Wandering Eyes

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

Seaton Park’s Scott Eagleton has been buoyed by inspections both on-farm and at Karaka on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale. The Morrinsville vendor will present eight weanlings on behalf of clients at the one-day sale, with positive feedback on the diverse draft which features a slew of in-vogue sires. Among them are weanlings by reigning champion sire Proisir, Satono Aladdin, Almanzor, Ardrossan and Blue Point in addition to a quality colt from the first crop of Cambridge Stud’s Group One winning son of Snitzel, Sword Of State. “We are thrilled to be here. We are very lucky to be well-represented by good sires which helps,” Eagleton said. “There are a couple that stand out for me. We have a lovely Sword of State colt out of a mare called Soft Hearted. He looks a real yearling type and will be a great horse for the pinhookers. “We have a Satono Aladdin filly out of a mare called Whispering who I think is an end-users horse. She is a racehorse all day long. “It is good to see people like Graham Richardson and a few of the key stables here looking at these horses.” All weanlings offered at the New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale are eligible to be paid up for the Karaka Million Series, which includes the $1million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), and Eagleton believes it is a lucrative incentive. “I have always been a great fan of the weanling sale, particularly if it is a relatively small number but good quality. Without a doubt the ability to sign up for the Karaka Millions Series means end-users can get real value here for the right type.” Seaton Park’s Scott Eagleton oversees parades at Karaka on Tuesday Photo: Trish Dunell Eagleton pointed to a horse like his well-muscled Blue Point colt as a suitable offering that looks an up and running type. “Blue Points have shown plenty, particularly in the Autumn and I think he will make a great sire but more importantly I think the end-users can invest easily in that type of horse here,” he said. “The inspections have been very good, they have been steady. They are only young horses so it is a good day to get them out learning the ropes and I’d say it will be all guns blazing over the next couple of days.” The breeder of Group One winning filly Molly Bloom, the hands-on Eagleton said buyers can take confidence that all of his offerings were foaled down at Seaton Park and said there were a myriad of reasons for presenting weanlings, including cash-flow. “We foaled about 210 last season and we have a really good client base that were keen to look at this sale with the right type,” he said. “Cash flow is king and with stud season coming up and service fees it makes the whole thing tick. Let’s hope this is another positive few days for the New Zealand industry, which is enjoying a really good resurgence right now.” View the full article

Russell Warwick has been appointed by the NZTR Board as Chairman at today’s June Board meeting. Taking effect immediately, Warwick will replace current Chairman Cameron George following his announcement to step down at the end of the current racing season, 31 July. Russell Warwick brings a wealth of industry knowledge and administrative experience to the appointment. As the General Manager of Westbury Stud, Warwick’s ability to lead one of NZ’s elite breeding and racing programmes made him an excellent candidate for the NZTR Chair. “The industry has made excellent headway in recent times, but there is still a lot of work to do,” Warwick said. “I really enjoy being able to give back to the industry, and timing wise, I feel I can offer a constructive view as we look to inspire a new generation of stakeholders and encourage further growth within the business.” Warwick is quick to congratulate outgoing Chairman Cameron George on the improvements to racing during his tenure as Chairman. “Cameron George’s contribution to New Zealand Racing throughout his tenure is unmatched. He has driven growth and guided the industry into a period of change that has brought new life and excitement to the sport.” Under his leadership, George, who has served as Chair since 2020, has played a pivotal role in steering NZTR and the racing industry through various challenges and sizeable achievements over recent years. “My journey at NZTR started with navigating a path forward for the business through COVID-19,” George said. “Over time, we have managed to rebuild the industry into the strong position it now holds, demonstrating the resilient team environment I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in over the last four years. “ “I’ve enjoyed all the challenges this role has presented me with and the changes that have be made. We have developed initiatives like the NZB Kiwi alongside NZB and Entain and I couldn’t be more excited to see that race come to life.” “With a proven track record in outstanding leadership, industry knowledge and relationships we have absolute confidence in Russell’s ability to continue with the momentum underway.” View the full article

Recent racetrack results have delivered a series of boosts to the catalogue for this week’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka. The names of numerous notable performers from the last few weeks feature in the pedigrees of weanlings going through the Karaka sale ring on Thursday. There are relatives to Group One heroes I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) and Bois D’Argent (Toronado), along with more than a dozen other recent stakes winners or placegetters. Lot 47 comes from the draft of Highline Thoroughbreds and is a filly by first-season sire Noverre (NZ) out of Love Sophia (NZ) (Pins). Love Sophia is a three-quarter-sister to the dam of the freakish I Wish I Win, who has banked more than A$11.8m in his 21-race career. One of the world’s highest-rated sprinters, I Wish I Win triumphed in this month’s Group One Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) in Brisbane. His current campaign has also produced placings in the Group One TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick and the Group One Doomben 10,000 (1200m). Another star performer at this year’s Queensland Winter Carnival is Bois D’Argent, who collected his first Group One victory in the Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 25. He also finished third in last Saturday’s A$1.2m Group Two The Q22 (2200m), lifting his total earnings to A$1.47m from a 29-start, six-win career. Bois D’Argent comes from the same family as Lot 63, a colt by Tarzino (NZ) being offered by Beckam Equine. Another family member, Plantstepsdream (Planteur), was a recent stakes placegetter in Sweden. Curraghmore will send a well-related Savabeel colt through the sale ring as Lot 56. Closely related to the former Group One stars Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) and Comin’ Through (Fastnet Rock), this blue-blooded colt also comes from the same family as exciting up-and-comer Megastar Heart (Star Turn). Megastar Heart was the sale-topper at the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka in November with a winning bid of $825,000. He has quickly shown a level of class to match that price tag, winning two of his four starts as a two-year-old including Saturday’s Listed Oxlade Stakes (1300m). Haunui Farm’s Tarzino colt catalogued as Lot 61 has had two close relatives perform in stakes company in Australia since the catalogue went to print. Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor), who had already won at Group Three level in New Zealand and placed in the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m), ventured to Adelaide and scored impressively in the Group Three South Australia Fillies’ Classic (2500m). Promising two-year-old Depth Of Character (Deep Field) followed a debut win at Canterbury late last month with a black-type placing in last Saturday’s Listed Oxlade Stakes (1300m) in his second start. Lot 138 is Grangewilliam Stud’s Vanbrugh colt out of Bright Kiwi (NZ) (Zed). The unraced Bright Kiwi is a half-sister to the million-dollar earner and Group One-performed Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking), who has recently added victories in the Group Three Premier’s Cup (2400m) and Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2200m) to his outstanding record. The Satono Aladdin colt catalogued as Lot 70 is closely related to the unbeaten two-year-old Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth). The Stephen Marsh-trained Super Photon has had two starts for two impressive wins including the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m), and he is rated one of the favourites for the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in early November. Lot 70’s other close relatives include the multiple Group One winner and stallion prospect Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel). Other significant pedigree updates in the National Weanling Sale catalogue include: The Sweynesse colt going through the ring as Lot 20 is a close relative of the recent South African stakes winner King Of The Gauls (Vercingetorix) Lot 32 is closely related to the proven Group One star Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park), who recently placed in the Group Three Hollindale Stakes (1800m). A filly by Derryn, going through the ring as Lot 17, is out of a sibling to the recent Group Three Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) runner-up Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry). Lot 85 is a close relative of Princess Rhaenys (Iffraaj), who has run third in the Listed Silk Stocking (1400m) and fourth in the Group Three Drinkwise Mile (1600m) in recent starts. She was a last-start winner at Eagle Farm on June 8. A first-crop weanling by Armory, catalogued as Lot 111, is closely related to this month’s Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1500m) runner-up Wategos (Capitalist). All weanlings offered in the National Weanling Sale this week are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand. Selling is set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on Thursday. View the full article