Wandering Eyes

Cash Equity, Reckoning Force, and Emmanuel—separated by only 1 1/4 lengths when respectively second, fourth, and fifth, in the one-mile Millions Stakes (G3T) Sept. 7 at Kentucky Downs—race Nov. 9 in the River City Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Mandy Pope went to $2.4 million to acquire Roses for Debra (Liam's Map) (hip 198) from the Candy Meadows Sales consignment Tuesday at Keeneland. The 5-year-old racing/broodmare prospect won this year's GII Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes and GIII Giant's Causeway Stakes, while racing for Cheyenne Stables and John O'Meara and trainer Christophe Clement. The post Mandy Pope Buys Roses for Debra for $2.4 Million at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of Oct. 28-Nov. 3View the full article

A weanling colt by Into Mischief (hip 173), consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as part of the dispersal of Ed Seltzer's Solera Farm, was purchased for $900,000 by Glen Hill Farm. The colt is out of graded winner Eres Tu (Malibu Moon). The mare's first foal, a filly by Daredevil, sold for $180,000 at the Keeneland September sale this year. The post Into Mischief Colt to Glen Hill Farm for $900k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing will be cancelled in France at Fontainebleau and Croise-Laroche on Thursday, Nov. 7, France Galop announced on Tuesday. The cancellation resulted after an emergency meeting of the France Galop board of directors at the request of France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine. The Monday meeting analyzed the consequences of a potential strike and mobilisation of the associations and socio-professional unions of the Galop and Trot on Thursday, Nov. 7 against the French government's plan to tax horse racing betting, included in the Social Security Finance Bill, currently being discussed by Parliament. France Galop released the following statement on Tuesday which read in part: “In this context, as was the case at the SETF board of directors earlier in the day, the board of directors of France Galop, which was held at the end of the afternoon on Monday 4 November, decided to cancel the two race meetings mentioned. This decision is based on the following considerations: the risk of disturbing public order, the lack of fairness between the professionals mobilized for this day and the risks of irregularity of the events due to a limited number of starters. “In addition, the administrators of France Galop have taken note of the call for demonstrations issued by the professional associations and unions of the Galop and Trot, to obtain firstly the withdrawal of any measure to increase the tax on horse racing betting and secondly the support of the government for the development of new horse racing games. They declared their total solidarity with the objectives of this movement and called on all members of Le Galop and all actors in the equine sector to join this demonstration.” The post Racing Cancelled In France On Nov. 7, After France Galop Meeting, Protests Likely appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Aga Khan's recent Dundalk winner Ridhaz (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) highlighted what proved to be a strong horses-in-training section of the Autumn Sale at Goffs at €220,000 to BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe. Ridhaz has been brought to the boil steadily by Michael Halford and Tracey Collins. The three-year-old gelding was last seen winning an extended 10f handicap at Dundalk by over three lengths and rates a horse with a good future. A winter campaign in the Middle East beckons for the dual winner, according to Donohoe, who revealed the horse came highly recommended by Halford. Donohoe said, “He's been bought for a client in the Middle East and is a horse who I have been following over the summer. Obviously I'm quite friendly with Michael Halford and he recommended the horse. He vetted well–is versatile, because he goes on a hard surface and on the sand as well. “He'll have a winter campaign in the Middle East and hopefully he can run on Dubai World Cup Night or out in Saudi Arabia.” BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe | Goffs Of the 94 horses offered, 82 sold at a clearance rate of 87%. Turnover climbed by 13% to €1,447,950 while the average was also up 27% to €17,658. However, the median fell by 20% to €6,000. The Aga Khan draft was by far the most popular offering during the horses-in-training sale with nine lots selling for a combined sum of €624,000, including the Johnny Murtagh-trained Masoun (Fr) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), who was knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock at €105,000. Meanwhile, the Denis Hogan-trained chaser Thecompanysergeant (GB) (Kayf Tara {GB}) became the third horse of that sale to clear six figures when knocked down to Kevin and Anna Ross on behalf of Gavin Cromwell for €110,000. Goffs chief Henry Beeby commented, “We've said it before, many times, and we'll say it again: send us the horses and we will deliver. Every year we comment on the size of our HIT entry as we reflect on a good trade for the catalogue and demonstrate that what we offer has sold well. “As ever that was no more evident than with the sale topping HH Aga Khan Draft and we are so grateful for his ongoing support as the day would certainly be much less without those horses. It is just our hope that more Irish owners and trainers take notice and see that Goffs will provide at least as good a market for the category as was available elsewhere last week, but we can't do it without the support. However, we will continue undaunted to strive to grow the catalogue as the time and date makes so much sense with so many overseas buyers combining a visit with our large Autumn Yearling Sale. Goffs HIT is a convenient, low-cost option when compared to the alternative and is promoted around the globe by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and our network of international agents, but they can only work with what we have which makes it a challenge.” He continued, “As was the case at Doncaster a fortnight ago, I make no apology for repeating this annual cry as Goffs is ready on both sides of The Irish Sea, our teams are keen, and everything is in place for us to provide a viable, vibrant alternative especially as a monopoly is never good for any product. “Today is surely the natural choice for Irish Horses-In-Training but, as with every category, we cannot do it without the horses. ITM and the Goffs Purchaser Attraction Team have ensured that the buyers are here as today's results will see horses heading for the China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, as well as the UK whilst, of course, many will stay on these shores and the prices exceed expectations in so many cases. So, it's really up to Irish owners and trainers to give us the chance as we will deliver and prove the point so often. We now turn our attention to yearlings and our Autumn Yearling Sale that is once again packed full of potential and value.” The horses-in-training trade was swiftly followed by the opening session of the four-day Autumn Yearling Sale, which got off to a reasonable start with 81 lots selling for an average of €9,521 while the median nestled at €4,000. One man who certainly made his presence felt was Curragh-based trainer Jack Davison who, along with bloodstock agent Barry Lynch, landed a Mohaather (GB) filly from Derrinstown Stud for €110,000. He said, “We came here to buy the best filly and the sale and I'm delighted we got her. She has been purchased on behalf of existing American-based owners within the yard along with a new group of Irish-based owners. We've been lucky with the stallion already after Glenderry (GB) won a maiden at Dundalk for us. I think the only way is up for Mohaather and we're delighted to have bought this filly.” The post ‘The Only Way Is Up For Mohaather’ – Solid H-I-T And Yearling Trade At Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Denali Stud-consigned Walkathon (Twirling Candy) sold Tuesday at the first session of the Keeneland November sale to Emmanuel de Seroux for $1.5 million. Sold as a racing or broodmare prospect, the 5-year-old bay is a multiple graded winner who is out of GSW Walkabout (Stroll), a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Fort Larned (E Dubai). Walkathon was bred by Whitham Thoroughbreds, who campaigned her third dam, two-time champion Bayakoa (Arg). De Seroux purchased Hip 101 for Japan's Grand Stud. The post Emmanuel de Seroux Pays $1.5 Million for MGSW Walkathon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Knight's Choice etched his name into Australian folklore when running out a shock winner of the Melbourne Cup (G1) Nov. 5 at Flemington and in the process provided his sire, Newgate Farm resident Extreme Choice, with his fourth group 1 winner.View the full article

With the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale just minutes old, multiple graded winner Midnight Memories (Mastery) became the nine-day auction's first seven-figure offering when selling for $1.45 million to Katsumi Yoshida. The 5-year-old mare, in foal to Curlin, was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. She was bred by Mike Pegram, Paul Weitman and Karl Watson and is a daughter of graded winner Tiz Midnight (Midnight Lute). She won the 2022 GII Zenyatta Stakes, as well as two Grade III events, and was third in last year's GI Beholder Stakes. The post Yoshida Snaps Up Midnight Memories for $1.45M to Kick Off Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A -1.57% decrease in races and -1.58% in total race days in October lead to declines across the board compared to the same month a year ago. Wagering totaled $796,468,476, a -2.71% decrease over last year while purses were also down (-1.63% available and -2.44% paid) to match available wagering per race day (-1.16%). Looking at the year to date, while wagering is still down (-2.88%), both available and paid purses are in the green (+0.79% and +0.50% respectively). Race days and total races are both down year over year (-2.96% and -2.55%) but average field size in those races has grown (+0.43%) and available purses per race day is up to $336,225 (+3.67%). The post Fewer Races Lead To Lower Numbers In October Economic Indicators appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the Arqana Online November Sale is now available, with 13 lots features either breeding rights or stallion shares that will go under the hammer on Nov. 26 from 5-7p.m. local time. Lot 1 is a 1/50th share in rising French sire Zarak (Fr). The sire of multiple Group 1 winners including G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains Metropolitan (Fr), Zarak's share will entitle the buyer to one covering per year, plus an additional covering every other year. A share (1/50) in exciting French first-crop sire Hello Youmzain (Fr) (lot 4) will also be offered. He currently has 17 first-crop winners, and has sired group winners Misunderstood (Fr) and Electrolyte (Ire). The buyer will be given the right to two coverings a year. There is also a share in lot 7, Classic winner and Group 1 sire Kameko. The share gives the right to one nomination every year and an additional nomination every odd-numbered year (two nominations in 2025). There are also shares in City Light (Fr) (lot 8), Muhaarar (GB) (lot 9), The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (lot 12), Persian King (Ire) (lot 13), Sealiway (Fr) (lot 3), and Goken (Fr) (lot 5). Breeding rights will be also offered for Goliath Du Berlais (Fr) (lot 2), Victor Ludorum (GB) (lot 10), and Latrobe (Ire) (lot 11). The post Zarak Share One Of The Highlights Of Arqana November Online Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

North American track record-setter Cogburn (Not This Time) will stand at WinStar Farm for an opening fee of $30,000 S&N, the farm announced Tuesday. The GI Jaipur Stakes winner arrived in good order at WinStar Farm and will be available for showing at WinStar's open houses each day Nov. 6-15, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors are welcome without an appointment during the designated times. Cogburn set a North American record for 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf in that Jaipur win, completing the distance in a final time of :59.80 which easily eclipsed the previous record of 1:00.21 and earned him a Beyer Speed Figure of 114. Following the Jaipur, Cogburn proved an authoritative winner of the $2 million GII Turf Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs where he ran six furlongs on turf in 1:07.68, just missing another course record. All told, Cogburn finished first or second in 11-of-16 lifetime starts and banked $2,422,630 racing for Clark Brewster, William and Corinne Heiligbrodt and trainer Steve Asmussen. The post Cogburn To Stand At WinStar For $30,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group winner and Classic runner-up Isaac Shelby (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) has been retired and will stand at Newsells Park Stud next year. His fee has been set at £7,000, SLF. Bred by Elaine Chivers, the chestnut was a £92,000 purchase by Sam Sangster Bloodstock out of the Goffs UK Premier and Silver Yearling Sale in 2021. He won the G2 Superlative Stakes as a juvenile, and also added the G3 Greenham Stakes at three in the colours of Manton Thoroughbreds. Bought by Wathnan Racing, his next start was a neck second in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains, and he would go on to also run second in the G2 Lennox Stakes and G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein in August and September of 2023. His record stands at 9-3-3-0 and $468,560 in earnings. Trainer Brian Meehan said, “Isaac Shelby is one of the smartest horses I've ever trained. He oozed style and class throughout his racing career. His win in the Superlative Stakes was impressive, but his performance in the Greenham was sublime. His greatest attribute was his tenacity and his will to win. I have been privileged and proud to have trained him and look forward to training his progeny in the future.” Added Julian Dollar, general manager at Newsells Park Stud, said, “We're delighted to be standing the first son of Night Of Thunder to retire to stud. Isaac Shelby was hugely talented–even better than his sire at two, and a proper Guineas horse too. I can't wait to show him off to breeders: he's great-looking, very athletic and has a wonderful temperament. We're very grateful to the team at Wathnan and look forward to supporting him strongly.” The third foal out of Kentucky Belle (Ire) (Heliostatic {Ire}), Isaac Shelby is one of two winners for his dam. This is the extended family of GII Mac Diarmida Handicap winner Ramazutti (Honor Grades). Richard Brown, Wathnan's racing manager, added, “Isaac Shelby was a hugely talented horse who so nearly got Wathnan off to a dream Group 1 start when second in the French Guineas–the very first runner in the Wathnan silks. He's a fine horse by a very special young stallion and we'll be very keen to see all his offspring when they come to market.” The post Classic-Placed Isaac Shelby Retired To Newsells Park Stud, Fee Will Be £7,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release Speakers have been announced for the 50th annual Global Symposium on Racing, taking place from December 9-11, 2024, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson. For a complete agenda and a list of speakers, please visit RacingSymposium.com. The event brings together racing industry executives from around the world to delve into critical issues and emerging trends across the three racing breeds. The 2024 Symposium will feature a compelling lineup of topics vital to racing industry stakeholders, including: Artificial Intelligence: Transformative Applications for Advancing Horse Racing Investing in Racing's Future: Perspectives from the Next Generation The HIWU Testing Strategy: A Peek Behind the Curtain Unlocking the Winning Playbook: Driving Innovative Sports Marketing Strategies Securing the Future of America's Retired Racehorses: • Strategies, Success Stories, and Sustainable Solutions Going Global: Updates and Insights from the World Stage Safeguarding Equine Health: Biosecurity Strategies for Disease Prevention and Control The Symposium will kick off with welcoming remarks from University of Arizona men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd followed by a keynote address from Oaklawn Park President Louis Cella. A highlight of the Symposium will be “Champions. Challenges. Commitment. A Conversation with Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher” featuring two former RTIP students who have gone on to Hall of Fame training careers. Monday's agenda will include a full day of pre-conference meetings and workshops, setting the stage for the Symposium's opening evening reception. These pre-conference sessions include: 4th Annual Racing Secretary Summit ARCI Model Rules Meeting HISA/HIWU Workshop Moisture and Other Daily Measurements to Meet HISA • Racetrack Regulations NTRA/NHC Workshop To take advantage of a $100 discount on registration, participants are encouraged to register for the 2024 Global Symposium on Racing by Nov. 22. Information on symposium registration and hotel reservations can both be found at RacingSymposium.com. The post Over 50 Speakers Announced For Global Symposium on Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fantastic Moon (Ger) will command €9,000 at Gestut Ebbesloh in Germany next year, Liberty Racing announced on Tuesday. The son of Sea The Moon (Ger) won the G1 Deutsches Derby (German Derby) in 2023, as well as the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden this term. In addition, he was a group winner at two, the highest-rated German 3-year-old last year. Trained by Sarah Steinberg, he will compete in the G1 Japan Cup on Nov. 24, and possibly in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase in December. “We're starting breeder-friendly: despite his outstanding performances over three racing seasons, Liberty Racing 2021 has decided that Fantastic Moon will begin with a stud fee of €9,000–regardless of his performance in the Japan Cup,” said Liberty Racing founder Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten. “If things go well there [in Japan], we're considering adding a run in the Hong Kong Vase. Fanta came out of the Arc in great shape and has been training excellently. We are very optimistic about the trip to Asia. The flight leaves on November 13 directly for Tokyo,” said Steinberg on Tuesday morning. The post Fantastic Moon’s Fee Set For €9,000 At Gestut Ebbesloh appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dark Angel (Ire)'s Charyn (Ire) will stand for €35,000 during his first season at Sumbe's Haras de Montfort et Preaux in 2025, Nurlan Bizakov's operation announced on Tuesday. A winner of the G1 Queen Anne Stakes, G1 Prix Jacques le Marois and the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes all in 2024, the classy miler is now bound for a final start in Japan's G1 Mile Championship on Nov. 17. Bred by Grangemore Stud, the Roger Varian trainee was a 250,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling when offered by his breeder and picked up by Sumbe. The grey is joined by globetrotting multiple Group 1 winner Mishriff (Ire) at €16,000. His first foals will arrive in 2025. G1 Jean-Luc Lagardere-winning juveniles Angel Bleu (Fr) and Belbek (Fr) both also covered their first mares this season. The sons of Dark Angel and Showcasing (GB) have been priced at €8,000 and €6,000, respectively. Rounding out the roster is Golden Horde (Ire) at €4,000. Sired by Dark Angel's Lethal Force (Ire), he is already the sire of four first-crop winners in France and Great Britain. His half-sibling Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) won the latest edition of the Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc Day. The post Dark Angel’s Charyn Will Lead Sumbe Roster At €35,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program estimates that the funds raised during its 15th annual Breeders' Cup pledge will exceed $120,000. Seven horses drove this year's total with their victories on Breeders' Cup Friday and Saturday, including winners Henri Matisse (Ire), Lake Victoria, Chasing Liberty, Moira, Sierra Leone, Citizen Bull and Thorpedo Anna. Johannes, Mullikin, Fierceness, Candied and Nitrogen also contributed by virtue of their placed efforts over the weekend. “SF is proud to continue our support of New Vocations, ” shared Gavin Murphy of SF Bloodstock, part-owners of Juvenile winner Citizen Bull. “We care greatly for the horses that race under our care. Their racing careers represent only a short moment in time for what we hope will be long and productive lives, and New Vocations does a wonderful job in preparing them for their next careers.” This year's winning connections include Coolmore and Partners, Judy Hicks, Robert Masterson, Tom and Katie Ryan, SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Stonestreet Stables, Twin Creeks Racing, Waves Edge Capital LLC, and White Birch Farm, Inc. “We are very grateful for the overwhelming support from the owners and trainers who joined the Pledge this year,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations Program Thoroughbred Program Director. “With an amazing 77 horses with connections pledging this year, the campaign raises awareness and much-needed funds to continue our mission and grow our aftercare efforts.” The post New Vocations’ Breeders’ Cup Pledge Raises Over $120,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wootton Bassett (GB) has had his fee increased to €300,000 as he prepares to embark on his fifth season at Coolmore Stud in 2025, while European champion two-year-old and Derby winner City Of Troy has been introduced at €75,000. This year Wootton Bassett's first crop of Irish-bred two-year-olds have swept all before them, featuring four individual top-level winners in Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Camille Pissarro (Ire), Criterium de Saint-Cloud scorer Tennessee Stud (Ire), Criterium International hero Twain (Ire) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Henry Matisse (Ire). This season Wootton Bassett covered 223 mares at his base in Fethard at a fee of €200,000. City Of Troy, who also counted the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International among his four Group 1 victories for Aidan O'Brien, is one of three new additions to the Coolmore ranks along with Auguste Rodin (Ire) and Henry Longfellow (Ire), who have been introduced at €30,000 and €15,000, respectively. A six-time winner at the top level, notably winning the Derby and Breeders' Cup Turf as a three-year-old in 2023, Auguste Rodin is due to make his final racecourse appearance in the G1 Japan Cup at Tokyo on Sunday, November 24. The son of Deep Impact (Jpn) is out of the high-class Galileo (Ire) mare Rhododendron (Ire), a Group 1 winner at two, three and four. Henry Longfellow is blessed with a similarly blue-blooded pedigree as a son of Dubawi (Ire) and the seven-time Group 1 winner Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Unbeaten in three starts as a two-year-old, culminating with an impressive victory in the G1 National Stakes, Henry Longfellow produced his best effort this season when filling the runner-up spot behind Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) in the G1 St James's Palace Stakes. “Coolmore are delighted to welcome three outstanding new prospects for 2025,” said David O'Loughlin, Coolmore's director of sales. “City Of Troy has long been the apple of Aidan O'Brien's eye who couldn't be more positive on his sire Justify. He was an outstanding two-year-old and again proved by far the best of his generation this year. “Auguste Rodin must be the best value horse in Europe at €30,000 and is a fantastic-looking individual. Six Group 1 successes at two, three and four years, he's by a sensational stallion in Deep Impact while his first three dams all performed at the highest level over a mile or less. “Henry Longfellow also offers tremendous value at just €15,000. Like his sire Dubawi, he went unbeaten in three starts at two including the Group 1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, and he's arguably his best-looking son ever to retire to stud. He showed top class form over a mile this season most notably when going down by just a neck to Rosallion in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes. And to cap it all, he's out of one of the best Galileo mares of all time and bred on the same cross as Night Of Thunder.” Coolmore's full list of European fees: Auguste Rodin (Ire) €30,000 Australia (GB) €10,000 Blackbeard (Ire) €17,500 Calyx (GB) €12,500 Camelot (GB) €75,000 Churchill (Ire) €25,000 City Of Troy €75,000 Footstepsinthesand (GB) €8,000 Gleneagles (Ire) €20,000 Henry Longfellow (Ire) €15,000 Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) €8,000 Little Big Bear (Ire) €20,000 No Nay Never €125,000 Paddington (GB) €25,000 Saxon Warrior (Jpn) €15,000 Sioux Nation €30,000 St Mark's Basilica (Fr) €40,000 Starspangledbanner (Aus) €45,000 The Antarctic (Ire) €5,000 Wootton Bassett (GB) €300,000 The post Coolmore Reveal Stud Fees, Wootton Bassett at €300,000 and City Of Troy at €75,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After winning the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), Thorpedo Anna comfortably topped the closing National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll of 2024.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features features a half-sister to Group 1 winner Limato (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}). 14.50 Kempton, Mdn, £6,800, 2yo, f, 8f (AWT) William Haggas-conditioned debutante CARLYLE SQUARE (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is a half-sister to ultra-consistent G1 July Cup and G1 Prix de la Foret winner Limato (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}). The 100,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate faces a baker's dozen, which includes Godolphin's once-raced Scarlet Princess (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who is a Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of G1 Prix de l'Opera victrix Lady Marian (Ger) (Nayef); and Siena's Star (GB) (Churchill {Ire}), who is out of G1 Gran Premio Del Jockey Club third Elbereth (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}), from the Andrew Balding stable. The post Half-Sister To Limato Set For Kempton Bow appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A strong line up of jockeys have been announced for the 2024 Longines International Jockeys' Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The four races are worth a combined HK$7.5-million (£740,000) in prize-money, and there is a total prize fund of HK$1 million in bonus money for the most successful riders split three ways, with the winner set to receive HK$600,000, with HK$250,000 for second and HK$150,000 for third (£60,000, £25,000, and £15,000, respectively). Vincent Ho, who won this contest in 2023, and seven-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey Zac Purton, a three-time IJC winner (2017, 2020, 2021) will contend against both home-based rivals and eight international rivals. English star jockey Ryan Moore–a two-time winner of this event and a four-time winner of the Longines World's Best Jockey Award (2014, 2016, 2021, 2023)–has signed on, as has the Australian-based New Zealander James McDonald (Longines World's Best Jockey winner of 2022), Norwegian William Buick, who is based in Britain and a two-time champion rider there (2022/2023), as well as female riders Hollie Doyle (placed twice in the IJC already) and Rachel King (third on her IJC debut last year), five-time Irish Flat Champion Jockey Colin Keane, Japan's Yuga Kawada (2019 World All-Star Jockeys' champion), and Frenchman Mickael Barzalona, a champion rider in his native land in 2021. The final two spots on the 12-rider IJC roster will go to the highest-ranked riders in the Hong Kong championship standings at the cut-off date, which follows the race meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Andrew Harding, executive director, racing, HKJC, said, “The Longines International Jockeys' Championship is the most exciting jockey challenge every December. This year's line-up features Ryan Moore, James McDonald and William Buick–who currently fill top three in the Longines World's Best Jockey rankings, and between them this year they have won a string of the world's leading Group 1 contests. They will compete with the world's very best established riders for a thrilling night of great sport.” The post Moore, McDonald, Some Of The International Stars For The Longines International Jockeys’ Championship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hello Youmzain (Fr), the leading first-season sire in France this year, has had his fee increased to €40,000 as he prepares to stand his fifth season at Haras d'Etreham in 2025. The sire of two black-type winners from his first crop, namely the G3 Prix des Chenes winner Misunderstood (Fr)–who also finished third in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere–and G3 Prix Eclipse scorer Electrolyte (Ire), Hello Youmzain was introduced at a fee of €25,000 back in 2021. He remained at that level the following year, before being dropped to €22,500 for his third and fourth seasons, but the success of his first runners has forced a price hike which sees him become one of the most expensive stallions at stud in France. Hello Youmzain is joined on the Etreham roster by five other stallions, including two new additions to the ranks in Victor Ludorum (GB) and Metropolitan (Fr), both previous winners of the Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Victor Ludorum, whose first yearlings sold for up to €420,000 in 2024, moves from Haras du Logis to Etreham as part of a new partnership with Darley. The son of Shamardal, who also won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, remains at a fee of €15,000 for the fourth consecutive year. This year's Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Metropolitan will also command a fee of €15,000 as he begins his stallion career at Etreham next season, while another winner of that Classic, Persian King (Ire), remains at €25,000, having produced 13 individual winners from his first crop so far, only four fewer than Hello Youmzain in Europe. Persian King reportedly covered just over 100 mares this season. G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Onesto (Ire) has had a small reduction in his fee at €12,000 (from €12,500), having received 140 mares in his first season at Etreham in 2024, while the roster is completed by City Light (Fr) at an increased fee of €10,000 (from €7,000). He was reportedly fully booked with 150 mares visiting him this season, while on the racecourse his second crop of juveniles included the G3 Prix Miesque winner Mimos (Fr). Etreham's Nicolas de Chambure said, “We are approaching this breeding season with great excitement. Hello Youmzain and Persian King's first two-year-old crops have made remarkable debuts. City Light is again in the spotlight with his second generation and Victor Ludorum's yearlings were very impressive and warmly received by buyers. Onesto was strongly supported for his first year, and we are thrilled to welcome a new top-level sire this season–we couldn't ask for better! “We are delighted to stand sires with these high calibre profiles and, as always, are committed to meeting the expectations and needs of breeders, who we wish an excellent upcoming breeding season.” The post Hello Youmzain at €40,000 as Haras d’Etreham Reveal 2025 Stallion Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Kristen Manning/The Thoroughbred Report Extreme Choice (Aus) made history in the 2024 G1 Melbourne Cup by siring the longshot Knight's Choice (Aus), who stunned as Australia's top stayer. For Sheila Laxon, the first official female trainer to win a Melbourne Cup with Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm) in 2001, this victory marked a triumphant return to Flemington with her husband, John Symons. Owners Cameron Bain, Richard and Kaye Waldron watched their A$85,000 purchase become a A$5.8 million champion, realising breeder Norm Bazeley's vision, who originally acquired Knight's Choice's dam, Midnight Pearl (Aus) (More Than Ready), for just A$1,000. With Knight's Choice's Melbourne Cup victory, Extreme Choice has entered a rare echelon of sires credited with both a Melbourne Cup winner and a Golden Slipper champion–a feat matched only by Sir Tristram (Ire). Newgate's Henry Field couldn't be prouder of Extreme Choice's influence on Australian racing, “I think he goes down as one of the greatest Australian stallions of all time,” Field stated. “To have sired a G1 Golden Slipper Stakes winner (Stay Inside {Aus}) and a Melbourne Cup winner from 105 runners; and four Group 1 winners in his first two crops, it is just an amazing achievement.” Extreme Choice's extraordinary success has come despite his relatively limited initial crops, making his impact even more significant. His early success as a sire also included progeny such as She's Extreme (Aus), who won both the G1 VRC Oaks and G1 Champagne S. Knight's Choice, from Extreme Choice's second crop, represents the stallion's fourth Group 1 winner and joins a growing list of stakes winners among his select group of 74 runners, marking Extreme Choice as one of the most efficient and high-performing sires in recent memory. Field emphasised the rigorous management of Extreme Choice's breeding program at Newgate, which has improved the stallion's fertility significantly. “His fertility has never been better,” Field said, highlighting the dedicated and careful oversight that has allowed Extreme Choice's capacity to be maximised. The Cyclical Story of Midnight Pearl Knight's Choice's journey began with his breeder, Norm Bazeley of Elswick Park in Walcha, who discovered his dam, Midnight Pearl, at the 2013 Inglis Great Southern Sale. Bazeley bought her for a modest A$1000, a purchase that would eventually lead to Melbourne Cup glory. For part-owners Richard and Kaye Waldron, their connection to Knight's Choice runs deep, rooted in their history with his dam, Midnight Pearl. “We bred and raced Knight's Choice's dam Midnight Pearl and sold her when she retired,” Richard shared, reflecting on the decision to part with Midnight Pearl but maintain an interest in her lineage. Known for her grit and consistency on Victorian provincial tracks, Midnight Pearl was the very definition of a “gutsy little mare,” as Laxon fondly described her. The breeders of 23 horses, 21 of whom have won, the Waldrons are fans of New Zealand pedigrees. “I loved the stoutness coming through Eight Carat (GB) and Sir Tristram coming through Midnight Pearl's pedigree and I just thought her pedigree needed that bit of zip, and that's Extreme Choice.” When the Waldrons saw her Extreme Choice colt in the Magic Millions catalogue, they were immediately intrigued. “Kaye saw her in the Magic Millions catalogue, and we loved that she'd been to a speed horse like Extreme Choice,” Richard said. They contacted John Symons to take a look, who soon called back to say, “Oh, I bought him!” Teaming up with Michael Kirby, the stable secured the youngster for just A$85,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Now with prize-money exceeding A$5.8 million, Knight's Choice's victory is a testament to the Waldron's commitment. Richard credited the firm track conditions, which Knight's Choice thrives on, explaining, “He likes a proper good track. When he gets that sort of going, he can cover his last 600 metres in :33s, and only a small percentage of horses can do that.” 100% Strike Rate For Sheila Laxon, the Melbourne Cup win with Knight's Choice was also full-circle moment. Known as the first (official) female trainer of a Melbourne Cup winner with Ethereal in 2001, Laxon's return to the winner's circle was monumental. Now in partnership with her husband, John Symons, Laxon has continued her legacy, this time with a horse that was a true underdog. “What a thrill,” Laxon said, elated after the race, and joked about preserving her perfect Melbourne Cup strike rate. “And you know what is great, I love doing it for Australians; an Australian horse with Australian owners.” Symons, who once trained in Seymour and worked with Macedon Lodge's founder Kurt Stern, was delighted yet tense as he watched the race unfold. “I was worried as he'd (jockey Robbie Dolan) got further back than we'd talked about, but what a great ride,” he shared. Dolan Riding A Dream Originally from County Kildare in Ireland, Dolan's journey to the top of Australian racing has been anything but conventional. Known not only for his skill in the saddle but also for his unique voice–Dolan has a side career as a singer, appearing on The Voice Australia–he is as multifaceted as he is talented. But while he's used to the limelight, the Melbourne Cup was something else entirely. When he first moved to Australia eight years ago, Dolan started out just hoping to make a name for himself in the racing world. He's spent years honing his craft, taking on the challenging circuit with a quiet determination. His breakthrough came not only through his skill on the track but also through his work ethic, which caught the attention of top trainers, including Sheila Laxon and John Symons. Knight's Choice wasn't a favourite going into the Cup, but Dolan's confidence in the horse and his own abilities never wavered. He said, “They were so confident in this horse; a lot of people doubted them. I didn't. “I didn't know what to expect, but I feel like I've ridden it 10 times because I have ridden it in my head a hundred times!” Dolan said, recounting how he mentally rehearsed the race over and over, building a picture of every possible turn and move. This preparation became crucial as the race played out, allowing him to stay calm and collected, even as the horse dropped further back in the field than initially planned. In a deeply emotional moment, Dolan was surrounded by his family as he accepted his first Melbourne Cup victory. “To win it with my father here and my little daughter Maisie and my partner Christine, I'm going to cry!” he said. For Dolan, having his father Bobby, a man who'd supported his career from day one, alongside his young daughter and partner, made the victory even more meaningful. Tuesday, Flemington, Australia MELBOURNE CUP-G1, A$8,560,000, VRC, 11-05, 3yo/up, Open Handicap, 3200mT, 3:19.53, gd. 1–KNIGHT'S CHOICE (AUS), 51.5, g, 5, by Extreme Choice (Aus) 1st Dam: Midnight Pearl (Aus), by More Than Ready 2nd Dam: Black Pearl (NZ), by The Commander (NZ) 3rd Dam: Go Minstrel (NZ), by Kreisler (Ire) 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (A$85,000 Ylg '21 MMLJAN). O-C A Bain, Mrs K J Waldron & R A Waldron; B-Elswick Stud (NSW); T-J G Symons & S Laxon; J-R Dolan; A$5,210,000. Lifetime Record: 23-6-3-2, A$5,842,400. Click for the free Arion.co.nz catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Warp Speed (Jpn), 54.5, h, 5, Drefong–Deep Love (Jpn), by Deep Impact (Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (¥20,000,000 Ylg '20 JRHASEL). O-H Yamada; B-Yasushi Kubota (Jpn); T-Noboru Takagi; J-Akira Sugawara; A$1,100,000. 3–Okita Soushi (Ire), 51.0, h, 6, Galileo (Ire)–Amicus (Aus), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Mrs A M Saini; B-Coolmore; T-C Maher; J-Jamie Kah; A$550,000. Margins: SHD, 3/4, HF. Odds: 90.00, 25.00, 18.00. Also Ran: Zardozi, Absurde (Fr), Circle of Fire (GB), Fancy Man (Ire), Land Legend (Fr), Buckaroo (GB), Kovalica (NZ), Vauban (Fr), Onesmoothoperator, Valiant King (GB), Sea King (GB), Interpretation (Ire), Sharp 'n' Smart (NZ), Trust in You (NZ), Mostly Cloudy (Ire), Manzoice (Aus), Positivity (NZ), The Map (Aus), Saint George (GB), Just Fine (Ire). Click for the Racing Australia chart. VIDEO. The post Extreme Choice’s Son Knight’s Choice Shocks The Field In The Melbourne Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Officials at Gainesway have released the stud fees for four stallions following last weekend's Breeders' Cup. McKinzie (Street Sense), the sire of Grade I winners 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick and Scottish Lassie from his first crop, will stand the 2025 breeding season at a fee of $75,000. The first stallion since Mr. Prospector to account for the winners of the prestigious Champagne Stakes and Frizette Stakes in the same season, McKinzie has also proved successful in the sales arena, his yearlings having fetched as much as $975,000 while his first crop of 2-year-olds realized pricetags as high as $750,000. Muth (Good Magic) will serve mares at an introductory fee of $35,000 LFSN. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' for a blowout victory at first asking last June, the $2-million 2023 OBS March topper won the GI American Pharoah Stakes in his first start around two turns before finishing runner-up to Fierceness (City of Light) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. This year's GI Arkansas Derby hero added the Shared Belief Stakes in September and retires with a record of 5-2-0 from nine runs and earnings of $1,589,600. The stud fee for Classic winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) has been set at $30,000 LFSN. Having defeated future GI Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch (Good Magic) to win his maiden at second asking at Saratoga last summer, the gray colt came from just off the pace to take out the GII Pat Day Mile Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard May 4 and backed up on two weeks' rest to wire the GI Preakness Stakes. He earned the second elite-level victory when leading all the way in the Sept. 21 Pennsylvania Derby. 'TDN Rising Star' Tapit Trice will stand alongside his sire Tapit ($185,000) and will begin his stud career at $20,000 LFSN. Winner of the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby and GI Toyota Blue Gass at three, the Gainesway-bred colt was third in the GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers Stakes. He was a dual graded stakes winner in 2024 and won six of 13 starts for earnings of $1,873,650. The post Gainesway Releases Additional Stud Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Darley has released its stud fees for the upcoming breeding season, with Dubawi (Ire), who remains at £350,000 for the third consecutive year, retaining his position as the joint most expensive stallion standing in Europe alongside Frankel (GB). This year Dubawi was responsible for a pair of British Classic winners in 2,000 Guineas scorer Notable Speech (GB) and Oaks heroine Ezeliya (Fr), plus Group-winning juveniles such as Ancient Truth (Ire) and Delacroix (Ire). Now 22, Dubawi covered 106 mares this season and is set to receive a reduced number again in 2025. Of the other stallions based at Dalham Hall Stud, Too Darn Hot (GB) has had his fee increased to £90,000 from £65,000, while Kildangan Stud residents Night Of Thunder (Ire) and Blue Point (Ire) have also earned significant rises. Night Of Thunder, another 2,000 Guineas winner by Dubawi, will stand for €150,000 (from €100,000), while Blue Point is set to command a fee of €100,000 (from €60,000). Too Darn Hot recently joined an elite group of stallions who have produced a Group 1-winning juvenile in each of his first two crops after Hotazhell (GB) emulated last year's Moyglare Stud Stakes winner, Fallen Angel (GB), by making the breakthrough at the top level in the Futurity Trophy. The son of Dubawi covered 160 mares this season. Night Of Thunder, who received 130 mares in 2024, has had a stellar year on the racecourse with the likes of G1 Irish Champion Stakes winner Economics (GB), plus the exciting juvenile fillies Desert Flower (Ire) and Fairy Godmother (Ire). Desert Flower was unbeaten in four starts, culminating with a wide-margin victory in the G1 Fillies' Mile, while Fairy Godmother was last seen overcoming a troubled passage to win the G3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot. As for Blue Point, Rosallion (Ire) was his flagbearer with a pair of Group 1 wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes, with the speedy Big Evs (Ire), successful in the G2 King George Stakes, and Kind Of Blue (GB), the winner of the G1 Champions Sprint Stakes, heading a strong supporting cast. The leading first-season sire by number of winners in 2023, Blue Point covered 161 mares this season. Pinatubo (Ire), who is currently tied at the top in the battle to be crowned leading first-season sire by number of winners this year, has had his fee at Dalham Hall reduced to £30,000 from £35,000. Earthlight (Ire), the sire of G3 Prix de Cabourg winner and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes runner-up Daylight (Fr) from his first crop, will command a fee of €12,500 (from €15,000) at Kildangan, alongside Ghaiyyath (Ire) whose first two-year-olds included the G3 Autumn Stakes runner-up Stanhope Gardens (Ire). He will stand for €20,000 (from €25,000). Meanwhile, Native Trail (GB) (179 mares), Triple Time (Ire) (155) and Modern Games (Ire) (141) were all new to Darley for 2024 and received good support with three-figure books of mares. Modern Games and Triple Time remain unchanged at £30,000 and £10,000, respectively, while Native Trail has had his fee reduced slightly to €16,000 from €17,500. Sam Bullard, Darley's director of stallions, said, “To have three stallions of the calibre of Blue Point, Night Of Thunder and Too Darn Hot is a source of immense pride to the whole team, particularly as they are sons of our own breed shapers Dubawi and Shamardal. “Our roster provides breeders with a wealth of choices for their mares, from our proven sires to exciting young stallions and we look forward to showing them in the coming months.” Darley's full list of European fees: DALHAM HALL STUD, UK Dubawi (Ire) £350,000 Too Darn Hot (GB) £90,000, Palace Pier (GB) £32,000 Modern Games (Ire) £30,000 Pinatubo (Ire) £30,000 Cracksman (GB) £12,500 Harry Angel (Ire) £10,000 Iffraaj (GB) £10,000 Triple Time (Ire) £10,000 Perfect Power (Ire) £7,500 Farhh (GB) PRIVATE KILDANGAN STUD, IRELAND Night Of Thunder (Ire) €150,000 Blue Point (Ire) €100,000 Teofilo (Ire) €30,000 Ghaiyyath (Ire) €20,000 Native Trail (GB) €16,000 Space Blues (Ire) €16,000 Earthlight (Ire) €12,500 Naval Crown (GB) €9,000 Raven's Pass €7,500 FRANCE Victor Ludorum (GB) €15,000 – Haras d'Etreham Cloth Of Stars (Ire) €4,000 – Haras de Montaigu The post Dubawi Unchanged at £350,000 as Darley Release Fees for 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article