Wandering Eyes

Five open seats on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) have been filled, with four of the positions filled by returning members and one by a new member. Returning to the board are veterinarian Brooke Bowman, DVM; owner-breeder Michael Horning; Country Life Farm and Merryland Farm co-owner Josh Pons; and Northview Stallion Station's general manager David Wade. Trainer Phil Schoenthal is joining the MHBA Board for the first time. The five elected will serve for the next three years and will join current directors William K. Boniface, Amy Burk, Henry “Tim” Clark, Charles Fenwick, Jr., Lisa Hofstetter, T. K Kuegler, Grace Merryman, Kent A. Murray, Gina Robb, and Thomas Rooney. The MHBA's Annual General Membership meeting will take place on Wednesday, in person at the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center in Reisterstown and on Zoom. Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) interim CEO Corey Johnson will serve as guest speaker. The post MHBA Sets 2024 Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a day that had everything. From Rosallion landing the St James's Palace S. to yet another Australian sprinter showing the Euros how it's done, day one of the royal meeting did not disappoint. Here are some of the talking points. Faux Pas For The French Anyone who backed the French raiders Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) in the Queen Anne knew pretty early that they were not going to get off to a winning start at the royal meeting. After Christophe Soumillon elected to ignore the rest of the field and make his effort on the far side aboard Big Rock, Maxime Guyon felt it would be best to follow his fellow countryman. It proved to be a spectacular faux pas for the French raiders and, what's even worse for Guyon who broke from stall seven, is that the winner, Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), came from two doors down in stall nine. Big Day For Eustace That race provided a big moment for trainer Harry Eustace. Despite not winning the Queen Anne, last year's Britannia winner Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}) confirmed that he belongs at the highest level when staying on for second. A breakthrough Group 1 does not look beyond Docklands on that evidence and Eustace could have a potential candidate to take in big-race international targets. Wathnan Hitting The Crossbar Speaking of enhancing your reputation in defeat, Wathnan Racing did exactly that when recent breeze-up purchases Electrolyte (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) and Columnist (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) finished second and third in that order in the Coventry. Bloodstock agent Richard Brown may have been shopping the breeze-up sales with the equivalent of a blank cheque but you still need to come up with the goods. Had Electrolyte or Columnist raced in the same group as the winner Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), who knows, maybe Wathnan would have been off the mark for the week in the Coventry. It didn't get any easier for the owners who had to fill the placings yet again in the Wolferton but there are bigger bullets to fire later in the week and one would imagine recent recruit Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) will be very hard to beat in the Jersey S. on Saturday. Unadulterated Speed How good are those Australian sprinters? By no means a star Down Under, Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) picked off the best of the European sprinters in the King Charles III S. Ed Bethell was left ruing his decision not to opt for the six-furlong Group 1 on Saturday with the runner-up Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}) after the race but perhaps the trainer was being a little hard on himself. Meanwhile, Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) just appeared to be going too fast for his own good by blazing a trail out in front before being swallowed up by the front two. One would imagine that the Nunthorpe would be tailor-made for Big Evs and he could be hard to beat at York. The Real Deal It was billed as a big day for Blue Point, with Big Evs and Rosallion (Ire) holding leading chances in the feature Group 1s on day one, and so it proved with the latter putting in a spellbinding performance to win the St James's Palace S. Rosallion has now won three Group 1s in three different countries and built on that hard-fought Irish 2,000 Guineas victory with another top-class display at Ascot which can be viewed as something of a coming of age performance. Of course, Blue Point has some deep Royal Ascot history himself, given he won the King's Stand and Diamond Jubilee sprints within the space of a week back in 2019. When he joined the Darley roster, it would have been easy to see him siring very fast horses but Tuesday proved that he is not only about speed and precocity. He can get you much more than that and, in Rosallion, he has produced a genuine top-notcher. Willie In The Bumper What more can you say about that man? Willie Mullins took the Copper Horse Handicap 12 months ago with Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), a leading fancy for Thursday's Gold Cup, and who's to say where this year's winner Belloccio (Fr) (Belardo {Ire}) might end up. Word on the street was that Mullins might not have been bringing his usual power-packed team to Royal Ascot this year but how wrong that proved with Belloccio taking the race with something to spare. Regardless of the code, be it Flat or jumps, there really is no stopping the Mullins juggernaut. The post Royal Ascot Talking Points: Wathnan Racing Out Of Luck With Two Near Misses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A mandatory evacuation for horses and humans at New Mexico's Ruidoso Downs was issued Tuesday after the South Fork Fire was reported by government officials at nearly 14,000 acres with zero percent containment. Officials were alerted Monday morning to the fire, which is burning on Mescalero Tribal land, U.S. Forest Service land, and within the areas surrounding Ruidoso. Ruidoso Downs is located within the Village of Ruidoso. “The racetrack right now is in great shape,” said New Mexico-based trainer Todd Fincher, who has 70 head on the premises. “Huge fire destroying the town, but I left there this morning and everything was very good at the track. Some people have moved their horses and some haven't. I haven't yet, but we are on alert. Hopefully it won't get close to the track or affect the horses.” Ruidoso's most recent day of live Thoroughbred racing was conducted Sunday with the next card originally scheduled for this coming Friday. Social media had a number of images showing road access limited in and out of the track with air quality also being a major concern. The Downs at Albuquerque, approximately 200 miles away, was accepting horses with room for about 1,000 equines. According to New Mexico Fire Information, the South Fork Fire is a full suppression fire, with air and ground resources utilized from tribal, federal, state, and local agencies. Cell service is limited in the greater area. Tuesday brought an additional concern of increased winds while approximately 500 structures have already been impacted. The post Fire Sparks Mandatory Evacuation at Ruidoso Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two raging wildfires in New Mexico that prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents in the resort town of Ruidoso have also led to the relocation of horses from Ruidoso Downs, located about five miles southeast of town.View the full article

Charyn got favorite backers off to a winning start at Royal Ascot June 18 with a hard-fought victory over Docklands in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1).View the full article

For the connections of classic winner National Treasure, there figures to be some traveling this summer—one way or the other. View the full article

ASCOT, UK–A wishlist for the first day of Royal Ascot would certainly have included the hope that a Classic-winning colt would step forward and announce himself as a proper horse, a major win for an international traveller, and the sight of the inimitable Sir Mark Prescott in the winner's enclosure. Tick. Tick. Tick. We'll throw in to the mix a tearful Mark Loughnane proclaiming the 80/1 Coventry S. victory for his jockey son Billy as “the best ever moment of my life”, and Sam Sangster, equally tearful as his father's famous colours were carried in on the back of Loughnane, who in turn was on the back of Rashabar (Ire). In short, it was a day that had everything. It's too early to talk about coronations for the Classic generation but the horse pushing himself to the front of the queue to be called the next champion is Rosallion (Ire), who won the unofficial battle of the Guineas winners to continue his sire's illustrious association with the royal meeting. Blue Point (Ire) had himself dazzled on this day in both 2018 and 2019, taking back-to-back runnings of what was then the King's Stand S., before bowing out with a final audacious victory four days after the second of these wins in the Diamond Jubilee S. He hasn't taken long to make his presence felt in his second job. Rosallion and then Big Evs (Ire) became his first and second top-flight winners on the international stage last year, at the Arc meeting and the Breeders' Cup respectively, and both have stepped up again this year. Big Evs showed blistering early pace in his attempt to emulate Blue Point in the King Charles III S. But ultimately had to give best to Asfoora (Aus) and Regional (GB) when finishing a length and a half back in third. We discussed Rosallion's family in greater detail in these pages yesterday. It is one already heavily laden with classy animals, and if his dam Rosaline (GB) had looked a little disappointing in the early days as the sole unraced daughter of the celebrated Reem Three (GB), then boy is she making up for it now. “Quite often you call these horses something that they're not, because you want them to be the best horse you've trained – and quite often you are disappointed. That's an occupational hazard. But this lad has never let me down,” said Richard Hannon, who bore a look of disbelief after Rosallion was beaten by Notable Speech (Ire) in the 2,000 Guineas but has subsequently been fully vindicated in his staunch belief in the colt. On this day 12 months ago, Rosallion's relation Triple Time (GB) had given their owner-breeder Sheikh Mohammed Obaid another Group 1 success in the Queen Anne S., a race which this year fell to Nurlan Bizakov. The man behind the Sumbe operation has been enjoying a great season with his runners in France and beyond, and Charyn has been his main flagbearer in Britain, winning three of his four starts and finishing second to Audience (GB) in the Lockinge. While Bizakov's stud manager Tony Fry, admitted that he was already preparing a stallion box for Charyn at Haras de Montfort, smiling on from the sidelines was a member of the family who bred him and who stands his sire Dark Angel (Ire). Robert O'Callaghan admitted that he was the sole member of the clan at Ascot this week and his brother Guy, who bred the four-year-old under his Grangemore Stud banner, was too jittery to join him on the pilgrimage. “His nerves got the better of him and he couldn't come,” he said. “Guy's a real box-walker, and if [Charyn] had not won today it would have been a long day here with him. This is the first Group 1 winner for his own farm so it's a great start for him.” O'Callaghan added of Charyn, “Like most of the Dark Angels he's getting better with age. They thrive on their racing. He's such a genuine horse. I don't think he quite got the credit he deserved last year for the races he ran. He was placed in all those Group 1s and didn't quite have his day, but this year his first two starts have been brilliant and he was a but unlucky the last day, but today it all fell right. It's brilliant.” Sir Mark Prescott won the Ascot S. with Pledgeofallegiance | PA Media As for Asfoora, she has been making herself at home in Newmarket over the last few months and the great news is that we are likely to be seeing plenty more of the Australian mare this summer as part of a bold campaign by trainer Henry Dwyer to take in Goodwood, York and perhaps even Longchamp. But Royal Ascot is the one that draws the international raiders here in the first place and in the surge towards the winner's enclosure after the mare's emphatic victory there was barely an English accent to be heard as the Australians took charge. There were 40 in Asfoora's entourage alone, including six members of Akram El-Fahkri's family. The owner-breeder, who owns Noor Elaine Farm in Euroa, may not be staying in Europe as long as his star graduate but of this dream Group 1 victory for Asfoora, he said with no little understatement, “This is something that is extremely satisfying. She has been superb, but this is all credit to Henry Dwyer. He has been the impetus behind everything.” All the stallion men would have had eyes on the Coventry, but few could have predicted a trifecta of runners who were sent off at 80/1, 40/1 and 50/1. Perhaps the only people not shocked by the result were trainer Brian Meehan and Sam Sangster, who runs the ownership syndicate behind Rashabar, Manton Thoroughbreds, and has been quietly compiling a record which marks him out as a man with a distinctive eye for a good horse. Last year, the same syndicate's Isaac Shelby (GB) had beaten Charyn to win the G3 Greenham S. and was then narrowly denied when second in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Sangster suffered similar agony this year when Kathmandu (Ire), whom he shares with Ed Babington and who runs in the same colours made famous by his late father Robert, was beaten a head in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. This time, however, the verdict went his way. He said, “There was an unbelievable amount of pride as he crossed the line. I was in tears behind my sunglasses. “The reason why we set the syndicate up 10 years ago was to keep the colours going. We buy six horses every year and it has been fantastic in the last few few years, with Isaac Shelby last year and this fella this year. “I get a bit emotional when I talk about the colours and the old man.” For their jockey, it was both a first winner at Royal Ascot and a first group victory in Britain. It will soon be time to stop calling him Billy the Kid, but Loughnane is still only 18, even if he celebrated the 200th win of his career at Windsor on Monday night. He has the composure for the big time, and on a day packed full of stars he shone as brightly as any. The post Rosallion Picks up Ascot Baton From Blue Point appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He has been here longer than just about any of them, albeit he arrived in 1978 presuming himself to be only breaking a longer journey. One breeding season in Kentucky, and then it would be off to Australia. Having instead become a pioneer of a remarkable Irish diaspora, Robbie Lyons is a perfect template for the many compatriots who have meanwhile flourished in the Bluegrass: an innate flair for trading, a fierce work ethic, and the willingness to take a gamble. He wasn't particularly raised to the horse game–his father was in the farm machinery business–but had plenty of exposure through extended family. Cousins David and Mary McCann, for instance, bred the Grand Prix-winning show jumper and leading Sport Horse stallion Cruising. His uncle Bill Corrigan whipped in the Carlow Hunt, while an aunt, Mabel Lyons, competed in many point-to-points. Sure enough, young Lyons found his way into Pony Club and hunting with the Kildares and the Naas Harriers. But no less valuable to his ultimate calling were days at sheep and cattle marts in Blessington and Maynooth. “Doing that taught you what type of beast made you money and what did not,” he recalls. “I've been around plenty of cattlemen. Those were people who knew how to close a deal. They didn't just know a good-looking animal when they saw one, but were good with figures, they were sharp, on the ball. For them it was about the deal as much as anything else.” An initial vocation did not survive “a vain attempt at veterinary medicine” at Trinity College nor valuable experience with Jimmy Kelly, whose Naas practice included a few stud farms and trainers on the Curragh. As for so many, the turning point–at Kelly's suggestion–was the Irish National Stud course under Michael Osborne, who also happened to be president of the rugby club where Lyons played in Naas. Both Kelly and Osborne remain cherished as mentors who opened new horizons. “The course basically gave you exposure to a breeding season on a stud farm: stallions, breeding and foaling mares, sales preparation,” Lyons says. “Trainees were dispersed to various studs, and I drew Yeomanstown, then run by Tony Coyle for the Levins-Moores. Gerry Dilger drew Brownstown Stud under Tony Butler. We figured we did enough walking to cover the distance to Newmarket on foot, and Gerry probably back again as he walked several lots a day to my two. Even though we only spent a few months with those two legendary horsemen, it was like getting a PhD, invaluable.” Dilger would soon follow him to Kentucky, but it was Lyons along with fellow trainees Gerry O'Brien and David Brophy who served as pathfinders–albeit strictly David Mullins got there first–after John Williams asked Osborne for grooms suitable for the Spendthrift stallion barn. Robbie Lyons | Courtesy Susie Lyons “There wasn't much going on in Ireland, so the three of us signed up,” Lyons recalls. “I really had no thought that I'd stay. But it turned out to be one opportunity after another. Obviously it was totally different to what we'd been exposed to at home, whether in the National Stud or just covering mares down in the country: Spendthrift was a massive operation: 3,000-4,000 acres, hundreds of mares, 28 stallions.” And it so happened that these rookies arrived just as the whole commercial environment was heating up. Affirmed, Seattle Slew and J.O. Tobin had just been syndicated to stand alongside the icons Raise a Native and Nashua, while Caro was new from France. “It was just at the time that the idea of stallion syndication was really taking off,” Lyons recalls. “The value of shares and seasons was soaring, and vehicles like Matchmaker were emerging to streamline trading. It was all pretty wild.” Most importantly he met Susie, his wife for over 40 years, who had come from Virginia to work sales and break yearlings. Together they resolved to move around, meet as many people and gain as much experience as possible. They started out at Walmac-Warnerton under Johnny Jones, prepping for Keeneland July, before proceeding to the Saratoga sale with Smiser West. “Post-sale, Dr. West kindly introduced us to Bert and Diana Firestone, who took us on to break their yearlings at Catoctin, Va.,” Lyons explains. “These were some of the best-bred yearlings around, as they were breeding from amazing racemares. Genuine Risk and Cure the Blues were also there at the time, for some R & R: they had a magnificent training barn and track, run by another great horseman, Marvin Green.” Diana, Matt, and Bert Firestone with jockey Joe Bravo at Monmouth in 2015 | Equi-Photo Eventually Lyons received a call from a friend in Ireland, Tony Watkins, who had attended a syndicate meeting for Tap On Wood. Also present was Wing Commander Tim Vigors, the Battle of Britain veteran, on behalf of W.R. “Fritz” Hawn who had recently bought a farm in Midway, Kentucky. “Tim was unhappy with the management and was looking to make a change,” Lyons recalls. “Tony threw my name out there, Tim flew over and met me in Lexington along with Hawn and, long story short, I was offered the job. It was an amazing opportunity for someone of my age and background. But despite my inexperience, the farm produced some very nice horses.” These included multiple graded stakes scorer Lovlier Linda and G2 Richmond S. winner Gallant Special. Four years into this dream job, however, Hawn sold up to Will Farish, then developing Lane's End on adjoining land. But a closing door turned out to open the other way: Farish had hired Mike Cline, who had been managing his mares at Big Sink, in the process creating a vacancy there. “Susie and I had become good friends with Mike, and he very graciously recommended me for the manager's position,” Lyons says. “E.V. Benjamin and his son Tony ran Big Sink primarily as a commercial operation, and were major consignors at Keeneland and Saratoga. So it was another great opportunity to help sell nice horses for some very good clients.” In time, moreover, things would turn full circle: the Benjamins sold Big Sink to his former employers, the Firestones. “Made me feel like I should be in the real estate business!” says Lyons. All the way through, his career attests to the value of relationships in this business; in other words, the value of trust. His next move, for instance, he credits to another good friend in Richard Holder, who recommended Lyons to Hilary Boone, owner of Wimbledon. “It was a beautiful farm of several hundred acres, and had produced plenty of good horses including Golden Fleece,” Lyons recalls. “Relaunch was among the stallions standing there, and he'd just been joined by Danzig Connection. They were both in big demand, and proved a great way of making new contacts alongside the clients I'd been able to bring from Big Sink. The fact that their books were limited to 65 mares made us pretty popular in the office! We had some pretty good staff there, also: Bobby Spalding managed the yearlings, and I was able to bring Mark Moloney and Des Ryan over from Ireland on trainee visas. While I thought all three 'kinda average' at the time, they turned out all right!” The Lyons family | Courtesy of the Lyons family Lyons now reached a point where he felt that he had adequate experience and contacts to strike out on his own. He was already doing some foal pinhooking and Steve Johnson, a friend from their Spendthrift days, brought an opportunity to his attention. “Steve had developed a showplace farm with Ed Seltzer,” Lyons explains. “But plans had changed, as they often do in the horse business, leaving a large part of Margaux unoccupied. Steve made it very attractive for me to lease what was a top-class, turn-key farm: fresh land, state-of-the-art barns. I had gathered up some nice clients and all I had to do was move in with horses.” Among those clients was Virginia Knott, for whom Lyons bred Lucky Song–sent to Luca Cumani, she won the G2 Park Hill S.–while he meanwhile reconnected with Hawn, and indeed Lovlier Linda: her son Old Trieste thrashed Grand Slam by 12 lengths in the GII Swaps. As ever, Lyons emphasizes the role of good staff, led by Moloney, who had accompanied him over from Wimbledon. Others included Sandra Russell, who arrived as a novice but was able to return home after 10 years to establish Lismacue Stud; while Leslie Heermann had inherited talent from her father Victor, who set a world record for a yearling when selling a Lyphard colt for $1.7 million in 1980. “But while I had a good core business, I knew I needed to get out there,” Lyons reflects. “I knew that Mike Ryan was on the muscle, as well, so we said, 'Let's go out and buy some weanlings, see if we can get somebody to partner up with us, get some new people into the business.' Mike had this all-important banker who was game enough to lend us the money. Our mutual friend Gerry thought this was a wonderful idea, so he jumped in too. Mike Ryan | Sarah Andrew “I knew Mike to be a man of action as a couple of years previously we had hatched a plan with Phil and Judy Needham to buy some fillies out of training in Newmarket to breed to Hostage, a son of Nijinsky newly retired to Domino Stud under Phil's management. Together we went through the catalogue picking out some suitable candidates and sent Mike to Newmarket with a small bag of cash to buy one or maybe two fillies. At the conclusion Mike had bought four, none of whom we recognized! But all of them made money. As I said, a man of action: send Mike to a sale on your behalf, and you will own some horses!” One way or another, then, Keeneland November in 1994 was shaping up as a crucial sale: Lyons had put together a consignment of 15 or so, while the lads would also be shopping for a few weanlings. Shortly beforehand, however, Lyons found himself unusually tired after a day out with the Woodford Hounds. Reluctantly he “allowed Susie to load me up and go to the emergency room,” where a heart attack was diagnosed. When the surgeon came in next day–actually a fellow he hunted with–Lyons was feeling much better. “Well, we'll do an angiogram tomorrow,” the doctor said. “Okay, yeah, let's get that over with because I have to get out of here. We're shipping into the sale Friday.” When he came back with the results, the doctor said: “Son, you've at least two major blockages and two or three more. You need to have surgery.” “Okay, tell you what, let me get this sale out of the way and then I'll come back for the operation.” “Um, that's actually not how it works. In fact, you're going in for open-heart surgery at six o'clock tomorrow morning.” Lyons cursed. “Do you think I'll be out by Friday?” He was not. But between Susie, Moloney, and various friends rallying round, Lyons was left wondering whether he should just keep out of the way in future: sales reached seven figures, while Ryan and Dilger spent around $700,000 on a dozen weanlings. But they were only just getting started. “While I was recovering from surgery, my darling wife went out and bought a farm!” Lyons says. “She moved the horses and set up shop, all while raising four young boys aged nine to two. It's been a great farm. Of the seven Grade I winners it has produced, three [including champion sprinter Kodiak Kowboy] came in the space of two months in 2008.” Dilger meanwhile leased an adjacent farm and for several years they split the weanlings bought for syndication. “At the peak of it we spent $9 million on 49 weanlings,” Lyons recalls. “The three of us took half and then we'd syndicate the rest. The second year was very successful, I think we got almost 100 percent return, and we thought, 'Jeez, this is easy.'” Needless to say, that impression would be revised somewhat, not least as the weanling market became more competitive. But as the stakes became giddier, they held their nerve and sometimes rode very high indeed. “We gave $800,000 or so for a Storm Cat filly, and that didn't work out,” Lyons remembers ruefully. “But we got $1.8 million for a Deputy Minister colt that had cost $785,000, and gave $825,000 for a Mr. Prospector colt that made $1.6m. We bought a lot of really nice horses. Bought a few crows, as well, of course!” The most satisfying result on the racecourse itself was Russian Rhythm. Bought as a weanling for $340,000, she sold through Ted Voute at Tattersalls for 440,000gns before winning the G1 1,000 Guineas for Cheveley Park Stud. She was among many bought with the European market in mind, often sold at Goffs or Tattersalls through local consignors. Another to make that journey was Shamardal, who came aboard as a yearling in the spring and sold at Tattersalls, again through Voute. Shamardal | Darley “Business generates business,” observes Lyons. “Gerry and myself were both full to the brim. Everybody wanted to send you horses when you had some apparent success. But of course it always looks better on the outside. You sell a yearling for a million and people say, 'Wow, these guys are geniuses.' But there's always the other side to it. “When the syndications wound down Mike and, more so, Gerry carried on. Gerry brought in some other young lads–Spider Duignan, Adrian Regan, Ted Campion, Pat Costello–and showed them how to do it, ultimately pinhooking a Kentucky Derby winner [Nyquist].” While it is not quite such heady stuff nowadays, the Hartwell consignment remains an essential calling point at any sale, with wry humor and good stories guaranteed alongside the consummate horsemanship. And another thing that doesn't change is the sense of debt Lyons expresses to his team, nowadays including Jane Lewington, a talented event rider back in England, and manager Shane Hennessy, who “rather reminds me of myself, 40 years ago.” A lot of water under the bridge since then, clearly. “If I had to do it all over again, would I try to get back home?” Lyons muses. “It felt kind of hard to break in, in Ireland, and there have just been so many great people that God has put in my life here. People you build relationships with, make connections. It's been a great ride. I don't really know how it all came about, but I thank God it did.” He pauses and chuckles. “And I still haven't been to Australia.” The post Shamrocks in the Bluegrass: Robbie Lyons appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For many the centrepiece of the whole week, Wednesday's G1 Prince of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot may have lost a key ingredient in White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) but remains an utterly fascinating contest with arguably Europe's best male and female matched against each other for the first time. In Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), we have two genuine superstar racehorses who have proven their worth time and again, most notably on the clock in their finest hours. For Ballydoyle's Derby hero, his defining moment came in the Blue Riband last June when he rattled to the line in :22.18 for his final quarter mile, a very high standard which stands up to the closest inspection. While they both triumphed at Santa Anita in November, Cheveley Park Stud's mare outshone him on that occasion when closing out the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf in :21.98. Oh boy. Ascot's stiff nature does not lend itself to those kind of fractions, but Inspiral was impressive here when outclassing smart fillies in the G1 Coronation S. two years ago and is faster than Auguste Rodin on all known evidence to date, so a lot will depend on her mood and Kieran Shoemark. This is a big, big day for the rider in the immediate post-Frankie era at Clarehaven and extra pressure will be heaped on due to her at-first-glance compromising draw widest of all in 10. While that stall would be a problem for most, Inspiral is a true hold-up merchant with a tendency to break slowly–although let's hope not as slowly as in the 2022 QEII–and she loves to run at horses ahead of her. Her record around a turn on fast ground is three-for-three and the way the bends lit her fire at this meeting two years ago and at the Breeders' Cup, it is possible that she had simply got bored of straight tracks. Stamina isn't an issue either, with both sides of her pedigree suggesting it is a surprise that she has been such a high-class miler. Is Moore's Mind Made Up? Few riders navigate Ascot like Ryan Moore and while his unrivalled racing brain will probably have already mapped out the way this will unfold, he surely has only one option available. To not press on with Auguste Rodin, a colt that can churn out relentless sub-12 second fractions as he proved at Leopardstown in September, could prove disastrous with the mare locked and loaded in behind. Auguste Rodin looks for all the world like a fast mile-and-a-half performer and it is worth remembering that two years ago Aidan O'Brien revealed that he is also prone to waiting on rivals in front as was the tendency of his dam Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). With the useful Hans Andersen (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in here, he should at least have a lead into the straight and then he may have to commit early to attempt to draw the sting from his main rival. Then it is a case of how much he has in the locker to repel a mare who hit almost 41mph at the end of the Filly & Mare Turf. What is certain is that he is a top-of-the-ground specialist and absolutely had to have that here. Luckily for connections, he has. “We were hoping the weather would stay dry for him and it looks like doing so,” Moore said. He looks great at the moment and he is going very well. The ground probably wasn't ideal when White Birch beat him last time, but we'd like to think you will see improvement in him here.” A Two-Horse Race? With due respect to most of the contenders for the Prince of Wales's, this probably is a match-up given the elevated ability of the big two. The likes of Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}) and Alflaila (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) are smart, genuine Group 1 horses but there is a gulf for them to cross in this kind of company. The latter was outpaced on this kind of ground when last seen in the Irish Champion and needs rain out of the blue to have a serious impact, while the French contenders have yet to demonstrate that they can dig it out at the very top level. Horizon Dore is perhaps the most interesting, given that he threw in a :10.53 split in last month's G1 Prix d'Ispahan staged on officially “soft” ground at ParisLoncghamp and broke 33 seconds for the final three furlongs. His underwhelming third behind King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the G1 Champion S. suggests he isn't the easy-ground specialist that so many French runners are cast as and isn't ready to be pigeon-holed just yet. But then you think that he was narrowly denied by Mqse De Sevigne (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) last time and we all remember what Inspiral did to her in the Sun Chariot… Rogue Two? Springing a minor surprise in last year's G2 Duke of Cambridge S., Rogue Millennium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was merely finding her metier as a miler for the first time having displayed telling speed over middle distances. Now with Joseph O'Brien, Scott Heider's 1.65million gns Tattersalls December plunge couldn't have shaped with more promise on her debut for her new stable when an unlucky third behind Ocean Jewel (Ire) (Sioux Nation) in The Curragh's G2 Lanwades Stud S. and is poised for her repeat bid. Like Rogue Millennium, Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Laurel (GB) (Kingman {GB}) can boast impressive time figures, but she has not been seen since finishing down the field in the G1 Lockinge S. last May. With that in mind, it is a surprise that the Gosdens have opted to throw her back into the deep end and she has that all-important Polytrack prowess that is so influential here. “It will be a big training performance from John and Thady and it is going to be a very big ask,” the operation's European racing manager Barry Mahon said. “To be fair, they are very happy with the filly, but it's difficult at the best of times and when you have been off the track for over 12 months and heading into Royal Ascot, it is a whole different ball game. We're hopeful of a good run, but under no illusions that she is definitely going to improve for the run.” An Enchanting Prospect… Aidan O'Brien has yet to win the G2 Queen Mary S., but it is surely only a matter of time and TDN Rising Star Truly Enchanting (Ire) (No Nay Never) is a fascinating contender following her visually taking Tipperary maiden win. Out of an Oaks third but blessed with the speed her dominant sire so generously imparts, she will have to go much harder than she did on debut to keep up with these but will be in all likelihood coming home strongly. Compatriot Make Haste (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), who has been purchased by LNJ, Gainesway, Chappell and the Eves Partnership since her impressive debut win at Naas, is more of a typical Queen Mary type and would be a fairytale result for the Diego Dias stable. Course form is rare for 2-year-olds at this meeting and perhaps underestimated, so Paul and Oliver Cole's live contender Miss Rascal (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) must enter the reckoning after her track-and-trip win in a smart time last month. “She was a bit unlucky on debut and did it the hard way at Ascot,” Oliver Cole said. “She's definitely a horse we'd like to see tucked in, as she has a great turn of foot and is exciting.” Others to excite on the clock are Cheveley Park Stud's TDN Rising Star Spherical (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) and Wesley Ward's Ultima Grace (American Pharoah). While the Roger Varian-trained Spherical quickened dramatically off a slow pace to finish strongly at Yarmouth, Ultima Grace had to survive a furious early pace duel before asserting her superiority at Keeneland in April. Chris Richardson said of Spherical, “I don't know what she beat first time out, but she couldn't have done it more easily and the plan is to find out a bit more about her. It makes sense to have a go, I think she's done well since the race and worked nicely last week.” Take Your Pick… Ryan Moore had a quartet to choose from in the G2 Queen's Vase and opted for Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) as Ballydoyle begin their search for another St Leger winner. Time will tell whether that was the correct choice, with the wide-margin Leopardstown winner Highbury (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}) there to tempt any jockey. “We have four in here and they are all similar types and with roughly the same form level coming into the race, though Highbury is probably more about potential at this stage.” Moore said. “I'd have happily got on any of these, as they all have something to recommend them but I ride Illinois. He shapes as though this greater test of stamina will suit, though this will probably be the quickest ground he has raced on.” This could be booked for Irish export again, with Anamoine's Listed Yeats S. winner Birdman (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}) looking a typical Queen's Vase type for the Jessica Harrington yard. Moore also had a dilemma choosing between the Ballydoyle duo Treasure Isle (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Celtic Chieftain (Ire) (No Nay Never) in the closing Listed Windsor Castle S., but he has sided with the former who captured Naas's Coolmore Stud Calyx Race on the Royal Ascot Trials Day. There is American interest here, but interestingly Moore is unmoved by the standard of the opposition. “I don't think this is a particularly deep contest form-wise, for all it is a very big field as usual and I think he will be well suited to the demands of this five-furlong contest,” he said. “The race he won at Naas last time is one we have used as a stepping stone with some very good 2-year-olds–the likes of River Tiber, who used it as a springboard to winning the Coventry last year–and he is a speedy sport with more to give. That said, our Celtic Chieftain is one of his serious rivals as I think he beat a fair sort in Red Evolution–I rode the fifth in that race–on his debut at Navan recently. I wouldn't underestimate him.” Nine To Challenge Kyprios In The Cup… Ten stayers will line up in Thursday's G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, with the 2022 title-holder Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) looking to regain his crown having missed out through injury 12 months ago. He will be Aidan O'Brien's sole runner, while John and Thady Gosden saddle a trio in Wathnan Racing's Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), Godolphin's Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) and Normandie Stud's Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Willie Mullins has booked Colin Keane for the ride on the Riccis' Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), while other notable are the Mariscottis' Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Clive Washbourn's Caius Chorister (Fr) (Golden Horn {GB}). In the G2 Ribblesdale S., a field of 13 fillies will head to post including Godolphin's Listed Haras de Bouquetot Fillies' Trial S. winner Diamond Rain (GB) (Shamardal) and Valmont and Newsells Park Stud's Oaks fourth You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), while the G2 Norfolk S. hosts 14 super-charged 2-year-olds headed by Ballydoyle's First Flier S. scorer Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Fitri Hay's Saturday Flirt (Mendelssohn) representing Wesley Ward. Andre Fabre has confirmed Wathnan Racing's recently-acquired G1 Prix du Jockey Club runner-up First Look (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) for the G3 Hampton Court S., in which a dozen line up. The post Auguste Rodin and Inspiral Ready For Prince of Wales’s Showdown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two raging wildfires in New Mexico that prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents in the tourist town of Ruidoso have also led to the relocation of horses from Ruidoso Downs, located about five miles southeast of town.View the full article

Already sitting atop last week's NTRA Top 3-Year-Old poll, Thorpedo Anna carries momentum from her June 7 Acorn Stakes (G1) triumph at Saratoga Race Course. The daughter of Fast Anna climbed five spots and is now No. 7 with 77 points. View the full article

The enigmatic 'TDN Rising Star' Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}–Taghrooda {GB}, by Sea The Stars {Ire}), unsuccessful in six starts since routing Derby and King George hero Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in last term's G2 Princess Of Wales S., went postward for this 10th black-type start coming back off a runner-up finish in last month's G2 Huxley S. at Chester and made his class tell with a dominant display in Tuesday's Listed Wolferton S. at Royal Ascot. Israr's victory provided the Gosden stable with a record-extending fifth renewal of the 10-furlong contest. The 11-4 joint-favourite was alert from the gates and settled several lengths off a solid pace in seventh for the most part. Cruising forward in the straight to loom large on the bridle at the quarter-mile marker, he seized control approaching the final furlong and was ridden clear to comfortably outpoint the Wathnan Racing pair Haunted Dream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Torito (GB) (Kingman {GB}) by 3 1/4 lengths and a short-head. Israr, the third of six foals, is the lone pattern-race scorer from two winners out of G1 Oaks and G1 King George S. & Queen Elizabeth S. heroine Taghrooda (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who also hit the board in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. His dam is the leading performer for multiple stakes-winning G2 Lancashire Oaks second Ezima (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), herself a daughter of the unraced Ezilla (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}). Ezilla is a full-sister to multiple stakes-winning G2 Blandford S. and G3 Killavullan S. placegetter Ebaziya (Ire), whose descendants include Group 1-winning siblings Estimate (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}), Enzeli (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}), Ebadiyla (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) and Edabiya (Ire) (Rainbow Quest). Taghrooda's 2-year-old colt by Lope De Vega (Ire) died earlier this year. Israr is too good for them in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/NGJb97KKEJ — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2024 The post Fifth Wolferton for Team Gosden as TDN Rising Star Israr Dominates Rivals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Santa Anita Park's 29-day Hollywood Meet, which began April 19, drew to a close June 16 with Juan Hernandez atop the jockey standings, Phil D'Amato winning the trainer title, and Reddam Racing leading all owners.View the full article

"This agenda exemplifies what the industry is doing to further increase the safety of its athletes, which has been the goal of the Welfare and Safety Summit since its inception," said Jamie Haydon of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.View the full article

Fresh off her impressive victory June 7 in the New York Stakes (G1T), Didia is being prepared by trainer Ignacio Correas for a return to Saratoga Race Course in the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1T) July 13.View the full article

Purses and breeders incentives in Alberta will get a boost this year, as a result of higher-than-expected revenues, Horse Racing Alberta announced Tuesday. HRA is recommending a $400,000 increase to the 2024 purse allocation and a $120,000 increase to the 2024 Breed Incentive Program. The proposal was approved by the HRA Board of Directors on May 24th, 2024. “We are excited to share this good news with the Alberta horse racing industry,” said Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Alberta. “Purses in 2024 will be increased by $400,000 from $14.5 million to $14.9 million and BIP funding is going up by $120,000 from $4.2 million to $4.32 million.” The post Purses and Breeders’ Incentives in Alberta Get a Boost appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There were three Guineas heroes lined up for Tuesday's G1 St James's Palace S. and ultimately it was the winner of the Irish Classic in Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}–Rosaline {Ire}, by New Approach {Ire}) who came away from Royal Ascot with the bragging rights. If his Curragh victory was a case of consolation following his second to Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) at Newmarket, this was all about affirmation as the well-supported 5-2 second favourite readily reversed the 2,000 Guineas form and put the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) in his place. In the event, it was the Poulains also-ran Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) who really put it up to the Richard Hannon-trained homebred but Sean Levey was able to conjure the magic to reel in that Ballydoyle blueblood inside the final 100 yards. At the line, there was a neck between them with three lengths separating them and the third-placed Metropolitan as the 6-4 favourite Notable Speech over-raced and wound up a below-par seventh. What a finish! @LeveySean skillfully snatches victory on ROSALLION in The St James's Palace Stakes. Hats off to @rhannonracing #RoyalAscot #FlatRacing pic.twitter.com/YOcR2ukHdU — Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 18, 2024 The post Blue Point’s Rosallion Best In The St James’s Palace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first entries for the G1 Tattersalls Falmouth S. were released on Tuesday, with 32 fillies and mares in contention for the feature race on the second day of Newmarket's July Festival on Friday, July 12. Joseph O'Brien has the strongest hand numerically with five entries, headed by last year's G2 Duke Of Cambridge S. heroine Rogue Millennium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is among the favourites to defend her crown when she returns to Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Aidan O'Brien is responsible for four possible runners, including Opera Singer (Justify), a leading contender for Friday's G1 Coronation S. in which her rivals include the first two from the G1 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio), both of whom are also entered in the Falmouth. G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas runner-up A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) and Godolphin's Romantic Style (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) are others who feature among the three-year-old contingent, while French raider Kelina (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) is one of the standout older horses with this option. She's been off the track since last year's Breeders' Cup, having previously won the G1 Prix de la Foret for Carlos Laffon Parias. The entries for the G2 Princess Of Wales's S. (Sponsored By The Kingdom of Bahrain), which takes centre stage on the opening day of the July Festival on Thursday, July 11, were also released on Tuesday. The 40-strong list includes the previous Group 1 winners Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), plus several others who have been knocking at the door at the top level such as Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), Hamish (GB) (Motivator {GB}) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}). The post Opera Singer Among 32 in Falmouth as Entries Released For July Festival Highlights appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Noor Elaine Farm's multiple pattern-race winner Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}–Golden Child {Aus}, by I Am Invincible {Aus}), who placed twice in elite-level sprints for Down Under, benefitted from a Oisin Murphy masterclass and pounced late to secure a sixth renewal for Australia in Tuesday's G1 King Charles III S., the rebranded King's Stand S., at Royal Ascot. The 5-year-old Henry Dwyer trainee broke smartly and accepted a tow from Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}), racing second in the smaller stands' side group, as GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint hero Big Evs (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) blitzed ahead on the far side. Drifting out of Regional's slipstream for a clear passage passing halfway, the 5-1 chance powered forward to eyeball Big Evs with 100 yards remaining and drew off late to prevail by a length as Regional overtook Big Evs for second in the dying strides. Asfoora went all the way in the King Charles III Stakes at #RoyalAscot to secure her spot in the #BreedersCup Turf Sprint! Congrats to all of her connections!pic.twitter.com/4y80qIJrY4 — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) June 18, 2024 The post Flying Artie’s Asfoora Pounces Late to Secure Sixth King Charles for Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ascot Racecourse and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) have signed a new strategic partnership this week, acknowledging the unique ties between the two “sister” tracks, it was announced on Tuesday. The signatories are Ascot chairman and His Majesty's representative, Sir Francis Brooke, and Neil Wilson, chairman of the Victoria Racing Club. Both courses stage their nations' premier Flat meetings and they work together on various race planning initiatives, which have led to multiple runners in the Royal Ascot sprints from Australia and numerous runners in the Melbourne Cup and other feature events at Flemington from the UK. The Melbourne Cup Tour in 2024 will come through Ascot for QIPCO King George Weekend (July 26-27) and the Qatar Goodwood Festival (July 30 to August 3) next month and racegoers will get the chance to be photographed with the famous three-handled cup. “For many years we have worked with the VRC on membership reciprocals and race planning initiatives and this important alliance formalises the links between Flemington and Ascot,” said Brooke. “We will develop this strategic alliance further in coming years and are delighted to welcome the VRC chairman, Neil Wilson, and his wife, Stephanie, to Royal Ascot today.” Wilson added, “At the start of one of the world's most prestigious racing events, we are pleased to continue the official partnership between the Victoria Racing Club and Ascot. First signed in 2006, our international alliance has contributed to the successful evolution of thoroughbred racing as a truly global sport.” The post Ascot Racecourse and Victoria Racing Club Announce New Strategic Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having secured a maiden pattern-race win in Germany earlier in the campaign, fledgling jockey Billy Loughnane registered a career high when steering the twice-raced maiden and Brian Meehan trainee Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}–Amazonka {Ire}, by Camelot {GB}), racing in the famed Sangster silks, to a narrow victory in Tuesday's G2 Coventry S. at Royal Ascot. The 80-1 outsider, who placed in maidens at Newbury and Chester prior to this black-type bow, broke smartly and raced in a leading wave of three at the head of the smaller far-side group. Last to come off the bridle when shaken up passing the quarter-mile marker, he came under increased urging thereafter and was driven out to prevail by a nose from Wathan Racing's fast-finishing Electrolyte (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), the duo split by the width of the track. Fellow Wathnan Racing entry Columnist (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) was a head away in third as two lengths covered the first eight home. Pedigree Notes Rashabar is the first of two foals produced by an unraced half-sister to G3 Bronte Cup victrix River Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Listed Dortmunder St Leger Trial winner Apadanah (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and Listed Premio Coolmore runner-up Ancona (Ire) (Amaron {GB}). The January-foaled bay is half to a yearling filly by Acclamation (GB). Descendants of his third dam, G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) heroine Amarette (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), include G1 Criterium International victor Alson (Ger) (Areion {Ire}) and G2 German 2000 Guineas hero Ancient Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). What a finish! 80/1 shot Rashabar wins the Coventry Stakes in a photo at Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/LHBEgZLjXn — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2024 Tuesday, Ascot, Britain COVENTRY S.-G2, £175,000, Ascot, 6-18, 2yo, 6fT, 1:13.90, g/f. 1–RASHABAR (IRE), 129, c, 2, by Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) 1st Dam: Amazonka (Ire), by Camelot (GB) 2nd Dam: Amazone (Ger), by Adlerflug (Ger) 3rd Dam: Amarette (Ger), by Monsun (Ger) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (€120,000 Ylg '23 ARAUG). O-Manton Thoroughbreds IX; B-SARL Ecurie Haras de Beaufay (IRE); T-Brian Meehan; J-Billy Loughnane. £99,243. Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-1, $139,916. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Electrolyte (Ire), 129, c, 2, Hello Youmzain (Fr)–Bibury (GB), by Royal Applause (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (72,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT; £220,000 2yo '24 GOUKB). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Bibury Partnership (IRE); T-Archie Watson. £37,625. 3–Columnist (GB), 129, c, 2, Ardad (Ire)–Sand And Deliver (GB), by Royal Applause (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (8,000gns Ylg '23 TATSOM; £170,000 2yo '24 GOUKB). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Peter Balding (GB); T-Richard Fahey. £18,830. Margins: NO, HD, HF. Odds: 80.00, 40.00, 50.00. Also Ran: Cool Hoof Luke (GB), Al Qudra (Ire), Symbol Of Honour (GB), Cowardofthecounty (Ire), Star Anthem (Ire), Angelo Buonarroti, Nascimento (Ire), Camille Pissarro (Ire), Catalyse (Ire), The Actor (Ire), Turners Cross (Ire), Midnight Strike (Ire), Mr Chaplin (GB), Ingot (GB), Yah Mo Be There (GB), Francisco's Piece (GB), Zminiature (GB), Arran (Ire), Up The Clarets (Ire). Scratched: Andesite (GB). The post Holy Roman Emperor’s Rashabar a Career Best for Loughnane in the Coventry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 11th Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation's Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, which is scheduled for June 25 in the Longship Room at Kroger Field and will be livestreamed at bit.ly/wsslivestream and facebook.com/USJockeyClub, will feature information gleaned from the Equine Injury Database and recent reforms which can be predictive as to future safety initiatives. The entire agenda was released Tuesday morning by Grayson and The Jockey Club. The summit is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, visit bit.ly/wss2024reg. “This agenda exemplifies what the industry is doing to further increase the safety of its athletes, which has been the goal of the Welfare and Safety Summit since its inception,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and deputy executive director of The Jockey Club. “We encourage everyone interested in improving our sport to attend or watch the livestream.” The agenda is as follows: 8:20 – Introduction • Jamie Haydon, President, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation • Annise Montplaisir, Executive Director, Amplify Horse Racing 8:30 – 9:15 Equine Injury Database update on risk, risk factors, and prediction • Dr. Tim Parkin, Head of Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol 9:15 – 10:00 The Jockey Club report on further reducing fatalities • Jamie Haydon • Dan Singer, Partner, McKinsey & Company • Ben Vonwiller, Partner, McKinsey & Company 10:00 – 10:15 Break 10:15 – 11:00 5 years later – an update on Santa Anita safety reforms • Dr. Dionne Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer, 1/ST RACING • Tim Yakteen, Trainer 11:00 – 12:00 Panel discussion on sudden deaths in racing: Where are we today? • Dr. Stuart Brown, Vice President of Equine Safety, Keenland (Moderator) • Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst, Professor & Researcher, University of Minnesota • Dr. Sue Stover, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of California – Davis • Dr. Laura Kennedy, Veterinarian Pathologist, University of Kentucky • Dr. Lynn Hovda, Chief Commission Veterinarian, Minnesota Racing Commission 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 The regulatory veterinarian and attending veterinarian in the HISA environment • Dr. Will Farmer, Equine Medical Director, Churchill Downs (Moderator) • Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe, Regulatory Veterinarian, New York Racing Association • Dr. Lyndsay Hagemeyer, Veterinarian, Ohio Regulatory Veterinarian • Dr. Chip L. Johnson, Veterinarian, Private Practice, Central Kentucky 2:00 – 2:45 A strategy to expand and accelerate surface safety programs for improved racing surface consistency • Dr. Mick Peterson, Executive Director, Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory Professor, Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky 2:45 – 3:00 Break 3:00 – 3:30 Equine wearable biometric sensors: The next phase in early injury detection • Dr. Sara Langsam, Partner, Teigland, Franklin and Brokken 3:30 – 4:00 Use of a standardized veterinary form for evaluation of racehorses entering a second career • Dr. Jeff Berk, Veterinarian, Associate Equine Medical Associates 4:00 – 4:30 Light Up Racing update • Price Headley Bell Jr., Manager, Mill Ridge Farm Board of Directors, Light Up Racing The Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit is underwritten and coordinated by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and co-hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and The Jockey Club. Previous editions of the summit can be viewed on Grayson's YouTube page and have received nearly 16,000 views. Among the major accomplishments that have evolved from the previous 10 summits are the Equine Injury Database; the Jockey Injury Database; the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory; a uniform trainer test and study guide; the racing surfaces white paper and the publication of educational bulletins for track maintenance; the publication of stallion durability statistics; the Hoof: Inside and Out DVD, available in English and Spanish; protocols for horses working off of the veterinarian's list; recommended regulations that void the claim of horses suffering injuries during a race; and inclement weather protocols. Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, Grayson has provided nearly $42.3 million to underwrite more than 437 projects at 48 universities. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org. The post Welfare and Safety Summit Features Update on Risk Factors and Prediction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Claiborne Farm and Lane's End Farm have committed to a co-sponsorship of the Former Broodmare division at the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced Tuesday. First run as a pilot program in 2023, the Former Broodmare division is now an official competition avenue at the Thoroughbred Makeover, welcoming recently-retired broodmares to compete alongside the traditional retiring racehorse division in all 10 offered disciplines. Broodmares will be pinned and recognized separately, and compete for a separate pot of $10,000 in prize money. “Claiborne is happy to once again be one of the lead sponsors of the Thoroughbred Makeover's Former Broodmare division,” said Claiborne president Walker Hancock. “With so much recent and warranted attention directed towards aftercare, we think this is a brilliant concept that gives those broodmares more purpose and helps to highlight their achievements outside of the breeding shed.” “Lane's End is proud to participate as a sponsor of the Former Broodmare Division at the Thoroughbred Makeover,” said Bill Farish of Lane's End. “Since its inception, the RRP has helped raise the profile of aftercare and showcase the diverse talents of the off-track Thoroughbred. The new broodmare division is another unique opportunity as an avenue for second or even third careers to showcase the athletic abvilies of the Thoroughbred.” The post Claiborne and Lane’s End to Sponsor Makeover Former Broodmare Division appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Royal Ascot Tuesday got underway with an admirably professional Queen Anne display from Nurlan Bizakov's Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}–Futoon {Ire}, by Kodiac {GB}) as he finally plundered his group 1 on the biggest stage. Runner-up in the G1 Lockinge S. at Newbury last month, the grey tracked that race's winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) throughout the early stages but whereas he wasn't able to get to him previously this time he was already rolling by with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining. Out in the clear under Silvestre De Sousa chased by Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), the Roger Varian-trained 100-30 favourite had 2 1/4 lengths to spare over that rival at the line, with Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) 2 3/4 lengths away in third. Charyn takes the Queen Anne Stakes (G1)! pic.twitter.com/GRSN5qohtb — IFHA's Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) June 18, 2024 The post Dark Angel’s Charyn Takes The Queen Anne appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Haunui Farm will again welcome four-time Group One winner and two-time Champion Miler Ribchester back in 2024 for his fifth season at stud in New Zealand. Ribchester has been well supported by New Zealand broodmare owners and the mating results have seen yearlings from each crop reach six figures in the auction ring. Racetrack results have been solid, despite small crops, and his winners to runners ratio for his four-year-old crop is 80% and 56% for his three-year-old crop, while his stakes runners to winners operate at 11%. “We’re please to have Ribchester back this year and believe he represents great value for breeders wanting to tap into a quality European bloodline,” Mark Chitty said. “He has had limited opportunities at the track due to small crops but the results are very encouraging and the statistics stack up. “All eyes will be on Royal Ascot where Ribchester will be represented by Facteur Cheval in the Gr.1 Queen Anne, a race he set a record in himself. “Ribchester is of course a son of Iffraaj, and we see his continued influence every week as he nears 100 stakes winners worldwide, and through the deeds of his sons at stud.” Ribchester will stand at a fee of $10,000 +GST. View the full article