Wandering Eyes

A contractual impasse between NYRA and TVG/FanDuel will result in the elimination of all NYRA content from TVG/FanDuel wagering platforms effective immediately, the New York Racing Association, Inc., NYRA announced Thursday morning..As a result, pari-mutuel wagering and live video from the ongoing Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet are not currently available on TVG/FanDuel. “In its role as a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State, NYRA's mission is to conduct world-class racing for the benefit of the state's economy while growing the sport and creating opportunities for horsemen and breeders to compete for robust purses throughout the year,” NYRA said in its announcement. “To fulfill those goals, NYRA will continue negotiations with TVG/FanDuel to increase funds flowing to the sport and its stakeholders in New York.” “NYRA provides the racing content that fuels the profits of out-of-state ADWs like TVG/FanDuel,” said Tony Allevato, NYRA Chief Revenue Officer. “NYRA must prioritize the overall health of the sport and broader industry here in New York and we will continue negotiations to seek an equitable resolution so that our racing is widely available nationally.” The FanDuel Group released a statement that read, “We have not yet been able to agree to terms to renew our wagering agreement with the New York Racing Association. As a result, we will not be carrying NYRA's content starting today, Thursday, July 4th. While we hope to have this content available again soon, we cannot agree to new proposed terms that are substantially inconsistent with our prior agreements. We understand and regret that this will be an inconvenience to our customers. We have made, and will continue to make, substantial investments in horse racing and we remain very committed to our track and horsemen partners.” TVG/FanDuel has offered wagering on NYRA races since the company first launched its ADW in 2000. The FanDuel Group is the largest processor of legal sports betting and wagering on horse racing in North America. “New York's horse owners are deeply invested in making the NYRA racing product the best in the country,” said Tina Bond, President, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. “We staunchly agree that fair compensation for that investment is absolutely imperative. If the New York thoroughbred industry thrives, we all benefit.” “NYRA is working to broaden the economic benefits flowing to New York's horse racing industry, and our membership supports these efforts in every way,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director, New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “The funds generated by ADWs carrying NYRA support breeding farms throughout the state, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with NYRA.” NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of Belmont at the Big A, Available to horseplayers nationwide, the NYRA Bets app is available for download on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com. In addition, wagering on the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet is available nationwide via Caesars Racebook, BetMGM and other advance deposit wagering platforms. The Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet continues through Sunday, July 7 before live racing shifts upstate for the summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. America's Day at the Races presents daily coverage and analysis of the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit https://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/. The post NYRA Content No Longer Available on TVG/FanDuel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It is time BHA race planning and the TBA conduct a review of the increasing number of pattern races won by geldings. Their findings should be presented to the International Grading and Race Planning Committee (IRPAC). The number of stallions at stud in the UK has now decreased to an alarmingly inadequate level. The choice of sires and sire-lines available to breeders has become chronically polarised. The increasing incidence of geldings winning so many pattern races is just exacerbating an already desperate situation that breeders find themselves facing and highlights the paucity of colts/prospective stallions retiring to stud. Geldings are undoubtedly less complicated to train than colts/full horses for too many reasons to list here. In order to encourage owners and trainers to race more colts, should they be given some sort of incentive to do so? This could either be through a greater distribution of prize-money to winning colts and less to geldings. A more complicated option, might be for geldings to carry a penalty in all pattern races to reflect an easier individual to train. Geldings by even the most expensive stallions in Europe are of little or no long-term consequence to the breeding industry. Are there any better suggestions out there to resolve this urgent conundrum? –Richard Frisby The post Letter To The Editor: Geldings Compromise The Pattern appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing in Saudi Arabia returned on Thursday with the start of the summer season from Taif. A total of 351 races will take place across 39 race meetings from King Khaled Racecourse, which has an altitude high enough to ensure cool temperatures suitable for racing during the summer months. September's King Faisal Cup, run over 1,600 metres for Purebred Arabians, has been upgraded to international Group 3 status ahead of the new season, meaning it will be the only Group 3 for Purebred Arabians run on dirt in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. An increase in handicaps is another feature of the new campaign. There will be a total of 120 handicaps (up from 79) during the season which runs for 13 weeks until Saturday, September 28. His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority, said, “The King Faisal Cup being upgraded to international Group 3 status is a great success and a sign of international recognition of the strength of racing in Saudi Arabia. The Cup was created only four years ago and promoted to Listed level two years ago, so to now be an international Group 3 is impressive.” Speaking further on the developments of racing in Taif, His Highness said, “One of our strategic objectives is to improve the level of competition, so we're very pleased to have significantly increased the number of handicap races.” Former American trainer Jimmy Jerkens, is also looking forward to the start of the Taif season. “It's easier [than last season],” he said. “There are a couple of two-year-olds that have come in and there's a three-year-old that they've bought that I'm excited about, a horse called Tireless (Not This Time). He only won one race back home for [Todd] Pletcher but he was a $850,000 yearling. I think he's the ideal horse for Saudi, because he's three and he's only run four or five times. If he takes to it here, he might really be a star. “You always want to have horses in the big races, but it's tough to get a really good one.” The post Saudi Racing Returns With New 2024 Taif Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Haras de Montfort et Preaux resident Golden Horde (Ire) (Lethal Force {Ire} became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Louis Baudron-trained daughter Moorea (Fr) shed maiden status over six furlongs in in Thursday's Prix des Amarantes at Aix-Les-Bains. Settled off the tempo for the most part, the 16-5 chance made relentless headway out wide in the straight to prevail by a neck from Boujee Filly (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {Ire}). 5th-Aix-Les-Bains, €16,000, Mdn, 7-4, 2yo, 6fT, 1:12.80, sf. MOOREA (FR) (f, 2, Golden Horde {Ire}–Sampaquita {Fr}, by Poet's Voice {GB}), a June 16 debut fourth behind the 'TDN Rising Star' performance of Polyvega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) going 5 1/2 furlongs at Chantilly last time, settled off the pace towards the rear for most of this second start. Coaxed alond off the home turn, the 16-5 chance challenged out wide with 300 metres remaining and was ridden out to prevail by a neck from Boujee Filly (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), becoming the first winner for her freshman sire (by Lethal Force {Ire}). Moorea is the latest of three foals and second scorer produced by a half-sister to G1 Dubai Duty Free and G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup hero Presvis (GB) (Sakhee). Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, €12,000. Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Louis Baudron, Alessandro Botti, Giuseppe Botti, Emmanuel Trussardi & Ecurie du Precieux; B-Emmanuel Trussardi & Mickael Bisson (FR); T-Louis Baudron. The post Freshman Sire Golden Horde Off The Mark At Aix-Les-Bains appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It’s no accident that Aaron Kuru has become Australia’s most in-demand jumps jockey. The talented Kiwi is in the midst of a career-best season with 25 wins at a 25 per cent strike-rate across jumps and highweight flat races and will look to continue that form in the Thackeray Steeplechase and Kevion Lafferty Hurdle at Warrnambool on Sunday. When Kuru, New Zealand’s premier jumps rider at the time, made the move to Victoria in 2020, it wasn’t a case of a simple transition to the top. He’d built a name and a reputation in this part of the world, first via an incredible viral win on a fallen horse in a jumps race in New Zealand and later when successful aboard Tallyho Twinkletoe in both of the 2019 Australian Grand Nationals. But that counted for little as he struggled to gain traction and, by his own admission, found it difficult to adapt to different conditions and different tracks. In a weighing room with Pateman, McCarthy, Jackson, Ryan and Cully, he needed to find a way to stand out. “Moving over here, no matter the outcome, my partner and I made a decision to come and make it work,” Kuru said. “It was pretty tough in the first season or two then we slowly started to get improvement. “In terms of my style, I had no real style at all. “In New Zealand with the Heavy tracks, I used to ride long and safe and when I came to Australia, I stood out but in in a bad way. “I don’t think I looked that good, so I needed to change something about my riding because my first season here wasn’t going to plan. “I put my irons up a few holes, got a bit of strength in my legs and my core and tried to look a bit more like a flat rider. “I thought that if I could stick out in a good way, maybe people will notice that. “I think a lot of the jumps riders have that European style, so I thought if I could look different to that, maybe I will get noticed in a good way. “Patrick (Payne) sends a lot of horses to trials and jumpouts, so I was able to work on it there and really build my fitness as well and put the work into my legs to ride like that.” Even the most hardened jumps racing fans marvel at the poetry in flight that is Kuru’s seat on a horse approaching and over a jump. That he’s become such a polished rider is an achievement in itself, given he didn’t sit on a horse until well into his high school years. A career as a jockey was never on the cards, even after he’d ridden trackwork for several years, but a chance encounter in a picnic race was the catalyst for a change of heart. “I had no link at all to jumps racing and I didn’t sit on a horse until I was about 14 or 15,” he said. “My high school in New Zealand was directly across the road from a racecourse and at that sort of age, you’re always asking your parents for money, so I needed to get a job. “I just thought that maybe I could ride some horses for cash before school and that’s really how it all started. “I started riding and I learned to ride trackwork and that was my job all the way through high school. “I didn’t really have any interest in becoming a jockey at all, so I finished school, but my boss, John Barry, had an older horse that had reached his mark, so he put him in a picnic race and I got my picnic licence to ride him. “He ran second and I got the bug after that. “I did the picnic circuit for about a year-and-a-half and was ready to throw it away before someone told me I should become a jumps rider. “I had no interest at all, but I went to Mrs Brown’s jumping school in New Zealand and after the weekend I took my jumps licence and we started from there.” A decade on and Kuru boasts almost 200 wins, including features on both sides of the Tasman. His association with Patrick Payne has yielded success in the Grand National Hurdle and Grand National Chase, while he’s won a Brierly and formed a brilliant partnership with the ‘King of Casterton’ Elvison for his other main supporter, Symon Wilde. “I feel like I’m getting on really nice horses,” he said. “Symon Wilde has a lot of input in my success and a lot of work goes in behind the scenes with him and I. “I actually live not far from Patty Payne, so I ride work for him and, generally once a week or whenever Symon needs me for gallops or jumpouts, I’ll head down to Warrnambool.” Kuru won’t ride for Payne or Wilde in Sunday’s two feature races, although it’s likely he will link up with them on the undercard, which consists of jumps races and highweight flat races. Instead, he will continue a lethal combination he’s formed with another New Zealander, Mark Walker. The pair has combined only 11 times this season but it’s an association that has yielded six wins aboard emerging jumpers Leaderboard, Prismatic and The Mighty Spar. “At this stage, I’m riding Prismatic for Te Akau in the Kevin Lafferty Hurdle and Leaderboard in the Thackeray Chase,” he said. “My great strike-rate with Mark is purely just a case of him identifying the right horses to send jumping. “I don’t think it was a case of these horses reaching their mark on the flat, but I think the schooling (over jumps) has out a bit more of a spark into them. “From that schooling, he (Mark) has identified that they are quite nice jumpers. “They all had a jumps start in New Zealand.” View the full article

Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans have made the best possible start with their first ‘Jenni’ runner, as two-year-old Jenni Multabella (NZ) (Ace High) won her debut impressively at Sale on Thursday. The training partnership, which commenced at the start of the 2023/24 season, was entrusted with several Tony and Lynn Ottobre-owned fillies, with Jenni Multibella the first of those to race. The daughter of Ace High sat outside leader Polyglot (Lonhro) ($6.50) for the bulk of the 1106-metre journey before looming up smartly to challenge that horse upon straightening. It took her a while to put the runner-up away, but Jenni Multibella was far too strong over the final stages, pulling clear to score as a well-backed $2.30 favourite. Kennewell was thrilled to pick up a win in the colours carried by freak mare Pride Of Jenni and repay the Ottobres’ faith in a timely manner. He is already keen to see the filly, who is bred to get over much more ground, contest further races in spring after a spell. “It’s a good relief, to be honest. Tony and Lynn have obviously given Lucy and I a couple of nice fillies to train,” he said. “She’s been a pleasure to have in the stable and she’s shown us very good ability from day one. That was way below the distance she’ll hopefully be winning at later on. “That was more than likely a one-and-done run for the prep and we’ll get ready for the spring, because she’s a pretty high-quality filly.” Blake Shinn’s report from the saddle was just as encouraging, with the 26-time Group 1-winning hoop left very impressed by the slick performance. “That was a beautiful run by that girl today – she jumped well, we had an open mind with how we’d ride her,” he said. “When the horse inside her went to the rail, I elected just to encourage her to sit outside the leader and she travelled sweetly in hand. “She was very strong. I knew I was going to pick the leader up when I wanted to … she’s going to get better when she gets over longer and the further we went, she was getting stronger. “They brought this race back 100m, so I couldn’t imagine the margin if we went 1200m. But we got the job done today and it’s great for the stable.” Jenni Multabella was purchased out of Cambria Park’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale Book 1 draft for $130,000. View the full article

Once touted as an Everest contender before being struck down by soundness issues, Showmanship (NZ) (Showcasing) will be looking to prove that he still packs a punch when he returns to Sydney for the first time in almost two years. The eight-year-old, who will line up in Saturday’s Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, has twice had his career interrupted for lengthy periods. Considered one of the rising stars of the sprinting ranks after winning seven of his first eight starts, he was in discussions for the 2020 Everest before a tendon issue sidelined him for 18 months. He returned for three runs, including a slashing Group 3 victory at his only Sydney visit two years later, then spent another 15 months out of action. Owner Bob Peters eventually sent Showmanship to John Leek Jnr, who has a knack for managing horses with wear and tear issues. The gelding made a great start for his new stable when motoring home from last to finish a half-length fourth in the Doveton Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in December, and again wasn’t beaten far when resuming with a midfield effort in the Wangoom Handicap in May. Leek says nothing went right for Showmanship at Sandown last start, but on a heavy track at Randwick he is anticipating a much-improved performance. “He’s a beautiful horse,” Leek said. “He’s got a lot of ability but as you can see, he obviously hasn’t raced much so we’ve just got to plan his runs and get him onto a wet track. “There have been no ratings races to suit him, but we’ve found one on Saturday. He’s in well and I’m looking forward to it. “It’s been the plan for a while.” View the full article

Tom Lowry, an immensely influential figure in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, passed away on Monday aged 88. He was the third generation to operate the famous Okawa Stud in Hawke’s Bay, a property first established by his grandfather and then successfully run by his father for many years. Thomas Russell Lowry was born in Hastings on April 13, 1936, and educated at Christ’s College in Christchurch and then the Royal Agricultural College in England. Like his father before him, Tom quickly became heavily involved in Hawke’s Bay thoroughbred circles, both as a successful breeder and owner. He became a member of the former Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club in 1963 and a committeeman in 1969. He was vice-president of the club from 1978 to 1986 and president from 1987 to 1991, whereupon he was made a life member. The Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club became part of Hawke’s Bay Racing Incorporated in the early 1990s and Tom Lowry served as a director on the Board of the new body before becoming Chairman from 2000 to 2002. He retired from both positions in October 2002. Tom Lowry was also heavily involved in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, becoming a council member in 1976 and serving as vice-president from 1983 to 1987. He was the NZTBA representative on the Board of the New Zealand Racing Conference from 1994 to 1996 and was also made a life member of the NZTB Association. In the mid-1970s Tom Lowry decided to import a European-bred stallion to stand at Okawa Stud and purchased Three Legs from Ireland. The son of Petingo went on to become one of the most successful sires of his time, being crowned champion New Zealand stallion for three years and producing a steady stream of Group race winners including the champion mare Horlicks, winner of the 1989 running of the prestigious Japan Cup. Horlicks was by Three Legs out of the Okawa Stud-bred mare Malt and was bred and owned by Graham de Gruchy, a brother-in-law of Tom Lowry. The steely grey mare recorded 17 wins from 40 starts and, besides being the only ever New Zealand owned and trained winner of the Japan Cup, she also recorded Group One victories in the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) in Melbourne, the DB Draught Classic (2100m) at Ellerslie (twice) and Television NZ Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. She was also runner-up behind fellow New Zealander Poetic Prince in the 1988 Cox Plate (2040m) in Melbourne and went on to become the dam of the 2000 Melbourne Cup winner Brew. Another outstanding early daughter of Three Legs was Burletta, bred by another Hawke’s Bay man in Tom Mulcaster. She won 16 of her 33 starts and was crowned New Zealand Three-year-old Filly of the year in the 1983-84 season when her victories included the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and Gr.2 Bayer Classic. Three Legs also left the 1984 New Zealand Derby winner Jolly Jake as well as the multiple Group race winners Random Chance (15 wins), Our Secret Weapon (11 wins), Eastern Joy (12 wins) and Shannon (5 wins). Tom Lowry, in partnership with his brother Pat and their sisters bred and raced a number of successful horses under the Okawa Partnership banner. They included Cure, winner of the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Tom Lowry also bred and raced the high-class racemare Dare, whose eight wins included the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes and, although he had wound down his thoroughbred interests in recent years, he celebrated another memorable success on his home track at Hastings this year when Testwin won on debut over 1600m on January 6. The Time Test gelding was bred by Tom Lowry and raced by him from the Hastings stable of his nephew Guy and training partner Leah Zydenbos. Testwin is out of the Don Eduardo mare Edwina, who was purchased out of a 2013 mixed bloodstock sale as a four-year-old for just $2250. “I got another person to buy the mare for me and she traces back to a good Okawa Stud family,” Tom Lowry recalled. “She was unbroken when I bought her but was an outstanding looking mare. If you saw her in a paddock with other mares you would pick her out on looks just about everytime.” Tom Lowry decided not to get Edwina broken in and sent her straight to stud, getting her in-foal to Niagara who was standing at Okawa Stud at the time. The resultant foal was Nedwin, who started out in Guy Lowry’s stable but was sold to Gisborne couple Mick and Suz Gardner. He won three races on the flat before entering the Hastings stable of Paul Nelson and Corrina McChief Stipeal and has since won another three on the flat and six over fences, including last year’s Great Northern Hurdle (4200m). Edwina didn’t leave another live foal until 2018, when she produced a filly by Darci Brahma that Tom Lowry also raced from his nephew’s stable and was named Darwin. “She won a race but then her form started to drop away so we pulled the plug and we have retired her to stud too,” Lowry said. Testwin is the third living foal out of Edwina and his win belatedly fulfilled one of Tom Lowry’s breeding rules. “I usually say that if a mare can’t produce three winners before she is 12 years old then you should get rid of her. Edwina is 14 years old now but she has now produced three winners, so I think she’s worth keeping.” Tom Lowry had a life-long passion for thoroughbreds and was a special guest at the Hawke’s Bay/Poverty Bay Thoroughbred Breeders annual weanling walk last Sunday, which culminated in a luncheon at Linden Estate winery. He was in fine spirits then but sadly passed away the next day. View the full article

A spur of the moment decision to run Balzano (NZ) (Shooting To Win) at Ashburton has paid dividends for Nikki White after the underrated galloper powered to victory in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (1400m) on Thursday. Based out of Omakau in Central Otago, White had been running Balzano at Rating 65 grade including a mile contest last Sunday at Wingatui, where he finished fourth and six lengths adrift of the winner in Miss Belle (NZ) (Belardo). On the back-up, Balzano was facing a drop back in distance and a sharp rise in class in the open handicap at Ashburton which featured the likes of Rating 83 gallopers Lord Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Louie Louie (NZ) (Zacinto), rating him the $12.40 outsider in a condensed TAB market. In the hands of Terry Moseley, the son of Shooting To Win was assertive early from barrier six and sat outside pacemaker Arctic Glow (NZ) (Turn Me Loose), making his claim as he travelled strongly into the home straight. The three-year-old didn’t let up as Kelvin Tyler’s pair Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer) and Go Lotte (NZ) (Telperion) gave chase, kicking away at the line to score by 1-¼ lengths. The victory gave local hoop Moseley an early double after he claimed the opener aboard Smooth Operator (NZ) (Turn Me Loose). White was admittedly surprised and rapt with the result after putting in a late entry two days prior. “It was completely out of the blue to run him here, I just did a late nomination on Tuesday morning and decided to come up,” she said. “I had a feeling that he could run well and be thereabouts, but I didn’t expect him to win. “We have got him nominated for the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m), so we’ll press on for that hopefully with a run in between at Oamaru in the open mile and go from there.” After opening a $101 chance, Balzano has moved to $61 in the TAB Futures Market for the Grand National Week feature, which will be run at Riccarton Park on August 3. The gelding commenced his career under Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman, for whom he recorded a win and two placings in six starts, among these attempts was a tough run in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November. Balzano was subsequently offered for sale on gavelhouse.com in early February, and the White’s combined with co-owner Dave Coleman to purchase him for $25,000. “He had some form up north and I had an owner quite keen to have something up and ready to go, so we went halves in buying him,” White said. “At his first start down here at Invercargill he ran 10 lengths last which wasn’t a great start, but he had a few issues with his knees that we fixed up and he’s just gotten better and better from there.” Out of Dylan Thomas mare Holly Holy, Balzano was bred by Monovale Holdings and has earned $46,825 through his 12-start career. View the full article

An expansion of the Turf Series was announced by the Bahrain Turf Club on Thursday, as well as the installation of floodlights ahead of the 2024-25 season. The Bahrain Turf Series, which was launched in 2021, will now comprise of 12 races worth a total of $1 million, with a further $80,000 available in bonuses. The programme will start on the later date of December 20 and run until March 7, with an additional two handicaps, each worth $100,000, set to be run at the season's finale, where the feature event is the King's Cup. The extension of the Bahrain Turf Series means that all the premier races in the second half of the season now fall within the dates of the international programme. This makes it easier for horses to follow the path taken by last season's break-out star, Isle Of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), who graduated from Bahrain Turf Series handicaps to pattern races when winning the Crown Prince's Cup and the King's Cup, both of them holding Listed status. His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, chairman of the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, said, “I am pleased to announce both an expansion of the Bahrain Turf Series and the introduction of floodlit racing, a bold initiative that will elevate the spectacle of racing in Bahrain to a new level and enable our season to continue to flourish. “For the first time, our most prestigious races, including the Crown Prince's Cup and the King's Cup, will all fall within the Bahrain Turf Series calendar. The move, coupled with the new floodlights, provides more flexibility to the race programme, and is intended to make racing in Bahrain an even more attractive and compelling proposition to international visitors.” The 2024 running of the Kingdom's most valuable race, the $1-million G2 Bahrain International Trophy, will take place on Friday, November 15 at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club. Entries close at noon on Wednesday, October 2. The post New Floodlights and Expansion of Turf Series Announced by Bahrain Turf Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A group of over 300 local primary schoolchildren was welcomed to Newmarket's July Racecourse last week for the finale of the popular Under Starter's Orders programme. The initiative, started in 2015, is an integral part of Racing to School's educational programme and is made possible through the generous support of Newmarket Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates and Godolphin. Racing to School's programme manager Ollie McPhail said, “The raceday is a fantastic finale to the three-part programme local schools participate in and has given pupils the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from their experiences at Dalham Hall Stud and the Horseracing Museum in a real life setting of a busy raceday. We are delighted to have completed a successful ninth year of this popular programme.” The post Racing to School Completes Ninth Year of Under Starter’s Orders Programme appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ballydoyle's Derby-winning TDN Rising Star City Of Troy (Justify) will face seven rivals in Saturday's G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown following Thursday morning's confirmation stage. While the self-titled “clash of the generations” is missing key representation among the older brigade after it was announced that White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) would be missing from the line-up, the four other 3-year-olds preparing to take on the long odds-on favourite include Jeff Smith's smart Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and trainer Clive Cox is hopeful of a bold show. “I think we are all realistic about what we saw in the Derby, which was a supreme performance,” he said. “We are highly respectful of that, but we feel that a mile and a quarter at Sandown is the best route for Ghostwriter and just hope that conditions remain on the drier side.” Fourth in the G1 2,000 Guineas and G1 Prix du Jockey Club, Ghostwriter may not have had his ideal conditions until now and his trainer is happy that he has the right material for this 10-furlong test. “He's a colt we've always held in high regard and he was an admirable two-year-old, when he was unbeaten and he finished off with a very good win in the Royal Lodge Stakes. I still think there's more to come,” he added. “His fourth in the Guineas was another commendable effort and that form has been franked by the Hannon colts Rosallion and Haatem. They finished just in front of him at Newmarket and have flown the flag for the Guineas since in Ireland and at Royal Ascot. We hoped he'd deal with what we thought would be just slightly easier ground in France, but the times were reflective of proper soft ground and I think it just took a little bit of his punch away from him.” Richard Kingscote will renew his partnership with Ghostwriter, while Jeff Smith also has the Andrew Balding-trained filly See The Fire (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). David Fish's Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who was second in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and sixth in the Derby, re-opposes from the Roger Teal yard along with Kieran Shoemark on board for the first time. Sean Levey will ride the Brian Meehan-trained G3 Hampton Court Stakes winner Jayarebe (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}) for Iraj Parvizi. The field is completed by Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Stay Alert (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) and City Of Troy's stablemate Hans Andersen (GB) (Frankel {GB}). The post City Of Troy Faces Seven In The Eclipse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 5 I SEE RED SYNDICATE MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE 4000m DEVOTED (H McNeill) – Co-trainer Mr M. Walker reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of DEVOTED. M Walker further advised the stable will continue with the gelding’s current preparation and may look to nominate DEVOTED at the Racing Rotorua meeting on 20 July. The post Hawke’s Bay Racing Inc @ Hastings, Saturday 29 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

What Flemington Finals Race Day 2024 Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, July 6, 2024 First Race 11:55am AEST Visit Dabble An action-packed nine-race card awaits punters on Saturday for Flemington Finals Day. Clear skies are forecast, but with cold weather blanketing Melbourne, it is unlikely the track will start any better than the current Soft 6 rating. The rail stick to its true position, with the action commencing at 11:55am AEST. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview of Flemington races. Race 1: Next Generations Sprinters Series Final (1200m) Despite I Found You being priced at an extremely short quote, it is hard to ignore the form of Golden Warrior from the Anthony & Sam Freedman barn. The two-year-old colt has compiled consecutive victories, including a smart all-the-way victory over 1400m at Sandown. John Allen will have him close to the lead throughout, and if he can run this at a genuine clip, Golden Warrior will take some running down in the opener. Selections: 1 GOLDEN WARRIOR 3 I FOUND YOU 2 EARTH GOD 4 ALDOLFITO Race 2: Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m) Born A King turned his form around in dominant fashion when scoring over 2540m at Flemington on June 22. Having struggled in his first three runs this campaign at trips short of his best, as he stepped out in trip, the son of Frankel showed his staying abilities in fine fashion. With the likes of Berkshire Breeze and Speranzoso set to make this a genuinely run affair, it sets up perfectly for a dour stayer like Born A King to finish over the top of his rivals. Selections: 1 BORN A KING 3 BERKSHIRE BREEZE 4 TARAMANSOUR 2 ABERFELDIE BOY Best Value Race 2 – #1 Born A King (7) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: John Allen (60kg) +1000 with Neds Race 3: Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m) Craig is without a doubt the best horse in the Silver Bowl Series Final. He was a good thing beaten two runs back at this track and trip, but he made amends when turning the tables on Rise At Dawn at this course and distance on June 22. He goes up 3kg from that win, but from barrier seven and with an economical run in transit expected, Craig will have no issues in building through his gears and powering away to victory once more. Selections: 2 CRAIG 1 RISE AT DAWN 3 LE ZEBRA 8 LA FRACAS Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Craig (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: John Allen (57kg) -111.11 with Playup Race 4: Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) Sneaky Sunrise was a determined Flemington 1420m victor on June 22 over key rival Pisces. The two-year-old filly was forced to travel three wide with no cover for most of the trip, and despite looking vulnerable inside the final 100m, the progeny of The Autumn Sun held on by a long neck. From barrier 10, Daniel Stackhouse will look for cover around midfield, and if Sneaky Sunrise gets a tow into the race, she will have every chance to salute at Listed level at start five. Selections: 2 SNEAKY SUNRISE 1 PISCES 6 WARPARTY 7 WHATELEY Taj Rossi Series Final Race 4 – #2 Sneaky Sunrise (10) 2yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (58.5kg) +290 with Dabble Race 5: Leilani Series Final (1400m) In what shapes as an open contest, Brazen Lady looks like great value against a similar bunch to what she disposed of on June 22 at this track and trip. The four-year-old mare is yet to miss the top three from three attempts at Flemington. From barrier seven, Damian Lane will look to have her handy to the speed, and with a similar turn of foot to what she produced last time out, Brazen Lady should prove too tough to hold out. Selections: 6 BRAZEN LADY 7 ELECTRIC IMPULSE 1 BELLE SAVOIR 4 BELLE ET RICHE Race 6: Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) Piggyback was a smart Randwick winner on June 8 on a heavy deck. Having sprinted sharply in trying conditions over 2000m, the Trapeze Artist filly showed more than enough to indicate the rise to 2500m will be no issue for her. With the ability to handle wet tracks, and with just 54.5kg in the saddle, Piggyback will stalk the speed from barrier two and should prove to be the superior stayer. Selections: 3 PIGGYBACK 4 STEEL RUN 1 AZTEC STATE 2 ELIUD Next Best Race 6 – #3 Piggyback (2) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Beau Mertens (54.5kg) +260 with Bet365 Race 7: Listed Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final (1200m) Press Down could not have been any more impressive when disposing of his rivals in the Golden Topaz at Swan Hill on June 7. He put four lengths on It’sourtime, who he meets again in Listed company on Saturday, and looks poised to stalk a genuine speed throughout the six furlongs. When asked to quicken under Neil Farley, Press Down should have no issue in sprinting past his rivals once again. Selections: 7 PRESS DOWN 3 CROSSHAVEN 2 IT’SOURTIME 10 RANTING Santa Ana Lane Sprint Series Final Race 7 – #7 Press Down (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter Hardacre | J: Neil Farley (54kg) +200 with Picklebet Race 8: Listed Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) King Magnus looks perfectly weighted as he looks to turn the tables on Munhamek, who beat him by half a length when they clashed at this track an trip on June 22. He gets a 2.5kg advantage on his key rivals, and from barrier seven, he is drawn to gain a beautiful run in transit alongside the favourite. King Magnus is a Soft-track specialist (13: 6-3-0), and with a similar performance to what he put forward last time out, he looks a great play at an each-way price with horse racing betting sites. Selections: 3 KING MAGNUS 1 MUNHAMEK 7 WINDSTORM 10 GREEN FLY Winter Championship Series Final Race 8 – #3 King Magnus (7) 8yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Thomas Stockdale (58kg) +1100 with Neds Race 9: Listed Creswick Sprint Series Final (1200m) Pharari has destroyed her rivals at Cranbourne and then Ballarat by a combined 13.8 lengths in her two starts this campaign. First-up, she put eight lengths on her nearest challenger when leading throughout, before putting 5.8 lengths on Stokke when eased up late. This is obviously a massive step up in grade, but in what looks to be a weak Listed affair, Pharari will not need to improve much to be waltzing away with another victory. Selections: 12 PHARARI 2 FLEETWOOD 1 BOSSY NIC 9 RIGHT TO PARTY Creswick Sprint Series Final Race 9 – #12 Pharari (6) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (55kg) +110 with Playup Flemington free Saturday quaddie tips Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, July 4, 2024 1-2-3-4 2-3-7-10-11 1-3-6-7-10-11 2-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

It was a memorable day at Ashburton on Thursday for Jess Land, with the Rangiora horsewoman recording her first training win courtesy of Captain Oumuamua (NZ) (Falkirk) in the Green Fencing (1600m). The son of Falkirk was fair away from barrier two but secured the coveted trail position behind race favourite Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion). Apprentice jockey Kendra Bakker found clear running room for Captain Oumuamua down the straight and he needed every inch of the Ashburton straight to nab Riviera Rebel on the line to score by a nose. Land was rapt to get the victory, particularly with a horse she inherited off her mentor, the late Paul Harris. “It was nice to do it with a horse of Paul’s,” Land said. “I gave Paul a call and told him I wanted to get into training and learn a bit about riding work, and he took me under his wing and helped me to get started. “I went with him to the track quite a lot at the start and watched what he was doing with his gallops. I followed along with what he was doing and he was very generous with his time. He certainly gave me a lot of advice and some ideas of how I want to train my horses.” Land was also pleased to pick-up a placing in the following race with Fakeittillumakeit (NZ) (Mongolian Khan). “It was certainly a good day at the office and these two have come in and started their prep really well,” she said. Land grew up with horses and comes from a sport horse background but found her way into racing through her association with thoroughbreds and becoming an NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) acknowledged re-trainer. “I predominantly come from a sport horse background. I show jumped to 1.40m level and I have been riding jumpers for years,” Land said. “I got into rehoming and retraining thoroughbreds quite a while back and I have been with NZTR since their acknowledged re-trainer programme started. “We always had a lot (of thoroughbreds) through that you thought if you gave them a bit of variety and changed a few things whether it would pay off, so I got my trainer’s license last year. “I have got a wee share in Zoulander, so I got the bug a bit watching him race and I thought I would give it a go myself. “It has been a very levelling 12 months, but it is nice to see some good results.” Land enjoys rehoming thoroughbreds but said she would like to focus more of her attention towards her training career, and scale back the number of retired racehorses she retrains. “It (rehoming thoroughbreds) has got its challenges, but everyone is trying hard to get a great system,” she said. “I got into it because I was using thoroughbreds for sport and I got asked by a few trainers about whether I would take some to rehome. I do a lot of sell on behalf work and have sold well over 800 horses now on behalf of people. “I love the training and would like to develop myself in this area. I have kept a handful of showjumpers, so I still do that, and I am going to stick with the rehoming but on a smaller scale.” Land is still coming down from the high of recording her first win, and said she is keeping the dream alive of trying to get Captain Oumuamua to next month’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton. “After today we are still on the Winter Cup plan,” she said. “It is a pipe dream, but his ownership group want to give it a shot and I would like to as well. We are very well aware that we are out of our grade and he might not get there, but he is going great and seems to be happy at the distance at the moment so we will keep on dreaming.” View the full article

Famed Southern nursery White Robe Lodge has announced the service fees for their roster of four stallions, which features emerging young stallion Ancient Spirit ($7,000+GST) along with the proven trio of Ghibellines ($7,000+GST), Raise The Flag ($4,000+GST) and Gallant Guru ($2,000+GST). With legendary horseman Brian Anderton still in the fold, the family-run stud farm has three generations involved in the day to day operation of the Taieri Plains property. All three of White Robe Lodge’s established stallions have sired a Group One winner in Australia, while there is great anticipation as the first crop of Ancient Spirit are set to hit the track in the new season after being well-received in the auction ring. By Invincible Spirit out of Galileo’s daughter Assisi, Ancient Spirit was a dual Group Two winner in Germany before he retired to White Robe in 2021. Among his yearling offerings was a filly sold to Ballymore Stables, Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman for $160,000 on the final day of the Book 2 Yearling Sale at Karaka. “It was pleasing to see them so well received,” Anderton’s grandson Jack Stewart said. “To stand at $7,000 and average at $92,500 is a pretty good return on investment for breeders. “It wasn’t just what they made, it was the word on them leading into Karaka based on type. It was very satisfying to see them sell accordingly. “We have weaned a lot here, so we know they are intelligent horses with good attitudes and that has been the early reports from the breakers and trainers. “The best thing is they are spread from Kelvin Tyler and Robert Dennis down south to Te Akau and Roger James up north. “There are even a couple we have sold privately that will go to Ciaron Maher and Lindsay Park in Australia, so they are in the right hands.” With his father Wayne and mother Karen managing the stud, along with founder Brian Anderton, a New Zealand Racing Hall of Famer, Stewart has plenty of experience to call upon at White Robe Lodge, which has stood two Australasian champion sires in Mellay and Noble Bijou. L-R: Wayne Stewart, Jack Stewart and Bailey Kennedy of White Robe Lodge Photo: supplied “We all have a pep in our step coming to work in the morning with the stock of Ancient Spirit,” Stewart said. “You can tell with Granddad when he comes down and sees us weaning them or for a trip around farm to feed out. “He might be 87, but he has still got a good eye. Invariably he’ll pick one out of the paddock and it will be an Ancient Spirit and you can tell the fire still burns — he gets that twinkle in his eye and you know that he is getting excited — and so are we coming into the season to see them trialling and up and going.” Ghibellines will stand at a slightly reduced fee this season but Stewart said demand remains strong for the progeny of the stallion, who has 15 stakes performers headed by Group One winner Smokin’ Romans. “His market now is the trade market for tried horses, which is really strong. His results in Australia from horses sold off the farm or that have trialled or raced well and then gone over,” Stewart said. “A couple of weekends ago he had seven winners in the space of 24 hours between Australia and New Zealand and it was from a two-year-old winning on debut through to a horse winning an open handicap over 2200m. “Through horses like Smokin’ Romans and Desperado, who won at Caulfield last weekend, they keep kicking goals over that middle distance, which we like to do. “We want our horses to be late autumn two-year-olds and three-year-olds but to train on and be sound, tough horses. I think that is what White Robe Lodge has always been renowned for. “That’s what Granddad has done. He has built good, tough, sound stock and good relationships with people.” Raise The Flag is another stallion noted for longevity and staying prowess. “He is getting a bit long in the tooth but he once again, he can leave a stayer that the Australians like,” Stewart said. “If any of his horses show anything there are phone calls straight away. 2000m plus is where they really come into their own and his best ones have always showed ability at three and trained on.” Gallant Guru completes the roster and is largely known as a regular sire of winners, but he has sired Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) winner Patrick Erin among his 12 stakes performers. “Each active stallion at the stud has left a Group One winner in Australia, which is something we’re pretty proud of. That is our main market and we want them to go there and do the business,” Stewart said. White Robe Lodge is keen to see the breeding industry flourish at an exciting time for the New Zealand industry, which has enjoyed significantly bolstered prize money over the past 12 months. “Anyone who breeds two or more mares this year will get ten percent off,” Stewart said. “Alongside that, any mare that comes to the stud, for the duration of her time here until she’s had her 42-day positive, it will be $10 a day grazing.” Stewart, who has recently celebrated the birth of his second child, said the farm continues to invest and refresh the broodmare band and will look to add another stallion next year should the right prospect present. “In the last year or two we have bought mares out of Australia and racehorses to race and breed from,” he said. “We’ve bought fillies and mares by Savabeel, Ocean Park, Pride Of Dubai, Oasis Dream, Redoute’s Choice, Hellbent and So You Think. It’s an exciting time for New Zealand racing and breeding and we’re looking to push things. We aren’t going anywhere soon.” View the full article

In a quiet racing period for Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman, he has the advantage of two quality gallopers contesting the open-class races through the winter in Turn The Ace and Wessex. Front-running five-year-old Turn The Ace is renowned for his impeccable record at Te Rapa with seven victories from 13 starts at the venue, the most recent success coming on June 15 in heavy track conditions. “It was another good effort, it’s never easy to get on pace and hold them off on a rain-affected track, especially when the middle part of the track is the better place to be,” Forsman said. “He seems to be racing as well as he always has and hopefully he’s got one more in him at Te Rapa on Saturday.” The son of Turn Me Loose will contest the UBP Te Awamutu Cup (1600), benefitting from Triston Moodley’s three-kilogram allowance as the 61.5kg topweight. “Hopefully he can roll forward and get across to the rail, going up in weight you’re always vulnerable on wet tracks but I’m sure he’ll be right in the finish again,” Forsman said. Turn The Ace was purchased as a yearling by Forsman as a product of The Sunlight Trust, who have enjoyed a multitude of success with the stable this season including Moonlight Magic’s second placing in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m). “The Sunlight Trust have had horses with us for a while now, but Turn The Ace just happened to be bred by them and was in the first crop of Turn Me Loose progeny available at the sales,” Forsman said. “I liked the fact he was out of a Lonhro mare (Frescoes), and we actually had his half-sister owned by the Sunlight Trust who showed a bit of ability, which was another reason why I bought him.” Forsman is also looking forward to stepping Amazing Grace out over ground in the John Young Family 2200, the lightly-tried Tavistock mare firing home late at her second-up run from a spell of 17 months. “Obviously first-up at 1400m after being off the scene for a long time was too sharp for her, but she improved a lot into last start and went better than I actually had expected,” he said. “She’s had natural improvement again from that and worked up well, with the better draw we’d expect to see her right in the finish this time.” Further south at Hastings, Wessex will represent Forsman in the Valley D’Vine Restaurant Handicap (1400m) after adding further black-type when third in the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m). Wessex will carry a luxury weight of 50kgs under apprentice jockey Rihaan Goyaram in the compact seven-horse field. “It’s nice to drop back from weight-for-age to carry 50 kilos, it’s a big advantage,” Forsman said. “Our takeaway from Tauranga was that she is looking for a bit further now, she was just a bit casual over the 1400m and got left flat-footed so that’ll be the query on Saturday. “She can jump and put herself on speed with the lighter weight, and how she performs on Saturday will determine whether we aim toward an Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m) or freshening her up and going for a mile in the spring time.” Juvenile stablemate Prochester will be one of three debut runners in the Sign Central 2YO (1100m) at Hastings, racing in the colours of owner-breeders Okaharau Station. “He’s had a couple of trials, the last one was just a quiet run over 800m at Pukekohe,” Forsman said. “He’s a nice horse, the penny is still yet to drop so that’s why we’re giving him the experience of going further and a bit of a trip away. “This will probably be his only run for the preparation, he’ll go to the paddock and I’m looking forward to seeing what he matures and develops into as a three-year-old because I think it’s all ahead of him. “In saying that, he’s certainly still capable of running a cheeky race on Saturday.” Back home in Cambridge, spring preparations are in full swing for Forsman with Group One winners Aegon and Mustang Valley among a string of well-performed gallopers returning for new campaigns. “It is a pretty quiet time racing-wise but it’s nice to have those spring horses back and going,” Forsman said. “They all seem to be coming along nicely, and it’ll only be a month before they are out and trialling and getting serious about getting back to the races.” View the full article

Balzano and Terry Moseley powering to victory on Thursday at Ashburton. Photo: Race Images South A spur of the moment decision to run Balzano at Ashburton has paid dividends for Nikki White after the underrated galloper powered to victory on Thursday. Based out of Omakau in Central Otago, White had been running Balzano at Rating 65 grade including a mile contest last Sunday at Wingatui, where he finished fourth and six lengths adrift of the winner in Miss Belle. On the back-up, Balzano was facing a drop back in distance and a sharp rise in class in the open handicap at Ashburton which featured the likes of Rating 83 gallopers Lord Darci and Louie Louie, rating him the +1100 outsider in a condensed market with horse racing bookmakers. In the hands of Terry Moseley, the son of Shooting To Win was assertive early from barrier six and sat outside pacemaker Arctic Glow, making his claim as he travelled strongly into the home straight. The three-year-old didn’t let up as Kelvin Tyler’s pair Master Marko and Go Lotte gave chase, kicking away at the line to score by 1.25 lengths. The victory gave local hoop Moseley an early double after he claimed the opener aboard Smooth Operator. White was admittedly surprised and rapt with the result after putting in a late entry two days prior. “It was completely out of the blue to run him here, I just did a late nomination on Tuesday morning and decided to come up,” she said. “I had a feeling that he could run well and be thereabouts, but I didn’t expect him to win. “We have got him nominated for the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m), so we’ll press on for that hopefully with a run in between at Oamaru in the open mile and go from there.” After opening a +10000 chance, Balzano has moved to +6000 in the Futures Market with horse betting sites for the Grand National Week feature, which will be run at Riccarton Park on August 3. The gelding commenced his career under Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman, for whom he recorded a win and two placings in six starts, among these attempts was a tough run in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November. Balzano was subsequently offered for sale on gavelhouse.com in early February, and the White’s combined with co-owner Dave Coleman to purchase him for $25,000. “He had some form up north and I had an owner quite keen to have something up and ready to go, so we went halves in buying him,” White said. “At his first start down here at Invercargill he ran 10 lengths last which wasn’t a great start, but he had a few issues with his knees that we fixed up and he’s just gotten better and better from there.” Out of Dylan Thomas mare Holly Holy, Balzano was bred by Monovale Holdings and has earned $46,825 through his 12-start career. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Jess Land leads in Captain Oumuamua following his win at Ashburton on Thursday. Photo: Race Images South It was a memorable day at Ashburton on Thursday for Jess Land, with the Rangiora horsewoman recording her first training win courtesy of Captain Oumuamua. The son of Falkirk was fair away from barrier two but secured the coveted trail position behind race favourite Riviera Rebel. Apprentice jockey Kendra Bakker found clear running room for Captain Oumuamua down the straight and he needed every inch of the Ashburton straight to nab Riviera Rebel on the line to score by a nose. Land was rapt to get the victory, particularly with a horse she inherited off her mentor, the late Paul Harris. “It was nice to do it with a horse of Paul’s,” Land said. “I gave Paul a call and told him I wanted to get into training and learn a bit about riding work, and he took me under his wing and helped me to get started. “I went with him to the track quite a lot at the start and watched what he was doing with his gallops. I followed along with what he was doing and he was very generous with his time. He certainly gave me a lot of advice and some ideas of how I want to train my horses.” Land was also pleased to pick-up a placing in the following race with Fakeittillumakeit. “It was certainly a good day at the office and these two have come in and started their prep really well,” she said. Land grew up with horses and comes from a sport horse background but found her way into racing through her association with thoroughbreds and becoming an NZTR (New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing) acknowledged re-trainer. “I predominantly come from a sport horse background. I show jumped to 1.40m level and I have been riding jumpers for years,” Land said. “I got into rehoming and retraining thoroughbreds quite a while back and I have been with NZTR since their acknowledged re-trainer programme started. “We always had a lot (of thoroughbreds) through that you thought if you gave them a bit of variety and changed a few things whether it would pay off, so I got my trainer’s license last year. “I have got a wee share in Zoulander, so I got the bug a bit watching him race and I thought I would give it a go myself. “It has been a very levelling 12 months, but it is nice to see some good results.” Land enjoys rehoming thoroughbreds but said she would like to focus more of her attention towards her training career, and scale back the number of retired racehorses she retrains. “It (rehoming thoroughbreds) has got its challenges, but everyone is trying hard to get a great system,” she said. “I got into it because I was using thoroughbreds for sport and I got asked by a few trainers about whether I would take some to rehome. I do a lot of sell on behalf work and have sold well over 800 horses now on behalf of people. “I love the training and would like to develop myself in this area. I have kept a handful of showjumpers, so I still do that, and I am going to stick with the rehoming but on a smaller scale.” Land is still coming down from the high of recording her first win, and said she is keeping the dream alive of trying to get Captain Oumuamua to next month’s Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton. “After today we are still on the Winter Cup plan,” she said. “It is a pipe dream, but his ownership group want to give it a shot and I would like to as well. We are very well aware that we are out of our grade and he might not get there, but he is going great and seems to be happy at the distance at the moment so we will keep on dreaming.” Horse racing news View the full article

Koyuga Breeze. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have received a report from Racing Analytical Services Limited (RASL) confirming that a prohibited substance was detected in a sample collected from the Austy Coffey trained racehorse, Koyuga Breeze. The report relates to a post-race urine sample taken from Koyuga Breeze after running over 1600 metres at Swan Hill Racecourse on April 9, 2024, with the horse winning the race. RASL reported that the urine sample was shown to contain Caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Paraxanthine. The Australian Racing Forensics Laboratory also reported that it had detected Caffeine and its metabolites, Theophylline and Paraxanthine within the reserve portion of the urine sample. Caffeine and its metabolites Theophylline and Paraxanthine are central nervous system stimulants and are prohibited substances in accordance with the Australian Rules of Racing. RV Stewards initially informed Mr Coffey of the irregularity on May 15, 2024. Mr Coffey has since been informed of the confirmatory findings and that RV Stewards are continuing their investigation. Horse racing news View the full article

Eliud will contest the Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Tony Pike is hoping his three-year-old Eliud can finish a successful preparation on a high note on Saturday when he contests the Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) at Flemington. The son of Almanzor has flourished in his autumn preparation, backing up his maiden success with a comprehensive winning performance at open three-year-old level, giving Pike confidence to book his ticket and contest a pair of Flemington races. Stepping out over 2000m on June 22, Eliud lost no admirers, finishing boldly for fifth after finding no fortune in transit and on straightening. “He just had no luck, got caught three-wide early and ended up in a nice position but got clear too late,” Pike said. “He still closed off the race really well and Blake (Shinn, jockey) was very pleased with his run, he just said he needed to get out and rolling.” Shinn will remain with Eliud in Saturday’s contest and gave the gelding his tick of approval during Pike’s brief trip to Melbourne earlier this week. “He galloped him on Tuesday morning and he worked very well, I think the step up to 2500m will suit,” Pike said. “He’s drawn a lot better on Saturday (five) which is helpful with the short run to the first corner. “We’re staying with Steve Richards at Flemington and have stayed there a number of times before, Dean Williams is working with Steve at the moment and he was my racing manager for about five or six years, so it works in really well. “I am now back in New Zealand and we are off to Canada on Friday for the Calgary Stampede so I unfortunately won’t be at Flemington on Saturday. “It’s something that Kirsten (wife) has wanted to do for a long time so it’ll be nice to get away for two-and-a-half weeks, it should be a lot of fun.” Meanwhile, Pike will also be represented on home soil on Saturday, with juvenile filly Honey Badger on debut at Hastings. “She’s a nice, genuine filly, owned by Caspar and Ronan Fownes from Hong Kong. They bought her at the breeze-up sales and decided to race her down here in New Zealand,” Pike said. “She’s trialled well and will improve with race day experience, but she seems to get through rain-affected ground quite well so I expect her to be a nice each-way chance on Saturday. “We’ll look to give her a short break after that and come back for the spring, she’s a filly with a future.” Complacent four-year-old Agera is Pike’s sole runner at Te Rapa, commencing a new campaign. “He’s kicking off the preparation after quite a long break, he had a niggly injury at the end of his campaign,” he said. “He will possibly need the run on Saturday at 1400m fresh-up, but he’ll be one to follow once he gets up to a mile and further.” As Pike heads away on holiday, he had plenty of positives to reflect on from the season as he closes in on 60 winners, four of those at Group or Listed level. “It’s been a really solid season, unfortunately, we just missed on a couple of Group Ones by narrow margins but all-in-all I’m pretty happy and have a nice team coming back in now for the spring,” he said. “I’m looking forward to next season.” Horse racing news View the full article

Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight is one of those nominated for the Australian Racehorse of the Year award. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) The prestigious 2023/24 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards will be celebrated this year on Thursday, October 11 at Morphettville Racecourse, South Australia. The awards are set to be a stellar evening showcasing the outstanding seasons from Imperatriz, Pride of Jenni, Without a Fight, Mr Brightside and Fangirl. The awards will feature seven categories as well as the highly anticipated top gong, the Australian Racehorse of the Year. Chief Executive Officer of Racing South Australia, Mr Vaughn Lynch commented; “Racing South Australia is delighted to be hosting the Australian Racehorse of the Year ceremony where the industry has the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful performances of the stars of the sport from the 2023/24 racing season”. In addition to our equine stars, Chris Waller has clinched yet again for the 12th consecutive year the title of Champion Group 1 Trainer for the season with a phenomenal 12 Group 1 wins. Zougotcha, Riff Rocket, Via Sistena, Fangirl and Atishu have all featured in the highlight reel for Waller Racing, with the master trainer also securing a further 13 Group 2, and 7 Group 3 victories. Champion hoop James McDonald dominated the 23/24 racing season amassing 14 Group 1’s for the season taking out the title of Champion Group 1 Jockey for the fourth straight year. It was on board Riff Rocket that James McDonald won three majors and secured 2 group 1’s apiece on Fangirl, Zougotcha and Broadsiding. It comes as no surprise that Yarraman Park’s I am Invincible has already secured his fourth consecutive title for Champion Sire setting a new Australian prizemoney record with his progeny claiming a staggering $31.3m already, with more to come until the season officially ends on 31 July. Such phenomenal success is attributable to the super mare Imperatriz, along with Tiz Invincible, I am Me, Kings Gambit and Bodyguard who have all had stellar victories over the season. Racing Australia’s Chief Executive Mr Paul Eriksson added; “On behalf of Racing Australia we are thrilled that Racing South Australia is hosting the awards ceremony showcasing thoroughbred racing excellence over the 2023/24 season”. Nationwide voting will commence shortly after the official end to the season View the full article

What Ipswich Races Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Friday, July 5, 2024 First Race 12:07pm AEST Visit Dabble Ipswich Turf Club will host a competitive eight-race card this Friday afternoon, with the meeting scheduled to kick off at 12:07pm AEST. The track was rated as a Heavy 9 at the time of acceptances, but with little to no rain forecast for Thursday and Friday, it is expected that the surface will improve into the Soft range by raceday. The rail will be in the +4m position for the entire circuit, which should favour on-speed runners. Best Bet at Ipswich: Addriel Annabel Neasham will send Addriel to Ipswich instead of Eagle Farm on Wednesday as the stable seeks for a firmer track and an easier race for this gelding first-up. The son of Harry Angel ended his last preparation with a strong win at this track and trip before going out for a six-month spell. The form around this guy is very good, including a second-place finish behind the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner, Abounding. From barrier two, Damien Thornton can settle in behind the speed, and with a strong finish, Addriel can return with a win. Best Bet Race 4 – #7 Addriel (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Damien Thornton (55kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Ipswich: Crazy Brave Crazy Brave is coming off an underwhelming performance first-up at the Sunshine Coast; however, the replay shows that the Annabel Neasham-trained gelding was held up at a crucial stage around the 300m and was blocked for a run. After picking himself up in the final 100m, he surged between runners and hit the line as strong as any of his rivals at the end of 1200m. The son of Zoustar rises in trip to 1350m second-up, Ryan Maloney should be able to settle Crazy Brave midfield before getting to the outside of the field to run home strongly. Next Best Race 6 – #11 Crazy Brave (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Ryan Maloney (58.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Ipswich: Ashfall Ashfall made his stable debut for Stuart Kendrick at the Sunshine Coast on June 14, when the three-year-old gelding finished in fifth place, beaten 1.9 lengths behind Imarachgirl. The son of The Autumn Sun settled near the back of the field from barrier 8 and ran on nicely without ever threatening the leaders, suggesting he is looking for further distance to show his best. With a run under his belt and the rise to 1680m second-up, Ashfall will be able to settle closer to the speed from barrier five, and if he finishes off like he did first-up, he can play a prominent role in the finish. Best Value Race 8 – #5 Ashfall (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Michael Rodd (56.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Friday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Friday, July 5, 2024 1-2-12 4-8-11-13 2-3-4-5-6-7 1-3-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Belmont Oaks Day Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, July 6, 2024 First Race 12:04pm AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Belmont Oaks and Aquanita Stakes will headline the nine-race card at Belmont Park this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, but with little to no rain on the forecast, it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range by raceday. The rail will be moved into the +5m position for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:04pm AWST. Belmont Oaks Tip: Luvnwar It was hard not to be impressed with how easily Luvnwar took care of her rivals in the Listed Belmont Guineas, when the Michael Grantham-trained filly cruised over the line to record a dominant 1.4-length win. The daughter of War Decree settled behind the speed and peeled off the leaders back to take over half-way down the home straight, but never appeared to get out of second gear. With a similar run from barrier two, Luvnwar should be able to bring up a winning hat-trick in the feature. Belmont Oaks Race 8 – #1 Luvnwar (2) 3yo Filly | T: Michael Grantham | J: Patrick Carbery (55.5kg) -117.65 with Dabble Aquanita Stakes Tip: Manzor Magic Manzor Magic took advantage of a slow speed over 1600m at Northam and led the field up for the first time in his career before careering away with a massive 2.9-length victory first-up. The Grant & Alana Williams-trained gelding had to carry top weight and race on Soft ground for the first time in his career, but he handled it all very well. If Clint Johnston-Porter can push forward and settle on speed, Manzor Magic will prove tough to run down in the concluding stages. Aquanita Stakes Race 6 – #5 Manzor Magic (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: Clint Johnston-Porter (55.5kg) +450 with Bet365 Best Bet at Belmont: Deamber Deamber was one of the runners featured in The Follow Files following her impressive fresh run at this track over 1300m, when the Stephanie Bakranich-trained mare was beaten by Fluro Neuro by half a length. On that occasion, the daughter of Vert De Greece made a long, searching run from worse than midfield and was only beaten by a horse that had a much more economical run. From barrier five, Jason Whiting can settle much closer to the speed, and if Deamber lets down like she did first-up, she can go one better. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 Deamber (5) 4yo Mare | T: Stephanie Bakranich | J: Jason Whiting (58.5kg) +200 with Neds Next Best at Belmont: Pearly Nugget Pearly Nugget was way too good for her rivals at this track and trip on June 26, when the Stephen Miller-trained galloper ran over the top of the leaders with 200m to go and booted clear to win by 1.9 lengths on the line. After settling midfield off the fence, this daughter of Snippetson showed a blistering turn of foot when asked for the ultimate effort at the top of the home straight. With good speed expected in this contest, Pearly Nugget can attempt to replicate last start and prove too strong in the final 300m. Next Best Race 2 – #5 Pearly Nugget (5) 4yo Mare | T: Stephen Miller | J: Chris Parnham (58kg) +280 with PlayUp Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, July 6, 2024 1-2-5-10 1-3-10 5-6-11-12-13 5-8-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, July 6, 2024 First Race 11:49am ACST Visit Dabble It’s Day 1 of the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival, with 96 horses accepting for the 10-event program. The feature race is the $75,000 Darwin Guineas for the three-year-olds, and in a very even field, there are a host of chances. A plethora of quality horses will be stepping out this weekend, with a further seven meetings scheduled during July and August. It’s the height of the dry season, so the forecast for Saturday is sunny with light winds and a top temperature of 32C. The Fannie Bay rail will be in its true position, and it will once again be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: American Jazz Formerly trained by Annabel Neasham, American Jazz had seven Queensland starts where his best efforts were a second in a Sunshine Coast maiden (1600m) and a Doomben maiden (1660m). A first-up sixth in a 1300m maiden in Darwin ($2.15 fav) was followed by four straight wins as favourite in a 1300m maiden in August and over 1300m (0-58) in September before saluting over 1600m in November (0-64) and December (BM76). The son of American Pharoah returned from a six-month spell to finish third behind top duo Son Of Bielski and Siakam over 1300m (BM76) on June 22. Best Bet Race 3 – #4 American Jazz (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (56.5kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Noble Magnate Noble Magnate has drawn a wide gate, but he clearly loves the dirt after excelling during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival in March and April. In three starts in the Red Centre, the four-year-old gelding won two straight over 1100m (0-64) and 1200m (WFA) before finishing second behind Mathematics in the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) as the $2.50 favourite with horse racing bookies. Noble Magnate had 15 starts for two wins as a three-year-old after saluting on debut in a 1050m maiden at Morphettville before prevailing over 1250m (BM70) at Morphettville Parks. He finished third in a 900m trial at Fannie Bay on Tuesday. Next Best Race 8 – #4 Noble Magnate (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Kym Healy | J: Emma Lines (a1.5) (60kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: Exceedingly Magic In nine Darwin starts and one Katherine start, the six-year-old mare, Exceedingly Magic has managed one win and six minor placings. All those results were achieved in her past eight races after a seventh and a fifth in her first two starts at Fannie Bay at the start of last year. The daughter of Outreach was victorious in an 1106m Sale maiden before backing up to win over 1100m (Class 2) at Stony Creek in early 2022 in 11 starts for Mornington trainer Shane Nichols. Exceedingly Magic’s last win was over 1000m (Class 2) in October before a close last start third over 1100m (0-64) on June 15. Best Value Race 5 – #2 Exceedingly Magic (6) 6yo Mare | T: Phil Cole | J: Emma Lines (a1.5) (60kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 6/7/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, July 6, 2024 1-4-7 1-4-5 1-2-3-8-9 2-5-6-8-9-11 Horse racing tips View the full article