Wandering Eyes

A colt by Nyquist (hip 1114) became the second seven-figure yearling of the session when selling for $1.2 million to John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock late in the day Thursday at Keeneland. Out of an unraced full-sister to Sidney's Candy (Candy Ride {Arg}), the yearling was bred by County Line Farm and was consigned by Indian Creek. The Kentucky Derby winner was also the sire of the day's other million-dollar yearling, a $1.3 million colt consigned by Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services. The post Another Seven-Figure Yearling for Nyquist at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon's 10-month suspension from training will begin on Dec. 1, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Referrals Committee ruled on Thursday. The trainer of G1 King George VI Chase winner Hewick (Ire) (Virtual {GB}), Hanlon had appealed the IHRB decision with a potential deferral of the suspension until Apr. 1, but this request was denied. The Dec. 1 start date was the date given when his suspension was originally announced. The trainer was found to have acted in a manner that “caused significant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport of racing” in the removal of a dead horse from his yard earlier this year. A member of the public videoed the incident and it was widely circulated on social media, which attracted further media attention and led to the IHRB bringing charges against Hanlon, saying the conduct “attracted significant public opprobrium and adverse comment” both for the trainer personally and racing in general. “The Committee decided that it saw nothing in the material submitted to justify deviation from the initial suggestion that the effective date of the sanctions should be December 1, 2024,” a statement released by the IHRB Committee read. “The Committee acknowledged in the initial decision that these sanctions would be burdensome for Mr Hanlon in various ways. “However, there was nothing in his circumstances to differentiate them from those of other trainers put in the same position by similar decisions in other cases. These cases informed the initial proposal by the Committee of a deferral to December 1, 2024. “In summary, to defer a sanction of five or 10-months duration (depending on the ultimate approach taken by Mr Hanlon) for well over six months would tend to have the effects suggested by the IHRB and would disproportionately dilute the effect of the withdrawal sanction. “Accordingly, the Committee confirmed that the sanctions imposed in the initial decision will take effect on December 1, 2024.” There is a possibility that five months of the suspension will be deferred, as long as the trainer meets the conditions imposed by the IHRB referrals committee during the initial five-month span. The post Hanlon Suspension Ruled To Start On Dec. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tara Stud has been put up for sale, according to the stud's Derek Iceton. The bloodstock operation will move to Skryne Castle Farm. Goffs and Raymond Potterton and Co. will handle the sale as joint agents. “A number of factors have come together to make this decision” said Iceton. We are not going to stand stallions anymore and, though I am by no means going to retire, I do want to reduce the agricultural side of the business. We sell well over 1,000 cattle from here each year, up to 1,000 sheep, and 1,000 tonnes of grain from the arable side of the business, so the time has come to reduce this side of the business. There is no one here to succeed me, so we have all decided to sell the Tara farm. This still leaves us over 350 acres on which to facilitate our own mares and those of our clients. The land and facilities we have been developing considerably over the last few years, and we will continue selling stock as before, under the ”Skryne Castle” name.” Tara Stud has been under the same ownership for almost 80 years, with Billy Iceton taking over for his father Tom, who arrived in 1945, with Derek joining in 1984. The overall farm is comprised of two blocks, with the Tara Stud side approximately 600 acres, and Skryne Castle the remaining 350+ acres. Among the star past graduates are Grade I winner and current stallion roster member River Boyne (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) and dual Group 1 winner A Case Of You (Ire) (Hot Streak {Ire}). The latter is out of a Key Of Luck mare, who stood for many years at the stud. Other alumni include the Grade 1-placed Balmont Mast (Ire) (Balmont) and G2 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Birthe (Ire) (Study Of Man {Ire}) among many other group winners born and raised on the property on behalf of clients. Iceton added, “Not only has Tara got fine land on which to grow horses and cattle, it is in wonderful condition, with strongly built boxes and a continuous program of fencing undertaken and every facility you could want to run a stud farm, as well as modern facilities for the cattle. Its location is one of the properties strongest selling points, close to motorways, the M50, to Dublin City and its airport; Ferry Port, so I hope it will attract both local and foreign interest.” The post Tara Stud Put On The Market appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Special Wan at Kentucky Downs on Saturday. Team Valor Filly Strikes In Kentucky Team Valor International and Steven Rocco's Special Wan (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) was first past the post in a Kentucky Downs contest in her U.S. debut on Sept. 7 (video) for trainer Patrick Foley. Bred by Kilnamoragh Stud, the G3 Ballycorus Stakes second and G3 Brownstown Stakes third was a £225,000 Goffs QIPCO Ascot Champions Day buy-back last autumn. The third foal and one of four winners out of Fast Jazz (Ire) (Frozen Power {Ire}), Special Wan is a half-sister to stakes horses Yerwanthere (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}) and Over The Blues (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}). She made her first three starts in the colours of John Browne, with her current connections purchasing her privately after her second in a Naas listed race in May. Second dam Slow Jazz (Chief's Crown), a winner of the Listed Prix Petite Etoile, is a half-sister to the influential Blue Duster (Danzig), a champion in Europe at two, and successful in the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes prior to becoming the ancestress of no less than eight stakes winners. Bearstone Stud's Belardo, who stood for £5,500 this year, has sired eight winners from nine American runners (89%). Grade I winner Gold Phoenix (Ire) and Bellabel (Ire), who won the GII San Clemente Stakes and GIII Megahertz Stakes. Win Sweet For Caroline At Kentucky Downs Last year's G3 Blue Wind Stakes heroine Caroline Street (No Nay Never) returned a winner at Kentucky Downs in the colours of Fergus Galvin and Marc Detampel (video). Trained by Brendan Walsh, she was bred by Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner and Ron Davidson. The Kentucky-bred, a $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select yearling, made eight starts for Joseph O'Brien, with her Blue Wind tally the best of them. Part of a four-strong brood out of G3 Gallinule Stakes third Harvestfortheworld (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}), Caroline Street hails from the extended family of G1 Phoenix Stakes heroine Pharaoh's Delight (Fairy King). Coolmore's No Nay Never has been represented by 53 U.S. winners from 96 runners (54%). GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Meditate (Ire) is one of nine stakes winners in that jurisdiction for her sire, a son of Scat Daddy. No Nay Never Filly Wins At Second Asking Bal Mar Equine's Unhidden Gem (Ire) (No Nay Never), sixth when unveiled at Saratoga last month, triumphed at Kentucky Downs for Albert Stall, Jr. on Wednesday (video). Barronstown Stud bred the dark bay daughter of Gems (GB) (Haafhd {GB}) who brought 250,000gns from SackvilleDonald out of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. A half-sister to G3 Prix Miesque second Seaella (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) and a full-sister to G2 Superlative Stakes winner Mystery Power (Ire), juvenile filly Bijou (Ire) and a weanling colt, Unhidden Gem is kin to four-time Italian Group 1 winner and sire Alhijaz (GB) (Midyan). Other stakes winners by No Nay Never in America include GIII Palm Beach Stakes hero Vitalogy (GB), and the accomplished No Nay Mets (Ire). Roaring Lion Filly A Queen At Kentucky Downs Qatar Racing homebred Queen Regent (GB) (Roaring Lion), favoured in her American debut, won at Kentucky Downs for Brendan Walsh on Thursday (video). The 12th foal produced by Common Knowledge (GB) (Rainbow Quest), the grey made her first eight starts in the land of her birth for John and Thady Gosden, which resulted in a win at Newcastle on the all-weather, and second-place finishes in a trio of all-weather handicaps prior to this win. She is a half-sister to dual Group 3 winner Astrophysical Jet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), G3 Weld Park Stakes heroine Coral Wave (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), and G3 Derrinstown Stud Fillies Stakes winner and G1 Prix Rothschild placegetter Know It All (GB) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). Second dam Highbrow (GB) (Shirley Heights {GB}) is a half-sister to blue hen and champion Height Of Fashion (Fr) (Bustino {GB}). The late Roaring Lion sired just one crop at Tweenhills Stud in Britain, before passing away before covering a single mare at Cambridge Stud in New Zealand. Queen Regent is his first winner from four runners in the U.S. (25%). Worldwide, he has six stakes winners, with the cornerstone Group 1 winner and first-season sire Dubai Mile (Ire). Sky Wins Again In So-Cal Sorrento Sky (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) captured a Del Mar affair on Sept. 8 for trainer Phil D'Amato (video). Raced by Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, Saul Gevertz, Marc Lantzman and Michael Nentwig, the 3-year-old colt was winning for the second time in seven starts. The flying turf finishes are just as spectacular from the drone view! Check out SORRENTO SKY (IRE) ($13.60), under @Antonio1Fresu, zipping through an opening to beat older horses in @DelMarRacing race 7. @PhilDamato11 conditioned the colt. Late Pick 4: https://t.co/CDoj9VG9iY pic.twitter.com/ElRBTeq0R1 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 8, 2024 The post Making Waves: Special Indeed At Kentucky Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Christine Tuma, who formerly worked as an association veterinarian jointly employed by Hawthorne Race Course and the Illinois Racing Board (IRB), on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit against those two entities claiming her efforts to scratch over 80 lame or injured Thoroughbreds during the 2022 and 2023 race meets were met with an alleged conspiracy to overturn her actions so the unsound horses could be entered in races. The lawsuit further contended that when Tuma reported this alleged conspiracy to state and federal government regulators, she was fired “in retaliation for blowing the whistle on the illegal activities.” That termination came just 48 hours before a scheduled visit to the track by Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority regulators, the suit alleged. Hawthorne management and the IRB both denied the allegations when TDN requested comment Sept. 12. An emailed statement from Hawthorne said, in part, “Tuma's lawsuit is false and misguided and Hawthorne will vigorously contest it in court….Tuma is using the legal system to settle professional disagreements with other, more experienced and accomplished veterinarians at the track and the IRB.” Domenic DiCera, the IRB's executive director, wrote that, “When we were made aware of some of these allegations in March 2023, we immediately looked into the matter and alerted federal horse racing authorities. We found no credible evidence to support any allegations of wrongdoing at the time, nor have federal authorities made us aware of any substantiated allegations.” WBEZ in Chicago, which first broke the story of the lawsuit, reported that Tuma has been licensed in Illinois since 2007 with no records of disciplinary action against her. Tuma's lawsuit in United States District Court (Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division) is using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) as a tool to try and collect damages. RICO is a sweeping 1970 federal statute initially designed to combat the Mafia. But in a legal sense, it has long since lost its “organized crime” stigma, and RICO has evolved as a civil litigation component often asserted by purported victims of white-collar crimes, such as mail and wire fraud. Also named in the suit as defendants are Hawthorne employees Jim Miller, the director of racing; John Walsh, the assistant general manager, and Dave White, the racing secretary. Beth Beuchler, a vet employed by Hawthorne; Dawn Folker-Calderon, the IRB's chief state vet, and two state stewards, Thomas Kelley and John Eddy, are also defendants. “The entry of these horses into regulated Illinois races was not only a means for the RICO Defendants to induce wagers on horses that were not legally qualified to run, but in numerous instances, the certification of an additional horse in a race allowed the Enterprise to run races that did not meet the legally mandated minimum number of entries required to run a wagered race under Illinois law,” the suit stated. “It was during the fall meeting in 2022 that Dr. Tuma uncovered the full extent of the illegal running of sick and lame horses,” the suit stated. “On or around the same time, Dr. Tuma uncovered and began investigating alterations of the medical records of these horses. “Dr. Tuma recorded her assessments in the Track Manager software, which transmitted the medical assessments of horses running in Illinois to the IRB and HISA,” the suit stated. “Dr. Tuma discovered that on multiple occasions, her assessments of horses as 'scratch lame' had been tampered with by Calderon and Beuchler and changed to 'racing sound,' the indication to state regulators that the horse was fit to run, or 'scratch sick.' “Dr. Tuma first noticed that when Beuchler assessed a horse as lame, requiring a minimum two-week layoff under federal law, Beuchler would surreptitiously ask the horses' trainer while in the barn during the pre-race exam if the trainer would prefer to scratch the horse themselves as 'sick' via the submission of a falsified trainer initiated scratch request,” the suit stated. When Tuma expressed her concerns about the scratch process to Calderon, she was allegedly told, “This is how it's always done.” Tuma's lawsuit stated that owners and trainers began to complain about her high number of scratch assessments, including one horseman who “caused a horse to lurch menacingly at her, threatening grave bodily harm.” Another time, the suit alleged, a groom “physically battered her.” The suit stated that when Tuma reported these incidents of abuse to track officials and the stewards, “only a nominal fine was levied against the perpetrators.” When Tuma began making a series of complaints to the stewards about the “misclassification of horses as sick from lame,” she was informed by Calderon “that she had been stripped of her authority to scratch horses,” and that a new protocol requiring Beuchler to check her assessments would be in place, the suit stated. “Finally, on March 20, 2023, Dr. Tuma delivered a comprehensive whistleblower letter to the IRB and HISA,” the suit stated. The suit continued: “On or around the date Dr. Tuma submitted her comprehensive complaint to the IRB, Miller, who had theretofore never called Dr. Tuma directly on her cell phone, called her a minimum of six times to intimidate her about her lame scratches and to ensure that the maximum number of horses were run.” Some 3 1/2 months later, the suit stated, just two days before HISA personnel were scheduled to visit Hawthorne for an inspection, “Dr. Tuma met with Walsh via Zoom on July 11, 2023, and was informed that she had been terminated based on the pretext that her termination was a cost-cutting measure. “Dr. Tuma was terminated in retaliation for her protected activated of disclosing the activities of the Enterprise and to ensure that Dr. Tuma could not make any further disclosures regarding the scheme to the federal regulators,” the suit stated. The post Fired Hawthorne Vet Alleges Termination in Retaliation for Efforts to Scratch Unsound Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Given by the Maryland Million Ltd. Board of Directors, nominations for the 2024 Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award are due by Oct. 1, the organization said in a Thursday release. Potential nominees should embody characteristics that are valuable, but often go unrewarded. Nominees that are not selected for the award on Maryland Millions Day will be considered in the future without further need for submission. Publicist Joe Kelly was involved from the introduction of the concept in 1985 until his death in 2012. Recent recipients include: Brenda Herzog, Fran Burns and last year's award winner Betty McCue. Nominee must have: Demonstrated a particular commitment, impact or contribution to the Thoroughbred industry or equine community in general; Been involved in the Thoroughbred industry in Maryland for at least five years. Nomination must include: A completed nomination form, online or hard copy; A recommendation letter of 500 words or less expounding on the reasons for your nomination. Return all documents to: Maryland Million Ltd., Attn: Emily Stakem, 321 Main Street, Reisterstown, MD, 21136 or email registrar@marylandthoroughbred.com. The post Noms For Maryland Joe Kelly Award Due Oct. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stan Bowker, a longtime management executive who also served as a steward at several racetracks, passed away Sept. 10 in Clearwater, Florida after a long illness. After 17 1/2 years at Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha, Nebraska where he rose to become the director of racing, Bowker made stops at Canterbury Downs and Will Rogers Downs. He was also a senior steward at Colonial Downs and spent 11 years as a judge at Oaklawn Park, Indiana Grand, and as recently as 2021, at Canterbury Park. Bowker established a consulting company to assist new tracks by advising them about everything from licensing to how to open a racing facility. A Racing Officials Accreditation Program founding member, the veteran racetracker received awards for professional excellence. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Judy Bowker, son Todd Bowker–both of Clearwater–and his brother Clayton Bowker of Omaha. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to the Permanently Disabled Jockey's Fund. The post Steward Stan Bowker Passes After Serving Fifty Years In Industry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Dylan Davis has quite a few reasons to look forward to the future.View the full article

Lining up for the third straight year, Moira is back for vengeance in the Sept. 14 E. P. Taylor Stakes (G1T), fresh off winning the Aug. 11 Beverly D. Stakes (G2T) at Colonial Downs.View the full article

Friday's action at Doncaster sees a brace of group 2 races of wildly contrasting type, with the hardened stayers battling out the G2 Doncaster Cup over two and a quarter miles preceded by the five-furlong G2 Flying Childers Stakes for the fast juveniles. In the former, the Gosdens have a strong hand with the Normandie Stud-bred pair Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) looking to benefit from the absence of Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and enjoy their day in the sun away from that Ballydoyle colossus. Throw in old-stagers Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) and Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and you have a “Cup” race for the purists to savour. The Flying Childers sees the G3 Molecomb Stakes first and second Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}) and Aesterius (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) re-oppose, with the former having missed out in York's G2 Gimcrack Stakes and the latter having gone one better in the Wathnan Racing's G3 Prix d'Arenberg at ParisLongchamp. Trainer Mick Appleby has an eye on another Breeders' Cup for Big Mojo, which is also a target for Aesterius who is sure to be ridden more positively in this rematch. “Goodwood probably wasn't quite the ideal set-up, but then he was impressive in the Prix d'Arenberg I thought and gave James [Doyle] a pretty big feel that day,” Wathnan Racing's racing adviser Richard Brown said. “It's quick back, but the options for the two-year-olds over five furlongs are pretty limited. Archie [Watson] says he's fresh and well coming out of France, so we will let him take his chance. Whether it's too quick, we'll find out after the race and, going forward, the Breeders' Cup is kind of in the back of our minds.” Tabiti Gets Second Crack At The Dick Poole… Lost to the weather last week, Salisbury's G3 Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes takes place on Friday with the same protagonists due to line up. Juddmonte's Tabiti (GB) (Kingman {GB}) had had to wait to build on her debut win over seven furlongs at Newmarket last month, but the Ralph Beckett-trained half-sister to the G2 Linlithgow Stakes winner Old Flame (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is poised for the next step. “Hopefully the ground will have dried out, as she's in great form and we look forward to seeing her run,” Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon said. “She was impressive at Newmarket on debut and we would like to think she is a smart filly. She won quite easy in the end and she has a lot of natural ability. Dropping back in trip is a slight concern, but she did show plenty of speed the first day, so we would be hopeful enough she can overcome it and hopefully she is up to this level on Friday.” Also ready for the rescheduled test are the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes runner-up Betty Clover (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Jayar Investments' Newmarket nursery scorer Magic Mild (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), and the debut winners Jewelry (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Greydreambeliever (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) who represent Isa Salman Al Khalifa and William Haggas and Hambleton Racing and Karl Burke respectively. Jonquil To The Test In The Royal Scotsman… In the week that Sir Michael Stoute announced his retirement at season's close, it would be fitting were Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) cap it with a win in Doncaster's Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes. Defying trouble-in-running to win on debut at Sandown last month, the relative of Frankel (GB) whose immense career tally included this race when it was staged as a conditions event 14 years ago has it all in front of him. “It's a little bit of a quick turnaround, but he came out of Sandown in very good shape, he was very fresh the next morning and the team at Sir Michael's have been pleased with him in his work back,” Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon said. “He looked fairly streetwise, because he had every chance to get beat but he seemed to know what he was doing and I think guts and determination got him through.” “Sir Michael has probably been one of the best British trainers of the last century, he's right up there with the best of them and he's trained some great horses for us and over 50 stakes winners,” he added. “It's great to see him going out on his terms and going out on a high. Hopefully Jonquil can send him off on a high from our point of view and on a good note.” The post Diverse Double Act At Doncaster On Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On June 26, trainer Jorge Duarte, Jr was informed that a horse he trained named Happy Cat (Kitten's Joy) had tested positive for methamphetamine following a May 22nd race at Delaware Park. Duarte was indeed concerned, but he insisted he had done nothing wrong, that cooler heads would prevail and that he would not be penalized. Three-and-a-half months later, he has already started serving what could be a lengthy suspension. The problem is that when there is a drug positive, Duarte says the position of the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) is that you are guilty until you can prove you are innocent. “Here I am, guilty before they could prove I'm guilty,” Duarte said. “I haven't even had a hearing yet.” Duarte is the private trainer for Richard Santulli's Colts Neck Stable, which is based at a private training center. That means that when he runs a horse, they will usually spend time in the receiving barn at the track. Reporting for the TDN, Dan Ross found these locations around the country can be filthy and it's common for backstretch workers to urinate in them. They are an environment conducive to yielding positives that are the result of environmental contamination. In the Aug. 21 edition of the TDN, Ross wrote that HISA reported 13 methamphetamine positives were identified at that point–seven were from ship-ins. “I'm upset because they have written rules that don't give anybody a chance,” Santulli said. “They're saying we gave meth to the horse, which is completely absurd. And they're saying that with the ways the rules are written, if there is any meth in the horse, that horse will test positive.” Some believe that giving methamphetamine to a horse produces nothing in the way of an enhanced performance, making it unlikely that anyone would use it as a doping agent. HIWU doesn't necessarily agree. “Methamphetamine is a banned substance under HISA's ADMC Program because there is no approved veterinary use for the substance, meaning it's not supposed to be in a horse's system,” said a HIWU spokesperson. “Methamphetamine is similarly classified in the ARCI Model Rules and in other major international racing jurisdictions. HIWU prosecutes violations due to its presence in the horse, not because of the intent or effect of the drug. That said, methamphetamine is a stimulant, which has known side effects of increased alertness and energy.” Duarte will not go down without a fight. He has sent numerous emails or memos to HIWU staff in which he has tried to explain his predicament and make the case that he never gave the horse methamphetamine. He has gotten nowhere. “They don't want to help you,” Duarte said. “If you can't come up with anything that shows there is the presence of meth in someone's system, they just want to bury you.” That's how it works. The trainer must prove where the meth came from. That may require testing employees. If one that handled the horse tested positive for meth, HIWU will usually hit the trainer with a much shorter suspension. Duarte went to work. He had himself tested, as well as any of his employees that handled Happy Cat. All the tests came back negative. But Duarte noted that none of the employees of Delaware Park or the Delaware Racing Commission that had any contact with Happy Cat were tested. He said that the person who collected the urine from the horse did not wear gloves. Duarte kept digging and now believes he knows what happened. When he ships into a track, he brings a groom, but hires a freelance hotwalker. According to Duarte, the day after Happy Cat tested positive, another horse turned up positive for meth. Trained by Bonnie Lucas, it was also walked by the same freelance worker. “I had a methamphetamine positive one day after Jorge had his,” Lucas said. “HIWU is just stonewalling. They've been of no help and they don't listen to reason. Yes, Duarte and I used the same hotwalker. I have a pro-bono lawyer working for me and he's doing a great job. He's sticking up for me, but HIWU just continues to be unreasonable. I've lost everything because of this. I've already lost horses and I have had to sell horses just to be able to be able to afford to keep going. I haven't even been served with anything yet, and that's frustrating. As a trainer, I lived a comfortable life. Now I work a second job, just to make sure I get by. I am working as a waitress at a restaurant.” Like Lucas, Duarte said it's been very hard to get HIWU to do anything. “I called the Delaware Racing Commission and HIWU and asked if this freelance hotwalker could be tested and there was a disconnect and they kept throwing the ball back and forth,” Duarte said. “The Delaware Commission said they couldn't test the person, that only HIWU can. HIWU told me they can't do it, that the Delaware Racing Commission has to do it.” Duarte took things into his own hands and made arrangements to have the hotwalker tested by an outside lab. She tested negative. Duarte believes that's because he gave the hotwalker a seven-day notice of the impending test and the person refrained from using the drug in the days leading up to it. HIWU listened to what Duarte had to say, but concluded that he had not proven that the horse's positive was a matter of environmental contamination. On Aug. 29, Duarte heard from HIWU. In an email from HIWU lawyer Geneva Gnam, he was told that because he couldn't prove where the meth came from, the provisional suspension, with the possibility of stretching out longer, remained in effect. “This is the story: Jorge has no rights and he did nothing wrong. It's bull (expletive),” said Alan Goldberg, who trained for Santulli before retiring and turning the barn over to Duarte. Goldberg has come out of retirement to oversee the barn while Duarte is suspended. The letter from HIWU notifying Duarte that he was being suspended included the following: “Having received and reviewed your submissions on July 2, 2024 and Aug. 27, 2024, which do not include a sufficient explanation, HIWU is satisfied that you have committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation.” “The whole thing is crazy because they don't want to help you,” Duarte said. “And if you can't come up with anything on your part that shows there's presence of meth in somebody's system they just want to bury you. There's no screening of the other people who handle the horse, the gate crew, the pony boy, people than randomly walk around the receiving barn and want to walk your horses There's no security. The receiving barn there was disgusting. They assigned us those stalls.” Some prominent trainers have paid attention to the Duarte story and have expressed their concerns. “Lisa Lazarus had every opportunity to fix this,” said trainer Rusty Arnold. “She realized early on that these were examples of environmental contamination. The Department of Transportation has thresholds for drivers and pilots. It's not hard to understand.” Duarte will have a hearing on Oct. 3 but will remain under suspension at least until that time. He has a deep-pocketed owner in Santulli behind him who is ready to fight back. “What bothers me is that there is no due process,” Santulli said. “They set the rules and as silly as they are, they just say those are the rules. That's very unfair to the average horse trainer. It's terrible. We're going to survive. Al just got his trainer's license renewed. But for the average horse trainer what can they do? So how do we prove that we didn't give the horse meth? That's impossible. Why would I give a horse meth? What for? It's just horrible. We'll go to the hearing. If we lose, I'll take this to every court I can take it to.” The post Proclaiming His Innocence, Trainer Jorge Duarte, Jr. Is Finding Out How Tough It Is To Fight HIWU appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Anchored by the Group 2-placed stakes winner Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) (lot 64), the catalogue for the Tattersalls Online September Sale from Sept. 18-19, is now online. Rated 107 by Timeform, the daughter of Zoustar is joined by 170 other lots ranging a breeding right in Classic-winning sire Phoenix Of Spain (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (lot 171), to broodmare Biri's Angel (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) in foal to Sergei Prokofiev as lot 154. There is also a Too Darn Hot (GB) yearling filly (lot 131), as well as 118 horses in and out of training, six weanlings, 19 yearlings, four stores, and 23 broodmares under both codes. For the first time, bidding will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, and the first lot is scheduled to close at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. For more details, please visit the Tattersalls website. The post Mgheera Highlights Tattersalls Online September Catalogue As New Time Format Unveiled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A colt by Nyquist (hip 984) became the first of Thursday's session to break seven figures when selling for $1.3 million. WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden signed the ticket on the yearling in the names of Maverick Racing, CHC, Inc. and Siena Farm. The bay was consigned by Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services. Out of Spa Treatment (Bernardini), the bay was bred by Springhouse Farm and Hunter Valley Farm. He sold for $385,000 at last year's Keeneland November sale. The colt became the 35th of the September sale to sell for $1 million or more. The post Nyquist Colt Brings $1.3 Million at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Todd Pletcher-trained colt edged Thorpedo Anna by a head in the Travers Stakes (G1). He was previously ranked 10th in an eight-way tie with other United States-based runners Dornoch, National Treasure, and Senor Buscador.View the full article

The seven-day meet at Kentucky Downs set a wagering record while fierce competition led to ties atop the leading jockey and trainer standings.View the full article

Blazing Sevens, a son of Good Magic and winner of the 2022 Champagne Stakes (G1) at 2 and second in the 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) as a 3-year-old, will stand at Darby Dan Farm in 2025.View the full article

Commentator Matt Cross goes race-by-race at Addington tonight. Race 1 : ITM Canterbury Region race Night 2024 Mobile Pace (5.16pm) The Con Artist may start the night off on the right foot for the All Stars Stable. He was brave here two weeks ago when placed second to Always Be Batman. He did a bit of work early before finding cover behind a horse that took him nowhere on the turn. The way he found the line he’s a big chance tonight and with Blair Orange opting for him over two other stablemates we must take confidence from that. The Bettor Deal has his chance to win in front last time and whacked away finishing third. He’s since trialled and won well enough to play a part here. Ohoka Cobra is on debut, he’s a full brother to the well performed Braeview Kelly and a half-brother to one of the most exciting horses going around, Ohoka Connor. He’s looked sharp at the trials, his most recent being the best of them coming home in 58.5 and looked good doing it. Rock Or Bust will be improved from his debut but once again drawn outside a couple of the main chances does make it a tough task for him. Midnight Miki has also shown good ability at the trials. Win bet – The Con Artist Selections 5-3-4-6 Race 2 : Probuild ITM 2YO Mobile Trot (5.46pm) The two-year-old trotters compete here, and I think from what we have seen that John Spartan may be the horse to beat. His debut run was nice zooming home for second back in June. He’s been freshened and his trial to prepare was just as good. Has a good draw and the stable has a high opinion of him. Ya Rite Darl has won two out of three and another that looks ready to go from what we have seen at the trials. Her stablemate Frazzled has been slightly superior to her in two runs to prepare but has a second-row draw that will make life a bit of a challenge from there, has the ability though. Paddy McDaddy drawn one looks a place hope. Selections 3-8-9-1 Race 3 : Hillside ITM Handicap Pace (6.17pm) Rise Up N Dance will have a huge advantage here drawn the front with most runners giving him a 15-metre head start. He won at Gore fresh up and the thing that was most impressive about that was that only one of his shortener pins released so he ran the race with different hopple lengths. All three of his starts here have been full of merit not only to the eye but on the clock too. A big win chance with a clean getaway. Tanzania is 56 days between runs but does go good freshened. His trial at Methven will have him fit enough to compete and it does look an easier grade for him too. Bear in mind three starts back he was only one length from Franco Sinatra. Onwardsandupwards has trialled up well she might fly under the radar here at a big price. Expect an improved performance form Kōwhai Nugget coming back to the stand start, his last couple have been better than the form reads, he’s got a good turn of foot if things go his way. Selections 2-7-9-4 Race 4 : Kaipoi ITM Mobile Pace (6.46pm) Borrisokane must be one of the bets of the night with the way he got home first up after 259 days. His splits on the Ultimate Racebook were 1:56.5/55/26.9. There’s not too many in here that could peel those splits. 2600m is also a big plus for him and he looked to be tractable last time too which give us confidence he can win here. Dangers include Sophia Bromac whose fitness will be further forward after finding the line well on Sunday. She loves Addington and with one crack at them can play a role. Wallflower is an interesting runner, she’s no champion but honest enough. Trialled OK without lighting the world on fire, she’s a Dalgety runner though so will be ready. Wolf Of Wall Street can place. Don’t Tell Jenny is a place hope too but would need to improve a length or three from Sunday where she took heavy support in the market. Borrisokane looks a great bet. Selections 12-11-9-7 Race 5 : Woodlands Stud Sires’ Stakes Harness 7000 (7.15pm) Miki’s Courage was most impressive here last week, first up after 84 days he held them all off in good style. Preferential barrier draw means he draws wide but sneaks in by the skin of his teeth under the race conditions. There does look to be a fair bit of speed from both I’m Rockin and Spirit Of Anarchy early but there is the potential that both of those runners would hand up. I’m Rockin worked at both ends last week and was far too good for his rivals, his overall time was faster than Miki’s Courage who won on the same night. He can win again. Spirit Of Anarchy was first up for two months last time and was beaten by a talented horse called Betterthancash. With fitness improvement and a good run in transit he should be thereabouts. Trump Card has a high cruising speed; the only concern is drawing one the second row which means some of those well supported ones could have a decent margin on him early. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win but there’s work to do from there. Bronson would need to lift off his last start to be winning but include in first fours. For multi players Miki’s Courage top two is a good way to go. Selections 8-7-10-9 Race 6 : Darfield ITM Handicap Trot (7.46pm) This race is a real head scratcher. The form from the Ordeal last week should stack up. Confessional hit the line under a hold with nowhere to go. He comes in 20m better off than the winner there. Looks like his confidence is right up too and Paul Nairn has his team flying. Mighty Logan had a bee in his bonnet here last week where he tried to duck out the gate on the first lap, he broke and ended up week back, made a move and stuck on well. Just needs manners to feature. We welcome Highgrove back to the races, he hasn’t raced since December 2022, it’s been a long road back so he may need it but there is no doubting his ability. Kyvalley Hotspur beat him at the trials by a nose last week, he’s a dual derby winning Australian now with the Bob Butt stable. And no knock on Aardiebythehill, an honest campaigner as we saw last week, things will be slightly harder off 30m this time. Selections 3-4-5-6 Race 7 : Bashers ITM Mobile Pace (8.17pm) I think Vessem is the one to beat here. He brings excellent form from earlier in the year where he was only one length away from Chase A Dream in the Sires’ Stakes Final. Two trials to prepare and his latest one was sharp. Plenty of options from barrier 4 too. Live On Legend represents some value from gate two. If he can cross the horse inside him, he can be amongst it, he didn’t really get a chance to get into the race last time where most of the action was on the pegs. Sweet Diamond is a talented mare, on her day she could cross most of these out of the gate, but I wonder if fresh up they won’t want to burn her too much, she does look ready though. Kashkeeper has barrier one and has shown upside at stages through his career, should get a great run. Bryce’s Meddle will keep going all day in a field like this too, he’s a nice staying type so might end up close to the pace. Selections 4-2-9-1 Race 8 : Woodlands Stud Wish RJ Dunn a Happy 70th Mobile Pace (8.46pm) Tactics are going to be interesting here. Mr Kaplan is the one to beat. Drawn the outside may not be the worst thing, she could work herself into the race after what could be a fast run first section. Terra Sancta is your early leader from three and whether she hands up determines the chances of some of the others. If Cardi B can get the lead and run along like she did last time she comes into play. Terra Sancta either way looks to get a sweet trip. Look for Advance Party running on late and if they go mad up front then Mr Kaplan should be good enough to come over the top of them all. If you’re shopping multis I think Terra Sancta top three could be the play under most scenarios in this. Selections 9-3-6-7 Race 9 : Rangiora ITM Handicap Trot (9.15pm) Masterly was going to win here last week, well in my opinion I think so. Clearly he’s come back in great order and there was some confidence in the camp that he could run a race. Bookies not letting him go this week opening him clear favourite. Looks the one to beat if he holds it all together. Stablemate Tu Tangata is usually a sit sprint type so he will be hoping there is a good bit of tempo, if he gets luck look for him running on. Muscle Sass was good here last time. She wasn’t fast away but her late work impressed. The River Boy should step and put himself on speed, the race never worked in his favour last week and he might be an each way player. Win bet Masterly with The River Boy top four. Selections 12-8-4-2 Race 10 : Hamptons ITM Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace (9.40pm) I was most impressed with the work from Celestial Sea at Ashburton on debut. In a 156-mile rate home in 56 she just kept coming. She had trialled and was beaten into second by Tact Teva who was a winner on debut. Always Impressive has a motor. I liked her latest trial she come home in 56.8, drawn three she’s right in this. Spicey Crunch still has a bit to learn but there’s a win in her at some stage, and Brandi Snapp is a nice filly drawn two, don’t leave her out. Plenty of others here that are going to win races soon, Oneroa needs luck drawn inside second row, and Delightful Peg was massive last time, just has an issue with manners. Celestial Sea one of the bets of the night. Selections 9-4-7-3 Race 11 McVicar’s ITM Mobile Pace (10.04pm) Double Jeopardy gets in here so well at the ratings but draws the outside. He was stiff first up but won well last time with his closing splits on The Ultimate Racebook being 55.4 & 25.7. He will be improved again and has some big targets over the next few months. Shakira finally gets a draw. Her connections would have smiled seeing her drawn one, her last run she was nine weeks between runs and was gallant late when third there in the Nevele R Fillies heat. She looks a live danger. Commander Joe has options drawn two with no horses in the second row, he’s been freshened and comes from some stronger races. Action Major has trialled up well and enjoys 2600m too he might be one to spice up your same race multis. I’d be shopping Shakira top two with plenty of confidence here. Selections 9-1-2-4 Best Bet – R4 Borrisokane Next Best – R10 Celestial Sea Value Bet – R9 The River Boy Suggested Multi Race 4 Borrisokane WIN Race 5 Miki’s Courage TOP2 Race 8 Terra Sancta TOP3 Race 10 Celestial Sea TOP3 Race 11 Shakira TOP2 (Courtesy of trackside.co.nz) View the full article

On Sept. 14 in Western Canada, Hastings Racecourse hosts the CA$125,000 British Columbia Derby (G3), a 1 1/8-mile dirt race led by the 1-2 finishers from the Canadian Derby (G3) at Century Mile Aug. 24.View the full article

The seven-day 2024 meet at Kentucky Downs set a wagering record while fierce competition led to ties atop the leading jockey and trainer standings.View the full article

Bellavinino (Get Stormy), a juvenile who recently finished second in a stakes race at Kentucky Downs, will be offered in the Inglis Digital USA September Sale which is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25, according to a press release from the sales company on Thursday. The daughter of Get Stormy closed to finish as the runner-up in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Fillies Stakes Sept. 8. Two starts earlier, Bellavinino won on debut by 3 1/4 lengths over the Gulfstream Park turf. Owned by C2 Racing Stable and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., over her three starts the filly has earned $224,800, and remains eligible for a first-level allowance. Bred in Kentucky by Mt. Joy Stables, Inc., Bellavinino is the first runner and first winner out of Gauntlet mare Lancelots Lady. The extended family features Canadian black-type, including second dam SW Professor's Ride (Silent Name {Jpn}), Plate Trial Stakes hero Avoman (Old Forester), and full-siblings SW Cawaja Beach (Where's the Ring) and SW Who's Big Daddy. “This filly offers a great opportunity for someone looking for a ready-made racehorse,” said Kyle Wilson, Inglis Digital USA's Sr. Director of Sales and Recruitment. “She was looking for more distance and showed tremendous ability to overcome a difficult trip in her stakes debut. She offers a new owner exciting opportunities leading into the fall racing season.” Entries close for the Inglis Digital USA September Sale on Monday, Sept. 16. The catalog will be released Friday, Sept. 20, and the horses will sell Wednesday, Sept. 25. Click here to view the catalog and register to bid. The post Juvenile Filly Bellavinino Cataloged To Inglis Digital USA September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Blazing Sevens, a son of Good Magic and winner of the Champagne Stakes (G1) at 2 and second in the 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) as a 3-year-old, will stand at Darby Dan Farm in 2025.View the full article

After his racing career is complete this year, Blazing Sevens (Good Magic), the winner of the GI Champagne Stakes at two and the runner-up in the GI Preakness Stakes, will stand at Darby Dan for 2025, the farm said via a press release on Thursday. A stud fee for the future stallion will be named before the year is out and plans are being finalized syndicate him. Peter Bradley, bloodstock advisor for owner Rodeo Creek Racing, brokered the deal to stand the son of Good Magic at Darby Dan. “Blazing Sevens was an exceptional racehorse at two and was unlucky not to have won the Preakness Stakes at three,” said Bradley. “At 16.2 hands, Blazing Sevens is an A+ physical and has every chance to become a top stallion.” Blazing Sevens broke his maiden at Saratoga at first asking, winning by 6 1/4 lengths. In his second start, the dark bay finished third in the GI Hopeful Stakes over a sloppy track upstate before winning the Champagne during the Belmont at the Big A meet for trainer Chad Brown. Blazing Sevens | Sarah Andrew During his 2024 campaign, Blazing Sevens debuted a winner against optional claimers at Aqueduct Apr. 20, finished sixth in the GI Met Mile Handicap at the Spa June 8 and was last seen running fourth against optional claimers over the same surface July 11. Blazing Sevens is currently drilling at Brown's Belmont base where he recently worked going four furlongs at :49.00 (39/167) Sept. 7. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of a precocious Grade I son of Good Magic to our roster,” said Stuart Fitzgibbon, stallion director at Darby Dan Farm. “Blazing Sevens was a true standout in his two and three-year-old racing seasons. Coupled with his exceptional conformation and pedigree, Blazing Sevens is a highly desirable stallion. Blazing Sevens beat or placed against the absolute best of his generation, just missing a Classic, the 2023 Preakness Stakes, by a head to National Treasure.” Bred in Kentucky by Tracy Farmer, Blazing Sevens was a $225,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale graduate. Darby Dan's latest addition to their roster is out of Trophy Girl (Warrior's Reward), who is a half-sister to GISW King David (Hat Trick {Jpn}) and SW Bertsgoldenmissile (Golden Missile). Blazing Sevens's dam herself was a $750,000 purchase by Hugo Merry Bloodstock at last year's Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale while a full-sister to the future sire was in-utero. The post GISW Blazing Sevens Headed For Darby Dan Stud Duty After Racing Career appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After setting a new course record in the G1 International Stakes, City Of Troy (Justify) is now the second-highest rated horse in the world on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings, which were released on Thursday. He improved from 123 to 127 with his victory. The G1 Eclipse Stakes and G1 Derby winner is behind only G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief), who holds a mark of 128. Second behind City Of Troy at York is G2 King Edward VII Stakes hero Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who is rated 125, the equal of G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes scorer Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}). GI Travers Stakes hero Fierceness (City Of Light) has moved into the top five–shared with multiple Group 1 winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire})–at 123. He defeated Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) (120) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) (120), while the 121-ranked GI Belmont Stakes hero Dornoch (Good Magic) was fourth. Crack miler Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) moved up to 122 after taking the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois by three lengths, and he was most recently second to Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}) (120) in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Sunday. Rounding out the newcomers are the pair of Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) (121) and Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) (120), winners of the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano and G1 Grosser Preis von Baden. For the full list, please visit the IFHA website. The post City Of Troy Moves Up To Second In Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jerry Dixon Jr., the famed groom of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Rich Strike during the 2022 Triple Crown season, has taken the next step in his career as a trainer.View the full article

In deeper than when beating up lesser lights on home soil, Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Promising Run, by Hard Spun) proved that she had what it takes to continue her winning sequence in Doncaster's G2 Betfred May Hill Stakes on Thursday. Untroubled in two starts on Newmarket's July Course, the Charlie Appleby-trained even-money favourite followed the early pace with William Buick content to play the waiting game. Staying on strongly to take control passing the furlong pole, the daughter of the four-time group 2 winner kept finding on the run to the line to beat Ballydoyle's Listed Churchill Stakes scorer January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) by 1 1/2 lengths, with Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) 3/4 of a length away in third. “She looked around in front and had plenty in reserve,” Buick said. “The obvious race now is the Fillies' Mile, but Charlie and the team will make the decision. She has a bit of energy flowing through her, but no badness.” A lucky escape for Ryan Moore and Ecstatic out of the stalls in the May Hill! https://t.co/h4j7YeQG0m pic.twitter.com/w297QFhKsd — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 12, 2024 The post May Hill Success For Night Of Thunder’s Unbeaten Desert Flower appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article