Wandering Eyes

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

The just-concluded Santa Anita/Hollywood winter/spring meet with a 99.97% safety record from 6,678 horses racing over the dirt and or turf is truly remarkable. Combine this result with the additional data released by HISA of a fatality rate of .83 per 1000 starts nationally for the first quarter of 2024 and something extraordinary is starting to occur. Thoroughbred racing can and, importantly is, becoming safe with regard to horse fatalities. One would have been hard-pressed to make such a statement in 2019 with the many horse fatalities at Santa Anita. I never entirely bought the rain/poor track condition explanation for those fatalities. Yes, the 2019 conditions at Santa Anita were unique, but horse fatalities had been relatively high virtually everywhere in the United States. And, over time, this fact left the industry wide-open to criticism that went far beyond a few animal rights groups. When the California state government started to get critically involved and when I was asked by several friends about the deaths of horses on the racetrack, I knew that my favorite sport/pastime was in some trouble. The perception of horse racing in the public realm had taken a blow and the reverberations quickly spread nationally. The starting point was, however, not the horse racing deaths but the fact that so many horses raced at high speed and did not break down. Most horses did NOT break down. That is, the racing itself could not be the culprit as the critics claimed-that is not what the data showed- but something was indeed amiss. From decades of handicapping-I saw Damascus and Buckpasser race at Santa Anita in the 1960s as a kid–I had noticed that certain horses should not be bet because of their apparent declining form or a projected decline in performance due to an excessive or difficult race schedule. In 2019, I surmised that most racing deaths could be eliminated by ascertaining and then rectifying pre-existing conditions with regard to race horses. I was not a vet or a trainer and as a handicapper. I could only make broad conjectures, but my graduate study often involved interpreting data. What explained the data? There had to be intervening factors (pre-race) that caused a small percentage of horses to break down in a race and those factors could be identified as in any science. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus has recently acknowledged that many factors have now been identified that are warning signs regarding possible racing injury/fatalities for certain horses and she states pointedly, “HISA's most important goal is driving down equine fatalities.” Indeed and indeed. Reducing racing fatalities to near zero and understanding the risks factors that will prevent horses with pre-existing conditions from racing are paramount for the viability of the sport. The news is that horse racing has come a considerable way in addressing safety issues of its equine athletes performing in the sport. –Armen Antonian Ph.D The post Letter to the Editor: Horse Racing Has Come a Long Way Towards Addressing Safety appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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 Kyprios Heads Ten For The Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Buyers have access to a high-quality and varied selection of bloodstock on Gavelhouse Plus this week, made up of an annual reduction sale by Elsdon Park and a unique dispersal of the Dewar Partnership. “It’s a two-fold sale this year,” Elsdon Park’s general manager Kerrie Cox said. “Part of it is made up of Elsdon Park’s annual reduction of broodmares and weanlings. We have a number that we want to try to stick to with our broodmare band, and it can grow quite quickly when you’re buying mares and have racehorses retiring off the track to join the broodmare band as well. “An annual reduction will keep our numbers as tight as possible, and at the same time it gives a great opportunity for people to buy into some of the really nice families that we’ve built up. “The other aspect of this sale is the dispersal of the Dewar Partnership, made up of mares in foal to Ardrossan and some young progeny of that stallion. That includes two weanlings and four racehorses, including one that placed at Cambridge on Wednesday – the three-year-old filly El Amor (NZ). “Some really nice horses are being sold in both sides of this sale, so it really just adds another layer and will hopefully attract plenty of interest from buyers.” Elsdon Park was established in 2022 by Lib and Katrina Petagna and is developing into a major player on the New Zealand thoroughbred landscape. The Petagnas have been four-time New Zealand Owners of the Year, and their apple green, blue and yellow colours have been carried by nine individual Group One winners across Australasia including the triple Group One-winning superstar Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel). Making their sale-ring debut as vendors in 2023, Elsdon Park have already had yearlings sell for $725,000 and $600,000 and finished as the second-leading vendor by average in Book 1 of Karaka 2024. The Dewar Partnership, meanwhile, was set up in 2019 by a group of shareholders in the highly talented former racehorse and young Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan. They were focussed on supporting him during his first few seasons at stud. Nine mares were bred from in that first year, and six of those are being offered as part of this dispersal. The partnership’s plan was to race the offspring from the first season to ensure they were given every opportunity and then to sell some of the offspring from the second and third crops as yearlings. Dewar has subsequently sold a total of eight yearlings at Karaka 2023 and 2024 for an average price of $152,500, with price tags ranging from $85,000 up to $260,000. The three yearlings sold at Karaka 2023 include the stakes winner Beau Dazzler (NZ) who ran a commendable fifth in Saturday’s Gr.1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) after drawing the outside barrier and being posted wide throughout plus Te Akau Racing’s talented winner Maracatu (NZ). With Ardrossan now firmly established as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young stallions, the goals of the partnership have been achieved and the time has come wind up the partnership as was the agreement on formation. Ardrossan has sired 11 winners, three stakes winners and one stakes placegetter from an initial crop of just 44 foals. From a second crop of just 58 foals, he has already sired four winners from just eight runners including a stakes winner and two stakes placegetters. These include some very exciting gallopers, so his commercial future looks assured and this season he will stand at a fee of $20,000. According to Cox, there is no shortage of drawcards in the catalogue. “One of the highlight lots for Dewar would be the broodmare Pwerfect (Pentire), who’s the dam of Beau Dazzler,” she said. “He was a stakes winner earlier this season, then came over for the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and didn’t have much luck in that race. He’s a high-profile horse for that mare and is running in Group Ones. “Dolce Amore (NZ) (Sebring) is another notable mare. Her progeny have sold for up to $260,000 and she leaves a beautiful type. “In the Elsdon Park reduction sale, there’s a weanling filly by Hello Youmzain out of the Group-placed mare O’Angel (NZ) (Cape Blanco). Her first foal, a son of Shooting To Win, was sold after winning a trial. Fraser Auret trained him, and he later came back and bought the half-sister by Shalaa. “This is a really nice filly with a Book 1 pedigree. So she could be a fantastic pinhooking opportunity, or a lovely filly to race and then put into a broodmare band later on. O’Angel is for sale herself as well.” Cox also highlighted Lot 6, a weanling filly at by Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) winner Noverre (NZ) out of Queen Of Pop (NZ) (Pins). “Noverre is leaving a fantastic style of horse,” she said. “We have shares in the stallion, so we have more of his progeny in the paddock. “This filly’s dam Queen Of Pop was Group Two-placed and fourth in a Group One, and she has left the Group winner Pop Star Princess (NZ) (Makfi) and stakes-placed Queen Of Zealand (NZ) (Savabeel). So this filly’s a half-sister to two stakes performers. Her half-brother by Ardrossan sold for $440,000 at the Ready to Run Sale last year.” Bidding on the first lot will close from 7pm (NZT) on Tuesday 25th June. View the full article

Matamata trainer Paul Richards will head north to Pukekohe on Wednesday with just the one runner, but he is hoping that is enough to add to his season haul of six victories. Waikato Stud-bred and raced filly Rhythm ‘N’ Spice (NZ) (Ardrossan) will make her debut in the First Weanlings By Sword Of State 1200, and takes winning trial form into the race. The daughter of Ardrossan has had four trial outings, winning her most recent trial over 950m on the Cambridge Synthetic last month. Richards was pleased with her performance but said she is more suited to grass tracks and is looking forward to her making her debut on that surface this week. “She is in good order. It is nice to have one for Waikato Stud and hopefully she can do a bit of a job,” Richards said. “Her trial was good. That is not her ideal footing, she has got an action that prefers a bit of cut in the ground, hence why she is at Pukekohe tomorrow.” Richards will go from trainer to sponsor at Oamaru’s meeting on Thursday, where the former jockey will join his son Jamie and a number of other former and present riders in sponsoring the nine-race card. “Jack McKenzie (Oamaru Jockey Club) has been on the phone looking for a bit of sponsorship, so we got involved there,” Richards said. “It was a good track to ride on, they could win from anywhere, and I rode a lot of winners there.” Richards will return to his training role this weekend where he will line-up last start placegetter Letsbringthebling (NZ) (Shocking) who is dual nominated for Tauranga on Saturday and Te Aroha on Sunday. “It was a nice placing last start, and the heavy track isn’t going to concern her, she likes to get her foot in a bit. She should be competitive,” he said. Meanwhile, Richards’ eight-win gelding Seajetz (NZ) (Iffraaj) finished runner-up behind Helena Baby (NZ) (Guillotine) in a hurdle trial at Cambridge last month, but he has no intentions of sending him out over fences on race day. “That was more of a training tool,” he said. “The owners don’t want to jump him, but I talked them into giving him a hurdle trial, more as a training aid than anything. You have got to mix it up a bit with him, it keeps him interested. “He won’t be seen hurdling and will probably go to Hastings in a couple of weeks.” View the full article

Ashburton trainers Sarah and Matthew Smith are looking forward to heading to Oamaru on Thursday where they will line-up a trio of runners. Daphne Dior (NZ) (Shamexpress) will make her southern return in the Paul Richards 65 (1200m) after venturing to Ellerslie in March to tackle the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m). While she finished last in the nine-horse field, her trainers said she benefited a lot from the trip away and they are looking forward to getting her back to the track after enjoying some time in the paddock. “She flew up (to Auckland) and trucked back, which took a wee bit out of her,” Sarah Smith said. “We chucked her out for a wee bit and it has definitely made her mature a lot. She went up by herself and she did everything right in terms of eating and travelling, it would have done her the world of good. “We will put a line through last start, she did do a lot wrong at Auckland and got on the wrong leg around that bend going the other way. “She will possibly need the run on Thursday, she will improve off that. She tries really hard. She raced on a Heavy10 at Kumara, so I think she will get through the ground alright.” Daphne Dior will continue on the Pearl Series path this preparation, missing out on her initial Pearl Series target at Phar Lap Raceway earlier this month after the meeting was abandoned, but will get back on track in her next start. “She was heading for that Pearl Series race at Timaru, so this is just our backup option,” Smith said. “We will go onto Wingatui, there is a Pearl race there for her. This is just about getting a run under her belt really.” Smith will also line-up Thistle (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) in the Opie Bosson 65 Jmps (2200m) and Sacred Dior (NZ) (Sacred Falls) in the James McDonald 65 (1600m). “Thistle will love the (heavy) ground,” Smith said. “She has just got to get moving a bit earlier, that is her problem, she just takes a bit of time to wind up. “The 2200m will suit her. We have got Kavish (Chowdhoory, jockey) on, he asked to ride her so we will give him a go.” “Sacred Dior has been working well. I am just hoping that we get a nice run into it from (barrier) nine. “She has led up in her last two races, so we are just trying to teach her not to be so fierce and hopefully she will get up over a bit of ground eventually. Corey (Campbell, jockey) will tuck her in somewhere and she should hit the line strong. “Her heavy form has been good. She got a fourth at Kumara, but she ran home the fastest in the race that day.” The Smiths bred and race both Daphne Dior and Sacred Dior, with the Dior name paying homage to a former stable favourite. “I used to do a lot of showjumping and I had a mare off the track called Dior Rose,” Smith said. “I got her in-foal but I lost her and the foal. She was my pride and joy, I had a lot of success with her. I have named them in her honour.” Meanwhile, Smith is already looking forward to spring racing following the return of three-win gelding Sauvage (NZ) (Time Test) to the stable this week. “Sauvage has come back into work this week, we are quite excited about his future. He finished off the season really strong,” she said. “We will look to kick him off somewhere in September and find something for him over Cup Week. There are those Southern Mile series races for him as well.” View the full article

Krystal Williams will head south to Oamaru’s meeting on Thursday with a quintet of runners and she is hoping to return home with a couple of winners cheques. “There are a few nice ones,” she said. “The Roaring Tiger is having his first run back and the others have had 10 days off and are coming back to racing.” On The Rivet (NZ) (Sweet Orange) will be fresh-up in the Opie Bosson 65 & Jmps (2200m) after winning and finishing runner-up in his prior two starts. The son of Sweet Orange is looking forward to getting his toe in the ground on what was rated a Heavy9 track on Tuesday morning. “He loves the mud and that is what we are going to Oamaru for, he has got to get on those grass tracks,” said Williams, who trains in partnership with her father Kenny Rae. “He is probably my favourite one to ride at the moment, he has been working well and I would like to see a good run from him.” Stablemate Blood Diamond (NZ) (Makfi) has finished runner-up in her last two outings and jockey Yogesh Atchamah is determined to go one better in the Harold Pateman 65 (1600m). “Blood Diamond is really looking for that win,” Williams said. “Yogesh is excited to try and do that, he loves to ride her and is determined to stay on her. She should go well and give another honest run and is another one that loves a wet track.” Sunset Express (NZ) (War Decree) has also placed in his last two outings and will make his stable debut in the Russell Mcara Maiden (1600m), while Berbizier (Foxwedge) will be looking for redemption in the Paul Richards 65 (1600m) after dislodging jockey Warren Kennedy shortly after the start at Riccarton last week. “Sunset Express hasn’t been with us that long,” Williams said. “We are training him for Peter Rudkin and he has come to us in the last month. He ran third last start at Invercargill. “He is doing well in our stable environment and has been looking very good. For a small horse he seems to gallop quite nicely so it will be interesting to see how he goes. “Berbizier tripped over coming out of the gates the other day, so we have had to back him up again. The owners don’t want him to go on too Heavy of a track, but we are so limited with what we have go, so we will see what happens there.” Looking ahead to the weekend, Williams is set to head to Riccarton with a couple of juveniles. “I have got two two-year-olds lining up at Riccarton,” she said. “Bax Factor won his three-horse trial the other day at Timaru. He won quite nicely, which surprised us all because he wasn’t a horse we thought could win like that. He has improved since that trial and it will be interesting to see how he goes. “I have got The Rustler having another start. He didn’t go that well at Wingatui but we have got to see a bit of improvement in him before we turn him out.” View the full article

Promising three-year-old Eliud (NZ) (Almanzor) is expected to relish the step up to a middle distance when he makes his Australian debut on Saturday. The Tony Pike-trained son of Almanzor earned a trip to Melbourne off the back of a brace of domestic victories and travelled over without incident last Wednesday. “He has been nominated for Mahogany Series and will run at Flemington in the three-year-old 2000m race,” Pike said. “Should he go as expected on Saturday, the final is two weeks later over 2500m.” Eliud opened his current preparation with a runner-up finish and has subsequently posted effortless victories over 1400 and 1600m. “Obviously, his maiden win was against pretty weak company at New Plymouth and then he beat a couple of pretty handy three-year-olds (Bozo and Loch Katrine) at Wanganui,” Pike said. “There’s nothing really left here for him at this point of time, so while he’s on the way up we thought we’d give him the chance at the series in Melbourne. “They do it well for those early winter horses and Blake Shinn has been booked to ride him.” Eliud was a $320,000 Karaka purchase out of breeder Valachi Downs’ draft and is a son of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) winner Pendleton (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle). The Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner Viewed (Scenic) also features on his pedigree page. “He’s bred to stay all day and has been really strong at both ends of his races to be fair,” Pike said. “He’s put a good margin over them late in his races up to a mile so 2000m should suit.” In the meantime, Pike will have a quartet of runners at Wednesday’s meeting at Pukekohe. “They are all chances and it might be a bit of a lottery with the track conditions (Heavy 10), but they should all run well,” he said. “I think Delz Abeel will take good improvement from his debut run and should go close and Poetic Justice has been working really well, they are probably the two main hopes.” Delz Abeel (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was a first-up third over the course and distance earlier this month and contests the Hallmark Stud Maiden (1200m) while Poetic Justice (NZ) (Almanzor) was second at Te Aroha and bids to go one better in the Stella Artois Maiden (1600m). Revuelto (NZ) (Reliable Man) is likely to appreciate the gradual step up in trip in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis Maiden (1400m) and the consistent Maldini (NZ) (Tarzino) will end his current campaign when he steps out in the Skycity Horizon Handicap (1600m). “Maldini got stuck in the worst of the ground the other day with 60kg and he’s probably drawn (gate two) in the wrong part again,” Pike said. “He is a really genuine horse though and we’ll give him a freshen-up after this and bring him back for the spring.” View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, June 19, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble The Hillside track at Sandown is the destination for racing in Victoria on Wednesday afternoon, with eight events set down for decision. A cold but clear day is forecast, meaning the track is likely to remain in the Soft 6 region. Racing will commence at 12:25pm AEST, with the rail out 8m for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Sandown: Rhapsody Chic Rhapsody Chic produced a breathtaking finish first-up in a 1200m BM64 at Seymour on May 31. The four-year-old was towards the rear of the field upon turning for home, but with some top-class sectionals late and a gun ride, the son of Sacred Falls managed to get up in the shadows of the post. He steps up to 1300m and into BM70 grade, which looks ideal second-up. Blake Shinn and barrier one are massive ticks, and with even luck, Rhapsody Chic should be winning again. Best Bet Race 8 – #12 Rhapsody Chic (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Blake Shinn (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Star Vega It was a tough watch for those on Star Vega when he made his return from a spell at Bendigo. The four-year-old gelding did not see clear air until the final 100m, but once he did, he launched late to finish within two lengths in an eye-catching performance. The son of Lope De Vega has two wins and a second from three starts on the Hillside track, and although barrier two is a slight concern, Luke Currie is in top form and Star Vega should have no issue in finding clear air and blousing her rivals. Next Best Race 6 – #14 Star Vega (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Luke Currie (60.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Sandown: Knucklebones David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins send three-year-old filly Knucklebones back to Sandown following a couple of average efforts at Caulfield. The daughter of Savabeel tends to do her best racing when up on speed, and from barrier 11, Jamie Mott will likely have his mount bounding along out in front for her third crack at the mile. In a race that lacks tactical speed, Knucklebones can run a bold race at a nice price with horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Knucklebones (11) 3yo Filly | T: David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins | J: Jamie Mott (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Sandown Wednesday quaddie tips – 19/6/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, June 19, 2024 1-7-9-11 1-3-8 1-4-7-8-10-12-15 12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King Street, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Monday, June 10, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Canterbury Park Racecourse on Wednesday afternoon, with a competitive seven-part program set for decision. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit, and although the surface is rated a Heavy 9 at the time of acceptances, the track should be improving throughout the week thanks to sunny skies forecast on Monday and Tuesday. The first race is scheduled to get underway at 12:50pm AEST. Best Bet at Canterbury: Loco Loco looks set to peak third-up into the campaign after hitting the line well at Warwick Farm on June 5. The son of So You Think found the 1600m short of his best trip and lacking race-day fitness second-up after almost a year off the scene. He brings an element of class to this BM72, and although he needs to lug 60.5kg to victory, Loco should prove classy enough to get the job done. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Loco (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Chad Schofield (60.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best: Summer Loving Summer Loving returns after a 262-day spell and looks perfectly placed in maiden company. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly has gone winless across nine starts to date, with most of her runs contesting Group level competition, including a disappointing effort in the Flight Stakes (1600m) on September 30 to end the preparation. She won a trial by six lengths at Randwick on May 31 heading into this to build confidence, and with Tim Clark likely to adopt front-running tactics from stall four, Summer Loving should give followers a bold sight. Next Best Race 3 – #7 Summer Loving (4) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (55kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Canterbury: Houdini Spirit Houdini Spirit makes his debut for the Gary Portelli barn on the back of an impressive piece of work at Hawkesbury on June 3. The son of Harry Angel cruised up to them with relative ease on that occasion, managing to put a three-length margin on his rivals with minimal urging. Zac Lloyd gets the appointment for race-day, and although he may have a difficult task crossing from stall nine, provided Houdini Spirit can get across without doing too much work, this guy should figure in the finish. Best Value Race 1 – #4 Houdini Spirit (9) 2yo Colt | T: Gary Portelli | J: Zac Lloyd (58kg) Bet with Dabble Canterbury quaddie tips – 19/6/2024 Canterbury quadrella selections Wednesday, June 19, 2024 1-4-5-6-10 1-2 2-4-7-8-10 1-2-4-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Matamata trainer Paul Richards. Photo: Darryl Shearer Matamata trainer Paul Richards will head north to Pukekohe on Wednesday with just the one runner, but he is hoping that is enough to add to his season haul of six victories. Waikato Stud-bred and raced filly Rhythm ‘N’ Spice will make her debut, and takes winning trial form into the race. The daughter of Ardrossan has had four trial outings, winning her most recent trial over 950m on the Cambridge Synthetic last month. Richards was pleased with her performance but said she is more suited to grass tracks and is looking forward to her making her debut on that surface this week. “She is in good order. It is nice to have one for Waikato Stud and hopefully she can do a bit of a job,” Richards said. “Her trial was good. That is not her ideal footing, she has got an action that prefers a bit of cut in the ground, hence why she is at Pukekohe tomorrow.” Richards will go from trainer to sponsor at Oamaru’s meeting on Thursday, where the former jockey will join his son Jamie and a number of other former and present riders in sponsoring the nine-race card. “Jack McKenzie (Oamaru Jockey Club) has been on the phone looking for a bit of sponsorship, so we got involved there,” Richards said. “It was a good track to ride on, they could win from anywhere, and I rode a lot of winners there.” Richards will return to his training role this weekend, where he will line up last-start placegetter Letsbringthebling who is dual-nominated for Tauranga on Saturday and Te Aroha on Sunday. “It was a nice placing last start, and the heavy track isn’t going to concern her, she likes to get her foot in a bit. She should be competitive,” he said. Meanwhile, Richards’ eight-win gelding Seajetz finished runner-up behind Helena Baby in a hurdle trial at Cambridge last month, but he has no intentions of sending him out over fences on race day. “That was more of a training tool,” he said. “The owners don’t want to jump him, but I talked them into giving him a hurdle trial, more as a training aid than anything. You have got to mix it up a bit with him, it keeps him interested. “He won’t be seen hurdling and will probably go to Hastings in a couple of weeks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Eliud will line-up at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Promising three-year-old Eliud is expected to relish the step up to a middle distance when he makes his Australian debut on Saturday. The Tony Pike-trained son of Almanzor earned a trip to Melbourne off the back of a brace of domestic victories and travelled over without incident last Wednesday. “He has been nominated for Mahogany Series and will run at Flemington in the three-year-old 2000m race,” Pike said. “Should he go as expected on Saturday, the final is two weeks later over 2500m.” Eliud opened his current preparation with a runner-up finish and has subsequently posted effortless victories over 1400 and 1600m. “Obviously, his maiden win was against pretty weak company at New Plymouth and then he beat a couple of pretty handy three-year-olds (Bozo and Loch Katrine) at Wanganui,” Pike said. “There’s nothing really left here for him at this point of time, so while he’s on the way up we thought we’d give him the chance at the series in Melbourne. “They do it well for those early winter horses and Blake Shinn has been booked to ride him.” Eliud was a $320,000 Karaka purchase out of breeder Valachi Downs’ draft and is a son of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) winner Pendleton. The Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner Viewed also features on his pedigree page. “He’s bred to stay all day and has been really strong at both ends of his races to be fair,” Pike said. “He’s put a good margin over them late in his races up to a mile so 2000m should suit.” Horse racing news View the full article

Queensland’s richest race, the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, headlined the massive day of feature racing at Eagle Farm last Saturday, while Sandown and Rosehill held strong support cards during the winter months. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, you will find three runners that are worth following after producing new career peaks in their respective races. You can add these horses to your blackbook with your chosen bookmakers so that you don’t miss out when they race again. Eagle Farm Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +4.5m entire circuit Race 9: Group 2 Q22 (2200m) | Time: 2:14.41 Horse to follow: Fawkner Park (1st) Following his third-place finish in the Group 1 Doomben Cup two starts back, Annabel Neasham entered Fawkner Park in the Group 2 Q22 last Saturday, and the son of Zoffany recorded a dominant 3.87-length victory. The lightly raced five-year-old gelding was met with a lot of support once fields were released, and he fully saluted for his followers in the final race of the Eagle Farm meeting. Tyler Schiller rode this talented stayer perfectly to make sure he was in clear air before straightening for home, and once he let down, Fawkner Park blew his rivals away with a devastating turn of foot. When to bet: Post-race Neasham confirmed that the Group 1 Caulfield Cup looks to be an ideal race for Fawkner Park, and he would go out for a spell before being set for a massive spring campaign. Online bookmakers shortened the Q22 winner into a $17 equal favourite for the Caulfield Cup, and he looks to be a good bet for futures players. Sandown Track rating: Soft 6 Rail position: +5m entire circuit Race 1: 2YO Handicap (1000m) | Time: 0:58.01 Horse to follow: Clean Reef (2nd) Ben, Will & JD Hayes sent Clean Reef to Sandown last Saturday for his raceday debut and the two-year-old filly would have impressed her connections as she ran home nicely from the back of the field to finish in third place over 1000m. The daughter of Lope De Vega jumped awkwardly from the barriers and was still second last with 400m to go, but when Jye McNeil asked for the ultimate effort, she let down with a strong finish, recording the equal-fastest last 800m (44.40s) and 600m (33.92s) sections of the entire meeting. When to bet: With a solid debut run under her belt, it is expected that the Hayes team will step Clean Reef out over 1100m or 1200m second-up, and if she finds a similar race on a big track, she will get every chance to break her maiden early on in her career. Rosehill Track rating: Heavy 9 Rail position: +6m entire circuit Race 3: Class 3 Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:27.39 Horse to follow: Know Thyself (1st) Know Thyself tasted defeat for the first time two starts back, and he entered last Saturday’s race at Rosehill as an odds-on favourite for the Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich stable, and he never looked to be in any trouble over the 1400m in heavy conditions. The son of The Autumn Sun settled in the box seat before running up the inside rail to run straight past the leaders and run away from them to record a massive 5.32-length victory. When to bet: It is expected that Messara & Gavranich will take this talented galloper through his grades during the winter months. Know Thyself has shown he can handle all conditions, so wherever he goes next, we will be backing him. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

Tuesday’s Group One Queen Anne Stakes (1,600m) kicks off five days of action-packed racingView the full article

Damien Oliver, along with fellow champion jockey Glen Boss, will light up the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival when he attends the Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon on August 1. (Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) Former champion jockeys Glen Boss and Damien Oliver, both inductees in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, are bound for the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival. Boss and Oliver will be special guests at the Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon at Fannie Bay’s Schweppes Pavilion on Thursday, August 1, leading into Palmerston Sprint Day on August 3. It’s a coup for the Darwin Turf Club, as Boss and Oliver have certainly left their mark on the racing landscape. Boss, who retired in November 2021, won three straight Melbourne Cups aboard Makybe Diva (2003-2005). He won 90 Group 1 races and finished with 2407 career wins. Oliver, who retired last December after famously winning the Damien Oliver Gold Rush at Ascot on Munhamek, won Australia’s biggest race aboard Doriemus (1995), Media Puzzle (2002) and Fiorente (2013). He won 129 Group 1 races — an Australian record — and farewelled racing with 3189 wins. The highly anticipated luncheon, which is one of the big off-track events during the Darwin Cup Carnival, always attracts a bumper crowd. Attendees this year will have the opportunity to hear Boss and Oliver talk about their illustrious careers in the saddle. Their unique experiences and perspectives are sure to make this an unforgettable luncheon for racing enthusiasts and guests alike. Darwin Turf Club chief executive Grant Dewsbury has expressed his excitement about the event. “The Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon is always a highlight of the carnival, and with Glen Boss and Damien Oliver attending this year, it promises to be a truly exceptional event,” he said. “Their stories and insights will undoubtedly captivate our audience, making this a must-attend event for anyone passionate about racing. “Tickets have been snapped up quickly, with both locals and interstate visitors eager to reserve their spots. “I urge anyone interested to go online or call the office to secure their tickets before it’s too late.” Following the luncheon, the 2024 Magic Millions Darwin Tried Horse Sale will be held in the mounting yard at Fannie Bay, with the next generation of potential Top End stars going under the hammer. Horse racing news View the full article

Luncies was a dominant winner of the 2023 Group 3 Tattersalls Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Kris Lees had a hunch that waiting for this Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m) would be the right move for Luncies. His decision was confirmed after considering the Group 2 Q22 (2200m). Forgoing a shot at the $1.2 million event keeps Luncies fresh for the $250,000 at Ipswich. Luncies has placed fifth in his two starts this campaign, most recently in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m). Lees is confident the horse is ready to peak in his next two starts. “He seems in good order. We considered today, but I thought dropping him back a peg might be beneficial,” Lees said from Eagle Farm on Saturday. “I think he’d have run well today, but next week is probably the softer of the two. “He’ll probably go from there to Caloundra. This looks a nice progression for him.” The $300,000 Caloundra Cup (Listed, 2400m) will be run at the Sunshine Coast on July 6. Horse racing news View the full article

Harry Coffey after winning Warrnambool Cup aboard Mystery Island. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Victorian jockey Harry Coffey will be out of the saddle for at least three weeks after undergoing surgery on Monday. The Swan Hill-based rider sustained an injury to his hand and wrist during the Swan Hill Cup carnival over the King’s Birthday long weekend. Scans last week revealed the extent of the injury. “He went and got it scanned the other day; it’s his wrist and his thumb,” Coffey’s manager Dean Hawkes told Racing.com. “They said if they didn’t operate, it would be a six- or seven-week injury, but if they do operate, it will only be three weeks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Matamata trainer Stephen Autridge. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A Heavy 10 track at Pukekohe Park was the key to Loch Katrine’s biggest career success as a juvenile, and the filly will meet the same conditions on Wednesday. The daughter of Ardrossan won the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) in April last year and has been a consistent performer without adding another victory for Matamata trainer Stephen Autridge. “When she won as a two-year-old it was very heavy and basically every time she runs on that sort of track she’s been in the money,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the wetter track on Wednesday with her and from now on. “We’ll have to see where we go now with her, she’s a three-year-old filly but those races are basically finished, so we’ve just got to go through the grades now.” Loch Katrine will be ridden by Autridge’s apprentice Maria Sanson, who was successful in both of her two riding assignments at Te Rapa last Saturday and claims three kilograms off the filly’s 58kg impost. “She’s been jumping well, but the jockeys have just been letting her drift back in her races. We’re going to try to ride her a little bit closer to the pace, so she doesn’t have so much to make up,” Autridge said. “With three kilos off her back from gate five, we should be in a nice spot.” Sanson has recorded 10 wins this season in the saddle and is nearing her career best of 13 from last term, despite several setbacks with injury over the duration of her apprenticeship. “She’s getting more and more rides, and she continues to improve,” Autridge said. “The good thing is, I think she has been granted extra time in her apprenticeship because she has had a few setbacks and time away, which will be good for her.” Autridge will have a sole representative over the weekend in Midnight Monarch, a three-year-old filly by Snitzel who will resume in the maiden 1200m contest at Te Aroha. “She has shown us quite a lot at home, but had to have a little chip taken out of her fetlock which has had her away from the races for some time,” Autridge said. Horse racing news View the full article

There are four horse racing meetings set for Australia on Tuesday, June 18. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Hawkesbury and Day 1 of the Royal Ascot Carnival in the UK. Tuesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – June 18, 2024 Hawkesbury Racing Tips Royal Ascot Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on June 18, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

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What Royal Ascot 2024 – Day 1 Where Ascot Racecourse – High St, Ascot SL5 7JX, United Kingdom When Tuesday, June 18, 2024 First Race 2:30pm BST (11:30pm AEST) Visit Dabble One of the biggest horse racing carnivals on the world racing calendar is set to get underway on Tuesday, with Day 1 of Royal Ascot providing a bumper seven-race program. Three Group 1 races share top billing, including the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1000m), where the Henry Dwyer-trained Asfoora will be waving the Australian flag. The forecast promises a Good 4 surface throughout the afternoon, with the opening event scheduled to get underway at 2:30pm local time. Queen Anne Stakes Tip: Facteur Cheval Facteur Cheval gets the nod in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) after securing a head-bobbing victory in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) on March 30. The son of Ribchester got a lovely run in transit before exploding down the centre of the course, holding off a gallant Namur in the shadows of the post. He loves genuine Good ground, and although key race rival Big Rock smashed him by six lengths at this course and distance last time they met, expect Facteur Cheval to turn the tables back on top of the ground. Queen Anne Stakes Race 1 – #8 Facteur Cheval (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Jerome Reynier | J: Maxime Guyon (58kg) +320 with Dabble King Charles III Stakes Tip: Believing Believing produced a blistering return to form at Haydock on June 8, going on to score an eye-catching 2.75-length win in the Listed Achilles Stakes (1000m). She cruised to victory after a disappointing trip to Hong Kong prior, unable to handle the Soft conditions at Sha Tin in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on April 28. The five furlongs seems to be her ideal trip moving forward, and although Daniel Tudhope may have work to do from stall one, Believing can only run well at a good each-way price with online bookmakers. King Charles III Stakes Race 3 – #9 Believing (1) 4yo Filly | T: George Boughey | J: Daniel Tudhope (59kg) +700 with Picklebet Best Bet at Royal Ascot: Notable Speech It’s all about the undefeated Charlie Appleby-trained colt Notable Speech in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes (1600m). The son of Dubawi tackled Group 1 company for the first time in the 2000 Guineas Stakes (1600m) at Newmarket on May 4, putting them away stylishly despite being held up towards the rear of the field. William Buick should get every chance to slot into a midfield position with cover throughout, and provided he gets even luck in running, expect Notable Speech to be too classy for this lot. Best Bet Race 4 – #6 Notable Speech (5) 3yo Colt | T: Charlie Appleby | J: William Buick (58kg) +135 with Neds Next Best at Royal Ascot: Camille Pissarro Camille Pissarro loomed like the winner last start in the Group 3 Hill Stakes (1200m) at Curragh on May 25, but couldn’t manage to get by a stout Arizona Blaze. He looked to be unsuited by the moderate tempo as Ryan Moore pulled the whip a long way out, seemingly peaking on the run as the two-year-old got within a nose. He could be drawn on the wrong part of the track if the near side has favours down the Royal Ascot straight, but leave it to star hoop Ryan Moore to give Camille Pissarro every chance to make amends for his last start defeat. Next Best Race 2 – #5 Camille Pissaro (2) 2yo Colt | T: Aiden O’Brien | J: Ryan Moore (58.5kg) +600 with Bet365 Horse racing tips View the full article

Jockey Juan Hernandez, trainer Phil D'Amato and owner Paul and Zilla Reddam's Reddam Racing emerged victorious in their respective divisions during the 29-day Hollywood Meet at Santa Anita, which closed Sunday, June 16. Hernandez, a native of Veracruz, Mexico, was celebrating a sixth riding title at Santa Anita, having ridden 36 winners from 176 mounts (20.5%), one clear of Antonio Fresu, who joined the local riding colony just over 14 months ago. The Italian had one last chance to dead-heat with Hernandez, but fell just short in Sunday's 12th and final race aboard Anmer Hall for trainer Steve Knapp. Hernandez was also leading rider by earnings ($2,008,398) and stakes wins (five). “When I moved here the plan was to do good and ride hard all the time,” said Hernandez, who rides any number of top horses for trainer Bob Baffert. “It's a lot of fun riding a horse and competing with these guys. We have a really nice colony of jockeys. It is really fun and [Fresu] put me under a lot of pressure this time. My agent, Craig O'Bryan, he put me on good horses. I want to thank the owners, trainers and my family for all the support this meet. Hopefully we can keep rolling.” D'Amato struck with 22 of his 120 starters (18.3%), finishing five better than trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill. His $1,397,432 in earnings and six stakes victories were also tops among all trainers. “It's a testament to having really good horses, great owners and great help,” said D'Amato, a 48-year-old native of nearby San Pedro, CA. “You put those all together and you'll have success.” Reddam Racing was the meet's top owner with seven wins, one better than Red Baron's Barn/Rancho Temescal. Racing returns to Santa Anita for the Autumn Meet on Sept. 27. The track will stage the inaugural running of California Crown Day, highlighted by the $1-million California Crown, a prep for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at nine furlongs on the main track. The post Hernandez, D’Amato, Reddam Secure Hollywood Meet Titles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs will play host to the 2024 Track Superintendent Field Day Sept. 8-10, beginning with a welcome reception the night of Sept. 8 followed by two days of the conference. The 2024 agenda will be developed by the advisory committee of seven racetrack superintendents with knowledge and experience with all types of surfaces: Leif Dickinson, Sean Gault, Glen Kozak, Jake Leitzel, Dennis Moore, Jim Pendergest, and Jamie Richardson. Speakers, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations will take place at Churchill Downs. The topics will include sharing of best practices as well as discussions of the work done by racetrack superintendents and maintenance crews. A focus of the 2024 event will be workforce challenges in racing. Remi Bellocq of the Bluegrass Community and Technical College will lead a panel to discuss workforce needs and support from the community college system. Registration fees will be free for track superintendents thanks to key sponsors which include Equine Equipment, Equine Discounts, and Horsemen's Track and Equipment. The 2025 event will be held at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania, with dates to be announced during this year's event. The post Track Superintendent Field Day Set For September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article