commanding winner of the Listed European Bloodstock News EBF Star Stakes at @Sandownpark under @JPSPENCER1980 for @OllieSangster. pic.twitter.com/AgJ671wy9b — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 25, 2024 The post No Nay Never’s Celestial Orbit Dominates Sandown Feature appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton will offer a share consigned by Airdrie Stud in freshman sire Complexity (by Maclean's Music) as the first item in the Saratoga Sale's second session on Tuesday, Aug. 6, the auction house said in a release on Thursday morning. Complexity leads all first crop sires by winners, black-type winners, black-type horses, graded stakes winners and progeny earnings. He is also the current leading general sire of 2-year-olds. These include Mo Plex, winner of the GIII Sanford Stakes at Saratoga on opening weekend, as well as Mensa, winner of the Victoria Stakes at Woodbine July 19 following his record setting purchase for $740,000 on Fasig-Tipton Digital following his maiden win. “What Complexity has accomplished with his first crop of 2-year-olds is simply remarkable,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “For him to not only be leading first crop sire, but also leading U.S. sire of two-year-olds, is an incredible feat.” “We are thrilled to offer a share in Complexity at Saratoga,” said Browning. “With so many major breeders in attendance at the sale, it's the perfect place to do so.” Following a four-length debut win at Saratoga at two, the Chad Brown trainee went on to win the GI Champagne Stakes with a 95 Beyer speed figure. At 4-years-old Complexity won the GII Kelso Handicap at Belmont. His time for the mile in the Kelso was 1:33 4/5 and his 110 Beyer was the third highest registered by any horse that year. “I don't believe we've ever had an Airdrie stallion get off to a more promising start,” said Airdrie President Bret Jones. “Complexity was a brilliantly talented racehorse and he has been making the case since his first foals hit the ground that he could be an equally successful sire.” “The word from Ocala was just so strong from the very beginning and it has been wonderful to see that early promise evolve into these incredible results,” said Jones. “To be not just the leading freshman sire in America, but the leading overall sire of 2-year-olds is extraordinary and we are further emboldened by the incredibly positive reports we continue to receive on his yet unraced two-year-olds.” Further information about Complexity may be found by clicking here. Prospective bidders may contact Airdrie's Bret Jones at (859) 361-6379 or Ben Henley at (859) 552-7716 with questions or inquiries. Online and phone bidding on the Complexity share will be available. The 103rd Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale will take place on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 5-6, in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, New York. Sessions will begin each evening at 6:30 pm. ET. The post Share In Freshman Sire Complexity To Be Offered At Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin newcomer Ruling Court (Justify–Inchargeofme {GB}, by High Chaparral {Ire}) caused a stir when knocked down for a sale-topping €2.3-million at Arqana's Breeze-up sale in May and made another huge splash with an imperious performance to earn a 'TDN Rising Star' rosette in Thursday's Martin Densham & Peter Deal Memorial British EBF Maiden Stakes at Sandown. The seven-furlong contest has earned its status as an important staging post with recent winners including Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Kameko (Kitten's Joy). Ruling Court becomes the ninth Rising Star for his upwardly mobile sire (by Scat Daddy), whose European honour roll includes City Of Troy and Ramatuelle. The 4-9 favourite was slowly into stride and raced off the pace in rear until taking closer order in the home straight. Looming large out wide passing the quarter-mile marker, he quickened to the fore approaching the final furlong and powered clear in the closing stages to easily outclass Pantile Warrior (GB) (Frankel {GB}) by a hugely impressive 5 1/2 lengths. Ruling Court, a $150,000 Keeneland September pinhook by Norman Williamson, is the third of four foals and first scorer out of GIII Old Forester Mint Julep Handicap third Inchargeofme (GB), herself a full-sister to G1 Racing Post Trophy and G1 Jebel Hatta placegetter Johann Strauss (GB). The February-foaled bay's dam is also kin to G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud third Mythical (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) and to the dam of stakes-winning GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf third Nagirroc (Lea) and the stakes-placed De Guiza (Verrazano). Ruling Court, whose fourth dam is G2 Child Stakes victrix and G1 Coronation Stakes runner-up Inchmurrin (Ire) (Lomond), is a half-brother to a weanling filly by Ghostzapper. Impressive! Ruling Court cost €2,300,000 as a yearling and romps home on his debut at @Sandownpark under @WilliamBuickX for Charlie Appleby and @godolphin. The Justify colt, sent off at 4/9, is an exciting juvenile for the months ahead. pic.twitter.com/g10sIYHQJR — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 25, 2024 2nd-Sandown, £10,000, Mdn, 7-25, 2yo, 7fT, 1:31.00, gd. RULING COURT, c, 2, by Justify 1st Dam: Inchargeofme (GB) (GSP-US, $135,305), by High Chaparral (Ire) 2nd Dam: Inchmina (GB), by Cape Cross (Ire) 3rd Dam: Incheni (Ire), by Nashwan Sales history: $150,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; €2,300,000 2yo '24 ARQBRU. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,916. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Godolphin; B-Nursery Place, Manfuso & Wilhite (KY); T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. The post Godolphin’s €2.3m Breeze-Up Sensation Ruling Court Powers to TDN Rising Stardom at Sandown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) has been confirmed as an intended runner in next month's G1 Juddmonte International at York by owner Tim Gredley, who also revealed plans for the Derby runner-up to stay in training as a four-year-old. Trained by James Fanshawe, Ambiente Friendly has underlined his status as one of the leading three-year-old colts in training since his impressive victory in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes in May, first faring best of the rest behind City Of Troy (Justify) at Epsom and then running another solid race when finishing third in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh. His connections now have their sights set on a rematch with City Of Troy and a drop back to a mile and a quarter for the feature contest on the opening day of York's Ebor Festival, which takes place on Wednesday, August 21. “Ambiente Friendly is in good order and the plan is to go for the Juddmonte,” said Gredley, who owns the colt with his father, Bill. “He came out of the Irish Derby really well, but he had two hard races in the space of a month and Mr Fanshawe was keen to try a mile and a quarter around a left-handed bend, so the Juddmonte was the obvious race. “It's probably more exciting for others than us, because we would probably rather he [City Of Troy] wasn't there. We can't control who is in the race, but I suppose the one thing we do have in our favour is we are not really ground dependent, unless it came up soft. We wouldn't be too worried either way. “We don't know who is going to turn up on the day, but watching Sandown [when City Of Troy won the Coral-Eclipse] was interesting and it will be interesting to see them have a match over a mile and a quarter.” The Gredley family are no strangers to top-level success, having seen their familiar yellow and black silks carried by star names such as Environment Friend (GB), User Friendly (GB) and Big Orange (GB), but their time in the sport has also shown them how difficult it is to acquire a horse of Ambiente Friendly's calibre. “Sometimes you just have to remember how hard it is to get a horse like this and enjoy it,” Gredley said of the journey so far, before confirming that it's the intention for Ambiente Friendly to race on as a four-year-old. “Everybody has an opinion and that is why we love racing, but at the end of the day we just have to make sure we look after him. We are trying to campaign him as sparingly as possible because ultimately we want to keep him in training next year. James has always maintained this horse is not yet fully developed, so as long as he stays fit and healthy we can have another campaign with him next year, which is even more exciting. “It's been really exciting so far and like any horse they only have a certain amount of racing in them. We want to make sure he has a lengthy career and we're just really enjoying the ride.” The post Ambiente Friendly Set to Race at York Next Month and into 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Downs plans to increase purses for nine of its 18 stakes by a total of $3.7 million from what was originally announced, pending regulatory approval, according to a press release from the track early on Thursday morning. Leading the way is the GIII Nashville Derby Invitational, bumped from $2.5 million to $3.1 million. That would make the 1 5/16-mile stakes North America's second-richest race, for Kentucky-breds, behind only the $5 million GI Kentucky Derby among races held at one track. The Nashville Derby already was America's richest turf race for Kentucky-breds outside the $5 million GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, whose location moves around with the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The nine requested purse hikes are a combination of increasing the association money that forms a race's base purse for which every horse runs and supplements from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) restricted to registered Kentucky-breds. For instance, the Nashville Derby would increase to a base purse of $1.9 million, with $1.2 million in KTDF, if approved. Kentucky Downs's seven-day meet runs Aug. 29 and 31 and Sept. 1, 5, 7, 8 and 11, featuring nine graded stakes. If approved, total purse money offered at the meet would exceed $38 million, including seven stakes worth at least $2 million with the KTDF supplements. The number of stakes worth at least $1 million for Kentucky-breds will reach 15, with the restricted Tapit Stakes and One Dreamer Stakes and the new Nashville Gold Cup $500,00 apiece. In addition, the National Thoroughbred League Overnight Handicap will have a $500,000 purse. The Nashville Derby, formerly the Dueling Grounds Derby, was announced in April as increasing from $1 million to $2.5 million, including Kentucky-bred purse supplements. Other requested increases: • GIII Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon purse would double from $1 million to $2 million, giving the Sept. 7 showcase card six stakes worth $2 million apiece for Kentucky-breds. • The track's four 2-year-old stakes each received a $250,000 increase to $1 million with the Kentucky-bred supplements. • GII Ladies Turf Sprint on Aug. 31 would increase to $1.5 million from $1 million in total purse money offered. • The closing-day Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational would go to $1.6 million; the requested $100,000 increase in base purse means 3-year-old fillies foaled outside of Kentucky still will compete for a cool $1 million. • The Gun Runner for 3-year-olds at a mile would receive a $500,000 increase to $1.5 million for Kentucky-breds. The KTDF increases must be approved by the newly formed Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (previously the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission) after first getting a favorable recommendation from its KTDF advisory committee. Base purses are set in consultation with the Kentucky HBPA, which represents owners and trainers at Kentucky Downs. The deadline is Aug. 19 to make free nominations to the stakes held on Aug. 29 and 31 and Sept. 1; nominations are due by Aug. 21 for the remaining stakes. Requests for invitations to the Nashville Derby are due by Aug. 17; requests for invitations to the Dueling Grounds Oaks are due by Aug. 27. The post Kentucky Downs Plans To Raise Purses By $3.7 Million Pending Regulatory Approval appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sprint star I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) will take a different path through the spring to last year, with two Group One races at The Valley on his agenda in September. A change to next season’s racing calendar that sees the G1 Moir Stakes (1000m) held three weeks earlier on September 7 is the catalyst for a change in plan according to trainer and part-owner Peter Moody. I Wish I Win took the unusual path 12 months ago of a first-up run in the 1400-metre Memsie Stakes six weeks before his run in The Everest, but this time around he will enjoy a more-conventional lead-up. The son of Savabeel has not yet raced at The Valley but Moody said the Moir Stakes and then G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) three weeks later on September 27 fit into his Everest program. “The dates have changed this year so we’re not going to the Memsie and so he’ll probably go through the Manikato three weeks before (The Everest),” Moody said. “He could go to the 1000-metre race (Moir) before that but I’ve still to look at that. “He’s up in Queensland and doing a bit of pace work and enjoying his workload.” I Wish I Win was given a short break after his latest run when the winner of the G1 Kingsford-Smith Stakes in Brisbane in June, which took his earnings to almost A$12 million. I Wish I Win is the $4.60 equal favourite (alongside Estriella) with Sportsbet for the Moir Stakes, is the $3.60 favourite for the Manikato Stakes and is the $4.50 favourite for The Everest on October 19. View the full article

Promising four-year-old Martell handled the step up to open grade with aplomb at Arawa Park on Thursday when beating home a handy field in the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua 1230. The son of El Roca jumped well to sit outside leader Caitlyns Wish before getting some cover when apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll elected to push forward to sit parked with Digger. Turning for home, Martell was guided three-wide by apprentice Jessica Allen and under his featherweight of 52kg he was able to quickly draw level with leader Caitlyns Wish, with the pair going-head-to-head down the straight before Martell was able to get the better of his rival in the concluding stages, winning by a neck. It was Martell’s sixth win from 15 starts and trainer Jim Collett was pleased with the way he handled the step up to open grade. “He was well placed with the allowance, and he was well ridden,” Collett said. “He is a horse on the up, he has only had limited starts and he tries hard and likes that sort of ground (Heavy10). “He has matured this time in. As a three-year-old he was a bit weak, he is stronger now, he has got confidence, and he is running well.” While tempted to now tackle stakes company with his charge, Collett said he will opt to take a more cautious approach for the remainder of his preparation. “He is not ready for anything major just yet. You could get carried away and put him in a Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m), but it is a level too far for him at the moment,” Collett said. “I may go back to Te Rapa with him for an Open sprint over 1200m before giving him another run at Hawke’s Bay. As soon as the tracks firm up, I will give him a nice, long spell and hopefully he comes back stronger again.” Looking ahead to the weekend, Collett will line-up just the one runner at Te Rapa on Saturday, with last start runner-up Tregor set to tackle the New World Taumarunui Mile (1600m). “Tregor is in good form, he is in similar form to last start,” Collett said. “I am happy with him and given a bit of luck in the race he has got to go close.” View the full article

Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have plenty to look forward to with Social Climber (NZ) (Contributer) after the promising filly debuted in winning fashion at Arawa Park on Wednesday. Social Climber made a decent impression at the trials four weeks ago and was set to make her first raceday appearance last Saturday before that was briefly delayed with the Rotorua meeting moved to Thursday. One of four juveniles on debut in the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1230m), Social Climber was assertive early under Jasmine Fawcett from the wide barrier and settled outside the leader in Serendipitous. Cruising into the straight, the filly got on even terms with the pacemaker and soon kicked away, putting a three-length margin on the remainder of the field headed by race-favourite Suit Yourself, who had no favours in the running and closed gamely into second. “She was very impressive, she can gallop,” Richardson said. “Jasmine had galloped her and she was pretty confident, even though it was a small field with a lot of unraced horses, so I was undecided as I didn’t know the rest of the form.” With an abundance of options coming up for a rising three-year-old filly, Richardson is keeping an open mind as to where Social Climber will be seen next. “She seems to have pulled up well, but we’ll have to wait and see over the next few weeks,” he said. “There’s some nice three-year-old races around, such as the Wanganui Guineas (Listed, 1200m) and Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) so we’ll see what’s around at the time. “She’s going to be better with the cut in the ground, so she’s going to be a nice horse next autumn as a three-year-old.” A daughter of Contributer, Social Climber was purchased for $10,000 out of Archer Park’s draft at the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sales by Richardson, who races the filly alongside the Social Racing Premier Social Climbers Syndicate. “She was a very athletic filly as a yearling, but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on her as an early two-year-old,” he said. The victory also brought up a significant milestone for the Matamata horseman, being his 800th domestic winner alongside 48 successes in Australia. Of his Kiwi haul, 55 have been Group or Listed winners, including the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) with Bonny Lass and the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m) with Snazzytavi this term. “I’m pretty chuffed about that too, I’ve been very fortunate with some good horses,” Richardson said. “There have been lots of highs, Defibrillate winning a Group One was a big thrill for me because I had my close mates in the horse, and I bred him with the McInteers.” Since going into partnership with Rogan Norvall in August of 2020, the pair have accumulated 69 winners and 11 at stakes level. View the full article

Consistent gelding Chairman (NZ) (Charm Spirit) will be looking to make it three wins from four starts on the Riccarton Synthetic when he heads to the Christchurch meeting on Friday to contest the Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m). The four-year-old son of Charm Spirit has been in outstanding form since joining trainer Richard Didham’s Aylesbury barn earlier this year, primarily on Riccarton’s polytrack, and Didham believes his charge is capable of furthering his tally on the track this week where he will be ridden by Leah Hemi. “Chairman is in the right race again,” Didham said. “He won a (rating) 75 1400m in his last start and it’s a 75 1600m this week, and he has already won over 1600m on the synthetic. It looks an ideal race.” Didham isn’t afraid of stepping Chairman out on the turf but said he will keep him to the synthetic surface for now. “He has only had one go on the grass for me, where he ran third and got home well that day, so that (grass tracks) is not a problem either,” he said. “There is one more synthetic day on the 24th of August, there are a couple of options for him there.” Evergreen galloper King Cougar (NZ) (Alamosa) is set to make his debut for the stable in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m) after he was purchased for $3,000 off gavelhouse.com. The 10-year-old gelding has won 11 of his 101 starts, including his last two for former trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman, and Didham can’t see any reason why he can’t add to that record. “One of our owners that we have had for many years decided to buy him,” Didham said. “He is a nice horse to take away and do anything with. He will improve with the run. “He is as sound as a bell and his work has been terrific. I can’t see why he can’t keep on picking up a cheque every week. “Tomorrow will be a nice blow out for him to get ready for some bigger stakes.” Didham will also line-up Analyst (NZ) (Darci Brahma) in the Smiths Trade & Commercial Rating 60 (1200m) and La Cerveza (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Adroy Capital Maiden (1200m). “Analyst was really good last start in a rating 75 and drops back multiple grades back to a rating 60,” he said. “La Cerveza has already placed second and fourth on the synthetic at Cambridge and he did run really well for me last prep when fourth. I have taken all the gear back off and I am expecting a nice run from him too.” View the full article

Andrew Carston has the $100,000 Special Conditions synthetic race on his radar for Magneto (NZ) (Showcasing) in a fortnight, and he hopes to see a positive lead-in performance on Friday in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m). A winner at Group Three level as a juvenile, Magneto has shown a liking to the synthetic surface this winter with two successive victories over the past six weeks, including over capable mares Miss Nico Belle (Nicconi) and Gemma Flitz (NZ) (Telperion). “He went really well last time, he stepped up to that 75 grade and got a nice run but I thought he was really good in what was a reasonably strong race,” Carston said. “He’ll have to bring that again tomorrow, I think it’s a pretty handy lot but he’s in nice form and I would expect him to run well again. “Safely through this, he will go to the innovation race during National Week, as I’d imagine most of these will.” Zacinto gelding Bad Flamingo (NZ) has produced a win and five placings on the surface previously, with the success coming in last year’s Grand National Amateur Championship (2200m). He will be back to contest the race in a fortnight, with tomorrow’s Cavall Leitch Rating 65 & Jumpers (2200m) as a final lead-in. “I was really happy with his run last-start, he came away fairly but he’s bounced back and will improve a heap off that,” Carston said. “There’s a lot of positives for him tomorrow, he’s got a good barrier, up to 2200m and has a three-kilo claimer on so it looks like a nice race for him. He’s definitely an each way chance. “He will be heading to the amateur race after tomorrow.” Also contesting the staying event is Dame County (NZ), who will have her final race before returning to Mapperley Stud to commence her career as a broodmare. The Contributer mare has plenty of pedigree credentials to take to the paddock, being a half-sister to Group Two winner Le Baron and placegetter Queen Of Pop. “This will be her last start for us as she’s heading back to Mapperley to be a broodmare. She’s been a handy enough horse,” Carston said. “She drops back into 65 grade tomorrow, she’ll need a little bit of luck but she always tries hard.” Carston has a trio of chances in the evenly matched Gift Station Rating 75 (1600m), with last-start winner Delmonico (NZ) (Prince of Brooklyn) joined by Take That (NZ) (Shocking) and Seven Twenty (NZ) (Power). “Delmonico has only had one run on the poly and was competitive, he steps up to 75 grade but he’s definitely a chance,” he said. “Take That is hopefully heading to the amateur race as well, so he’ll probably need the run tomorrow and step-up in distance afterwards. “I thought his run the other day had a lot of merit, he’s in pretty good form and feeling happy with himself. “Seven Twenty always tries hard as well so all three of them are chances in a pretty even field.” Carston’s remaining runners include Lone Spirit (NZ) (Charm Spirit) (Kendal Dawson Maiden, 1400m), Lulo Rose (NZ) (Alamosa) (Smiths Trade & Commercial Rating 60, 1200m), Pegau (NZ) (Tivaci) (Sedgwick Rating 65, 1400m) and Brusset (NZ) (Reliable Man) (Cavall Leitch Maiden, 1600m). A filly by Reliable Man, Brusset stormed into second at her last start and will be the designated runner carrying the Red Nose silks, with LOVERACING.NZ dedicated to donating $1000 to Cure Kids with each winner in the colours. Brusset, Delmonico and Bad Flamingo will each be ridden by stable apprentice Yogesh Atchamah, who is narrowly holding onto the South Island Apprentice Premiership title by one win over Donovan Cooper. Among his rides also includes Lisa Latta’s bold stakes-winning sprinter Lincoln’s Kruz (Kuroshio), who will carry the top-weight in the Prezzy Card Rating 75 (1200m). “We need the young blood coming through the industry and Yogesh is a really good kid, he tries hard and is very professional,” Carston said. “He goes home and watches all of the replays and spends a lot of time with the mechanical horse trying to improve his riding. “I think he’s one in front in the South Island premiership at the moment, so hopefully he can hold them off and he’s got a nice book of rides tomorrow. “He deserves every success he gets.” Meanwhile, back in the local stable, Carston has welcomed back his talented charge Jon Ol Rocco (NZ) (Time Test) who won three races including a dead-heat the Timaru Cup (1600m) last season. “I’m pretty excited about him, I can’t give an exact aim for a race at this stage but he’s coming back really well and will have a trial in the middle of August,” Carston said. “He’s a lovely horse, he hasn’t done a lot wrong and hasn’t had a great deal of luck at times.” Rising four-year-old Mogul (NZ) (Rubick) has also returned, with his season including a fourth in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) and a victory down the 1200m chute at Riccarton. “We’ve determined that he’s a sprinter, we all step them out in distance as a three-year-old because they’re only that age once, but we’ll stick to that this prep,” Carston said. “He’s a really nice horse, he’s come back in good order and has developed a lot. We’ll kick him off in his grade in early September and he will be aimed at New Zealand Cup Week, which race he ends up in there, he’ll tell us.” View the full article

Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) has made an outstanding impression since he crossed the Tasman and further lucrative flat and jumping options await the versatile performer. The son of Jakkalberry won seven races for Cambridge trainer and part-owner Shaun Phelan before he joined Symon Wilde’s Warrnambool stable, and the recent move has already paid off in spades. Hit The Road Jack made a successful hurdling debut earlier this month on his new home turf before he won last Saturday’s Flemington Cup (2800m) to take his Australian earnings to nearly A$120,000. “They’re looking at a hurdle race at Sandown on Sunday week and then there’s a decent hurdle race at Ballarat on August 25,” Phelan said. “If the wet weather stays around there’s also another race at Flemington over 2500m on Saturday week. “That’s the beauty of it over there, you can nominate for plenty of places and then work out where you want to be, there are so many options. “It’s been a big thrill for us, especially to win a race at Flemington.” On the home front on Saturday, Phelan will make a two-pronged attack on the Callinan Family Taumarunui RSA Gold Cup (2200m) at Te Rapa with defending champion Enchanted Elle (NZ) (Jakkalberry) and Pacheco (NZ) (Makfi). To be ridden by Niranjan Parmar, Enchanted Elle’s recent form has been mixed, but Phelan believes she has turned the corner. “We’ve had a couple of little foot issues with her, but she is very well at the moment,” he said. “We had been behind the eight ball a bit and in the last couple of weeks she has been peaking so we’re a bit confident with her if she gets the right run.” She is a younger sister to Hit The Road Jack and is destined to also embark on a hurdling career. “She was going to go around at the jumping trials last Monday, but they were cancelled. That was going to be her hit-out for Saturday,” Phelan said. “She has done plenty of jumping though and will end up like her brother soon.” Stablemate Pacheco has been bouncing between the two roles with the son of Makfi unbeaten in two hurdle starts at Te Rapa. “He is flying and the jumping has really brought him on,” Phelan said. “His run on the flat (fourth) at Ruakaka in between his jumps win wasn’t too bad at all either. “He has drawn well on Saturday (gate three) and I think he will be a decent chance as well.” Pacheco is in tip-top condition and will be ridden on Saturday by Courtney Barnes. “We’ve kept him fresh and after his last hurdle win, he had a quiet week and he’s really enjoying himself,” Phelan said. “He had a gallop during the week and wouldn’t have blown a match out, so he’s in a very happy place at the moment.” View the full article

Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney. Not only did Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney turn 40 on Tuesday, but his mother also arrived in town from Ireland the same day. Sweeney, who did a lot of amateur work in Ireland, started out as an amateur rider in Australia before acquiring his professional licence in 2013. Based in Canberra, he agreed to ride for Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer during last year’s Darwin Cup Carnival. Sweeney had seven Carnival wins, including the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) aboard Dick Leech’s Early Crow and the $40,000 Jaytex Construction Cup (1300m) on Dyer’s Munster. “Winning the Palmerston was the biggest of my career – I’m going to try and do it again, but I can’t promise anything,” he laughed. Returning to Canberra, Sweeney decided to relocate to Darwin in October where he has 14 wins this season – including four wins during the 2024 Carnival. Apart from riding Gary Clarke’s Pink Panther in the $50,000 Metric Mile, it could be a big day for Sweeney as he partners Clarke’s Bel’s Banner in the $32,000 Flying Handicap (1100m) and Ella Clarke’s Wild Beau over 1200m in the $40,000 three-year-old event. It’s a high-quality Metric Mile field, with leading Darwin Cup hopes Wolfburn and Hettinger squaring off. “I rode Pink Panther two starts back and won on him, I think he’ll be competitive as the distance will suit him,” Sweeney said. “Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary thinks a lot of him, he obviously sent him here for a reason. “So far he’s been going good, we’re hoping for a Cup start. “Bel’s Banner has been pretty good to me, but she’s drawn a tricky gate. “She’s been knocking on the door every time I’ve ridden her, while Jarrod Todd has had a couple of wins on her. “I’ve ridden Wild Beau in its first two Darwin starts. “He’s won impressively each time over 1100m, I think he’ll be better over 1200m.” Sweeney is enjoying life in the Top End – he is now the second jockey for the Gary Clarke stable behind Todd. “It’s been good so far, I’ve been getting plenty of rides for Gary, so I can’t complain too much,” Sweeney said. “The Clarkes are looking after me, but if Gary doesn’t have anything in a race, I’m happy to ride for someone else.” Understandably, Sweeney is over the moon that his mother, as well as his niece, are in Darwin. “I haven’t seen Mum in five years because of Covid,” he said. “They’re here until August 14 for the Cup and to see a bit of Darwin. “Mum has never been to Darwin before – she visited me over Christmas and New Year’s in NSW in 2019. “It’s also good to have Mum and friends from Canberra here for my 40th birthday party on Saturday night. “I celebrated the birthday socially on Tuesday over dinner and a few beers.” Horse racing news View the full article

Haras de la Gastine resident Chachnak (Fr) (Kingman {GB} became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Jerome Andreu-trained son Baliros (Fr) made a winning debut in Thursday's Prix Bernard Chabot (Grand Criterium des 2 Ans de Vittel) at Vittel. 3rd-Vittel, €12,500, Mdn, 7-25, 2yo, 8fT, 1:48.91, sf. BALIROS (FR) (c, 2, Chachnak {Fr}–Balinaise {GB}, by Dansili {GB}) raced off the pace in eighth through the initial fractions of this debut. Urged closer rounding the home turn, the 29-10 second choice improved into fourth with 350 metres remaining and kept on strongly under mainly whipless rousting inside the final furlong to deny Bohemos (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}) by a half-length nearing the line, becoming the first winner for his freshman sire (by Kingman {GB}). Baliros is the latest of two foals and first scorer produced by a winning half-sister to G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Indonesienne (Ire) (Muhtathir {GB}), herself the dam of G3 Prix d'Aumale third Bahasa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Listed Grand Criterium de Bordeaux runner-up Precious Sea (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The February-foaled bay's dam Balinaise (GB) (Dansili {GB}) is also kin to Listed Prix Ridgway victor Lumineux (GB) (Motivator {GB}), the stakes-placed duo Papua (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Kamran (Fr) (Green Tune) and to the dam of GIII Pebbles Stakes and GIII Honey Fox Stakes victrix Faith In Humanity (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) The winner's second dam Mydarshaan (GB) (Darshaan {GB}) is a granddaughter of stakes-winning G1 Prix de la Salamandre and G1 Grand Criterium placegetter Most Precious (Nureyev), whose quartet of black-type winners include G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and GI Ramona Handicap heroine Matiara (Bering {GB}), G2 Richmond Stakes-winning sire Pyrus (Mr. Prospector) and G1 Prix d'Ispahan third Marathon (Diesis {GB}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €6,250. Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Ecurie des Mouettes; B-Mme Lisa Lemiere Dubois (FR); T-Jerome Andreu. The post Freshman Sire Chachnak Off the Mark at Vittel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, July 27, 2024 First Race 1:12pm ACST Visit Dabble It’s Day 5 of the Darwin Cup Carnival with 67 horses accepting for the seven-event program. The winner of the $50,000 Metric Mile (1600m) qualifies for the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5 and the winner of the $32,000 Flying Handicap (1100m) qualifies for the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3. The rail will be in the true position and Fannie Bay will again be a good dirt surface Metric Mile Tip: Wolfburn The Darwin Cup has always been the plan for the five-year-old gelding after finishing third in the NT’s biggest race last year. Wolfburn hasn’t put a foot wrong with victory in open company over 1200m in April and 1300m in May before taking out the ROANT Gold Cup (1300m) in late June. The son of Snitzel was a last-start second behind the impressive Bear Story in the Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) at weight-for-age two weeks ago. Wolfburn is a former Darwin Guineas (1600m) and Bridge Toyota Cup (1600m) winner and was second in the NT Derby (2050m). Metric Mile Race 7 – #4 Wolfburn (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (59kg) Bet with Picklebet BEST BET: Daniher In 13 starts for Red Centre trainer Kevin Lamprecht, Daniher has only missed a place on two occasions. The four-year-old gelding was third over 1200m (0-64) at Fannie Bay on June 8 – the former Victorian galloper’s first start since coming second over 1400m (0-64) back home at Pioneer Park on April 20. The son of Fighting Sun was a last-start winner over 1600m (0-66) on July 6. Daniher was second behind Darwin Guineas winner and NT Derby runner-up He’s Maverick over 1600m in Alice Springs on April 6, and he saluted over 1200m and 1600m in Darwin last year. Best Bet Race 6 – #4 Daniher (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Kevin Lamprecht | J: Mark Pegus (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Latest Bentley Latest Bentley first debuted in the Top End in 2017 and never seems to run a bad race. In 23 starts, the son of Host has posted four and seven minor placings – he has also done little wrong at Alice Springs and Katherine. The gelding ran his rivals ragged in his Fannie Bay return on June 29 when he saluted over 1200m (0-58) at $18 with horse racing bookmakers before a last start second over 1300m (0-58) when he finished half a length behind Li’l Wonder. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Latest Bentley (5) 10yo Gelding | T: Neil Dyer | J: Noel Callow (58.5kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: Exceedingly Magic Happy to stick with Exceedingly Magic as the six-year-old mare continues to be competitive whenever she steps out on to Fannie Bay. In six starts since October, Exceedingly Magic hasn’t missed a place and was victorious over 1200m (0-62) against the fillies and mares on July 6, before a last start third behind the impressive Patriotic King over 1100m (0-66) on July 17. The former Victorian mare, who actually won first up over 1000m (Class 2) on October 21 before coming third over 1000m (0-64) a week later, returned from a spell to finish second in May and third in June over 1100m (0-64). Best Value Race 3 – #4 Exceedingly Magic (6) 6yo Mare | T: Phil Cole | J: Emma Lines (a1.5) (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 27/7/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, July 27, 2024 1-2-3-6 3-4-5 1-2-4 1-4-5-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) today announced a new series of races designed to spread investment in Irish National Hunt racing. Beginning on January 1, 2025, HRI will schedule 60 races throughout the calendar year which will be restricted to trainers who have trained less than 50 Irish National Hunt winners in either of the last two full Irish National Hunt seasons. Races in this series will include bumpers, maiden hurdles, beginners steeplechases and handicap hurdles. Jonathan Mullin, HRI's director of racing, said, “This series of 60 races has been designed by the HRI Programmes Committee to give trainers the confidence to attract new owners into their yards with the knowledge that there is a programme of races there to support them in that endeavour. There are already a small number of races in the calendar that provide this function and this series is a step up in quantity which is intended to deliver a body of races substantial enough for trainers to encourage owners into their business and plan campaigns for those horses.” The post HRI Announce New Initiative to Help National Hunt Trainers Attract New Owners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Istabraq, the legendary three-time Champion Hurdle winner, has died at the age of 32 at JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in County Limerick. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Istabraq won three Champion Hurdles between 1998 and 2000, and endeared himself to the racing public with 25 victories under his belt. He also won the Royal Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 1997. In a brief statement released on Thursday, McManus said, “Sadly, Istabraq passed away at 1.15am this morning at the ripe old age of 32. He was a very special horse who gave us many great days of fun and enjoyment. Our thanks to Lara Hegarty, Johnny O'Brien and all the staff at Martinstown who took such fantastic care of him over many years.” The owner added, “We are pleased that we gave him a good celebration for his most recent birthday in May. He leaves Noreen, myself and the family with wonderful memories.” Initially a smart Flat horse for John Gosden, the son of Sadler's Wells went on to become one of the greatest and most popular National Hunt horses of the modern era after joining O'Brien. As well as his Cheltenham Festival heroics, he also won four Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton's Grace Hurdles and an Aintree Hurdle over the course of his glittering career. Istabraq's racing days came to an end after being pulled up in his bid for a fourth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in 2002 and he has since enjoyed a long and happy retirement at McManus' Martinstown Stud, celebrating his 32nd birthday in May. The post Legendary Three-Time Champion Hurdle Winner Istabraq Dies At The Age Of 32 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore and Westerberg's dual Derby hero Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) heads a field of nine for Saturday's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco S. after final declarations were confirmed for Ascot's midsummer showpiece on Thursday morning. Aidan O'Brien trimmed his team from five to three, sidelining Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), and will also saddle Hans Andersen (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Auguste Rodin, who has hit the heights six times in elite-level contests, finished off the radar when last of 10 in 2023's renewal and will bid to become O'Brien's fifth winner of the 12-furlong contest. “We have been very happy with Auguste Rodin and the plan always was to come here after the [G1] Prince Of Wales's Stakes,” the trainer said. “In last year's King George, it was soft ground and we probably held him up too much. When Ryan [Moore] felt he was not going to win, he eased him out of it, and the run probably was not as bad as it looked. The plan for Auguste Rodin after Ascot is the [G1] Japan Cup, which will be very exciting, and he could have a run somewhere in between. Luxembourg won the [G1] Coronation Cup over a mile-and-a-half, which we thought would suit him. He is in very good form as well.” Six Group 1 winners are in the line-up and the field also includes Godolphin's globetrotting Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), recent G1 Pretty Polly Stakes heroine Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) and William Haggas trainee Dubai Honour (GB) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}). Last month's G1 Irish Derby runner-up Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) is the lone 3-year-old representative. The field is completed by Middle Earth (GB) (Roaring Lion) and French raider Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). The post Japan Cup-Bound Auguste Rodin Heads Nine Confirmed For Saturday’s King George appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kuroyanagi on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) hopeful Kuroyanagi is set to return to action this weekend, with connections optimistic about a successful spring campaign. “She’s the most exciting horse we have, she could be absolutely anything,” Niki O’Shea, who trains the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) third-place finisher in partnership with Will Clarken, told Racing.com. “It’s great to have her back, we’re delighted with the way she’s been going, hopefully we can kick off her preparation on the right note.” The $390,000 daughter of Written Tycoon is scheduled to compete in the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) for two and three-year-olds at Morphettville this Saturday, following a trial at Balaklava featuring talented open-class horses. “She was in pretty good company that day and she’s worked well since then, so she’s on the right track,” O’Shea said. “It would be great to win, but obviously it’s hard against the older horses, first-up, and on presumably testing ground.” Kuroyanagi is currently an +700 chance to win the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in November with top horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article