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Leading Darwin apprentice Emma Lines is all smiles at Fannie Bay on Saturday after making it two wins from as many starts in June aboard the Heather Lehmann-trained Lucky Fortuna. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) It’s the start of the Darwin Cup Carnival this weekend and it appears as though interstate trainers Neil Dyer and Heather Lehmann have timed their preparations to perfection if Saturday is any guide. Kyneton’s Dyer and Murray Bridge’s Lehmann, regular visitors to the Top End and who have enjoyed plenty of success, landed winning doubles at Fannie Bay. Ziggi Rocks ($4 fav) and Latest Bentley ($18) saluted for Dyer, who has 22 horses at his disposal, while Lucky Fortuna ($2.35 fav) and Gift Of Gold ($61) got home for Lehmann, who has a team of six horses. After a first-up eighth in open class (1600m) a fortnight ago, Ziggi Rocks (Jade Hampson) lined up over 1600m (0-70) and was camped in third place on the fence before finding open spaces in the home straight to overcome Chris Pollard’s fast-finishing A Big Chance ($5.50) and Peter Stennett’s New Enterprise ($5) by 1.3 lengths. Latest Bentley (Thomas Doyle), a 10-year-old gelding who debuted in Darwin in 2017, made it four wins from 22 Top End starts when he jumped from a wide gate over 1200m (0-58) before assuming control out in front. Phil Cole’s Lord Fenrir ($5.50) then arrived to keep him company, but once turning for home, Latest Bentley found another gear and kicked clear to win by 2.5 lengths, with Kerry Petrick’s Kikuyu ($4.80) storming home for third. Lucky Fortuna (Emma Lines), a first-up winner at Fannie Bay two weeks ago, had to work from the back and was then forced five deep in the home straight before getting home by 1.8 lengths in an eventful contest over 1200m (0-66). Some either missed the jump, were in contention at the 300m or caught the eye in the concluding stages and Angela Forster’s Zoumist was motoring home before being flattened at the 250m, but in the end, Kym Healy’s Equal Balance ($41) and Pompeii Empire ($9) filled the minor placings. Gift Of Gold (Sonja Logan), the first emergency, got a start in the 1300m maiden and the fact he overcame stablemate Valkur ($3 fav) and Dyer’s Fierce Legend ($9.50) by 3.8 lengths was surprising after coming ninth in an 1100m maiden on June 15. Eighth at the 1100m, Gift Of Gold – 12th in Hong Kong in his only other career start – picked up speed and joined Valkur and Tayarn Halter’s Tonix out in front before shooting clear at the 200m when little separated the trio passing the 400m. Jason Manning’s $4 favourite Motivated Miss (Vanessa Arnott) made it two wins and a second from its past three starts with an outstanding win over 1200m (0-58) after finding the lead from the outside gate held on to eclipse Cole’s Whitten ($4.80) and Pollard’s Call It A Loan ($8) by 0.8 lengths. Ella Clarke’s $10 hope Wild Beau (Aaron Sweeney) impressed on it’s Top End debut over 1100m (0-62) when it held a four length lead passing the 600m before prevailing by 0.8 lengths with Andrew Perdon’s Dummy Spit ($3.90 fav) and Dyer’s Yaki Ishi ($6.50) hot on his heels. Horse racing news View the full article
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Alice Springs trainer Terry Gillett and daughter Dakota. It could be an exciting few weeks for Alice Springs trainer Terry Gillett. His star mare, Dakota Lee, who made it 10 wins from 10 starts at Pioneer Park on Sunday with success over 1100m (BM76), is bound for the Darwin Cup Carnival to contest the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3. The five-year-old daughter of Kuroshio, who missed two years of racing after developing claustrophobia, will be debuting in the Top End. Gillett, the 2020/21 champion trainer in the Alice Springs and Provincial Premiership, could also secure the 2023/24 title after hitting the lead with a winning double at Pioneer Park. Paul Gardner (23), who has never won Central Australia’s trainers’ premiership, has held sway all season, but Gillett (24) took over courtesy of Dakota Lee – $1.35 favourite with online bookmakers – and Altar Boy ($1.30 fav). There’s two Alice Springs meetings to go, and with Gardner in Darwin, the door is ajar for Gillett, who was pipped by Lisa Whittle at the end of the 2021/22 season. Stan Tsaikos, enjoying a purple patch in the Red Centre of late, and apprentice Jade Hampson shared the riding honours on Sunday with winning doubles. After breaking the track record for 1200m (1:07.85) a fortnight ago, Dakota Lee (Tsaikos) was put to the test before kicking clear over the final 100m to sink Greg Connor’s Flying Start ($4.80) and Ray Viney’s Tango Stepz ($31) by three lengths. Altar Boy (Tsaikos) made it three wins in a row following a first-up sixth in May after arriving from Townsville, but he had to dig deep before prevailing over 1400m (BM64). He was never far from the lead, but Altar Boy travelled three deep and only hit the front with 100m to go before getting home by 1.3 lengths from Viney’s Duty ($15) – last at the 1000m – and Yannick Valenti’s Mexi Cola ($13). Whittle’s Il Don Cavallo ($3.10), ridden by Sonja Logan, shared the early lead over 1200m (0-64) before hitting the front at the 600m and refused to buckle after a disappointing last start seventh to beat Connor’s Delago Lad ($2.70 fav) and Dan Morgan’s Arrogant Miss ($4.80) by 1.3 lengths. Morgan’s $2.90 favourite Boy Big (Hampson), who hadn’t won since last October, and the rest of the field were content to allow Gillett’s Family Ties ($5) to take an early lead over 1100m (0-58). Family Ties was two lengths clear at the 200m, but Boy Big swooped to win by 1.5 lengths with Viney’s Cubic Zirconia ($3.50) – last at the 700m – rocketing home for third. Valenti, based in Derby (WA), arrived in town with a team for the June 16 meeting and was unsuccessful, but it was a different story on Sunday when Get Out Mick ($10) saluted over 1200m (Class 2). Fourth in a 1400m maiden first up, Get Out Mick was seventh at the 600m before winding up in the home straight under the guidance of Hampson to nail Whittle’s Another Val ($3.50 fav) right on the line with Will Savage’s Becquerel ($8.50) third. Horse racing news View the full article
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There are four horse racing meetings set for Australia on Monday, July 1. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Gunnedah & Sha Tin (HK). Monday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – July 1, 2024 Gunnedah Racing Tips Sha Tin (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 1, 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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Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, July 1. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for July 1, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sha Tin (HK) All Races | Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Sha Tin (HK) this Monday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Market available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place! Picklebet Terms and Conditions Apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus! – Score Up To An Extra 15% Winnings Place a fixed odds bet on your own horse and receive an extra 15% winnings. Must be registered owner. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for July 1, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article
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Prevailing in a good pari-mutuel battle and then backing it up on the track, Hronis Racing's debuting A. Z. WILDCAT (f, 2, Munnings–Lucky Long, by Lookin At Lucky) turned in a professional effort to open her account as the narrow 2-1 favorite. The $200,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase broke a bit inward, but was up to press the early issue before sitting the pocket trip from third around the hairpin turn. Produced three wide into the stretch, the filly went to the lead with a quarter mile to race, dueled with Power Connection (Authentic) into the final furlong and went on to prevail by about two lengths. What About Q (Tiz the Law), the well-backed second favorite, held for third while finishing well clear of the remainder. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. O-Hronis Racing LLC; B-Stoneriggs Farm (KY); T-John Sadler. A. Z. WILDCAT ($6.00) won on debut in @LosAlRacing race 8. The 2-year-old by Munnings (@coolmoreamerica) was ultra professional under @HIBerrios. @sadlerracing conditioned the filly for @Hronis_Racing. pic.twitter.com/QB107uSzeL — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 30, 2024 The post Munnings Filly A. Z. Wildcat Impressive on Los Al Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs concluded Sunday with a record $708.3 million wagered over the 43-day meet. That broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of $614.8 million by $93.5 million. Just 10 years ago, the Spring Meet betting totaled $368.8 million. All sources handle during the six-day Derby Week (April 27-May 4) rose to $446.6 million–including $320.5 million on Kentucky Derby Day–to eclipse last year's Derby Week record of $412.0 million. The wagering increases continued throughout the final 37 days of the Spring Meet (May 9-June 30) as handle totaled $261.7 million, which was a $38.7 million and 17.4% increase from the previous post-Derby mark of $223.0 million during the 2022 Spring Meet. Saturday's 12-race Stephen Foster Day card attracted the most wagers in the 43-year history of the event. Betting totaled $18.8 million, which was a $4.9 million or 35% increase from the last time it was held at Churchill Downs in 2022. The $18.8 million milestone also was the second-largest non-Derby Week or Breeders' Cup wagering day in the history of the track, only behind the $19.3 million bet on Stephen Foster Preview Day during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 23, 2020. “From record prize money to large fields, high-quality participants, robust wagering and large payouts, this year's record-breaking Spring Meet delivered all-around positive results,” said President of Churchill Downs Racetrack Mike Anderson. “The horse owners, jockeys and trainers provided exceptional competition on the racetrack, and our team and partners delivered an outstanding guest experience. We extend our sincerest appreciation to the horseplayers and the greater Louisville community who made this year's Spring Meet so special and enjoyable.” A record $58 million was paid in purses during the nine-week Spring Meet, which averaged $1.4 million daily with an average purse per race of $139,000. Churchill Downs lured 3,432 starters for its 418 races for an average of 8.2 horses per race. Racing on the Kentucky circuit will shift to Ellis Park Racing & Gaming beginning Thursday at 12:50 p.m. ET for their 25-day stand. Live action at Churchill Downs will return Thursday, Sept. 12 for the 14-day September Meet. The post Record Spring Meet Wagering At Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Fresh off a spectacular four-timer during the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting, Wathnan Racing–the horse racing operation of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani–saw its blue-and-tan colors cross the line first and second, respectively, in Sunday's Hanshin Stakes by the progressive Cagliostro (Upstart) and Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), each acquired by Wathnan over the last several months. Placed in last year's GIII Indiana Derby and GIII Smarty Jones S. and fifth in the GIII Oklahoma Derby for a partnership including West Point and David Ingordo, Cagliostro narrowly annexed a two-turn Keeneland allowance in April before changing hands. Making his first start for Wathnan, but still under the care of Cherie DeVaux in the June 1 GIII Blame S., the bay colt carried a daylight advantage into the final furlong before being run down late by Godolphin's promising Highland Falls (Curlin). With 'TDN Rising Star' Extra Anejo (Into Mischief) taking the lion's share of the action, Cagliostro was no better than the third betting favorite and broke running from a wide alley while cutting back in trip and sat just outside the rail-skimming 'Rising Star' and defending champion Zozos (Munnings) and Extra Anejo through sound fractions of :23.09 and :46.09. The pacesetter backed out of it abruptly leaving the half-mile pole behind, and Cagliostro continued to shadow Extra Anejo, an impressive comeback allowance winner May 30, in hand approaching the stretch. Cagliostro soon claimed the front-runner, pinched a break entering the final furlong and held sway as Tumbarumba gave game chase. Raise Cain (Violence) loomed boldly into the lane and finished a good third. “We thought the cut back in distance would really suit him today to keep him and Pyrenees (Into Mischief) separated from running against one another in the Stephen Foster,” the winning trainer said. “It worked out very well with Pyrenees running second in the Foster. We're very happy for our entire team and this ownership group.” Having become registered owners in England just over a year ago, Wathnan Racing–advised by Richard Brown and Olly Tait–had a week for the ages during the Royal meeting, particularly with their 2-year-olds. The operation won the G2 Norfolk Stakes with American-bred Shareholder (Not This Time), the G2 Queen Mary Stakes with Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), the G3 Jersey Stakes with Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix of Spain {Ire}) and the valuable Buckingham Palace Stakes Handicap with English Oak (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Their other American interests include Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify), acquired following his runner-up effort in the GI Santa Anita Handicap. A 16th stakes winner for his Airdrie Stud-based stallion, Cagliostro is out of a half-sister to Water White (Conveyance), a stakes winner and third in the GI Acorn S. in 2020. The dam of the 2-year-old colt Hey Finch (Bucchero), A Rosefor Isabelle was most recently covered by City of Light. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. HANSHIN S. PRESENTED BY JRA, $279,875, Churchill Downs, 6-30, 4yo/up, 1m, 1:34.87, ft. 1–CAGLIOSTRO, 118, c, 4, Upstart–A Rosefor Isabelle, by Hard Spun. 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. ($385,000 2yo '22 OBSAPR). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Lance Colwell & Janice Clark (FL); T-Cherie DeVaux; J-Flavien Prat. $163,680. Lifetime Record: MGSP, 11-3-4-1, $436,668. 2–Tumbarumba, 120, g, 4, Oscar Performance–Naive Enough, by Street Sense. ($30,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Coteau Grove Farms LLC (LA); T-Brian A Lynch. $52,800. 3–Raise Cain, 118, c, 4, Violence–Lemon Belle, by Lemon Drop Kid. ($180,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $65,000 RNA 2yo '22 OBSOPN). O-Andrew N & Rania Warren; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Ben Colebrook. $28,900. Margins: 1, 1 3/4, 2 3/4. Odds: 4.22, 6.74, 20.08. Also Ran: Three Technique, Charge It, Happy American, Extra Anejo, Frosted Grace, Zozos. Scratched: Best Actor, Injunction. Cagliostro wins The Hanshin Stakes presented by @JRA_WorldRacing! pic.twitter.com/5WwfGKE32O — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 30, 2024 The post Cagliostro Leads Wathnan 1-2 In the Hanshin Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Overcoming a huge deficit and with a ton of pace to run at, Politically Correct (Violence–Heron Watch, by Candy Ride {Arg}) enveloped the field and won by six lengths in the Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sunday afternoon. The 2-year-old, who was tabbed as 7-1 shot, was not the swiftest out of the gate and the colt trailed up the backstretch. As the first quarter went :21.41, jockey Jose Ortiz did not panic and once he got his mount pointed towards the wire at the top of the lane it was time to move. Politically Correct rolled home a no-doubt winner to stay perfect. Smoken Wicked (Bobby's Wicked One) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:10.56. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: $9,500 '23 KEESEP; $195,000 '24OBSMAR. O-Walmac Farm, Five Fillies Stable LLC and Ryan C. Ritt; B-St. George Farm LLC (Ky); T-Christopher Davis. 2YO Politicallycorrect wins the 123rd Running of The Bashford Manor with @jose93_ortiz aboard! pic.twitter.com/6UVxfOW6do — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 30, 2024 The post No Debate Here, Politically Correct Answers The Question In Bashford Manor Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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A talented if unlucky juvenile runner, Raging Torrent broke his maiden on debut at Del Mar but had to settle for third, fourth and fourth respectively behind 'TDN Rising Stars' in Prince of Monaco (Speightstown) in the GIII Best Pal Stakes and the GI Del Mar Futurity and Muth (Nyquist) in the GI American Pharoah Stakes. Brought back as a 3-year-old on the grass, he made a good account of himself when second in the John Shear Stakes two back April 7. He then broke through in a big way over course and distance, posting a 104 Beyer Speed Figure facing optional claimers on the Kentucky Derby undercard May 4. Back into stakes company Sunday, the even-money favorite was hustled right the front from his far outside draw and was allowed to go loose on the lead, opening up a comfortable margin back to Otto the Conqueror in second. Facing only a mild challenge from World Record off the far turn, Raging Torrent turned back any attempts to close into his lead and stayed strong to win alone on the wire. The sixth stakes winner for Maximus Mischief, Raging Torrent has a 2-year-old half-brother by Honor A.P. named Contra Mundum and a yearling half-sister by Collected. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Raging Torrent and @Antonio1Fresu win the Maxfield Overnight Stakes for trainer @Chief StipeONeill1! pic.twitter.com/SwVhnb4ZYr — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 30, 2024 MAXFIELD OVERNIGHT S., $173,700, Churchill Downs, 6-30, 3yo, 7f, 1:22.04, gd. 1–RAGING TORRENT, 118, c, 3, by Maximus Mischief 1st Dam: Violent Wave, by Violence 2nd Dam: Coastal Wave, by Dixieland Band 3rd Dam: Orange Wave, by Coastal ($27,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $75,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Mark Davis; B-Rodney J. Winkler & Alfonso Mazzetti (KY); T-Chief Stipe F. O'Neill; J-Antonio Fresu. $107,200. Lifetime Record: GSP, 9-3-1-2, $317,400. 2–Otto the Conqueror, 120, c, 3, Street Sense–Dream It Is, by Shackleford. ($450,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Three Chimneys Farm; B-Hoolie Racing Stable, LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $35,000. 3–World Record, 118, c, 3, Gun Runner–Marwa (GB), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). ($410,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC; B-Runnymede Farm LLC, Falguieres Bloodstock, Gestut Zur Kuste AG, et (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset. $17,500. Margins: 2 1/4, HF, 5HF. Odds: 1.08, 3.42, 2.50. Also Ran: Carbone, Hold My Bourbon. Scratched: Lucky Jeremy, This Is Uscar. The post Raging Torrent Breaks Through In Maxfield appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The 2024 Churchill Downs Spring Meet leading jockey race will come down to the wire on closing day Sunday with Tyler Gaffalione holding a 44-43 win advantage over Jose Ortiz. Luis Saez, who had 32 wins following Day 42 of the 43-day meeting, was in third place followed by Florent Geroux (22), Cristian Torres (21) and Kentucky Derby 150-winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. (20). Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen owner Juddmonte locked up their respective titles prior to the start of Sunday's card. Asmussen's title is his record-extending 28th beneath the Twin Spires. Prior to his 10 runners on Sunday, his barn tallied 32 wins from 173 starts. Asmussen's barn is represented locally by assistants Scott Blasi and Sarah Campion. Brad Cox and Mike Maker were tied for second, 12 wins behind Asmussen with 20. They were followed by Tom Amoss, Greg Foley and Joe Sharp who each had 11 victories. Congrats to the 2024 Spring Meet leading trainer, Steve Asmussen! This is his record-extending 28th leading trainer title at #ChurchillDowns with 33 wins and counting pic.twitter.com/5EguhhiXLS — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 30, 2024 Juddmonte's 10 wins from 17 starts led all owners. Among the highlights of Juddmonte's meet were victories by Idiomatic (Curlin) in the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne and Scylla (Tapit) in Saturday's GII Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis Stakes. This was Juddmonte's third local title after being leading owner at the 2021 and 2023 Spring Meets. Godolphin and Three Diamonds Farm were tied for second with six wins apiece. The post Asmussen, Juddmonte Secure Churchill Leading Trainer, Owner Titles; Jockey Title Up For Grabs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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There were three different winners of the Triple Crown races and the four Grade I preps leading up to the GI Kentucky Derby were won by still four other horses. That means that as the second half of the 3-year-old season starts in earnest with the July 20 GI Haskell Stakes at Monmouth, the race for the 3-year-old championship is as wide open as possible. Danny Gargan, the trainer of GI Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch (Good Magic), knows that. But Gargan, who has never lacked confidence in his 3-year-old colt, is optimistic that his horse will show that he's the best of the best and will make that statement in the Haskell. “He's good right now,” Gargan said. “He's doing really well. His work the other day (4 furlongs in :48.20 over the Saratoga training track) was tremendous. He never works that good by himself. We'll come back and do the same thing two more times, Then, at the Haskell, hopefully we will get a clean break and a good post and can get out of there and lay in a good position. I think he will be super, super tough. He's training better now than he was going into the Belmont.” After Dornoch won his third straight race in the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes, he seemed like a horse that would have to be reckoned with in the Derby. Then he ran fourth in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and 10th in the Derby. “The one hole cost him the Derby,” Gargan said. “I think he would have been a factor in the Derby if we had a different post. We moved on to the next race and he trained great for it. He just can't get stuck down on the inside again like he was in the Derby. In the Blue Grass, we got beat on the van. Those tornadoes came and we had to delay our van ride and he got there two days before the race. We shipped 20 hours and got in two days before a Grade I. That took too much out of him. But we couldn't put him on a van heading into tornadoes.” Gargan believes that the real Dornoch showed up in the Belmont. Getting a trouble-free trip, he fought off Mindframe (Constitution) to win by a half-length. Gargan had to chose between the Haskell and the GII Jim Dandy Stakes and said he picked the Haskell because it is a Grade I race. “I've won the Jim Dandy before,” Gargan said. “It's a great race, don't get me wrong. But it's not a Grade I. The Haskell is a Grade I with a $1 million purse. If the Jim Dandy was a Grade I, I wouldn't care about the purse money. I'd run in it.” He's going to have to bring his best to win the Haskell, which is shaping up as a very strong race. According to the Monmouth racing office, expected starters include GI Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate), GIII Tampa Bay Derby winner Domestic Product (Practical Joke), Affirmed Stakes winner Parenting (Justify) and three horses trained by Todd Pletcher, 2-year-old champion and GI Florida Derby winner Fierceness (City of Light), Belmont runner-up Mindframe and Pegasus Stakes winner Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso). GI Arkansas Derby winner Muth (Good Magic) is a possible starter “We've run against Todd all year,” Gargan said. “Todd is smart and he knows what he is doing. I'm just not sure he's really going to run all three. But my horse is doing better now than he was before the Belmont. He can go forward and if he does he's going to be hard to beat.” The post Gargan Says Dornoch Doing Better Than Ever, Haskell Is Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Freshman sire Thousand Words (by Pioneerof the Nile) collected the first stakes win of his promising stud career, as Vodka With a Twist clinked her glass after getting her picture taken in the Debutante Stakes on closing day at Churchill Downs. The former charge of Jason McCutchen broke her maiden under his tutelage at second asking over a sloppy course under the Twin Spires May 17. With her new barn and as the 6-5 choice here, Vodka With a Twist got down to business from the bell by blazing a trail up the backstretch. Despite some mild pressure around the far turn, the filly had more to give as she confidently crossed the wire three lengths ahead of So There She Was (Munnings). One of 123 foals of racing age for her Spendthrift based stallion, the winner is the last registered offspring of Bourbon With a Kiss. Vodka With a Twist's second dam, SW French Dip (Speightstown), is a half-sister to MGSW/MGISP Midcourt (Midnight Lute). DEBUTANTE S., $218,750, Churchill Downs, 6-30, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.58, my. 1–VODKA WITH A TWIST, 120, f, 2, by Thousand Words 1st Dam: Bourbon and a Kiss, by Sky Mesa 2nd Dam: French Dip, by Speightstown 3rd Dam: Mayo On the Side, by French Deputy ($2,500 Ylg '23 FTKOCT; $90,000 RNA 2yo '24 KEEAPR). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Medallion Racing, Omar Aldabbagh and William Strauss; B-Pillar Property Services Inc (KY); T-Philip D'Amato; J-Flavien Prat. $136,520. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $209,320. 2–So There She Was, 118, f, 2, Munnings–Risk Premium, by Take Charge Indy. ($145,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $15,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $100,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Mark Davis; B-Grantley Acres (KY); T-Chief Stipe F. O'Neill. $39,200. 3–Fortuna Mia, 120, f, 2, Vekoma–Windy Lane, by Cairo Prince. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O/T-Rey Hernandez; B-Tyler B. Jones (KY). $22,100. Margins: 3, 5, 2. Odds: 1.31, 2.22, 18.65. Also Ran: Glee, Adeera, Daisy Duke, La Marinera. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #6 Vodka with a Twist scores in the Debutante at Churchill Downs for trainer Phil D'Amato with Flavien Prat in the irons! Two in a row for this 2YO filly by Thousand Words. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/nokLpTbty4 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 30, 2024 The post Freshman Sire Thousand Words Toasts Vodka With A Twist After First Stakes Score At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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In the 1960s British racing had the chance to own bookmaking. But it's happening the other way round. Bookmakers are moving closer to owning racing. Betfred's headline sponsorship of all five Classics – the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, Derby, Oaks and St Leger – from 2025 is manna to racecourse execs whose job it is to find backers for marquee events. With the Qatar-owned Qipco stepping back from sponsorship of the Guineas meeting and King George at Ascot from next year (they're maintaining their support for Champions Day), the prestige of funding the five Classics passes to the most self-made of bookies. And there is more. Betfred will offer a £2m bonus for winning the colts' Triple Crown – the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger. Offering a bonanza for something that has not been done since 1970 is not the riskiest move a layer has ever made. But in a week when racing lamented the BBC Radio 4 Today programme's decision to drop racing tips from its hourly sports bulletins (except for the biggest fixtures), adding glamour – and cash – to the Triple Crown was hardly likely to foment discontent. Fred Done, Betfred's chairman, set out with his brother Peter in the 1960s – the decade in which Britain passed up the chance to enforce a totalisator system and instead licensed High Street bookmakers. The brothers shared a bed until they were 15 in Ordsall, known as the “slums of Salford.” Both left school at 15 without qualifications and found their vocation in the new betting shops of the time. Their first outlet was part-funded by a successful bet on Alf Ramsey's team to win the 1966 World Cup. “We upped our game, we had carpets,” Peter Done recalled, in a BBC series offering tips from chief executives. The Dones would call their customers 'Sir' and congratulate them when they won. Five decades on, Betfred have 1,432 betting shops and “800,000 active customers.” In May last year The Sunday Times Rich List valued the brothers' wealth at £1.87 billion – 93rd on the list. “I want to put the British Classics back where they belong, at the forefront of global horseracing,” Fred Done said. Nobody would contest that aim. Plainly though the tie-up confers PR benefits. In July last year Betfred paid the Gambling Commission £3.25m after an investigation found failures in their social responsibility and anti-money laundering procedures. In one case “safer gambling interactions” had not applied to a punter who staked £517,499 in two months. A more startling aspect is what the Betfred deal says about racing's power balance Coolmore have displayed a creditable urge to add a Triple Crown to their roster of historic feats and records. In 2012 Camelot came close to emulating Nijinsky, the last horse to tick off all those disparate tests, 54 years ago. Before Nijinsky, you had to scroll back to Bahram in 1935. The colts' Triple Crown is to racing what 1966 has become to the England football team: more demon, than mere itch. For publicity generation, it works well enough, and Coolmore, who still believe in the dream, were within their rights to welcome the extra two-mil they would harvest for their troubles. The Betfred bonus is not available to fillies, perhaps because Oh So Sharp completed it as recently as 1985. The Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' Million bonus was discontinued in 2019 after Stradivarius won it two years running. These prizes are sometimes meant to remain unclaimed. With his Triple Crown bounty, Done, who already called himself 'The Bonus King,' found a handy synergy. Far more significant is his overarching sponsorship of all five Classics, which will calm nerves at Newmarket, Epsom and Doncaster. To think racegoers will attach importance to a prefix on a big race name is fanciful, but there is now consistency, at least: a sense that all five races are connected, which they are, by two and a half centuries. They are the foundations of Thoroughbred breeding and history. Bookmaker sponsorship of races has become inherent. It's entirely routine to see Sky Bet, Bet 365, Betway or Unibet in a race title. There was a curse of “Download the app” being added to make some of the race names read like essays. These long monikers have buried many a race's identity. A more startling aspect is what the Betfred deal says about racing's power balance. The direction of travel is bookmaking not 'supporting' live racing so much as financing much of it directly, not through the levy, where it defends its pile tenaciously, but as the impresario. Only 0.6% of betting turnover in the UK is returned to racing, compared to 8.6% in France and 16.6% in Japan. So when a big bookmaker plays the glamour shot of fixing its name to our five most famous races, everyone can sleep easy for a while, knowing the bills are paid. The peace though is disturbed by a nagging thought: who will own the sport 10 years from now, and what are the conflicts of interest? The post The Classics: Connected by Centuries – and now by Betfred appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day) will miss the John A. Nerud Stakes at Belmont's Aqueduct meet according to a report from C Two Racing Stable. The 5-year-old, who was moved back to trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. after finishing off the board in both the G1 Saudi Cup and the GI Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan Handicap for trainer Rick Dutrow, had been targeting the July 6 cutback but is still getting over an illness following his start in the Met Mile. “We are not going there,” said C Two Racing Stable's Racing Manager Mark Cornett. “He was sick and has to get over that first. We'll be looking for a new spot at the appropriate time whenever that may be. We are taking it day by day, letting the horse tell us what to do. Whenever his blood work gets right and he gets over whatever this is that he has.” White Abarrio previously enjoyed success in last year's GI Whitney Stakes before his Breeders' Cup triumph. The post White Abarrio Still Recovering, Will Miss John A. Nerud Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The Boiling Springs Stakes at Monmouth, scheduled to be run Sunday, is contested annually at a mile-and-one-sixteenth on the turf and is for 3-year-old fillies. With those conditions, it should be an easy race to fill. Not this year. The racing office did not get enough entries and the race was scrapped. Not that any of this should come as a surprise. There is a glut of racing in the Mid-Atlantic states. When Colonial Downs opens on July 11, there will be eight Mid-Atlantic tracks running within a range of 400 miles. That's simply too much, and the result is too many small fields. When it comes down to it, horse racing is a product and too often the product we are offering to consumers simply isn't any good. For many of racing's problems, there really aren't any viable solutions. But with this there is a relatively easy fix. Turn back the clock and return to the days when tracks cooperated with one another and formed circuits. Combine two horse populations at one racetrack and the end result will be much better racing, bigger fields and a healthy increase in handle. The tracks most in need of a break are the ones in Maryland. They do well in the late fall, winter and early spring when there is less competition, but the summer cards at Laurel more often than not are lacking. On June 23, the feature races at Laurel had a three-horse field. A transition is underway in Maryland and the tracks are in the process of being taken over by a state-run agency, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), which will replace The Stronach Group. Veteran racetrack executive Corey Johnsen has been brought aboard as the interim CEO of the MTROA and he has not hidden his desire to cut a meaningful amount of dates from the Maryland schedule. If that were to happen, forming a circuit with either Delaware Park or Colonial Downs would make the most sense. “There are serious discussions between Maryland and other members in the Mid-Atlantic about creating breaks in the schedule,” Johnsen said. “That will allow for more competitive and entertaining racing throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The Maryland horsemen and the Maryland thoroughbred breeders understand that it's in the best interest of the industry to consider taking a break and working with the other tracks in the Mid-Atlantic.” Delaware Park used to be part of a circuit that also included Pimlico, Laurel and Bowie. When it opened in 1997, Colonial and the Maryland tracks worked together and Maryland shut down while Colonial operated. While racing in Maryland is virtually year-round, Delaware runs from Mid-May through mid-October. Meet somewhere in the middle with Delaware consolidating its meet to run from June 1 to August 31 while Laurel/Pimlico would be shut down during the period. To make this work, you're going to have to take care of the breeders. There's no reason why Maryland-bred races can't be part of the Delaware Park cards. Delaware and Maryland will also need to provide for free shipping between the two tracks. Yes, Delaware and Maryland horsemen will have fewer opportunities at their own tracks, but the consolidation of racing dates should yield significant purse increases. Every track in the Mid-Atlantic region receives either direct payments from slot machines, Historical Horse Racing Machines or government subsidies. That money makes up a large portion of the purse funds and it's not going anywhere. The purse pie stays the same, but the slices become bigger when they are divided up amongst fewer races. The same type of compromises could be worked out between Colonial and the MTROA. The other circuit that makes sense is Parx-Monmouth. Parx races year-round while the Monmouth meet this year is scheduled to run from May 11 to September 15. Cut the Monmouth schedule to run from Memorial Day to Labor Day and let Parx have the rest of the calendar. Both tracks race only three days a week and by joining forces, they likely could add at least one more day of racing. Two make something like this work at Monmouth, Laurel, Colonial and Parx, you're going to need the cooperation of the management teams at these racetracks, as well as the horsemen's groups. It's never easy to get so many factions on the same page in a sport where everybody is looking out for their own fiefdom. But if this is done right, the opportunities to race won't change and horsemen should be running for bigger purses. Everyone should be better off. A Quarter Horse Trainers Shows How to Get It Done Despite some quick workouts, a $650,000 price tag at OBS April and a stellar pedigree, the bettors largely ignored Mischief River (Into Mischief) in Saturday's first race at Los Alamitos. It's easy to see why. Probably very few bettors had ever heard of his trainer Jimmy Glenn Jr., and that's because he is a Quarter Horse trainer. But Glenn and his partner Chris Galpin decided they wanted to take a crack at winning some big Thoroughbred races and they bought two horses at the OBS sale. The other is a so-far-unraced filly by Frosted who cost $150,000. It's not easy to make such a quick transition from one breed to the other and Glenn also had to worry about a Bob Baffert first-time starter named Privman (Justify) who was made the even-money favorite. But Privman was no match for Mischief River, who beat the favorite by 1 1/2 lengths. “The race speaks for itself,” Glenn said. “And it worked out better than I could have imagined. We were really happy and felt so blessed that it worked out the way it did. I know Bob (Baffert) has a lot of class horses, but we felt like we had a good horse. It was fun to compete at that level with those guys. He's a really good horse and they are hard to find.” Glenn said the Aug. 11 GIII Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar will be next and he hopes to go from there to the GI Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 8. Kingsbarns Finally Living Up To His Potential When Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo) won his first three starts, including the GII Louisiana Derby, he appeared to be a horse that was well on his way to stardom. But he finished 14th in the GI Kentucky Deny and then was beaten as the 1-2 favorite in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth. That was his last start of the year. Trained by Todd Pletcher, he picked things up this year, winning an allowance and then the GIII Ben Ali Stakes. Off that effort, he was made the 7-10 favorite in the GIII Pimlico Special but finished second, seemingly losing his momentum. He was starting to take on the reputation of an underachiever but that all changed Saturday at Churchill Downs, where he won his first Grade I race in the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes, which lured a quality field. “Obviously winning a Grade I is a tremendous accomplishment,” Pletcher said. “I think we've seen this year he's been able to settle better than when he was a 3-year-old and show that new dimension. He sat a perfect trip today and really kicked well when turning for home.” The older male handicap division is wide open, and Kingsbarns now belongs in the conversation when it comes to the best horses in his division. The post The Week In Review: As Short Fields Proliferate, It’s Time To Go Back To Circuits appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The G1 Prix Morny at Deauville on Sunday, August 18 has been identified as the “obvious target” for Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) after he defied odds of 80-1 to gain a first career victory in the G2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Beaten in two previous starts at Newbury and Chester, Rashabar found significant improvement to come out on top in a field of 22 for Ascot's premier two-year-old contest, showing a good attitude to hold on by a nose having raced away from the other principals. It was a poignant win for Sam Sangster–manager for owners Manton Thoroughbreds–as Rashabar carried the famous colours which once belonged to his father, Robert Sangster, who enjoyed top-level success with star names such as The Minstrel, Golden Fleece and Rodrigo De Triano. “It was an incredible day and a proud moment for me to have a winner on the big stage in dad's silks,” Sangster summed up. “It was a very special moment to have that winner knowing what those colours mean to people both inside and outside of racing. “The warmth I felt from inside the racing community and those outside was something very, very special and something I will remember for the rest of my life.” Reflecting on Rashabar's performance, Sangster added, “It came as a surprise, but it wasn't a surprise at the same time. We went into the race full of confidence, really from Newbury [on debut], that he was the right sort of horse for the race. “Everything at Chester didn't really go to plan with the draw and the way he was slowly away, but he did the fastest sectional in the final furlong. Sean Levey made an interesting point that going round Chester is like having two runs and he was quite right as the horse came on mentally. As long as Brian [Meehan, trainer] and the team were happy, it was always all systems go.” It's been 10 years since The Wow Signal (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) became the last winner of the Coventry to follow up in the Prix Morny, but Meehan certainly knows what calibre of horse it takes to win the race having been successful with Bad As I Wanne Be (Ire) in 2000 and Arcano (Ire) 2009. “Rashabar gets a free entry into the Phoenix Stakes and he has an entry in the National Stakes, but for me the obvious target, all being well, is to go to France for the Prix Morny,” said Sangster. “He carries the French premiums, so you are talking about a very big pot, and it is a well-known stomping ground for horses that have come out of the Coventry. It is also a stallion-making race, which is what we are dreaming of with him.” The post Deauville Next for Rashabar After Poignant Royal Ascot Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Reversing Epsom form with Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}–Frequential {GB}, by Dansili {GB}) relished the more straightforward nature of the galloping Curragh track on Sunday to provide Aidan O'Brien with a remarkable 16th G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Third in the Derby, the 13-8 second favourite was always going to be better suited by this test particularly after all the rain on Saturday and enjoyed the perfect trip under Ryan Moore tracking the stable's two pace-setters. Briefly swamped by the 6-4 market-leader Ambiente Friendly approaching two out, Los Angeles was back alongside as they went toe-to-toe to the furlong pole and from there his excess stamina told. At the line, the winner had 3/4 of a length to spare over Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), with Ambiente Friendly emptying to be a further half length behind in third. There was just a neck to the race's hard-luck story in fourth, with the unexposed Matsuri (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) denied a clear run for virtually all of the last three furlongs. Ambiente Friendly's rider Rab Havlin confirmed the visual and sectional impression of the Derby runner-up's closing effort. “He didn't really let the bit go, even off a good pace and the red light was starting to come on at the furlong pole,” he explained. “I needed the line in the end, so possibly it's back to a mile and a quarter now.” LOS ANGELES is SO TOUGH Los Angeles reverses Epsom form with Ambiente Friendly to win the @DDFRacing Irish Derby for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore. @curraghrace | @coolmorestud | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/fxkoxHMbwz — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 30, 2024 The post Camelot’s Los Angeles Gives O’Brien a 16th Irish Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is often a battle of the stalwarts, those that fall a notch under the elite and it was the turn of Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}–Mondelice {GB}, by Montjeu {Ire}) to enjoy his moment in the limelight after Sunday's renewal. Back up to a barely-tried mile and a half having finished third over the trip last time in the G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly, Mohamed Obaida's 6-year-old was buried under cover early by Tom Marquand awaiting the instruction. Given the office approaching the furlong pole, the William Haggas-trained 7-1 shot took the measure of Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}) from there to score by 1 3/4 lengths, with Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) a further neck away in third. Dubai Honour scorches home against the rail to clinch his first European Group 1 in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud…@TomMarquand | @WilliamHaggas pic.twitter.com/6qaMXIshqo — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 30, 2024 Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €400,000, Saint-Cloud, 6-30, 4yo/up, 12fT, 2:30.30, g/s. 1–DUBAI HONOUR (IRE), 128, g, 6, by Pride Of Dubai (Aus) 1st Dam: Mondelice (GB), by Montjeu (Ire) 2nd Dam: Compelling (Ire), by Kingmambo 3rd Dam: Damson (Ire), by Entrepreneur (GB) (110,000 gns Ylg '19 TAOCT). O-Mohamed Obaida; B-Macha Bloodstock & Meridian International SARL (IRE); T-William Haggas; J-Tom Marquand. €228,560. Lifetime Record: MG1SW-Aus, SW & G1SP-Eng, G1SP-HK, 24-8-4-2, €3,987,921. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Feed The Flame (GB), 128, c, 4, Kingman (GB)–Knyazhna (Ire), by Montjeu (Ire). TDN Rising Star. (€270,000 Ylg '21 ARAUG). O-Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard; B-Ecurie des Monceaux, Lordship Stud & Clear Light SAS (GB); T-Pascal Bary. €91,440. 3–Point Lonsdale (Ire), 128, h, 5, Australia (GB)–Sweepstake (Ire), by Acclamation (GB). (575,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT). O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Westerberg; B-Epona Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €45,720. Margins: 1 3/4, NK, 3/4. Odds: 7.30, 5.10, 4.60. Also Ran: Iresine (Fr), Zarir (Ire), Sevenna's Knight (Ire), Outbox (GB). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Grand Prix Glory For Dubai Honour appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article