Wandering Eyes

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

After chasing the leader of the 3-year-old filly division, Thorpedo Anna, Lea Farms' Power Squeeze drops in as the high weight in a field of seven 3-year-old fillies entered for the $300,000 Delaware Oaks (G3) July 6 at Delaware Park.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

Cieren Fallon faces a spell on the sidelines after breaking his back in two places when falling from his mount at Windsor July 1.View the full article

Top-notch jumps prospects lit up day two of the Arqana summer sale on Wednesday where top French agent Bertrand Le Metayer went to €450,000 to secure the promising Mambonumberfive (Fr) (Born To Sea {Ire}), who was second in a valuable three-year-old hurdle at Auteuil when last seen. Trained by Francois Nicolle, Mambonumberfive was consigned by Eric Ventrou, who was left visibly emotional by topping the sale. He said, “I had three weeks to prepare him so I was a little bit shocked. We did what we could but didn't want to change his routine because he likes to be outside with his friends. When they are outside like that, it can be scary, because you don't want them to get cuts or anything. I didn't sleep very good last night! It's a good day. A very good day.” He added, “I am based one hour from here in Normandie. I came back from Qatar six years ago. I have to say thank you to a couple of people–to Francois Nicolle, who has supported me for a long time, and also Bertrand Le Metayer. And also my team, because without my team, I cannot do anything.” Champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins was busy strengthening his squad for the upcoming season. Along with trusted advisors and long-time agents Pierre Boulard and Harold Kirk, Mullins splashed out on geldings by Churchill (Ire) and Battle Of Marengo (Ire) as well as a filly by Authorized (Ire) to the tune of €765,000. Speaking after buying the Authorized filly Karma D'Airy (Fr), who was second when last seen at Auteuil for trainer Hugo Merienne, Boulard said, “I have been buying for Willie [for] many years. We absolutely loved her. Willie has had huge success with Authorized, especially with fillies. She's really good-looking. She has only run twice and was second at Auteuil, showing that she can go chasing. Happy with that buy and we expected that she would make that.” A total of 12 horses cleared six figures on day two of the Summer Sale at Arqana where 75% of the 144 lots offered were sold. The average was €40,449, the median stood at €13,000 while the aggregate was €4,371,500. The post ‘I Didn’t Sleep Good Last Night’ – Mambonumberfive Fetches 450k At Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leo and Sarah Dooley can tell you a thing or two about the Thoroughbred racing industry. But don't let their youthful appearances fool you–the couple has already forged a most impressive, not to mention broad, resume in the game. And while they can hardly be called newcomers to the sales game, having sold horses through other agencies in the past, the couple will embark on new territory when selling horses for the first time under their own banner, Norevale Farm, at the upcoming Fasig-Tipton July Sale July 9. Explaining the process that has led the couple to strike out with their own consignment, Sarah explained, “We've been in operation four years in September. We've boarded yearlings that our clients have sold at [Fasig-Tipton] July, Keeneland September, the New York sales and in [Fasig-Tipton] October. Gradually over the past three years, we've also sold our own pinhooks and our slow burner project, our homebreds as well, something we are developing over the next couple of years.” “We are starting off with a smaller consignment rather heading off to a sale the scale of September, but this is the first sale that we had some horses that we thought would really fit here. It just worked out timing-wise. Ultimately, I think it'll work out that it's a smaller sale and we can get one under our belt.” While never having managed a sales consignment entirely on their own, Leo feels that the couple's past experiences will help lead the transition. “We always used several consignors in the past and they did an excellent job for us,” he said. “We've learned bits a pieces from each of them, and we just decided that we'd like to stand behind our own horses a bit more.” Among Tuesday's collection of select yearlings, Norevale will lead over Hip 106, a filly by Bolt d'Oro, who will be followed by Hip 110, a colt by Practical Joke. The Norevale consignment will be rounded out by Hip 237, a filly by Army Mule. “This year, we have a nice group of three,” Leo said. “They have sire power–they're all by proven horses. And they really is a look of precocity with all of them. We are really looking forward to offering that group here.” The dark bay daughter of Bolt d'Oro is out of Bama Belle (Giant's Causeway), a half-sister to GI CCA Oaks winner Funny Moon (Malibu Moon) and SW Throng (Silver Deputy). This represents the family of three-time Grade I scorer Vanlandingham. An $80,000 RNA at Keeneland last November, the filly was bred by a partnership of Norevale, Tony and Michael Holmes and Jacalyn Tillman. “The Bolt d'Oro filly is nice and the timing is right after the 2-year-old sales season he's had,” he said. “She's a really athletic and fast-looking filly.” Representing the sole colt of the Norvale consignment, hip 110 is out of the unraced Street Sense mare Be Joyful. The colt's 8-year-old dam is out of the Peteski mare Trickski, also responsible for GI La Brea S. winner Dearest Trickski (Proudest Romeo) and GSP Gray Sky (Tapit). The colt brought $50,000 at Keeneland last November. “The Practical Joke colt is a very solid horse,” Leo affirmed. “He's forward going and would suit end users and pinhookers. The sire is doing very well right now which is a big advantage.” Rounding out the July sale triumvirate, Hip 237 is out of stakes-winning Secret Action (Tiz Wonderful). She was purchased by Norevale for $65,000 at Keeneland last fall. “The Army Mule filly just seems like a racehorse,” he opined. “She's by a proven sire and is just beautiful.” Asked why the July sale should suit the operation's initial offering, Leo explained, “The July sale has been very good to us over the years. For this sale, they need to be a little more forward and to look precocious. We have found that, if we brought the right horse over to the July sale, we were rewarded every time.” Building on Success Norevale has already enjoyed success on the racetrack, albeit a bit more behind the scenes. Heading some of its most recent graduates is TDN Rising Star Barbara T (Army Mule), a flashy winner at Keeneland in April. Offered by Norevale on behalf of its clients at Keeneland November in 2021, the weanling filly brought $25,000 and subsequently sold for $40,000 at the same venue the following September. Offered at the OBS March last season, she brought $120,000 from Michael Warnick and Joseph Hinkhouse. TDN Rising Star Barbara T, another Norevale grad by Army Mule | Coady Another notable graduate is Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}), who is campaigned by David Bersen, Tony and Michael Holmes and Norevale Farm. Trained by Kenny McPeek, the colt won his second career start and subsequently finished second in the GII Rebel Stakes. The son of Allusion (Street Cry {Ire}) RNA'd for $9,000 at Keeneland November in 2021. “He's probably the flag bearer for us,” offered Leo. “He was second in the Rebel and had to take a little bit of time off before the Derby otherwise we were probably looking for a day out.” Also from the Norevale program, Snead (Nyquist) brought $125,000 for a partnership of Norevale and its partners at Keeneland November in 2021 before selling the following season as a yearling for $210,000 at Fasig-Tipton. A $325,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile purchase, Snead broke his maiden at Churchill Downs in his third start before adding a 7 1/4-length score at the Fair Grounds last November. The grey rounded out the season with a runner-up finish in the Gun Runner S. in New Orleans Dec. 23. “Since we've had a few horses go on and do well for their new owners, it has been important for us to stand a bit more behind our horses, like we are doing with our own consignment,” explained Leo. “Some of our [graduates] have done well on the track, and for a hot minute we even had two on the Derby trail. It's nice for us to stand behind our horses and create our own brand. And this also gives our clients the option to sell with us year-round if they like.” Practice Makes Perfect A native of Kilkenny, Ireland, Leo received some his earliest instruction at the racetrack under the guidance of Irish-based conditioner Jim Bolger before adding stints with a pair of renowned European Thoroughbred operations–Ballylinch Stud in Ireland and Ecurie Des Monceaux in France. “The time I spent at Ecurie Des Monceaux was like a master's degree in prepping yearlings by Henri Bozo and his team. I really loved it,” recalled Leo. Venturing to the United States in 2013, he served for a time with the late Gerry Dilger at Dromoland Farm and following a brief return to Ireland to complete college, he returned to the U.S. in 2015 for a four-year run at Hunter Valley Farm. He also held the role of broodmare manager at Indian Creek Farm. “All those past experiences give you a feeling for what these horses are going to go on and do,” Leo said. “Since the ultimate goal is to raise a racehorse, that experience is invaluable.” Also sporting a lifelong connection to the industry, Sarah grew up around horses, courtesy of her parents, Marula Park Stud's Tony and Susan Holmes. After graduating with an Economics degree from the Transylvania University in Lexington, she also completed the Irish National Stud course followed by the Godolphin Flying Start program. In addition to Marula Park, Sarah's work experience includes stints with Bluewater Sales, Hunter Valley Farm and Lane's End Farm. “I've had a different trajectory than Leo, but I think that's what makes us work so well as business partners,” explained Sarah. “We both bring so many different things from each side to the table.” While discussing her progression in the industry thus far, Sarah was quick to credit two of her staunchest supporters, her parents. “I grew up on my family farm and my parents were commercial breeders, and they are to this day. They had a lot of success with a farm that their good friend and partner calls, 'the size of a garden', endearingly of course. And I really love the life they created for themselves. They started on the bottom rung and they worked their way up. Both of them grew up around horses. They found this piece of land and made it their own. They did it the hard way and have been successful. For my brother [Michael] and I, it was a wonderful way to see the freedom they had in developing their own business and lifestyle. I loved tailing my father around at the breeding stock sales and him teaching me pedigrees.” She added, “That's what I was really after too. I wanted to chase that in Thoroughbred industry. We both knew we wanted to go out on our own one day and it was just one foot in front of the other and we built it from there.” Timing is Everything Bravely, the couple launched Norevale Farm in the throws of the COVID pandemic in the fall of 2020, and despite an understandably tepid start, the operation has made steady progress since them, although the journey was not without its challenges. “We started our farm in September during COVID but we also had our first daughter [Maeve] in December of 2020,” recalled Sarah. “We had my riding horse, his little sister and their mother. And one client sent us a mare and foal down from New York. That is literally what we started out with.” She continued, “Since then, we've added a couple of additional farms and added another daughter [Ruth] this past September. It has not been easy, but it's been so rewarding. Everyone in this industry knows how hard the days are, but we have great partners and great staff. We are surrounded by great people.” Having started with a single 110-acre tract of leased land in 2020, the couple now has expanded to three separate leased farms and the operation has grown to just over 250 acres and approximately 100 head. Relying on scouting pinhook prospects at the breeding sales in the fall, the Norevale team also works tirelessly to improve their breeding stock, which currently numbers approximately 25 mares. “When we started out, we leased our first farm because it was right around the corner from my parent's farm, which was appealing since we could share equipment until we could afford our own,” Sarah recalled. “And now is the right time to start our own consignment. We've done everything when it felt like the right time. Sure, we might want to buy our own farm one day but it would have to be the right farm at the right time in the right place. We wouldn't necessarily go seeking that out, and I don't think we'd look for anything else in this business right now because we'd really like to build on what we have. Just to keep focusing on quality, quality, quality.” Leo added, “Things have certainly progressed, but we are quite happy with where we are. This is as big as it gets.” “We just want to keep producing racehorses. Upgrade the quality of our broodmare band over time, but the bottom line is we just want to keep producing quality racehorses. It's nice to be able to balance the breeding with the pinhooking to where they complement each other and help each other out at times. So it would be nice to grow the overall quality of both of those sides of the business.” With yet another goal checked off the list, what are the plans for Norevale in the future? “We're both very involved in the day-to-day operations,” Sarah explained. “I think if we took on any more horses, we would completely change a huge element of our business which is both of us being so involved. We enjoy it that way.” “And the same goes for our consignment, right now it will be for our own pinhooks and homebreds and several of our year-round client's horses as well, but we want to stay with what we are comfortable with, what we enjoy, and we know we can do a good job.” And what is the key to continuing to grow in a career that can be fraught with setbacks, roadblocks and challenges? “Lots of elbow grease until now, but hopefully all those hard days keep paying off,” said Sarah. “Obviously, there are less days to celebrate than not, but the days we do celebrate make it all worth it.” The post Norevale Raises the Flag at Fasig-Tipton July With Initial Consignment appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien trainee Surpass (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}–Blending {GB}, by Medicean {GB}) shaped with promise when getting up late to snag his May 29 debut at Tipperary by a neck and returned to the Limerick Junction venue to attain 'TDN Rising Star' status with a powerful display in Wednesday's Glenvale Stud Race over an extended seven furlongs. The G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes entry, racing under a three-pound penalty, jumped out in second and was the nearest pursuer of the clear leader through halfway. Looming large going ominously well passing the quarter-mile pole, the 4-9 favourite quickened in style to hit the front approaching the final furlong and surged clear under mild coaxing to easily outclass Dakota Blue (Fr) (Sioux Nation) by an impressive three lengths. “He's a nice horse and has had two nice runs here,” said Ryan Moore. “He's impressed me both times and hopefully he has a nice future. He's very comfortable on that [good-to-firm] ground.” Surpass, who becomes his sire's first Rising Star, is the third of five foals and one of two scorers out of a winning half-sister to G3 Musidora Stakes third Ricetta (GB) (Camelot {GB}) and Listed Prix de Pontarme runner-up Spanish Intent (GB) (Acclamation {GB}). His second dam Panzanella (GB) (Dansili {GB}), a daughter of G1 Poul d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Zenda (GB) (Zamindar), is kin to four stakes performers headed by four-time Group 1-winning sire Kingman (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). The February-foaled bay is half to a yearling colt by Australia (GB) and a weanling colt by Ghaiyyath (Ire). 4th-Tipperary, €20,000, Cond, 7-3, 2yo, 7f 100yT, 1:39.28, g/f. SURPASS (IRE), c, 2, by Saxon Warrior (Jpn) 1st Dam: Blending (GB), by Medicean (GB) 2nd Dam: Panzanella (GB), by Dansili (GB) 3rd Dam: Zenda (GB), by Zamindar Sales history: 240,000gns Wlg '22 TADEWE. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $20,582. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-James Wigan (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore. Surpass (Saxon Warrior) makes it two from two and there's surely plenty more to come from this exciting two-year-old for Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien and @Ballydoyle @tipperaryraces pic.twitter.com/AYHiETvQNK — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 3, 2024 The post First Rising Star for Saxon Warrior as Surpass Powers to Impressive Tipperary Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stonestreet Stable's Emery (More Than Ready), whose lone career loss to date came when fourth in the GI Frizette Stakes at Aqueduct last October, returns to the New York oval as the 6-5 morning-line favorite in the GIII Victory Ride Stakes Thursday. The 6 1/2-furlong race with a field of five is the lone graded event on tap for the holiday. Trained by Brad Cox, Emery was a first-out winner at Saratoga last August before finishing some five lengths adrift of champion Just F Y I (Justify) in the Frizette. She returned six months later to take a six-furlong optional claimer at Keeneland in April and captured her first stakes victory in the Leslie's Lady S. at Churchill Downs June 9. The Victory Ride field also includes Mystic Lake (Mo Town), who will be looking for back-to-back graded scores following her win in the May 17 GIII Miss Preakness Stakes. Like she did in the Miss Preakness, Mystic Lake will break from the rail Thursday as the race's 124-pound highweight. “She is an older filly now, they mature,” said co-owner Mark Cornett. “She's run good races before, she is just doing it against better horses now and we hope she can carry it over.” Mystic Lake, who also has a pair of Tampa Bay stakes wins on her resume, is 5-2 on the morning line. Rigney Racing's Halina's Forte (Mitole), also 5-2 on the morning line, is already a stakes winner at Aqueduct following her victory in the seven-furlong Ruthless Stakes in February. She faded to eighth after setting the pace when trying two turns in the 1 1/16-mile GI Ashland Stakes at Keeneland Apr. 5 and was fourth in the seven-furlong GII Eight Belles Stakes May 3 before returning to the winner's circle in a six-furlong optional claimer at Churchill Downs May 31. “In the early spring, you dream of maybe having an Oaks horse,” trainer Phil Bauer said of the filly's Ashland tilt. “We took a swing at it based on her good race up there going seven-eighths, but we'll just keep her one turn. Maturity and racing always helps and we'll see how far she can stretch it, but six to seven [furlongs], for now, is what we'll do.” Although the Eight Belles effort in the slop saw Halina's Forte finish 7 1/4 lengths back of the victorious My Mane Squeeze (Audible), Bauer said he was pleased with how the filly performed and with how she responded last out. “I'm not sure if she disliked it [wet track] so much, or if she was too close [to the pace]. I was pretty proud of her effort, and it was a pretty good race overall,” Bauer said. “I don't think she got a whole lot out of the Ashland, so maybe she came up a hair short to finish top three there, but she was able to rebound with that allowance win and now we're back to trying graded stakes. “We knew we could take on a stakes somewhere last time, but we felt she could be a superior horse in that heat and we could build from there,” he added. The Victory Ride is the eighth race on the Belmont at Aqueduct card and has a scheduled post time of 4:42 p.m. The post Victory Ride Highlights Holiday Action Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Asian Racing Federation (ARF) chairman Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges will give the keynote speech during the opening session of the Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan from Aug. 27-Sept. 1. Also the CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Engelbrecht-Bresges will speak on key post-pandemic trends in racing and breeding, as well as exploring the most pressing issues facing the racing industry today. There will also be a panel discussion with Engelbrecht-Bresges being joined by Masayuki Goto, ARF vice-chairman and executive advisor to the Japan Racing Association (JRA); Suzanne Eade, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI); Peter V'landys, CEO of Racing NSW; Drew Fleming, CEO of Breeders' Cup; and Joe Saumarez Smith, chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Other speakers will be announced in due course. For more information on the ARC, please visit the ARC website. The post Engelbrecht-Bresges to Give Keynote During First Session of Asian Racing Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday's meeting at Newton Abbot will go ahead as scheduled after the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) completed a “thorough assessment” following four equine fatalities at the track last week. A statement read, “Following four fatalities at its most recent fixture, the BHA's racecourse and veterinary teams have worked closely with colleagues at Newton Abbot to understand as best as possible the circumstances behind each incident. “The BHA's racecourse and facilities manager is satisfied that there was no issue with the racing surface or any other facility at the track that caused these incidents. This followed an inspection of conditions at Newton Abbot and a thorough assessment of the track's racing surface maintenance records. “While the individual equine fatality reviews are ongoing, it has been determined that each injury was sustained in unique circumstances and there appears to be no external factor linking them.” It continued, “Newton Abbot's record demonstrates how rare such occurrences are; in the last two full years, 2022 and 2023, a total of 1,524 runners competed at the track, resulting in three fatalities [defined as a horse being fatally injured as a direct result of their injuries on the raceday or within 48 hours of the raceday]. “This equates to a fatal injury rate of 0.20 per cent, below the current national jumps average of 0.42 per cent.” The post BHA Concludes Newton Abbot Fatalities due to ‘Unique Circumstances’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

White Birch will not take his place in the Eclipse Stakes (G1) July 6 after he was ruled out of the Sandown contest following an unsatisfactory blood test.View the full article