Wandering Eyes

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

There are four horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, July 4. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Sale & Happy Valley (HK). Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – July 4, 2024 Sale Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on July 4, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

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Alva Starr was a grade 1-winning homebred for Brett Brinkman and Dale Ladner. She had won five stakes, never finished worse than second in 10 career starts, and was a millionaire.View the full article

Things did not work out too well for Endlessly in the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

You'll excuse the connections of Everso Mischievous if they have stricken the memory of their colt's last trip to Aqueduct Racetrack from their memory banks. View the full article

After running Juddmonte's Idiomatic to win the 2023 Delaware Handicap (G2), trainer Brad Cox is back, starting Godolphin's Wet Paint in the $500,000 race July 7 at Delaware Park.View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, several provisional suspensions have been handed out in cases pending a formal hearing. This includes trainers Frederico Villafranco and Diana Morici, who have been issued provisional suspensions for separate alleged methamphetamine positives. Trainer Francisco Ramos remains provisionally suspended with two additional alleged clenbuterol positives to go with four prior pending clenbuterol cases. Five of these cases–including the two most recent–were from out-of-competition tests. The other pending case is an alleged vets' list medication violation. There were also two more alleged positives for metformin, a controversial banned substance playing an outsized role in HISA's drug enforcement efforts. Neither trainer, Greg Foley or James Lawrence II, have been suspended pending a formal hearing. Read more on that particular story here. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 06/27/2024 Licensee: Ricardo Bailey, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Mutiny, who won at Thistledown on 5/8/24. Date: 06/27/2024 Licensee: Patrick Reynolds, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Uncle Water Flow, who won at Thistledown on 5/8/24. Date: 06/27/2024 Licensee: Michael Hewitt, trainer Penalty: None. Equine anti-doping notice–for an alleged methamphetamine positive–withdrawn as the B sample did not confirm the A sample. Date: 06/28/2024 Licensee: Joseph Davis, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Vino Caldo on 5/22/24. Date: 07/01/2024 Licensee: Anthony Granitz, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Timeless Rose, who finished third at Tampa Bay on 4/13/24. Date: 07/01/2024 Licensee: Patrick Reynolds, trainer Penalty: A written Reprimand; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Caffeine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Cauteloso, who won at Parx Racing on 3/25/24. Date: 07/01/2024 Licensee: Mark Glatt, trainer Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance) for an alleged vets' list medication violation for Caffeine. Date: 07/01/2024 Licensee: Herold A Simms, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Intra-articular injection within 7 days of a timed and reported workout on the horse, Nature Boy. Pending ADMC Violations 06/26/2024, Andy Mathis, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Lookin at Sweetie on 5/27/24. 06/27/2024, Diane Morici, trainer: Provisional suspension for a medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Gambling Tzar, who won at Laurel Park on 3/10/24. 06/27/2024, Francisco Ramos, trainer: Provisional suspension for an out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol-permitted for use with specific conditions-in a sample taken from Total Smokeshow on 6/1/24. 06/27/2024, Francisco Ramos, trainer: Provisional suspension for an out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol-permitted for use with specific conditions-in a sample taken from Tequila Flats on 6/1/24. 06/28/2024, James Lawrence II, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Metformin-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Cherished Wish, who finished second at Penn National on 5/23/24. 06/28/2024, Gregory Foley, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Metformin-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Camaro Z, who finished third in the Audobon S. at Churchill Downs on 6/1/24. 07/01/2024, Lisa Reed, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Drinking Solo, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 5/29/24. 07/01/2024, Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Glycopyrrolate-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Six the Hard Way on 6/1/24. 07/02/2024, Dalton Dieter, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Trip to Freedom, who finished second at Prairie Meadows on 5/24/24. 07/02/2024, Dalton Dieter, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Sir Angus on 5/23/24. 07/02/2024, Brittany Vandenberg, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Maqamat, who won at Hawthorne on 5/26/24. 07/02/2024, Brittany Vandenberg, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Khozan's Success, who won at Hawthorne on 5/26/24. 07/02/2024, Dalton Dieter, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Thundershook, who won at Prairie Meadows on 5/27/24. 07/03/2024, Frederico Villafranco, trainer: Provisional suspension for a medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Asset Basis, who won at Will Rogers on 3/26/24. 07/03/2024, Juan Arriagada, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Alexa's Dream, who won at Delaware Park on 5/22/24. 07/03/2024, Charles Essex, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from The Golden Egg, who finished second at Emerald Downs on 5/31/24. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Los Alamitos Cesar Ortega – violation date June 29; $250 fine and one-day suspension Monmouth Park Jorge Vargas – violation date June 28; $500 fine and three-day suspension Prairie Meadows Kenneth Sean Tohill – violation date June 28; $250 fine, $13,750 purse forfeit and one-day suspension Thistledown Braxton S. Carmouche – violation date July 1; $250 fine and $624 purse forfeit The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. California Los Alamitos Date: 06/30/2024 Licensee: Peter Miller, trainer Penalty: Official warning. “Trainer Peter Miller who started the horse Sir Pistolero on May 11, 2024, at Santa Anita Park is issued an 'Official Warning' for failure to produce 30 day Veterinarian Records.” New York Aqueduct Date: 06/28/2024 Licensee: George Weaver, trainer Penalty: $1,000 fine. “Mr. George Weaver is hereby fined the sum of $1,000 for failing to tend to business in a professional manner necessitating a scratch in the 2nd race at Aqueduct Racetrack on June 28th 2024.” Abnel Bocachica – violation date June 27; three-day suspension for careless riding The post Stewards and Commissions Rulings, June 27 – July 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Ciaron Maher after his horse Interpretation (IRE) won the Apiam Animal Health Bendigo Cup at Bendigo Racecourse on November 01, 2023 in Bendigo, Australia. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Ciaron Maher achieved a milestone by securing his 100th win in the Victorian metropolitan races for the season at Sandown on Wednesday. Baroque Road, piloted by Jamie Mott, won by a margin in the sixth race, allowing Maher to reach the coveted century mark. The four-year-old offspring of Caravaggio had odds of +500 with the leading Australian bookmakers. 3/7/24 Sandown Race 6 Race Replay – Baroque Road (1st) In addition to this triumph, Maher emerged victorious in the race of the day with Awash, who garnered support late on and emerged as the favourite (+240) at Neds with apprentice jockey Ryan Houston at the reins. Reflecting on their success Leigh Allen, Mahers representative, expressed satisfaction at achieving this milestone today rather than having to wait until Saturday. He credited the team for their work throughout the season. This season marks Maher’s fourth win in the Victorian Metropolitan Trainers Premiership, having secured 97 wins last year. His highest record stands at 104 wins during the 2021/22 season. With eight meetings left in this season, Maher aims to surpass his career high tally and is poised to further enhance it at Flemington on Saturday. Among his 11 acceptors are two short-priced contenders, Berkshire Breeze in the Banjo Paterson Series Final and Pharari in the Listed A.R. Creswick Stakes. Maher has successfully trained 314 winners in Australia this season, with his horses earning just shy of $50 million in prize money. Currently trying to defend the National Premiership Award, he currently leads Chris Waller by 37 wins in the premiership race, which is set to end on July 31. Horse racing news View the full article

Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo) had always shown potential, but making good on it had become a problem. After he won last year's GII Louisiana Derby to remain undefeated in three career starts, he struggled to duplicate that performance. He did win the GIII Ben Ali Stakes at Keeneland, but his record still lacked that all-important Grade I win. That's no longer a problem. Kingsbarns defeated a strong field to win the June 29 GI Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs. To discuss that win and other matters relating to Spendthrift Farm, Spendthrift's GM Ned Toffey joined this week's TDN Writers' Room podcast, which is sponsored by Keeneland. He was the Green Group Guest of the Week. “This is a horse with a lot of a stamina and really good tactical speed,” Toffey said. “But can he sustain a run? I think things set up better for him in the Stephen Foster. And Luis [Saez] rode a great race. So hopefully that's what we see going forward.” That he's now won a Grade I race means that Kingsbarns will some day set up shop in the stallion barn at Spendthrift. “So what does the win mean? Grade I, Stephen Foster, son of Uncle Mo, out of a Tapit mare. The future of Kingsbarns is in a stallion barn,” Toffey said. “This win means we can order him a nameplate for his stall in the stallion barn. He's earned a spot.” Spendthrift has not had a top 3-year-old colt so far this year, but that may change as Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso) showed some promise when winning the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth, a prep for the GI Haskell Stakes to be run July 20 at Monmouth Park. “We sort of thought he was this year's Kingsbarns,” Toffey said. “He was two-for-two going into the Wood Memorial. We were hoping for a big performance there to springboard us into the Derby. It just wasn't there, for whatever reason. But he's bounced back. He's always been a good workhorse. He tends to finish off his works really well, gallop out really well. We'll be as eager to see what he can do in the Haskell as everybody else is. We're going to find out along with everyone else.” Toffey also provided an update on Tamara (Bolt d'Oro), who is out of Beholder (Henny Hughes). Trained by Richard Mandella, she looked like a superstar in the making when winning the GI Del Mar Debutante. But she then finished seventh in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and hasn't been heard from since. “Richard had started her back and he was originally pointing her to the Test,” Toffey said. “But there have been a few little, just ticky tacky issues. Nothing major. But he's just had to back off on her training, so I think we probably won't see here until after Del Mar. But we do very much expect to see her at some point late this year. We're still very excited about her future.” In our breeding spotlight section we took a look at the WinStar stallion Constitution. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, XBTV.com and the KTOB, the team of Randy Moss, Zoe Cadman and Bill Finley talked about the Stephen Foster and the record handle that was produced at the Churchill Downs spring meet. There was also a discussion of NYRA's announcement that once the new Belmont is open all racing in the winter will be conducted on the Tapeta surface that is being installed. Click here for the video of the podcast or here for the audio. The post Ned Toffey Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Entering off consecutive graded victories, Glassman Racing's Play the Music looks to keep her hot streak alive when she faces 11 fillies and mares in the $135,000 Hendrie Stakes (G3) at Woodbine.View the full article

Gearing up for a start at Saratoga, the fast and consistent 4-year-old filly Alva Starr (Lord Nelson) was euthanized Wednesday at Delaware Park after what was supposed to be a routine workout. “It was a regular work and everything was going fine,” said owner Dale Ladner. “There were no issues. Then, turning for home she switched leads and there was a problem with her right rear. “Obviously, it had to be pretty bad for us to make the decision to put her down. This is the first time I have ever been in a situation like this. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I feel so bad for (trainer) Brett Brinkman, her exercise rider, her groom and everyone else who worked with her. I'm completely devastated. I have a small stable and never had a horse like her before. You have to be a special animal to win a Grade I.” Bred by Ladner and Brinkman, the Kentucky-bred broke her maiden at two at Delaware Park. It was her only start of the year, but she was just getting started. Her first stakes win came in the Dashing Beauty Stakes at Delaware and she followed that up with a blowout win in the GII Raven Run Stakes for her first graded win. She was even better this year, winning the GI Madison Stakes at Keeneland, followed by a second-place showing in the GI Derby City Distaff Stakes at Churchill Downs. In what would turn out to be her final start, she won the June 5 Rehoboth Stakes at Delaware. In 10 career starts she had never finished worse than second. “We were ready to take her up to Saratoga and run in the Honorable Miss and the Ballerina,” Ladner said. “Our ultimate goal was the Breeders' Cup. She had been so good to us. She gave a 100% effort every time, she won six of 10 races and made more than $1 million. We hope the family can produce another one like her. That's just not easy to do.” The post Grade I Winner Alva Starr Euthanized After Delaware Workout appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs is expected to continue July 4 in the wake of wildfires and subsequent flooding from heavy rains that wiped out a portion of the track. Ruidoso's home straight and frontside chutes, and a portion of the gallop-out on the clubhouse turn, are expected to be restored to racing condition in time for the holiday weekend. But more extensive damage involving flood contamination down to the base in the area around the six-furlong chute has put Thoroughbred races on hold for the time being. At an emergency meeting of the New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC) July 2, horsemen, Ruidoso management, and other industry stakeholders discussed several contingencies for Thoroughbred racing, including transferring races for that breed to The Downs at Albuquerque, which is currently not racing and isn't supposed to start its scheduled two-month meet until Aug. 29. Concerns over costs, staffing, and the availability of training for Thoroughbreds are all issues that must be considered before a decision gets made about either relocating 195 miles northwest to Albuquerque or waiting out what could be a weeks-long repair at Ruidoso. A major unknown is a current forecast for continued rain, and the fact that a portion of a river (Ruidoso Rio) runs lengthwise through the track's infield nearest to the backside of the track. Wildfires from mid-June not only forced a temporary evacuation of horses from Ruidoso, but scars from that burn exacerbated an existing storm runoff problem in the region, because the flames consumed vegetation that might have otherwise impeded the flow of water. “It's really difficult for anything to be etched in stone because of the forecast in the region. We still have moisture in the air and potential rain on the horizon, especially [July 4],” NMRC executive director Izzy Trejo told TDN Wednesday. “It can rain a few miles from the racetrack, and still affect the racetrack significantly because of that river that runs through the Ruidoso Downs property,” Trejo said. “We're hoping it doesn't come down as hard as it did in a couple of locations this past week; hoping for some cooperation from Mother Nature so we can proceed with a game plan to keep racing going here in New Mexico,” Trejo said. In addition to restoring the cushion and repairing the base where necessary, the El Paso Times reported that crews have been using excavators to widen and deepen the river channel that runs through the track's property to help handle future flooding. As for the next steps in the process related to Thoroughbred racing, Trejo underscored that “there's nothing definitive,” and that contingency plans are a work in progress. “We had an emergency meeting [Tuesday] to allow the licensees who are very concerned about what the future holds to speak to the leaders of the industry, the commissioners,” Trejo said. “At the end of the meeting one of the plans was to possibly utilize the Downs at Albuquerque facility,” Trejo said. “But there are logistical things that need to be addressed in order to do that. The Downs at Albuquerque's management team was going to take it to the ownership to see if there's a viable avenue to do that. It's not set in stone whatsoever. It's going to take a little more dialogue.” In the meantime, Trejo said, “Ruidoso's intending to run [July 4] from what I understand, as well as this weekend. There are Thoroughbred races that are scheduled, but in a discussion with Ruidoso Downs management [Tuesday], it appears evident that they will cancel all of the Thoroughbred races throughout the holiday weekend and modify the program to just be Quarter Horses. That request for approval has not been presented to the commission yet [as of midday July 3], so I'm not saying that's what's going to happen. That's what we hear they want to do.” The July 4-7 programs at Ruidoso originally included between three and six Thoroughbred races per day. “We're tough. We're racetrackers. We'll get through it all right. Just a little setback, and we'll move forward,” Trejo said. The post QH Racing to Resume at Ruidoso; Aftermath of Flooding Leaves T’breds in Flux appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article