Wandering Eyes

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

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, July 6, 2024 First Race 11:05am AEST Visit Dabble Royal Randwick is the destination for NSW metro racing on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set to get underway at 11:05am local time. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit, and with the track already listed as a Heavy 8 at the time of acceptances, and more consistent rainfall on the radar leading into the weekend, punters should anticipate the track to maintain its Heavy rating for race-day. Winter Stakes Tip: Showmanship The $41.00 available with horse racing bookmakers for Showmanship in the Listed Winter Cup (1400m) seems too big. The lightly raced eight-year-old was impressive against the bias first-up in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool on May 1, accelerating through the wire to get within 3.6 lengths of Tuvalu. He boasts a Randwick win on his resume in the 2022 Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m), and now third-up with fitness on his side, Showmanship can give this a real shake at a massive each-way price. Winter Stakes Race 8 – #4 Showmanship (9) 8yo Gelding | T: John Leek (Jnr) | J: Sam Clipperton (56kg) +4000 with Picklebet Best Bet at Randwick: Shezanalister Shezanalister returns after a 133-day spell and appears primed for a first-up assault. The daughter of Star Turn was sent to the paddock after winning three of her four starts last preparation, with her only failure coming at Rosehill on February 24 when ridden against her pattern. She’s trialed exceptionally well heading into this competitive BM78 contest for the fillies and mares, and although she’ll need to lug 61kg to victory, Shezanalister should have the class to get the job done. Best Bet Race 7 – #1 Shezanalister (2) 4yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Zac Lloyd (61kg) +360 with PlayUp Next Best at Randwick: Age Of Sail Age Of Sail is yet to miss the frame in three Australian starts and punters can expect that trend to continue in this staying contest. He was sensational first-up at Eagle Farm on June 8, closing off strongly behind Princess Rhaenys over an unsuitable trip to get within 2.6 lengths. She went on to frank the form by saluting in the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2140m) on June 29, and with Age Of Sail dropping back significantly in grade, this guy looks perfectly placed by the Kris Lees barn to do something similar. Next Best Race 5 – #2 Age Of Sail (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Nash Rawiller (60kg) +320 with Neds Best Value at Randwick: Zaragoza Zaragoza should relish the Heavy conditions on his first start for the Robert & Luke Price barn. The son of Street Boss had one win across his three starts for James Cummings, and that came at Kembla Grange on rain-affected ground on January 3. His trials suggest he’s returning at peak fitness despite a 182-day spell, and although Jay Ford may need to ride for luck in this ultra-competitive BM78 contest, Zaragoza should give followers a sight at each-way odds in the testing conditions. Best Value Race 6 – #11 Zaragoza (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Robert & Luke Price | J: Jay Ford (53kg) +1800 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, July 6, 2024 1-4-8-9 3-4-5-7 5-8-12-14 1-2-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sunshine Coast Races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Caloundra QLD 4551 When Saturday, July 6, 2024 First Race 12:23pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunshine Coast Turf Club will host the final day of the Queensland Racing Carnival on Saturday afternoon, with the Group 3 Winx Guineas highlighting the nine-race card. Following heavy rain on the Sunshine Coast during the week and with more forecast for Friday and Saturday, the track is expected to remain in the Heavy range for the whole program. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 12:23pm AEST. Winx Guineas tip: Know Thyself Know Thyself will step up from Class 3 grade to the Group 3 Winx Guineas, and the Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich-trained gelding will be presented with another Heavy track. This son of The Autumn Sun revelled in the wet conditions at Randwick second-up as he ran away from his rivals to record a dominant 5.3-length victory over 1400m. A rise in trip to 1600m should suit this guy down to the ground, and if Rachel King can settle him midfield off the fence, Know Thyself should prove too strong in the concluding stages. Winx Guineas Race 6 – #5 Know Thyself (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | J: Rachel King (57kg) +130 with PlayUp Glasshouse Handicap tip: Midnight In Tokyo After receiving a luckless run in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic last start, Midnight In Tokyo will appreciate returning to her home track and drawing a wide barrier here. The Annabel Neasham-trained mare settled midfield at Ipswich and when she tried to get into clear air, the daughter of Kobayashi was held up and crowded from the 300m to 100m mark. She strikes a Heavy track and drops 4.5kg in weight, expect a much better performance. If Midnight In Tokyo can settle just worse than midfield and find a back to follow around the home turn, she will let down with a strong finish. Glasshouse Handicap Race 7 – #14 Midnight In Tokyo (15) 4yo Mare | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Damien Thorton (53kg) +1100 with Neds Caloundra Cup tip: Knight’s Choice Knight’s Choice was the unlucky runner in the Group 3 Tatts Cup last start, as the John Symons & Sheila Laxon-trained gelding was held up at a crucial stage in the home straight. The son of Extreme Choice has been running very good races without winning this preparation, and he has now found the perfect race to break through. Robbie Dolan has retained the ride, and from barrier four, he can settle Knight’s Choice behind the speed before getting into clear air to run home strongly. Caloundra Cup Race 8 – #5 Knight’s Choice (4) 4yo Gelding | T: John Symons & Sheila Laxon | J: Robbie Doland (59kg) +400 with Dabble Best Bet at Sunshine Coast: Termagant Termagant returned with a stylish victory at this track and trip on June 14, when the Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained filly rounded up her rivals in the home straight to record an easy win. The daughter of Deep Field settled near last and showed a devastating turn of foot to pick up the rest of the field and put them away with 50m to go. Emily Lang has ridden this girl at two of her three starts, and if she can replicate her ride from last start, Termagant can win again. Best Bet Race 2 – #13 Termagant (11) 3yo Filly | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Emily Lang (a3) (52kg) +300 with Bet365 Next Best at Sunshine Coast: Hardware Lane Hardware Lane will return to the scene of the crime, where he saluted as a heavily-backed favourite with online bookmakers at this track and trip three starts back for the John Smerdon stable. Since that win, the son of Scissor Kick has raced on Soft and Good tracks in Listed grade where he didn’t perform at his very best. However, his record on Heavy tracks (7:5-0-0) is outstanding and superior to the rivals that he will face here. With a lot of speed expected, Hardware Lane can settle just worse than midfield and let down with his booming finish in the final 300m. Next Best Race 5 – #7 Hardware Lane (11) 5yo Gelding | T: John Smerdon | J: Justin Huxtable (56kg) +600 with Picklebet Sunshine Coast quaddie tips for Winx Guineas Day Sunshine Coast quadrella selections Saturday, July 6, 2024 1-5-9 1-3-13-14 1-2-3-5-9 1-3-7-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

David E. Hofmans, trainer of 1996 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Alphabet Soup and 1997 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Touch Gold, died July 3 at the age of 81.View the full article

According to a report by Kevin Modesti in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, trainer David Hofmans died Wednesday at his home near Santa Anita. He was 81. Hofmans's wife, Linda Murray Hofmans, confirmed the news to Modesti. She added that the Arcadia Police Department are investigating and an autopsy was pending. “We're devastated,” Hofmans's widow told Modesti, requesting privacy for the family. The cause of death was not immediately known. According to Equibase, Hofmans began his career in 1974 and won 1,085 races for career earnings of 1,085. His biggest accomplishment may have been his victory with Alphabet Soup (Cozzene) in the 1996 GI Breeders' Cup Classic. He also won the 1997 GI Belmont Stakes with Touch Gold (Deputy Minister), the 2003 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff with Adoration (Honor Grades), and the 2008 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint with Desert Code (E Dubai). He had struggled to reach the winner's circle since 2020, winning only 14 races over a four-year period. He was 2-for-12 this year. The post Report: David Hofmans Passes Away at 81 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) will again be the target for last season’s runner-up Tahuroa Height. The son of Zed produced a sterling performance to beat all bar Nedwin in 2023 and trainer Stephen Ralph is keen to give the rising nine-year-old the opportunity to go one better. Tahuroa Height will bid to stage a return to his best form on Saturday when he runs in the TAB Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa after a disappointing effort at Hastings where he tailed the field home in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3100m). “He’s been absolutely frustrating for us and he’s been down to the Central Districts a few times and never gone well, but we’ve got no issues with him,” Ralph said. “He’s going into his races as good as we can get him and he’s pulling up extremely well. “In our book, he’s a Te Rapa specialist and he likes a loose surface. He doesn’t do the holding tracks and when there’s rain on the day, that’s when he excels. Tahuroa Height will again be ridden at the weekend by Corey Wiles, and Ralph would be happy for the combination make their own luck out in front. “He can lead and likes to be his own boss. That’s the type of horse he is, and I’ve always said if he steps the gates then don’t be frightened to lead,” he said. “He can run a distance and pins his ears back, he’s a streetfighter if something else comes at him. “He’ll be heading toward the Great Northern again if all goes well.” Ralph will also have two flat contenders in action at Te Rapa with New York Jazz in the UBP Te Awamutu Cup (1600m) and Timeless in the Irwin’s Truck & Bus Mile (1600m). “We couldn’t be happier with New York Jazz. He ran fifth last time when he got bogged down at Hastings,” he said. “The track was really holding and they went slowly down the back straight and he couldn’t pick up and sprint in that ground. I thought it was a really honest run from him.” Timeless was a sound fifth on the course two runs back and then finished a gallant third at Tauranga after racing three wide without cover. “She wouldn’t have to do too much more than she did at her last run to win in my book,” Ralph said. The stable also has three runners engaged at Tauranga on Sunday and Ralph expects Monique Tonnerre to be a decent chance in the Saddlery Warehouse Cambridge & Tauranga Maiden (1200m). She is a mare close to his heart as he trained her sire Thunder Down Under, the winner of four races including the Listed 3YO Salver (2100m) and who now stands at stud on his property. He also prepared multiple placegetter Monique Tonnerre’s half-sister Santa Monica to claim an edition of the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m). View the full article

Apprentice jockey Sima Mxothwa will join the growing list of expat South Africans riding in New Zealand when he makes his race day debut at Te Rapa on Saturday. The 22-year-old rider has had a lifelong involvement in racing and was inspired to follow a career in the sport when attending race meetings in South Africa as a child with his father. “My Dad used to work as a strapper and my brother is a professional jockey,” Mxothwa said. “I grew up around horses and I had a passion for horses, and I always dreamed of becoming a jockey.” Mxothwa attempted to follow that passion in his homeland, however, he was knocked back from South Africa’s jockey academy several times but jumped at the opportunity of heading to New Zealand to fulfil his dream when approached by New Zealand Equine Academy’s Donavan Mansour. “I started riding thoroughbreds at the age of 15 back in South Africa,” Mxothwa said. “I applied for the jockey academy in South Africa, but I got rejected a couple of times, so I went back and finished school. “When I finished school, I got a call from Mr Mansour telling me that there was an opportunity that I can do my apprenticeship in New Zealand and asked if I wanted the opportunity, and I took it with both hands. “I came to New Zealand 12 months ago and I have never looked back. I enjoy what I do.” Mxothwa has based himself in the Waikato where he is enhancing his riding skillset under the tutelage of former Champion jockey Lance O’Sullivan and Group One-winning hoop Lieth Innes. “I am based in Cambridge, and I am with the Equine Academy. I work in Matamata for Mr Lance O’Sullivan and Mr Andrew Scott at Wexford. “I am in a really good space learning from Mr O’Sullivan and Mr Leith Innes, who recently joined the Equine Academy. I am in a good position with such great people supporting and teaching me. “I wanted to thank the NZEA Academy, Mr Daniel Nakhle, Donavan Mansour and Leith Innes. A very big thanks to Wexford Stable as well, it is a privilege to have my first race day ride for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.” Mxothwa is pleased he is able to don the Wexford silks in his first race day appearance when he partners with Jaffira in the Mark Sanders Memorial (1400m). “It has always been my dream to become a jockey and it is finally happening, I am really excited,” Mxothwa said. “He (Jaffira) is a really nice horse with plenty of potential. I am really looking forward to riding him. He is one of the first horses I galloped when I first got to Wexford, and I have worked with him for quite a while now. “He should run a cracker of a race. He has drawn nice in three and with a four-kilo claim he should go well.” Mxothwa said he is filled with nervous excitement ahead of his race day debut. “It will be my first time in such an atmosphere,” he said. “I have done a couple of trials, but it is not going to be the same, it is a professional race so I am just hoping everything goes our way.” While his family won’t be able to be trackside to enjoy the experience with Mxothwa, he said they will be watching with excitement from South Africa. “My dad, mum and brother said they will all be watching me,” he said. “With the time difference, they should be sleeping, but they said they would stay up and watch my first race day ride.” Mxothwa is enjoying his time in New Zealand, but admitted the cold winter mornings have taken a bit to get used to. “I am loving it here,” he said. “New Zealand is a really nice place, and a really safe place compared to back home. I have met some really lovely people in the racing industry and outside of racing. The only thing I am not enjoying is the winter as it is a bit cold. But so far, so good – I am really happy.” View the full article

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 in the Sign Central 2YO (1100m) 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 in the Mark Sanders Memorial (1400m). “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.” View the full article

Following a spring meet at Churchill Downs with record purses and wagering, racing shifts in Kentucky to Ellis Park in Henderson beginning July 4. View the full article

The multiple-stakes-winning trainer Nevada Litfin, who has been licensed for 24 years and primarily competes in the Midwest, has been suspended five years and fined $2,500 for his role in a “paper trainer” violation under Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) rules. The penalties stem from a period last summer and fall when Litfin was suspended for a separate Horseracing Integrity Welfare Unit (HIWU) infraction and asked at least two subordinates to help operate his Canterbury Park-based racing stable in name only while Litfin continued to execute the day-to-day business. According to the agreed-upon HISA ruling signed by Litfin last month and posted by HISA July 2, the trainer “admits that during the period of his Ineligibility, he continued to engage in the care and training of Covered Horses including but not limited to communications with owners, continued training activities, recurring financial transactions, and personal racing activities.” From the same investigation, violations relating to “perpetrating a fraud or misrepresentation as it relates to the care or racing of Covered Horses” resulted in lesser suspensions for the two subordinates. Heather Davis, a stable employee who was licensed as a “groom/hotwalker/stable supervisor” by the Minnesota Racing Commission, but who registered with the HISA Authority only as a “groom,” was suspended three years in an agreed-to HISA ruling dated July 2. Briannah McDaniel, who had previously saddled around 60 starters as a licensed trainer between 2020 and 2023, started appearing as the trainer of record for horses previously conditioned by Litfin late last August soon after his HIWU suspension took effect. Her agreed-to July 2 ruling stipulates only a 45-day suspension, with the ruling stating that, “McDaniel has provided substantial assistance to the Authority during these Proceedings.” TDN left voicemail and text messages seeking Litfin's side of the story on Wednesday, but neither yielded a return call prior to deadline for this article. Lisa Lazarus, the chief executive officer of HISA, stuck to brevity when asked to comment on the trio of July 3 rulings: “Paper training will not be tolerated under HISA,” she said. On Sept. 21, 2023, Litfin had agreed to an “admission of guilt and acceptance of consequences” resolution to resolve multiple HIWU violations at Canterbury. He was suspended three months and fined $3,500 for “the possession of the syringes” and “attempted Administration of a Controlled Medication Substance during the Race Period for both Acetylcysteine and Furosemide,” plus “Aggravating Circumstances…for, among other things, 'deceptive or obstructive conduct to avoid detection or adjudication of a Controlled Medication Rule Violation.'” Counting time that had been already served, Litfin's suspension was to run between Aug. 23 and Nov. 22, 2023. But an additional 60-day period of ineligibility was tacked on to the end of his ban for having accumulated nine penalty points, which extended the period of ineligibility through Jan. 21, 2024. The July 2 HISA ruling against McDaniel stated that she “admits that during the period of Litfin's Ineligibility Litfin requested, and she agreed, to serve as his 'paper trainer.'” The ruling continued: “McDaniel admits that during the period of Litfin's Ineligibility, she did not maintain full responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of Litfin's barn and management of its operations including but not limited to coordinating with third-party vendors to supply the barn with feed, supplies, exercise riders, and providing other necessary components to maintain a horse training operation.” Davis's exact role is not completely clear based on the ruling issued against her. “Davis admits she has never been licensed to act as a trainer,” the ruling stated before explaining that she was only registered with HISA as a groom. In October/November 2023 and in February 2024, Litfin started horses as the trainer of record on 10 occasions at Delta Downs and Fair Grounds. Those two tracks are based in Louisiana, a state that was not then (and is not currently) under the jurisdiction of HISA because of a lower-court ruling that is in effect while awaiting a federal appeals court's decision on HISA's constitutionality. The post Nevada Litfin Suspended Five Years for Recruiting ‘Paper Trainer’ While Sanctioned appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading Top End jockey Sonja Logan is all smiles after guiding the Kym Healy-trained Darwin Guineas prospect He’s Maverick to an eye-catching win against fellow three-year-olds over 1300m at Fannie Bay on June 22. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) With so many three-year-olds in good form, it is shaping up as a highly competitive Darwin Guineas (1600m) at Fannie Bay on Saturday. The $75,000 feature launches the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival, but with a split match separating eight horses the Guineas is up for grabs. Kym Healy’s He’s Maverick was the +340 favourite with top horse racing betting sites on Wednesday night, but leading Top End jockey Sonja Logan, who will partner the SA gelding, agrees that it’s a “lottery”. “It’s a terrific field, there are a few horses there that are going to be contenders, that’s for sure,” Logan said. “Gary Clarke’s new horse Masatora from the Ciaron Maher stable, it’s half a chance. “It’s gone over a bit further, it might be a Derby horse more than a Guineas horse. “You’ve got Rhesus, formerly with James Cummings – he ran a real good race two weeks ago for Phil Cole when a close second over the mile (0-58) going up against Faberge Tzar, who won the race for Victorian trainer Andrew Perdon. “I think they’re two very handy horses, but there’s also Neil Dyer’s Unquestionably. “I won on He’s Maverick over 1300m against the three-year-olds two weeks ago from Tayarn Halter’s Super Defense, but Unquestionably finished off strongly for third. “Unquestionably has drawn the outside, but he’s a backmarker, so he might still get a nice run before winding up at the finish.” Paul Gardner’s Better Not Fuss, who rolled Global Wonder over 1600m (0-64) two weeks ago, won the NT Guineas (1600m) in Alice Springs in April starting at $91. Kevin Lamprecht’s Beyond Ready, second in the NT Guineas before finishing second behind Starton in his Fannie Bay debut over 1200m against the three-year-olds a month ago, has not missed a place in five NT starts and won twice in the Red Centre. Kerry Petrick’s Starton arrived from Victoria and saluted on June 8 by 4.5 lengths and although finishing seventh behind He’s Maverick a fortnight ago, he did battle for the early lead after jumping from gate 11. Super Defense did little wrong in the Top End first up and Chloe Baxter’s Tilussion – the only filly in the field who hopes to follow in the footsteps of filly Tubthumper after her Guineas success last year – was a close fourth in that same race. Rhesus at +380 (Emma Lines), Faberge Tzar at +400 (Jason Maskiell), Starton at +700 (Paul Denton) and Masatora at +900 (Jarrod Todd) also headed the market on Wednesday night. He’s Maverick, third in the NT Guineas before toppling the three and four-year-olds over 1600m during the Alice Carnival, was mighty impressive two weeks ago when he stormed home from the back. “He’s absolutely flying, Kym’s got him going really well,” Logan said. “I galloped him on Wednesday morning, I’m really happy with him. “He has pulled up quite well from his race the other day and I definitely think the mile is going to suit him. “He’s just very honest, he’s sound, he’s clean-winded – he’s just a really nice horse all-round and I think he’s a very good contender in the Guineas.” Horse racing news View the full article