Wandering Eyes

Editor's note, by Dan Ross: Despite the New York Racing Association's efforts in recent years to limit Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) participation in the Win, Late Pick Five, and Pick Six pools, the influence these teams exert in terms of last-cycle betting impacts appears to be growing in several other key pools, according to research conducted by economics professors Marshall Gramm and Nick McKinney, both of Rhodes College in Tennessee. Indeed, they found that since 2022, the percentage share from CAW players of monies wagered last-minute into the Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta and Early Pick 5 pools (among others), has grown significantly. Why is this a problem for trainers, owners and other industry stakeholders? With worsening CAW encroachment within these betting pools has come growing attrition from racing's average punters, turned away from the sport by the competitive imbalance. And with the nation's purses fueled primarily by wagering monies, this is placing the economic future of the sport into the hands of fewer and fewer deep-pocketed and influential gamblers. The Gramm-McKinney report appears below. Measuring CAW Participation and Growth Through NYRA Pool Restrictions By Marshall Gramm and Nick McKinney Large betting syndicates employing Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) have become a powerful force in the horse racing industry, contributing significant handle but also disrupting betting pools with large, last-second wagers. These last-cycle bets cause sharp odds fluctuations that frustrate traditional horseplayers and undermine confidence in the game's integrity. Despite growing concern, little public data exists on the scale or growth of CAW activity. Using data from the past four Aqueduct Winter meets, we have estimated the size of CAW participation and how it has grown. Our findings suggest CAW teams now account for a much larger share of wagering than just a few years ago. Armed with sophisticated wagering models, CAW teams place thousands of individual bets in the final seconds before post time. They use real-time odds to fine-tune their positions while keeping their activity hidden from the broader betting public. Their ability to flood the pools with targeted bets at scale, combined with rebates that often return half the takeout, gives them a significant edge over conventional horseplayers. A recreational bettor might play dime superfectas at Saratoga using the box or key functions, spreading across dozens or even hundreds of combinations into a 24% takeout with limited efficiency. CAW teams, on the other hand, submit massive volumes of single-combination, optimally crafted superfecta bets executed with precision and boosted by substantial rebates. Last-cycle wagering provides a measure of CAW activity, as anecdotal evidence and industry experience suggest that a significant portion of their money enters the pools in the final moments before post-time. We can gain insight into where and how CAW teams participate by examining the share of total handle wagered during this period, particularly by comparing pools where their access is restricted to those where they are free to participate. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) restricted CAW access to its Win pool to combat sharp odds fluctuations. Additionally, it barred the teams from participating in the Late Pick Five and Pick Six, thereby offering a more level playing field for traditional horseplayers. These restrictions offer a rare opportunity to estimate both the size and growth of CAW wagering activity. NYRA's Pick Five pools are particularly valuable for this type of analysis because they impose different restrictions within the same race card. NYRA racetracks typically offer at least two Pick Fives per card: an Early Pick Five (races 1-5) and a Late Pick Five (last five races). All Pick Fives have a 50-cent minimum and a 15% takeout. Importantly, CAW teams are excluded from the Late Pick Five but may participate freely in the Early Pick Five. Despite often featuring higher-quality races, the Late Pick Five consistently draws lower handle, likely reflecting CAW exclusion. The table below shows the average share of each pool wagered during the final betting cycle, just before the race begins and the pools close. Over the past four Aqueduct winter meets, the share of last cycle handle in the Early Pick Five rose sharply, from 8.4% in 2022 to 32.0% in 2024 before falling slightly to 28.8% in 2025. The Late Pick Five, by contrast, showed only modest growth over the same period, increasing from 2.2% in 2022 to 9.4% in 2025. The gap between the two pools, those with and without CAW access, serves as an estimate of the share of wagering driven by CAW teams. This gap grew from 6.2 percentage points in 2022 to a peak of 23.0 points in 2024, highlighting the rapid expansion of their participation. While the roughly 20 percentage point difference in recent years supports the view that CAW teams make up around 20% of the Early Pick Five pool (a figure consistent with industry estimates), the pace of growth is more striking than the level itself. Estimating CAW participation in other pools is less precise, as their betting activity likely varies by pool depending on model strength and the perceived inefficiency of each market. In general, CAW betting volume increases with wager complexity, with heavier involvement in exotics, such as trifectas and superfectas, than in straight bets, like win or place. Still, last-cycle activity offers a useful proxy. In 2022, 11.0% of Win pool handle was wagered in the final cycle, compared to 17.5% for Exactas and 20.9% for Trifectas. By 2025, those figures had grown to 16.8%, 44.3%, and 47.6%, respectively. The gaps between Win and Exacta or Trifecta pools more than tripled, from 6.5 and 10.9 percentage points in 2022 to 27.5 and 30.8 in 2025. In the most recent meet, more than half of the Superfecta handle was bet in the final cycle. While less definitive than the Pick Five comparisons, these figures suggest that CAW teams now account for at least 30-35% of the Trifecta and Superfecta, up from around 10% just three years ago. This analysis does not intend to single out NYRA. On the contrary, other racetracks should adopt the same CAW restrictions that NYRA has applied to the Win pool. Significant late odds shifts undermine bettors' confidence in the integrity of the pools and alienate new players accustomed to fixed-odds sports wagering. While exotic pools at other tracks also exhibit significant last-cycle movement, none have experienced as sharp an increase as those at NYRA. It's important to remember that last-cycle wagering is only a proxy for estimating CAW involvement. The true scale of CAW participation remains opaque, known only to their ADWs and the racetracks. Not all last cycle money comes from CAW teams, just as some CAW wagers likely enter the pools earlier. The use of advanced data modeling is a natural progression in the evolution of horse betting, and CAW teams are not inherently problematic in their pursuit of an edge. In a less-than-zero-sum game, once-profitable strategies inevitably become obsolete as better methods and sharper competition increase. The concern lies not with their sophistication but with the speed and concentration of their wagering activity. The flooding of pools in the final seconds destabilizes prices and undermines the parimutuel system. Pierre Oller's invention was brilliant in its simplicity: the house takes a fixed cut, and winning bettors are paid from the pool rather than from the operator's pocket. Unlike fixed-odds sports betting, a winning horseplayer can continue to wager freely, often increasing handle over time. But the parimutuel system was never designed to accommodate large volumes of money flooding the pools in the final seconds. In the pre-simulcast era, such strategies were logistically impossible when all bets were placed at the window. Technology has dramatically expanded the capabilities of bettors, but it also demands new safeguards. Restrictions on batch wagering should be extended to all visible pools, including Win, Place, Show, Exacta, and Double, to limit last-second price distortion. Just as critically, the rebate gap between CAW teams and ordinary bettors must be narrowed. Ideally, this would be achieved through across-the-board takeout reductions, improving fairness and sustainability across the entire wagering ecosystem. Unfortunately, NYRA's last-cycle betting volume shows that the problem isn't stabilizing; it's worsening. The post Gramm-McKinney Study Shows Late CAW Activity in NY Pools is Growing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The late Prince Aga Khan IV is the most successful owner in the history of the G1 Prix de Diane Longines with seven wins, and two fillies will carry the family's famous silks in Sunday's affair. Representing his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan is Mandanaba (Ghaiyyath), while Cankoura (Persian King) will race in the Aga Khan Studs' colours. Both fillies are trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, with Mandanaba coming off a third in the G1 Prix d'Essai des Pouliches. Mandanaba carries further distinction as the final foal out of Princess Zahra's champion and three-time Group 1 winner Mandesha (Desert Style). The Diane will be her fourth lifetime start. “We hesitated for a long time between the Saint-Alary and the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches,” said Aga Khan racing manager Nemone Routh. “The Poule, being a Classic and a Group 1, was ultimately the preferred choice. Her performance there was very good. She has speed, but her pedigree suggests she can stay 2000 metres. “Mandanaba is a very generous filly. She likes to race up near the pace, which is an advantage at Chantilly when the ground is good. Mandanaba also has a lovely backstory. Her dam, Mandesha, was a champion for Princess Zahra, but did not produce particularly well at stud. She has now retired and is enjoying life with Zarkava and her companions. Mandanaba is her final foal, and the best she's ever produced. That's quite rare.” Listed winner Cankoura won the Prix Finland at ParisLongchamp on May 22 after running fourth in the Listed Prix des Lilas earlier in the month. Added Routh, “In the Prix des Lilas, she was really unlucky. Mickael Barzalona didn't ask too much of her. We had expected a more striking performance [in the Finlande], but she needed the run, as she hadn't done much work between the Lilas and the Finlande. Also, the ground was a little too soft for her. “She's honest, willing, and we're hoping for good ground. We believe she still has more to offer. Both Mandanaba and Cankoura have speed and can race prominently, which is a plus at Chantilly in good conditions. Cankoura will be partnered by Clement Lecoeuvre.” Reflecting on the Aga Khan's success in the Diane she added, “The Diane was a race very dear to the Prince. For many years, one of the stable's key aims each season has been to field runners with genuine chances in this Classic. This year, both family silks will be represented, which is particularly special. The Aga Khan Studs are above all breeders, and having fillies capable of excelling in this race is central to the identity of our colours. These fillies will then return to the stud, where we hope they will go on to produce more top-class horses.” Royal Ascot Bid For Zarigana G1 Prix d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Zarigana (Siyouni) will skip the Diane and step forward for the G1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot next week. A winner of three of her four starts, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained filly will miss a rematch with Shes Perfect (Sioux Nation), who is on target for the Diane. “The trainer was very keen to run Zarigana in Ascot. We obviously did consider the Prix de Diane because I think she relaxed a lot more last time and she seems to be gaining maturity in her races, so it did become more of an option to consider the Diane for her. “But I think Francis has trained her more to race over a mile in this first part of the season, that doesn't mean that we wouldn't stretch her out later in the year. I think he felt it was always part of the programme that he had set aside for her that she would go to Royal Ascot after the Pouliches, especially as we had other fillies for the Diane. “Zarigana is due to have her last piece of work tomorrow [Thursday] morning. She worked last week and is in good form, so provided all goes well tomorrow, I imagine it's all systems go for Royal Ascot.” The post History On The Line As Mandanaba And Cankoura Prep For Diane; Zarigana Headed For Coronation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — It's that time of year again, when Newmarket welcomes the international visitors ahead of Royal Ascot, and there are few with a more international profile than Carl Spackler. The son of Lope De Vega was bred in Ireland and has visited Newmarket before when offered at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, but the treble Grade I winner has thus far spent his entire racing career in the United States with Chad Brown. From one of America's leading trainers he now passes to the care of one of Australia's and, following his purchase by Yulong Investments, the stallion is now with Ciaron Maher as he takes aim at the Queen Anne Stakes before heading down under. The chestnut with the striking blaze was hard to miss on the July Course just after 6am on Wednesday as he worked under Jamie Spencer. New Zealander James McDonald will be in the saddle at Ascot. Maher's head of bloodstock, Will Bourne, said, “We came here wanting to have a hit out and this was Carl Spackler's second gallop since arriving in Newmarket. He came over here in good condition from Chad Brown, weighing about 525kg. After the feedback from Jamie Spencer from his first gallop, we came here today and achieved exactly what we wanted to. Jamie said when he gave him a squeeze late, he really exploded, and Jamie was really impressed by how much he has switched on since the first gallop.” Bourne added, “A stiff mile at Ascot is a big ask coming from America, although his times out there really stack up and, thanks to his temperament, he is the perfect horse to travel. He is an absolute dude, like a kid's pony.” The Cox Plate, won last year by Yulong's Via Sistina, is the longer-term aim for the five-year-old, who may yet run at Glorious Goodwood after Royal Ascot. Carl Spackler may be on his way to becoming an assimilated Aussie but one who can claim birthright is Asfoora, who has retuned to the UK to defend her crown in the King Charles III Stakes, also on the Tuesday of the royal meeting. Now six, the daughter of Flying Artie has been accompanied by her regular rider Chenelle Ellis and trainer Henry Dwyer, who has been unable to give Asfoora a prep run in Europe, as he did ahead of last year's meeting. He said, “We couldn't get a flight, it's as simple as that. In an ideal world, we would have been over here earlier. We were thinking of going to France and having a prep in the Group 3 sprint two weeks ago, but we couldn't get here in time. As it turns out, we had to do the work at home, travel, and give her a really quiet time here before hopefully going there all guns blazing next Tuesday.” Asfoora and Chenelle Ellis | Emma Berry Dwyer added, “Oisin [Murphy] galloped her on Monday on the July Course. She had a lead horse and they went an easy furlong from the five to the four before running a really sharp 600 metres in around 33 seconds. She was steaming through the line with the blinkers on and pulled up like she hadn't had a gallop, so I think her fitness is good. She seems in a good place and Oisin is very confident, probably more than me, but I hope he is right.” Dwyer, based in Ballarat, described his victory at Royal Ascot last year as “completely bonkers”. He added, “I didn't care if she won or lost as long as she didn't embarrass herself or us. We were stood in the grandstand and, when she came past us and was clearly going to win, that was the last I saw of the race as I had 30 people jumping on top of me, cheering. I still don't think it has sunk in.” Ascot won't be the last time Asfoora is seen on British turf, as Dwyer outlined plans to run the mare at Goodwood and York, in the King George Stakes and Nunthorpe Stakes, as she did in 2024. “Then we would like to go to Ireland and France, but it depends on her,” he said. “If she is in good order, we will be doing that.” Completing a star-studded morning on Newmarket's July Course, which returns to official action a week on Friday, was the appearance of top Japanese sprinter Satono Reve. A son of Lord Kanaloa, the six-year-old won the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in his home country at the end of March before chasing home Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising to be second in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin a month later. Satono Reve and Ryan Moore on the July Course | Emma Berry Trainer Noriyuki Hori is making his Royal Ascot debut but he has previously spent time in Newmarket, notably while working for Sir Michael Stoute in the days when his team included the Japan Cup winners Singspiel and Pilsudski. He will be familiar with Beech Hurst Stables, where Satono Reve is based, as the yard now used by James Horton previously housed Stoute's horses. Hori called on another Stoute ally Ryan Moore to take the reins while Satono Reve put in a visually impressive piece of work on the turf on Wednesday morning. Hori said, “After arriving from Hong Kong, Satono Reve had some time to recover before steadily building up his training. Today, we completed his final gallop before the race. “Although it's a different environment from what he's used to, he's been coming along well thanks to the warm support of James Horton, his team and everyone involved.” With Moore likely to be aboard Storm Boy for Aidan O'Brien in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the meeting, Satono Reve will be reunited with Joao Moreira as he bids to become the first Japanese winner at Royal Ascot. The post ‘Absolute Dude’ Carl Spackler Swaps America For Australia Via Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-SA, 60K, Msw, 2yo, f, 5f, 4:33 p.m. Baoma Corp went to $900,000 to acquire HIMIKA (Curlin) just two months ago at OBS April after the filly worked in a co-fastest :9.4. Bred by Klaravich Stables, she is the first foal out of stakes-placed Motivated Seller (Into Mischief), who set a new track record at Saratoga in 2021 going 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:02.48. Himika signaled her readiness with a near-bullet four-furlong work June 7 in :46 4/5 (2/74). TJCIS PPS 2nd-CD, 120K, Msw, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 5:29 p.m. First-crop stallion Charlatan will be represented Thursday by Southeastern, also an OBS grad from the March sale when he brought $660,000. Stakes-winning first dam Miss Interpret, who sold with Southeastern in utero for $400,000 at KEENOV in 2022, is a half-sister to the dam of GISP 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music). This is the family of MGISW Paulassilverlining (Ghostzapper) and MGISW Dads Cap (Discreet Cat). TJCIS PPS The post Thursday Insights: Baffert Unveils $900k Curlin Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In recent months, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) has adjudicated several cases under the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program related to adenosine, a vasodilator, and Hemo 15, a foreign product that lacks FDA approval, according to an advisory from HIWU, which says that neither substance has any valid veterinary use in the racehorse. “Both substances are categorized as an S0 Non-Approved Banned Substance and therefore are prohibited from Use in a Covered Horse or Possession by a Covered Person at all times,” reads the advisory. “Hemo 15 and any compounded product mimicking Hemo 15, as well as any products containing adenosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) should be disposed of immediately.” The advisory goes on to remind horsemen that “the Presence, Use, Administration, Possession, or Trafficking of any Banned Substance is subject to a period of Ineligibility of up to two years, a fine of up to $25,000, the disqualification of race results (as applicable), and public disclosure.” Horsemen or veterinarians with questions are advised to reach out to sciencesupport@hiwu.org. The post HIWU Issues Horsemen’s Advisory Regarding Adenosine and Hemo 15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saratoga season admission passes for the special July 4th Racing Festival and the 2025 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course are now available for purchase at more than 175 Stewart's Shops throughout the greater Capital (NY) Region. Saratoga season passes provide fans with general admission access to 44 days of thoroughbred racing this summer for the equivalent of approximately two dollars per day. Season passes are available for $90 at Stewart's Shops through Sunday, July 13, or for $95 online at NYRA.com/Saratoga. Passes include admission to the traditional 40-day summer meet, July 10 to Sept. 1, in addition to the July 4th Racing Festival, July 3 to 6, which has been relocated to Saratoga while construction continues on a new Belmont Park. Saratoga season passes provide access to the apron and the Rivers Casino Backyard, which includes hundreds of free picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. The post Saratoga Season Passes on Sale at Stewart’s appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sprinkled among the 42 entries for the Aug. 17 G1 Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques le Marois are a trio from Japan for the first time. Sunday's G1 Yasuda Kinen hero Jantar Mantar (Palace Malice) anchors that trio, with fellow Group 1 winner Ascoli Piceno (Daiwa Major) signed on, as well as longshot Go To First (Rulership). Hailing from the stable of the sponsor is G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Zarigana (Siyouni), Zabiari (Wootton Bassett), and G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains fifth Ridari (Churchill). The late Aga Khan IV won the Deauville showpiece in 1973 with Kalamoun. Across the English Channel, Godolphin and Juddmonte have five entries apiece, including G1 2000 Guineas one-two Ruling Court (Justify), for Godolphin, and Field Of Gold (Kingman) flying the flag for Juddmonte, respectively. Ireland is also in on the action, with Aidan O'Brien sending Poulains hero Henri Matisse (Wootton Bassett), G1 Prix du Jockey Club victor Camille Pissarro (Wootton Bassett) and G1 Prix Morny winner Whistlejacket (No Nay Never). In 2024, Sumbe stallion Charyn won the Marois, one of a trio of Group 1s for the son of Dark Angel last year before he retired to Haras de Montfort et Preaux. The post Prix Jacques Le Marois Entries Include Japanese Trio For The First Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group One goals could be on the agenda for Hong Lok Golf next season after the exciting galloper continued his rapid rise with a successful Happy Valley debut on Wednesday night. Sent off the $2.8 favourite for the Class Two Cheung Sha Handicap (1,650m), Hong Lok Golf settled sixth and worked into the race when Harry Bentley made his move on the turn. As the $3.5 second favourite Soleil Fighter shot to the lead early in the straight, Steps Ahead launched a determined challenge to hit the front...View the full article

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH)'s 22nd annual 'Night of the Stars' Fundraiser takes place Saturday, June 21, at the Fasig-Tipton sales complex in Lexington. Some 500 attendees are expected for the event, which will include dinner and drinks, a silent auction and a live auction in the same style as a Thoroughbred auction where the highest bidders will earn a sponsorship of CKRH participants and equine partners. Bidding is now open for the silent and live auctions and may be accessed by clicking here. Some of the auction items available include: Halters from a group of popular Thoroughbreds, including American Pharoah, Gun Runner, Justify, Medaglia d'Oro, Rachel Alexandra, Serena's Song and Tapit; Meet and greet with the beloved Racing Hall of Famer Zenyatta, the winner of 19 consecutive races who earned $7.3 million, at Lane's End Farm; Painting of Horse of the Year Thoroughbred Cody's Wish by Lisa Palombo with proceeds beyond the reserve to be shared by CKRH and Angels Without Wings for the Cody's Wish Monument to be installed at the Kentucky Horse Park; A wide selection of Kentucky bourbon, including a set of eight bottles of Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey with stoppers that show each stride of a racehorse in action. Tropical attire is suggested for attendees of 'Night of the Stars', which will feature island-inspired decor and appetizers, signature cocktails, live music, pony meet-and-greets and inspiring riding demonstrations. The post CKRH To Hold ‘Night of the Stars’ Fundraiser June 21 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Carl Spackler impressed in his gallop under Jamie Spencer, with the 5-year-old set to make his debut for Australian handler Ciaron Maher in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1).View the full article

Following the first loss of her career, trainer Brad Cox is uncertain where Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Good Cheer will start next. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK – In the words of John Gosden, a “humdinger” of a Queen Anne Stakes awaits those in attendance for the opening day of Royal Ascot, with Lead Artist appearing primed to spearhead a two-pronged attack from Clarehaven Stables after the son of Dubawi enjoyed a getting-to-know-you exercise with Colin Keane at the July Course on Wednesday morning. With the trainer no longer having to ruminate on jockey arrangements for the Juddmonte bluebloods in his care, the attentions of the press pack swiftly switched to challenges outside of Gosden's control, specifically those which will be posed by the likes of Roger Teal, Richard Hannon and Charlie Appleby when the traditional Royal Ascot curtain-raiser gets underway at 2.30pm on Tuesday. Lead Artist might have landed the first meaningful blow in the battle to be crowned leading older miler, with his victory in last month's G1 Lockinge Stakes, but Gosden is taking nothing for granted as the son of Dubawi prepares for the opportunity to confirm his Newbury superiority over the likes of Dancing Gemini, Rosallion and Notable Speech in the Queen Anne. “It's a wonderful race,” said Gosden. “From the line-up in the Lockinge, you've got the first four again, all turning up. Will they finish in the same order? That's the exciting thing – they're all fabulous horses. “Rosallion and Notable Speech, both of them, they're going to come on, aren't they? I think it's as good a Queen Anne as I've seen for a long time. We said that about the Lockinge but, now that they've got a race under their belt, it's quite a humdinger to start the meeting with.” The ante-post betting for that “humdinger” is headed at a general 5/2 by Rosallion, last year's Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner who was having his first start for 11 months at Newbury. Lead Artist, on the other hand, had the benefit of a previous run this season, albeit a disappointing one when he finished last of eight runners in the G2 Mile won by Dancing Gemini. According to Gosden, it was the combination of a lack of fitness and the rain-softened ground which derailed that Sandown effort, but the demands of Tuesday's contest are expected to hold no fears for the 9/2 fancy. “I think it will suit him [running over a stiff mile], rather than a slick mile,” said the trainer who, along with son Thady, will also saddle last month's G1 Prix d'Ispahan runner-up Sardinian Warrior as the stable seeks a second Queen Anne win after that of Palace Pier in 2021. “He got stuck in the ground [at Sandown]. It was good to soft and he doesn't like that, but he likes what we're going to get at Ascot, all being well. He was in need of the race as well [at Sandown]. He came there nicely and then it looked to me like he struggled on that ground. He turned it around [at Newbury], but it wasn't a surprise. Did I think he'd go and win? Not necessarily. I thought he'd run a huge race, though, which he did. “We were pleased with him there. He's had a nice blow and that should set him up nicely for Tuesday. I think the idea was to come here so that Colin can have a feel of the horse and he knows him when he goes to Ascot. You don't want to be seeing them for the first time in the paddock,” Gosden added of Wednesday's exercise, before sharing his thoughts on Keane's recent appointment as Juddmonte's retained jockey. “It's an exciting opportunity for him. He's a very talented jockey, a talented horseman, and he's an extremely nice fellow. The travelling is demanding on a jockey, but I'm sure he'll fit in very well once he gets to know all of the horses. I think, if you're on Ryanair, you might be seeing him. He'll be over riding work and things, like he's done today. “He's a very classy jockey, obviously, or he wouldn't be a six-time champion in Ireland. The riding over there is tough – nobody gives a quarter to anyone.” In another star-studded contest on day one of Royal Ascot, Keane will continue his association with Field Of Gold for Juddmonte and the Gosdens, having recently partnered the son of Kingman to victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on the jockey's home patch. The G1 St James's Palace Stakes is Field Of Gold's target on Tuesday as he tries to avenge his Newmarket defeat at the hands of Ruling Court. When you also throw into the mix a third Classic winner in Henri Matisse, successful in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, then it has all the makings of a race to savour. “It's exciting, isn't it?” said Gosden. “It's what Ascot is all about. It looks like there will be a fabulous line-up of horses in a lot of the races, starting with the Queen Anne. “There was no need for him [Field Of Gold] to come over here today. He obviously just ran in the Irish Guineas not that long ago. For these horses it's been a month – and one of them [Torito] a year – between races. He's fine and pointing towards the St James's Palace.” Devil's Advocate, ridden by Tyler Heard, and Sweet William, with his devoted Rab Havlin aboard, made up the quartet of gallopers from Clarehaven in a separate exercise to that of Lead Artist and Listed Wolferton Stakes contender Torito. Devil's Advocate is being targeted at the G3 Queen's Vase, according to Gosden, who also spoke fondly of Sweet William as he prepares to join stable-mate Trawlerman in the G1 Gold Cup. “That was a great run [when third in the Yorkshire Cup], because a mile and six [furlongs] is on the sharp side for him,” the trainer said of Sweet William. “He enjoys the climb at Ascot and he's solid at two and a quarter [miles]. Two and a half [miles] takes you a little bit into no man's land, but we're very pleased with his preparation. He's worked well there and he's a wonderful character. He does everything in his own time, but I think the work here will just sharpen him up. “Trawlerman won the Henry II, so he's pointing that way as well. They're different types of horses. One bowls along and the other tends to come with a strong late run. To that extent, they sort of suit each rather well because they're not both trying to do the same job.” The post Lockinge Winner Lead Artist Primed for ‘Humdinger’ of a Queen Anne appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Velazquez won a total of six stakes including three designated grade 1 and one grade 3 for a total of nine wins for the week. The panel of racing experts voted the Hall of Famer Jockey of the Week for June 2-8.View the full article

After months of speculation, James Cummings, one of Australia's best trainers, confirmed June 11 that he will join the Hong Kong training ranks next year. View the full article

Thursday, Leopardstown, Ireland, post time: 18:20, BARBERSTOWN CASTLE STAKES (BALLYCORUS STAKES)-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, 7f 47y Field: Mutasarref (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Norwalk Havoc (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Royal Zabeel (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Valiant Force (Malibu Moon), Bluedrum (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Easy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Mataariki (Fr) (Cracksman {GB}), Cowardofthecounty (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Comanche Brave (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), East Hampton (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), One Smack Mac (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Zodiac Bear (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Copacabana Sands (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Donnacha O'Brien representative Comanche Brave benefits from the assistance of Ryan Moore here and is back in action after posting a commendable fifth in last month's G1 Irish 2000 Guineas. Last term's G3 Prix Francois Boutin victor Cowardofthecounty will seek to provide Joseph O'Brien a second triumph in this contest while last year's winner and 2023 fourth Mutasarref is back to defend his title for the Ger Lyons stable. Amo Racing's Valiant Force, successful in 2023's G2 Norfolk Stakes and runner-up in that year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, has failed to hit those heights in his second stint with the Adrian Murray yard, but has enjoyed two wide-margin Dundalk wins this year and should not be discounted. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Moore Picks Comanche Brave For Thursday’s Ballycorus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Dreamloper. 15.50 Newbury, £40,000, Nov, 3yo, f, 8fT In-form trainer Ed Walker is represented here by DREAMASAR (IRE) (Masar {Ire}), a half-sister to the stable's G1 Prix d'Ispahan and G1 Prix du Moulin heroine Dreamloper (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). She is the lone debutante in an eight-strong field and her opponents include Cheveley Park Stud's Listed Michael Seely Memorial fourth Consecrated (GB) (Frankel {GB}), herself a half-sister to G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes runner-up Sacred (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). 16.40 Leopardstown, €25,000, Mdn, 2yo, f, 7f 47T Fishdance's DANCING SAXON (IRE) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), is a Joseph O'Brien-trained half-sister to recent G2 Sandown Mile victor Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who also ran second in last year's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and last month's G1 Lockinge Stakes. The May-foaled homebred bay encounters 17 rivals in this debut. The post Half-Sister To Dual Group 1 Winner Dreamloper Set For Newbury Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — Colin Keane, Juddmonte's newly retained jockey, has wasted no time in familiarising himself with one of his leading mounts for Royal Ascot and was in Newmarket on Wednesday morning to ride Lead Artist for the first time ahead of Tuesday's Queen Anne Stakes. The four-year-old son of Dubawi, last seen winning the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, stretched out on the July Course in company with Wathnan Racing's Torito (Kingman) and Kieran O'Neill. The latter is an intended runner in the Wolferton Stakes. “He was very good in the Lockinge,” Keane said after debriefing trainers John and Thady Gosden on the morning's exercise. “He feels like a very straightforward horse, a good mover who feels fit and well. I'm looking forward to next week.” There will be no easing-in period for Keane at this high point in the season, with Juddmonte's team for Royal Ascot set to include the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Field Of Gold (Kingman), who could take on fellow Juddmonte runners Jonquil (Lope De Vega) and Windlord (Dubawi) in a tantalising line-up for the St James's Palace Stakes which could see a rematch with Ruling Court (Justify). Group 1 winners Kalpana (Study Of Man) and Babouche (Kodiac) are also entered for the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Commonwealth Cup respectively. Keane has the mental boost of having already won a Classic on the Gosden-trained Field Of Gold. “A stiff mile will suit him well,” he said. “He's growing up in his races and feels very relaxed. I couldn't have been more happy with what he did.” The six-time champion jockey in Ireland, Keane describes hearing the news that he was to be offered the job as a “pinch yourself moment”. He added, “When the call came, I had to double-check that it was Barry [Mahon] on the other end of the phone! When you get those opportunities, you have to take them. “I'll be over and back from Ireland and maybe having the odd day in France. I'll be kept busy, that's for sure. “I'm going to have to get around the place and get to know people, get to know the horses and get used to them.” Keane has long been attached to Ger Lyons's Glenburnie Stables, which has provided him with Classic victories aboard Siskin (for Juddmonte) and Even So, as well as a Breeders' Cup triumph last season with Magnum Force. “If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be on the stage we've got to,” he says of Lyons, a vocal champion of Keane's talents. “I was with him from when I was an apprentice, I went straight there from my father's. Look, he has backed me 100 per cent. He's never hidden that and I'm very fortunate. I wouldn't be where I am without him.” Pride of place in the family album, however, may well go to the winner's photo from last year's Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at the royal meeting, after Keane had stormed to success on Crystal Black (Teofilo), trained by his father, Gerry. “That was a massive day, absolutely massive,” he recalls. “We'd bought him for not much money from the Horses-in-Training Sale for a great bunch of people. It was fairytale stuff for everyone involved.” For Keane, the fairytale has evolved into one of the most prized jobs in racing, following such names as Pat Eddery and Richard Hughes as Juddmonte's number one jockey. He first wrested the Irish title from the former nine-time champion Pat Smullen in 2017 and, since 2020, it has been Keane's alone. Whether he can ever match the 13 championships accrued by Mick Kinane remains to be seen, and the modest Keane laughs off the idea that he has been dubbed 'Baby Kinane'. “I think Pat and Ger [Lyons] came up with it – ah sure, it's not a bad nickname to have. But we try to keep it relaxed as possible and get the job done.” Words to live by, especially when it comes to the pressure cooker that is Royal Ascot. The post Colin Keane Describes His ‘Pinch Yourself Moment’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was another memorable year on the breeze-up circuit for Willie Browne. The 79-year-old broke his own long-standing record at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up by selling an Acclamation colt to Godolphin for 1.4 million gns. Roll on to Arqana and the Mocklershill maestro was at it again when selling a Siyouni colt to Coolmore for €1 million. Such results were welcome, according to Browne, who joked with Brian Sheerin on this month's edition of the TDN Conversations Podcast that 'it will be the first time in a few years where I have to give the tax man a few quid!' A man who has been breezing horses from the very beginning, Browne proves a fascinating guest as he recounts how he first got into breezing, the huge change he has overseen in that industry and how this year's exploits provided him with a huge lift personally. Browne also touched on his love for training, the clock at the breeze-ups and what personality traits have helped sustain him in business. Rightly regarded as the breeze-up king, Browne makes for a fascinating guest. TDN Conversations are sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds, the British-based feed company which has this week been acknowledged with a King's Award for Enterprise. Listen to the latest episode here: https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/202506-Willie-Browne-Mixdown_v1.mp3 The post TDN Conversations With ‘Breeze-Up King’ Willie Browne appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

James Cummings is set to depart Australian racing to take up a position as trainer in Hong Kong. The appointment was announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club at a press conference at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning, with Cummings the guest of honour in attendance. Cummings has trained 52 Group 1 winners in his career and managed the careers of Anamoe, Bivouac and Broadsiding in his tenure as Godolphin's private trainer in Australia. The news of Cummings' departure for Hong Kong came not long after Godolphin had announced that they were changing to a public training model for the upcoming season, where Cummings had been slated to become one of a number of trainers on the roster. Cummings will be eligible to have runners at Sha Tin and Happy Valley as of September 2026 and joins the Hong Kong training ranks at a time of regeneration. “This wasn't a decision I made lightly. With the upcoming conclusion of my exclusive role at Godolphin, I have carefully considered the right path forward,” Cummings said. “While continuing to train in Australia was my intention, the opportunity in Hong Kong presented a unique and respected environment to challenge myself and grow further as a trainer. This is a progression to the next stage of my career in a new jurisdiction.” He added, “I want to acknowledge the dedication of my staff over the years. I've been privileged to lead a talented and committed team whose contribution has been integral to the success of the stable. “In deciding not to train next season, I also wanted to be fair to my staff by giving them the opportunity to commit to a long-term role with another stable. “To the owners who had already been forthcoming in their support, I want to express my sincerest appreciation. I felt it would be unfair to continue, only to step away and leave the team and yearlings without guidance during a pivotal stage in their development. “I also want to take this opportunity to thank Godolphin for entrusting me with the responsibility and leadership of their team over the past eight years.” The post James Cummings To Swap Australia For Training In Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Snitzel has been humanely euthanised at Arrowfield Stud, his home for nearly two decades and the base for one of the most exceptional stallion careers in Australian thoroughbred breeding history. Known for his soundness and vitality throughout most of his life, Snitzel began to show signs of age-related decline in 2024. Despite comprehensive veterinary support and the daily dedication of Arrowfield's experienced stallion team, his condition deteriorated rapidly over the past week. With no treatment options remaining, the decision was made to allow him a peaceful and dignified farewell. Arrowfield acknowledges the profound impact of his passing, not only as the loss of a great horse, but as the end of a significant chapter in the stud's history. Snitzel was more than a commercial success; he was a reliable and stoic presence who shaped the daily rhythm of life at the farm and anchored many careers. The farm also recognises the many people and partnerships that made Snitzel's career possible. These include breeder Francois Naude; trainer Gerald Ryan, who managed his racing career; the ownership partners who supported his stud career from the beginning; and the many breeders, buyers, trainers and jockeys who contributed to the success of his progeny across Australia and internationally. Snitzel, a son of Redoute's Choice and grandson of Danehill, was a Group 1-winning sprinter on the track and became an era-defining sire at stud. From the time he joined the Arrowfield roster in 2006, his trajectory was marked by consistent excellence and broad influence. He would go on to sire 160 stakeswinners, including multiple Group 1 champions and leave an indelible mark on the national breeding landscape. Snitzel's influence extends well beyond Arrowfield. His dominance of Australian sire rankings, his versatility across sprinters and stayers, and his ability to upgrade his mares made him one of the most valuable and reliable stallions of the modern era. His sons and daughters have carried his qualities forward and are already proving themselves in the breeding shed, ensuring that his legacy will continue. Like his sire Redoute's Choice and grandsire Danehill, Snitzel became a cornerstone not only of Arrowfield's breeding program, but of the broader Australian thoroughbred industry. His contribution to the sport, measured in champions, premierships, and the people he brought together, will not be forgotten. Yesterday at Seymour, a two-year-old colt trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr became Snitzel's 20th individual juvenile winner for the season, helping to secure his fifth Australian 2YO Sires' Premiership. The colt's name, Job Done, could not have been more fitting. Job done, indeed! The post Arrowfield Stud Mourns The Loss Of Champion Sire Snitzel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness news Desk After a long and generally healthy life, Timely Imp has died peacefully in Canterbury. He was 37, a milestone generally acknowledged by experts as being the equine equivalent of being 100. Foaled in 1987, the much-loved former racehorse spent his retirement at Adele Wolt’s property in the Otahuna Valley near Christchurch. “I am thankful for his team of supporters who were amazed at his spirit and determination to live well, and enabled him to enjoy life,” says Wolt. During his racing days he had wins at Ashburton and Roxburgh for trainer John Cox in 1992, and he also had eight placings from 40 starts between 1990-94. As well as being a former racehorse “Impy” also had stints at a riding school and was even a carriage horse for a wedding company. Wolt had him for about 12 years. “He came to me as a paddock mate for one of my other horses. A friend of mine had him before that.” Though his health was generally good he did have some issues in his senior years. “He had Cushing’s Disease and was on joint products to support his arthritis.” “Then there was his eyesight,” she laughs, “and his teeth.” Vet Alisa Smith treated Impy for the last decade. He was the oldest horse she ever worked on. “He was grey in the face that gave his age away, but he still had some topline (muscle tone) to him and he was in pretty good shape,” said Smith. “You might think at 37 he wouldn’t have much attitude but he certainly did. His age didn’t affect his ability to get around and boss everyone around as well.” “I am most especially thankful for Alisa who attended him so wisely for all the years he was with me,” says Wolt. “He was never alone, there were four other horses here.” “He was always stabled and rugged at night, he’d get his ears rubbed , his neck scratched and a kiss goodnight.” View the full article

Team Telfer go to the top of the premiership, Aussies confirmed for AYDC, and the up-coming weanling sales all feature in this week’s News Briefs. Telfers edge ahead in trainers’ premiership After their huge run of late Steve and Amanda Telfer and the Stonewall Stud team have a one win margin at the top of the Trainers’ premiership. They are on 72 wins this year having eclipsed one-time runaway leader Michael House. His latest win came with La Bamba , driven by son Wilson House, at Addington on Sunday. Wilson has 56 wins for the year to be second equal on the overall premiership with Stonewall Stud’s in-form stable driver Tim Williams. Seven-time champion driver Blair Orange is well clear on 87. In the junior driver ranks Wilson House (56) is well clear of Harrison Orange (39) and Carter Dalgety and Crystal Hackett on 38. Line up finalized for AYDC The line-up’s been confirmed for July’s Australasian Young Drivers Championships in Queensland. The Kiwi quartet of Sam Thornley, Wilson House, Carter Dalgety and Harrison Orange will battle it out over 10 races at Albion Park and Redcliffe from Tuesday July 15 to Saturday, July 19. Thornley is the defending champion, having won in New South Wales last year. The 2025 field includes six Australians, James Herbertson (Victoria), Chloe Butler (Queensland), Emily Suvaljko (Western Australia), Jett Turnbull (New South Wales), Brodie Davis (Tasmania) and Bernadette Page (South Australia). Latest Metro heats this Friday Alexandra Park will host the latest round of the ever popular Metro Series heats on Friday night. Worth $17,000, the heats will be held for both the pacers and trotters with the first four home automatically qualifying for the $35,000 final at the Park on Friday, June 27. There will be another round of heats and finals in July as well. May’s finals were won by Illicit Love and Twista. To see the field for the Pacers heat click here To see the field for the Trotters heat click here To see the field for 2nd Trotters heat click here RR wins again in Aussie Classy mare Rakero Rebel has impressed with her latest win across the Tasman. Bred by Dancingonmoonlight in North Canterbury, the mare was a one-race winner in this country (at Rangiora on New Year’s day 2022) before going to Australia in late 2022. Since then she has strung together some good wins, the latest being in a Free For All at Melton in Victoria on Saturday night. Trained by Jess Tubbs, she also won the Queen of the Pacific at Melton last October and the Geelong Cup in March. She has won 16 from 55 and $431,610 in stakes. World record in USA A new world record was set in the $200,000 Battle of Lake Erie in Ohio last weekend. Ken Hanover, a Captaintreacherous five-year-old bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, won in 1:48.6 – a new best time for older pacing stallions on a half mile track. It was driver Brett Miller’s fourth win in the race but 11 years since his last victory with Clear Vision (2014). Also in the field was former Kiwi pacer Helium who made a three wide move before fading. Six finalists in Industry Excellence Awards Harness Racing will be represented by six finalists at the 2025 Entain Industry Excellence Awards in Auckland later this month. They are Samantha Ottley and Crystal Hackett (National Racing Woman), Zachary Butcher (Equine Licence Holder Excellence), Nathan Purdon (Leadership Excellence), David Branch (Administration and Innovation Excellence) and Shannon Armour (Care and Welfare Excellence). The awards are open to anyone under 40 and the winner of each category – and the supreme Entain Excellence Award winner – will be announced at an awards night at Tote On Ascot at Ellerslie Racecourse on Sunday, June 29. Category winners will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The overall supreme winner receives an extra $5,000 and a $5,000 educational package. Flights and accommodation are supplied for each of the category finalists. June’s NZB Weanling sale approaching fast The 2025 National Weanling Sale is a fortnight away. The sale will be held at Karaka in Auckland on Thursday 26. Included in the sale will be 19 Next Gen eligible horses. The sires (and the lot numbers for their weanlings) are : Dancinginginthedark M (Lot 1065) E L Titan (Lot 1040, 1088) King of the North – (Lots 1012, 1036, 1071) Pebble Beach – (Lots 1003, 1035, 1038) Perfect Sting – (Lots 1004, 1016, 1020, 1028 and 1032) Ride High – (1060) Face Time Bourbon (Lot 1085) Ecurie D – (Lots 1083, 1084 and 1087) One yearling (Lot 1082) will also be eligible as his sire Captain Crunch was Next Gen eligible at this year’s National Yearling Sales in February. To see the NZB Standardbred weanling catalogue click here To find out more about Next Gen click here View the full article

James Cummings has labelled his dramatic career shift “a sliding doors moment” after being unveiled as Hong Kong’s newest trainer at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning. In a coup for the Jockey Club, Cummings – who will finish up as Godolphin’s private trainer in Australia next month – will join the roster for the 2026-27 Hong Kong season. “Hong Kong is something of a Holy Grail for a young horse trainer in Australia to imagine receiving an invitation [to train in],” said Cummings. “It’s a sliding...View the full article

Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI) has escalated its recent threat of pulling out of racing at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. “Given the legislature's ease with which it approved legislation that is directly adverse and harmful to the economic interests of Fair Grounds, the opposition by elected officials to engage in meaningful solutions in collaboration with the Fair Grounds, and the forthcoming adjournment of the legislative session, CDI is left with no choice but to request an appearance before the LSRC to begin the next steps for voluntarily surrendering the racing license held by the Fair Grounds,” stated a June 9 letter signed by CDI's chief executive, Bill Carstanjen, that was sent to the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) and CC'd to high-ranking state politicians. Carstanjen wrote that, “It is my understanding that soon after the Louisiana Legislature adjourns on June 12, 2025, an emergency meeting of the LSRC will be conducted. This correspondence is CDI's formal request to appear at the meeting to discuss the timeline and next steps concerning the license” that CDI holds for Fair Grounds. The letter, which TDN obtained from a CDI spokesperson, was delivered almost a month after a May 13 commission meeting at which a CDI attorney informed commissioners that the Kentucky-based gaming corporation might pull out of Fair Grounds over a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling in March that upheld a lower court's ruling from 2021 deeming historical horse racing (HHR) to be unconstitutional. CDI in recent seasons has ceased racing at such high-profile tracks as Arlington and Calder over alleged profitability issues related to gaming. Benard Chatters, the president of the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (LAHBPA), told TDN in a Tuesday phone interview that his organization intends to take an active role in making sure the November-through-March season at Fair Grounds goes off as scheduled. “Hopefully cooler heads prevail. That's my thinking on the matter,” Chatters said. “We'll sit down and look at the situation and see how we can work together to make everybody a winner,” Chatters said. “The Fair Grounds is very important to Louisiana, to New Orleans, and to the country. And we're going to do everything we can–as the horsemen's representative, I promise you–to make sure the Fair Grounds is in business and doing what it's done for the last century. I'm committed to that.” Chatters continued: “I can't speak to Churchill's position. Are they angry [at] a downturn in business? You know, I'd be in a heck of a fix when business went bad for me for a little while if I just up and quit. That doesn't quite sound like the horse racing business to me. From a horseman's perspective, we always do what's right for horse racing in Louisiana, and we always work diligently with and for the Fair Grounds, all the time. So I get kind of baffled how this thing escalates all of a sudden into 'Are we closing down?' But, like I said, cooler heads will prevail. “I believe,” Chatters added. “I hope.” According to a June 10 story published by the Louisiana news site NOLA.com, the LSRC's executive director, Stephen Landry, said Tuesday that he's seen the CDI letter, but that a date hasn't yet been set for the next meeting, which he expects will be within 30 days. Carstanjen's letter stated that, “For the last few months, CDI has attempted to engage in good faith discussions with elected officials and various other industry stakeholders to find a path toward long term economic viability for the Fair Grounds after the recent decision of the Louisiana Supreme Court that resulted in the elimination of HHR and nearly half of the Fair Grounds' off-track betting (OTB) revenues. To date, our efforts to engage elected officials have not led to meaningful discussions and, confoundingly, CDI's efforts have been met with a combination of reluctance, indifference, apathy, and even opposition.” The paddock at Fair Grounds | Horsephotos Two bills recently passed by the House and Senate but not yet signed into law by the governor are problematic for CDI. House Bill 540 would allow truck stop operators to increase the number of poker machines they can operate from 50 to 60, while bars and restaurants would be able to go from operating three to four machines. According to reporting by Anthony McAuley and Tyler Bridges of NOLA.com, “HB540 aims to offset the loss of revenue to the horse racing industry from the shutdown of Churchill Downs' HHR machines. For the first time, the new law sets aside a share of video poker revenue from sources other than track operators. That money will go directly to the horse racing industry in the form of higher purses.” House Bill 547 would authorize fixed-odds wagering on horse races in Louisiana, establishing a purse supplement fund that would direct 55% of its money to Thoroughbreds, 24% to Quarter Horses, 14% to the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and 7% to the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association for breeder awards. Carstanjen didn't view either of those bills as being beneficial for CDI. “To make matters worse, the passing of HB 540 and 547 further negatively impacts the Fair Grounds' ability to remain competitive,” Carstanjen wrote. “House Bill 540 will lead to significant cannibalization of revenue from our OTB network in and around greater New Orleans, a network in which the Fair Grounds has heavily invested since 2005–the only racetrack operator in the state to do so,” Carstanjen wrote. “House Bill 547 will shift wagering handle from current brick and mortar racetracks, OTBs, and advanced deposit wagering platforms, all of which provide revenues to track operators and local horsemen groups, to out-of-state bookmaking operators,” Carstanjen wrote. Senate President Cameron Henry told NOLA.com that CDI's attempts to gain what he termed as separate forms of “subsidies” from the legislature didn't fly with lawmakers, and he indicated he was not afraid to call CDI's bluff about closure. “They came at the end of the session and wanted a subsidy from the state and we said we couldn't do it because they're a profitable business,” Henry told NOLA.com. “If they choose to close the track we'll work through that, if they choose to sell it we'll work through that as well.” Carstanjen's letter indicated that a high-stakes game of political “chicken” could be on the horizon. “This is not the path CDI wishes to proceed down, but the inaction from elected officials to offer any sort of compromise has made this the only possible outcome…” Carstanjen wrote. “The inaction of the legislature and others in a position to save this racetrack have forced us into the current situation.” The post CDI Tells Louisiana Commission it Wants to Surrender Fair Grounds License appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred League is getting involved in the resurgence of trading cards as it recently unveiled its first set made by Leaf, which will be released this fall.View the full article