Wandering Eyes

Sovereignty rocketed to the No. 1 spot on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll released June 10, following his dominating win in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1). View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victories of Sapphire Beach and Hey Nay Nay. No Nay Never Sires Pair Of Juvenile Debut Winners Sapphire Beach, flying the flag for Three Diamonds Farm, won a five-furlong sprint over a sloppy Churchill main track on May 30 (video). Trained by George “Rusty” Arnold, the Charlie Brooks-bred re-rallied to finish second after being cut off by the winner, and the placings were reversed in the stewards' room. First an $85,000 RNA at the Keeneland September Sale, the No Nay Never filly sold for $57,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale to DKW Racing later that autumn. A half-sister to multiple group-placed Wall Of Fire (Canford Cliffs) and to the dam of South African graded winner Parisian Walkway (Ideal World), Sapphire Beach is the last known produce out of her dam, Bright Sapphire (Galileo). Her second dam, the Bluebird mare Jewel In The Sand, won the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes. Just two days later, fellow No Nay Never juvenile Hey Nay Nay triumphed over five furlongs on the Santa Anita turf course for trainer John Sadler (video). Owned by Hronis Racing and Iapetus Racing, the colt was bred by Lynch Bages, Camas Park and Summerhill Bloodstock in Ireland. Martin Anthony bought the dark bay for $300,000 out of the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. A half-brother to G2 Dubai City Of Gold hero Global Storm (Night Of Thunder) and the stakes-placed Where I Wanna Be (Camelot), Hey Nay Nay has half-sisters by Churchill and Pinatubo foaled in 2024 and 2025, respectively, yet to race. His dam, Travel (Street Cry), is a half-sister to the star-crossed GII Fantasy Stakes and GIII Honeybee Stakes heroine Eight Belles (Unbridled's Song), who ran second in the GI Kentucky Derby before breaking down past the wire. Coolmore's No Nay Never sired his 62nd and 63rd U.S. winners from 108 runners (58%) with the victories of Sapphire Beach and Hey Nay Nay. Of his 10 stakes winners there, GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Meditate is his best, while he also has GII Mrs Revere Stakes and GIII Matchmaker Stakes scorer Nay Lady Nay and GIII Palm Beach Stakes hero Vitalogy to his credit. The bay commands €125,000 this year. Asbury Park Pleases The Masses Upstate Peter Brant and St Elias Stable's Asbury Park (Frankel) graduated by 3 1/2 lengths at second asking at Saratoga on Friday (video). The victory was stylish enough to earn a coveted 'TDN Rising Star' badge for the Chad Brown trainee, who had run fifth on debut over this course 10 months ago. Bred by St Elias Stables, the bay is a son of the Listed Prix Coronation victress Limonar (Street Cry), and he sold for 250,000gns as a Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling to Brant's White Birch Farm in 2023. Great things are expected of the now-3-year-old colt, as he is a half-brother to stakes winner and G2 Gimcrack Stakes second Mokarris (More Than Ready), multiple graded/group winner and G1 Gold Cup/G1 Melbourne Cup third Spanish Mission (Noble Mission), and the stakes winner and graded-placed Dude N Colorado (Uncle Mo). Limonar is a half-sister to GI Shoemaker Mile Stakes hero Talco (Pivotal). Her Kingman juvenile colt is unnamed, she has a yearling colt by Cracksman, and her latest offspring is a Blue Point colt foal. Juddmonte's Frankel sired the G1 Betfred Oaks heroine Minnie Hauk on the same day Asbury Park returned to the winner's circle. In the U.S., the son of Galileo has 36 winners from 68 runners (53%) and 13 stakes winners. His quartet of American Grade I winners are McKulick, Measured Time, Inspiral and Lake Victoria. His 2025 fee is £350,000. ASBURY PARK makes a statement in Race 8, breaking his maiden and giving Flavien Prat his fourth win today and Chad Brown his third. pic.twitter.com/7veSg1EpIC — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 6, 2025 'Miami' Storms to Victory at the Spa Mark Dobbin's Storm Miami won for the second time in her career in her first start beyond a mile at Saratoga on Friday (video). Trained by Brendan Walsh, the 4-year-old Blue Point filly was bred by JC Bloodstock & Goodwill Bloodstock. Offered by Kilminfoyle House Stud at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale, the bay caught the eye of Brian Grassick and R Fitzpatrick, who bought her for €300,000. She won her debut at Naas under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons in July of 2023, and was second in the Listed Marwell Stakes there later that month. Switched to the Walsh barn after five Irish starts, the filly managed a third in Presque Isle's Lady Erie Stakes over the all-weather in August of 2024. Frankie Dettori was in the irons on Friday. Out of the stakes-placed Cosmic Love (Sea The Stars), Storm Miami is followed by the juvenile colt Ya Karim (Ghaiyyath)–a 200,000gns 2024 Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling purchase by Harry Charlton–and a yearling half-brother by Palace Pier. This is the family of G1 1000 Guineas heroine Virginia Waters (Kingmambo). Darley's Blue Point has sired eight winners (53%) in the U.S. from 15 runners anchored by GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf scorer and Tally-Ho Stud stallion Big Evs, as well as GIII Goldikova Stakes heroine Raqiya. Blue Point's 2025 fee is €100,000. Cracksman Filly Comes Good At Saratoga Team D's More For Sure (Cracksman) captured a maiden at Saratoga for trainer Tony Dutrow on June 5 (video). Part of the Phillistown House breeding programme, the 3-year-old filly was making her sixth start. A €42,000 weanling buy when snapped up at the Goffs November Foal Sale by Woodlane Stables and Peter Nolan, the May foal blossomed into a €160,000 Goffs Orby yearling when acquired by her current connections. The third foal and third winner for her dam, the winning Iffraaj mare Cascella, More For Sure has a 2-year-old half-brother by Australia. Granddam Lily's Angel (Dark Angel) won the G3 Chartwell Fillies' Stakes and was runner-up in the G1 Matron Stakes. Available for £12,500 at Dalham Hall Stud under the Darley banner, Cracksman has sired two winners from three runners (66%) in the States. On an international scale, his best is the undefeated G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero and Haras de Beaumont stallion Ace Impact. Repeat Winners Kodiac's Pipsy collected another graded victory in Thursday's GII Intercontinental Stakes at Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival (video). She races for Woodford Thoroughbreds and trainer Will Walden. PIPSY wires the field to win the Grade 2 Intercontinental Stakes with @jose93_ortiz up for trainer Will Walden. pic.twitter.com/7Lxb0i4mY3 — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 5, 2025 At Churchill, Out Too Late (Expert Eye) added another check to her win column for Pura Vida Investments and trainer Michael Maker that same day (video). The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival continued at Saratoga on Friday, with Dynamic Pricing (Night Of Thunder), bearing the Klaravich Stable colours, prevailing in the GI Just A Game Stakes for trainer Chad Brown (video). ASBURY PARK makes a statement in Race 8, breaking his maiden and giving Flavien Prat his fourth win today and Chad Brown his third. pic.twitter.com/7veSg1EpIC — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 6, 2025 Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Bruce Treitman's Sunset Glory (Cotai Glory) won for the fourth time in eight starts at Santa Anita on Friday for trainer Michael McCarthy (video). The post Making Waves: No Nay Never On The Double appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Wesley Ward has sent some very good horses to Royal Ascot over the years and has won 12 races there. Win No. 13 looked to be well within his reach as he was planning on sending Outfielder (Speightstown) to the GII Norfolk S. on June 19. The horse was so impressive when winning his debut that some believed he could be the best horse Ward ever sent to Ascot. But a Tuesday morning workout at Keeneland yielded a minor injury that will keep the two-year-old home. “We breezed him and there was a little bit of a shin issue,” Ward said. “It is very disappointing. With any horse, let alone one with this quality, you don't want to have any issues going into the race. This is just a minor problem and we're still hoping to have a great year with him. I'm still very excited about his future.” Ward remains hopeful that Outfielder can make the GI Prix Morny in Deauville, France on Aug. 24. The Kentucky-based conditioner has won that race three times, with No Nay Never (Scat Daddy) , Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy) and Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac ({GB}). With Outfielder sidelined, Ward will not have a starter at this year's Royal Ascot meet. Racing at Churchill Downs, Outfielder won his debut by 6 1/4 lengths and covered the five furlongs on the turf in :55.93 seconds. “He moves like a cat,” Ward said after the race. “Usually, big horses like him are kind of lumbery and they don't have the agility that this guy does.” The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Outfielder To Miss Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ag Bullet surged past male rivals in the stretch to register a clear win the $500,000 Jaipur Stakes (G1T) June 8 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Longtime Minnesota owner and breeder Pete Mattson had a big night at Canterbury Park June 7, sweeping both stakes races with Thealligatorhunter and Retired Kathy.View the full article

As winning trainer Miguel Clement politely answered questions about Deterministic's front-end victory in the Manhattan Stakes (G1T) as dusk approached at Saratoga, he kept two eyes on the video board replaying his first grade 1 victory.View the full article

Coolmore announced June 9 that Irish One Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Lake Victoria will not run at Royal Ascot next week, and will be rested in preparation for a late summer/autumn campaign.View the full article

Epsom's new general manager has said that "everything is on the table" in his mission to improve the Derby festival after a notable drop in crowd numbers at the track's flagship meeting.View the full article

On the June 9 episode of BloodHorse Monday, Louie Rabaut, Sean Collins, and Frank Angst recap the Belmont Stakes (G1) and hear from trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado after Sovereignty's victory.View the full article

Three stakes worth a combined $400,000 highlight the 2025 Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos that begins June 20 and concludes July 6.View the full article

Dollars & Sense with Frank AngstView the full article

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas plans to keep his string in Kentucky this summer instead of stabling at Saratoga Race Course as he has done for more than four decades.View the full article

Sovereignty rocketed to the No. 1 spot on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll released June 10, following his dominating win in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1). View the full article

It has been quite the purple patch for trainer Charlie Clover, who saddled his first winner on Thursday at Chelmsford, then another, and another, and another. In his first season based in Newmarket, where his brother Tom also trains, the 29-year-old has five juveniles among the 13 horses in his stable, and now four of those youngsters are winners. “It's extraordinary,” he says. “It's been a bit of a dream week really.” The dream started when Eclipser (Arizona), an €11,000 yearling purchase by the trainer, struck on her second start under Hector Crouch. Two days later it was the turn of Flowerhead, from the first crop of Starman and owned by Amo Racing, who also won at the second time of asking, having finished runner-up on her debut on May 12. This pair was followed on Sunday and Monday by the victories at Goodwood and Pontefract of A'Ali G (A'Ali) and No Spritz No Party (Sergei Prokofiev). Clover says, “To have got them through the whole yearling breaking-in and breeze-up process and to be out and winning races before Royal Ascot is quite remarkable really. They were all affordable horses as well, nothing with a big price tag. “A'Ali G was bought by a client of Jack Morland, who is a very good friend of mine, and the plan was to breeze him but he couldn't get in a sale because he was too small, so he ended up with me.” A former event rider, Clover has worked in racing for eight years. He served a stint in America with White Birch Firm and Christophe Clement, as well as assisting fellow Newmarket trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy, and is now based at Albert House Stables at the foot of Warren Hill. “I ride out anything from two to five lots a day,” he says. “There are only 13 horses here so we are all pitching in and mucking out. I drive the horse box. It's very hands-on at the moment.” He can also rely on help and advice from his brother Tom and sister-in-law Jackie, the daughter of the late Classic-winning trainer Michael Jarvis. “We talk a huge amount,” he says. “I was best man at Tom's wedding so he's a very close mate, as he is a brother. He would never offer advice unless I ask him, but if ever I ask him or Jackie, there are many aspects of this game to be learned and he has been there eight years longer than me, so it's great to have someone I can call up and double-check things with.” He adds, “Even the greats of the game are still learning every day. It would be very naive to think that there aren't questions that I need to ask.” Some of that early experience gained across the pond came in the stable of Christophe Clement, to whom many tributes have been paid since his death two weeks ago. Clover says, “It was touching after his passing to see the feedback from so many people who regarded Christophe as a father figure. You'd go there and he'd take you under his wing and treat you like family. When you're in a strange country in a new environment that was so comforting. He was a very talented trainer but also a very kind man who had a great work-life balance.” On his return from America, Clover was entrusted to look after Clement's most recent Royal Ascot runner, Pizza Bianca, ahead of her run in the Coronation Stakes, and now he finds himself in the position of pondering whether he may be represented by a runner of his own at this year's meeting. Regarding the potential participation of one or more of his recent winners, he says, “It's not a yes or no. Two of them are straight nos and two of them are maybes. There are still conversations to be had and to look at all of our options. “We'll make the decision based on what's the best thing to do for the horses and the owners and really what's the best chance of our being represented in a positive manner rather than just going for a day out. I might be there with one, might be there with two, but might be there with none. It's all about trying to work out the best plans for the horses and to give them the best chance of winning more races.” The post Young Trainer In Clover With Four Juvenile Winners in a Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Affinity Interactive, the parent company of Daily Racing Form has sold its advance-deposit wagering platform, DRF Bets, to 1/ST TECHNOLOGY who has rebranded the product as 1/ST BET PRO, the company announced Tuesday. Affinity Interactive and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY have partnered since 2011 on DRF Bets, with Xpressbet providing back-end technology, wagering, pathways, customer service, and data security. Tuesday's acquisition marks the next phase in a longstanding relationship between the two organizations. Customers of DRF will experience a seamless and secure transition to 1/ST BET PRO, with no changes to their user credentials, wagering interface, promotions, or key benefits. Beginning June 10, existing DRF Bets users can log in at 1stbetpro.com or via the new 1/ST BET PRO app on iOS devices using their current DRF Bets credentials. “This is a pivotal moment for Affinity Interactive and DRF,” said Scott Butera, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Interactive, the publisher of DRF. “This strategic transaction allows us to sharpen our focus on DRF's core strengths–premium racing data, expert handicapping, and compelling content. We are now better positioned to collaborate with a broader array of racetracks, wagering platforms, and sportsbook operators as an independent and innovative media and data company.” “This move enhances our ability to serve the broader horse racing and gaming ecosystems, supporting innovation, integrity, and new fan engagement,” added Butera. “We are proud of what we built with DRF Bets and are excited about this next chapter.” For 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, the acquisition further strengthens its market position as a leader in B2C and B2B wagering technology. Each year, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY services hundreds of thousands of bettors and is responsible for the transmission of billions of dollars in wagers. “1/ST TECHNOLOGY is committed to continuing to provide the consistent superior service and user experience DRF Bets customers have come to expect–now under the 1/ST BET PRO brand,” said 1/ST TECHNOLOGY President, Keith Johnson. “We look forward to welcoming DRF Bets customers and expanding our product offerings to horseplayers across the country and around the globe.” The post DRF Bets Sold To 1/ST Technology, Rebranded As 1/ST Bet Pro appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following Monday's decision to remove Tom Reilly as Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) CEO, board director Barb Saunders has resigned, citing governance concerns. In an email reported by the Herald Sun, Saunders expressed opposition to “giving jobs to the boys.” Reilly, former Thoroughbred Breeders Association CEO, replaced long-serving CEO Josh Blanksby but lasted just three months. His successor, Tanya Fullerton, was allegedly appointed without due process, according to Saunders, who also claimed she is personally connected to several current board members. Reilly, a former Sydney Morning Herald journalist, responded briefly on social media, “While I am disappointed to leave the MRC, I can say that during my time as CEO I always sought to act in the best interests of the club.” The post Reilly Comments On MRC Departure, Saunders Resigns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars CHATEAUNEUF - R9 (1) Is racing in strong form and will enjoy the benefits of Ellis Wong's claim Jay Rooney SMART FIGHTER - R4 (2) Returned to form last time out with a close third and strikes a winnable race Trackwork Spy GALAXY WITNESS - R7 (1) Big run for second last start and looks set to break a long winning drought Phillip Woo SOARING BRONCO - R3 (8) Deserves another win after filling the frame in four straight Valley runs Shannon (Vincent Wong) FLYING TING LOK - R2...View the full article

The Jockey Club will award a Racing Regulatory Veterinarian Fellowship, a loan repayment program that will award up to $25,000 in veterinary school loan repayment to an employed racing regulatory veterinarian, the entity announced Tuesday. “The racing industry suffers from a prominent shortage of equine veterinarians, something we must actively try to change to continue to improve the safety and integrity of our sport,” said Kristin Werner, deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives, The Jockey Club. “We hope this fellowship will incentivize recent veterinary college graduates to pursue or continue pursuing a career as a racing regulatory veterinarian by providing some relief from their veterinary school loans.” To qualify for this program, an applicant must: –Be employed at least half-time as a racing regulatory veterinarian in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico and have been employed at least half-time as a racing regulatory veterinarian for the past two years. –Be a graduate of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program (or equivalent) from an accredited college of veterinary medicine within seven years of the application date. –Have outstanding qualified educational loan debt borrowed for educational costs related to the graduate education of the veterinarian. Each year, The Jockey Club reviews applications to determine finalists and a panel of experts in veterinary medicine help select the award winner. The 2025 application window is open through Monday, July 7, 2025 with the winner announced at the Round Table Conference held July 31, 2025. The post Jockey Club To Award Racing Regulatory Veterinarian Fellowship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The unbeaten Falakeyah (New Bay), one of the leading fancies for Sunday's G1 Prix de Diane, will miss the race as she continues to return to form following a dirty scope. The Shadwell homebred, from the family of Group 1 winners Baaeed and Hukum, pleased Owen Burrows in her work on Tuesday morning but the trainer has opted to take a cautious approach. Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold said, “She scoped dirty two weeks ago, we treated her, she missed a gallop, and she worked this morning. Jim [Crowley] was delighted with her and said she worked really well, but Owen said she had a good blow afterwards and she would have a long day's travel over [to France] on Friday and it's just not a perfect preparation for a Classic. Unfortunately it's just bad timing.” With regard to the option of supplementing Falakeyah for the Coronation Stakes at Ascot a week on Friday, he added, “We'll sit back and look at all the options. It wasn't going to be such a question until Lake Victoria came out as we thought we weren't going to beat her, but that's opened the race up a bit. But the same rules apply – it's a Group 1 obviously and we won't supplement unless we're absolutely convinced that she's bouncing.” Gold and Burrows will also be on weather watch for Anmaat, who is entered in next Wednesday's Prince of Wales's Stakes at the track where he defeated Calandagan in last year's Champion Stakes. The seven-year-old son of Awtaad finished a close second on his seasonal reappearance in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. Gold said of the dual Group 1 winner, “He's a star and he ran a huge race the other day. I love the way he travelled through the race and cruised into it before just taking a blow in the last 100 yards, and it was a tough horse, Los Angeles, who beat him. “Owen says he has come out of the race well but it will just be a case of how fast the ground gets for next week. If it's proper fast ground we might have to have a think about it because he's seven now, and he's a very important horse for us for the rest of the season. With what he did last autumn, if he can do that again this year, it would transform our season, so we've just got to do everything right by him. “They always do a good job at Ascot and the fast ground horses want fast ground, so I'm not going to make a fuss, but he wouldn't want it rattling.” Shadwell's Elwateen (Dubawi), trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, ran seventh in the Oaks behind Minnie Hauk on Friday having been a promising fourth in the 1,000 Guineas. Issuing an update on her wellbeing, Gold added,”I spoke to Saeed yesterday and he said she seems fine, so it's a bit of a mystery. She just ran a very flat race for whatever reason. It wasn't just the trip, so we are back to the drawing board and we'll let her tell us when she's bouncing again. I wouldn't write off going a mile and a quarter with her.” The post Falakeyah to Miss Diane; Ground Key for Anmaat at Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Star galloper Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) has begun his build-up towards a spring campaign, with the Group One Memsie Stakes shaping as his potential return again, should things go to plan. After an autumn campaign in Victoria this year which included Mr Brightside claiming his ninth career Gr.1 win with a victory in the Futurity Stakes, the seven-year-old was taken to Hong Kong for the Gr.1 Champions Mile in late April, but failed to fire when finishing last in the field of 13. “He’s back in work. He’s great,” Mr Brightside’s co-trainer Ben Hayes said. “And potentially if all goes to plan he’ll look to kick off in the Memsie. “We’ll monitor him and just see how he is but it’s probably the most obvious race for him to kick off in.” Mr Brightside won the Memsie two years ago, while last year he finished second to Pinstriped when resuming from a spell. The weight-for-age Memsie (1400m) will be run on August 30. Hayes said Mr Brightside had to do two weeks’ quarantine in Hong Kong after he raced there in the Champions Mile and then completed another two weeks of quarantine in Melbourne. “He came out and had a very easy 10 days and he’s been under saddle since, so he ended up having nearly six weeks off,” Hayes said. “He put on good condition and came over looking fantastic. “We just put a line through the run (in Hong Kong). He was a bit too fresh, he over-raced and didn’t finish off. So that’s all it was.” View the full article

Jo Rathbone has spent most of her life immersed in the world of jumps racing, with a celebrated riding career, a couple of champion horses, and a rising profile in the training ranks already to her name. Growing up in the equestrian scene, Rathbone got a taste of the racing industry in her early teens, and after relocating to Palmerston North for university, a new door opened for the talented horsewoman. “I used to do a lot of eventing growing up and when I was about 14, I started riding trackwork around paddocks for an owner-trainer, Philip Rogers, who lived just out of Hamilton,” she said. “I did that in the school holidays. “When I went back to school, I rode for him in the mornings, then started riding for a couple of different people at Te Rapa. “After finishing school, I went down to Massey and my sister was working for Mark Oulaghan and she got me a job with him. I’d evented and show jumped, but I’d never schooled racehorses before over fences, which I learned to do with Mark. “I really enjoyed it, so I decided to give up university and ride jumpers instead.” Over the next decade, Rathbone would establish herself among the leading jumps jockeys in the country. She won over 100 races in the saddle, nearly half of those in partnership with Wanganui maestro Kevin Myers, and she also found plenty of success on her southern trips with former Ascot Park trainer Kelly Thompson. Rathbone guided a number of top jumpers to feature race success, but it was Gull, a Myers galloper with a slightly lower profile, who made a lasting impression – one that would come back to reward her later on. “Gull was a very special horse for me,” she said. “He didn’t win all the biggest races, but he made a really big impression on me and he’s the reason I bought Tallyho Twinkletoe, because his dam (Albacora) was a full-sister to Gull. “Sea King was another, I rode him a lot early in his career before he went to Australia and things like that, and I won the Northern and Waikato Steeplechase on Just The Man. “Rioch was another of my favourites, but he was pretty strong and you just had to lead or he would bolt until he was leading. But, once you were there, he was happy and would bowl along beautifully. I had quite a bit to do with him as I was working for Kevin at the time, he was a tough horse and would go all day. “There were many that stood out, but Gull was such a tough horse and one I’ll always remember.” Regularly travelling to each end of the country, Rathbone recalled fond memories of riding at Riverton, while the famous Ellerslie hill posed a challenge, both physically and tactically. “I loved riding at Ellerslie, it was a great course,” she said. “If you rode a smart race at Ellerslie, that made all the difference, saving ground and conserving your horse going up and down the hill. “Riverton was awesome, and not just for the course, it was always a great time going down there. The people were very welcoming and accommodating. The jumping course was great to ride around also, it had different jumps which made it interesting.” Rathbone took every opportunity that came her way and rode professionally in America, Ireland and Japan, all experiences she would recommend to any rider coming through the ranks. “It was an amazing experience, I think anyone that really wants to improve their riding will benefit from riding in another country,” she said. “It was fantastic, you see a different way of doing the same thing essentially. “I got to do what I really enjoyed, while also travelling and seeing other parts of the world.” The Jo Rathbone trained Billy Boy winning the ITM Manawatu Hurdles (2500m) at Trentham last Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Riding over fences is certainly not for the faint of heart and Rathbone endured her fair share of accidents, but injury was only a part of her decision to hang up the boots at the end of the 2014 season. “There were always horses I was looking forward to riding, and even though I broke quite a few bones and had a number of crashes, I just really enjoyed it and looked forward to every season,” she said. “It was only when I lost that excitement for a bit, that I decided it was probably time for me to stop riding. “Injury was another reason, I smashed my shoulder quite badly coming off Sea King, but then I did just randomly come back a year later and ride one horse in the Grand National Steeplechase because I’d told Kevin that I really wanted to ride him.” After piloting Roodyvoo to third in the Riccarton showpiece, Rathbone was all but retired, but after working closely behind the scenes with former Grand National Hurdles winner Mahanadi, she couldn’t resist the temptation to go one more time. “I didn’t ride again for another year and a bit, then there was just one horse, Mahanadi, that I’d said to Kevin that I wanted to ride in the Great Northern Hurdles,” she said. It was almost the fairytale finish, but Mahanadi was denied by stablemate Gagarin, and two races later, Rathbone got a surprise call up to ride the popular grey Snodroptwinkletoes in the Great Northern Steeplechase. “Snowy was my partner’s (Simon Harrison) horse, but I didn’t plan to ride him because I thought I would be too nervous,” she said. “I’d already got changed and gone down to the stables to put Snowy’s boots on, then the stipes came down and told me I’d have to ride him because Isaac Lupton was ill. I thought they were joking, I hadn’t ridden in a race for over a year and now I had to ride in two Northerns. But I did, and I made it around. Those were my last two rides.” ‘Snowy’ continued Rathbone’s bridesmaid streak when finishing second to a dominant Jack Romanov, but five years later, she was back on top of the podium with Magic Wonder, this time watching from the stands. The daughter of Eighth Wonder joined her stable in early 2018, and by August, she was winning her first and second attempts over fences, albeit straight into the steeplechasing role. “She was great, but she took a long time to get jumping,” Rathbone said. “She wasn’t a natural which is why she never had a hurdle race because if she wasn’t jumping a big fence, she was pretty dodgy. But over a steeplechase, she had a bit of respect for the fences and jumped properly.” Playing to her strengths, Magic Wonder would go on to do the Pakuranga Hunt Cup-Great Northern Steeplechase double in 2020. “She was a big, tough mare and it was amazing that she achieved what she did.” Amongst her success with Magic Wonder, there was another horse putting her name up in lights, that being Tallyho Twinkletoe. From the influence of Gull, Rathbone outlaid $9,000 to purchase the son of St Reims at the South Island Sale in 2012, and in the following decade, Tallyho Twinkletoe built a legacy that will be long-remembered in Australian and New Zealand jumping history. Initially trained by Rathbone, Tallyho Twinkletoe raced under Myers’ name as he transitioned into jumping and the gelding became the first horse to win the Grand National Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle crowns on both sides of the Tasman, with Patrick Payne overseeing his Australian campaigns. Rathbone revealed that it wasn’t all smooth sailing for her star jumper, with soundness issues throughout his career, but watching him complete the double-double in his swansong at Riccarton in 2021 made it all worthwhile. “He was a very special horse to me, not only because he was so good, but he had a lot of soundness issues, so it was quite a process with him,” she said. “Those kinds of horses mean a lot more, because you spend so much time with them. “He didn’t race between the ages of five and eight, because issues just kept coming up. I spent a lot of time just rehabbing him and getting him right, he only ever really galloped at the beach or in the forestry up the hill. “Simon and I raced him with Dave Macnab, who has been a huge influence in my life and as a racehorse owner. He was a great guy, he became like a grandfather to me, and it was great that we could race Tallyho Twinkletoe in his colours. “There were so many highlights with him, but winning the Australian Grand National Steeplechase was fantastic because we went over to watch him. I’d never been over to watch a jumping race there live and had a great trip. “His last race in Christchurch showed what an amazing horse he was, to complete the National double on both sides of the Tasman.” Rathbone’s story in jumps racing is far from over, exemplified over the weekend when her promising hurdler Billy Boy shot to prominence in the Manawatu Hurdles (2500m) at Trentham. The seven-year-old has a massive frame but is nimble over fences and delivered a timely victory for connections after the very recent passing of his owner Denis Leamy. “I was worried about the track and how heavy it was, but Denis was obviously watching,” Rathbone said. “He was a lovely person and a very good horseman, he’s been a very loyal owner to me over the years to which I am very grateful. “Billy Boy has always been a favourite of his.” View the full article

Economics, the winner of last year's Irish Champion Stakes, has been ruled out of the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot after pulling a muscle, according to a report by the Racing Post on Tuesday. Trained by William Haggas, the son of Night Of Thunder went unbeaten in his first four starts as a three-year-old, culminating with his maiden top-level victory at Leopardstown, before signing off with a below-par effort when sixth in the G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot in October. His return to action at Royal Ascot had been eagerly anticipated, but that is now set to be delayed in the short term by the setback which Haggas described as “no big deal”. In the absence of Economics, Los Angeles is now no bigger than 11/4 at the head of the ante-post betting for the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, with his closest pursuer in last month's G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, Anmaat, next best at a general 4/1. The post Economics to Miss Royal Ascot with Pulled Muscle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British EBF published its annual industry document on Tuesday, covering its activities for the 2024 Flat and 2024/25 National Hunt seasons. Maintaining record contributions to racing's prize-money at £2 million for the third consecutive year, the British EBF has been a leading supporter of the high-value development novice and maiden races and taken on sponsorship of the NH Junior Hurdle programme. The document details how funds are allocated following the generous contributions made by British stallion studs from their covering income, a system that has played a vital role in nurturing domestic prize-money for over 40 years. Two races are highlighted as examples of racecourses and the British EBF working together to provide successful development opportunities for horses destined for Group competition. The British Stallion Studs EBF Alice Keppel Fillies' Conditions Stakes, run on the second day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, has supplied nine individual stakes winners since its inception in 2019, including the subsequent G1 Prix de l'Abbaye heroine The Platinum Queen. Meanwhile, the recent roll of honour for Hamilton Park's British Stallion Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes, the course's only Listed race, features future Group 1 winners such as Defoe (2017), Subjectivist (2020) and Kalpana (2024). The British EBF Industry Document can be viewed here. The post British EBF Industry Document Published appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Peters’ family and trainer Michael Grantham have outlined Ascot carnival plans for Luvnwar (NZ) (War Decree) after she doubled up at Pinjarra on Saturday, attacking the line strongly to claim an impressive win in the Hygain Handicap (1400m). Punters had to wait until the final race on the programme, but the four-year-old justified her $1.60 TAB Touch quote, coming away to defeat Speed Demon by a neck margin after jockey Clint Johnston-Porter weaved a path between runners. It’s a cameo winter campaign only for Luvnwar, she’s done enough this time in with feature race plans later this year top of mind and she heads to the paddock undefeated after scoring first up over 1200m at Pinjarra two weeks prior. “Really happy with the two starts she’s had this time in,” Liam Peters said on Tabradio. “She looks like an absolute weapon and Michael’s had her right on point for these last two runs. “All eyes are looking to the carnival.” Peters said the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in Perth in November is the main target for Luvnwar. “Ideally, yeah,” Peters said. “It’s nice to have the option of dropping back to those mare races, but I think the mile is her sweet spot. “It would be the top goal to go there. “She’ll go for a little break now and freshen up for the carnival.” Luvnwar leaves her racing preparation on better terms than last year, giving the Peters’ family and Grantham renewed confidence ahead of her Ascot carnival assault. The daughter of War Decree ran second in the Gr.3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and was turned out after being unplaced in the Gr.3 Peters’ Classic (1500m) and the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m). “She’s come back a much bigger, stronger mare,” Peters said. “A bit more professional, a bit smarter, she knows what needs to be done and where the finish line is. “I don’t think it was anything done that was particular, other than general things to keep her happy. “Everything has gone smoothly as opposed to last prep where she put in that off run towards the end where we weren’t really sure what to do after that. “I’m really happy with the two starts she’s had this time in, and we couldn’t ask any more of her.” Luvnwar was purchased privately out of New Zealand by Liam Peters Byerley Bloodstock on behalf of his grandfather Bob, after finishing third in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farms Stakes (1400m) for trainer Terri Rae in October 2023. Luvnwar’s latest success took her to five wins and four placings from 12 race appearances with prizemoney just under A$300,000. View the full article

Stephanie Faulkner was in the spotlight on her home track of Phar Lap Raceway on Tuesday, collecting a fitting victory for the connections of He’s Tunza Grunt (NZ) (Pure Champion) in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Waimate Cup (1600m). The meeting was initially set to be run on Sunday, but after heavy rain through the week, it was rescheduled to Tuesday, and that was telling in the testing track conditions on course. One runner that was always going to appreciate the ground was He’s Tunza Grunt, Faulkner’s four-win galloper who came into the Cup underrated after resuming over 1200m in May. Riccarton visitor Iffididit was backed into odds-on favouritism and was prominent early from an outside barrier, while jockey Brandon May opted to settle near the tail of the field aboard He’s Tunza Grunt. Along the back straight, outsider Quartz Queen put a big margin on her rivals, but began to tire at the 600m and Iffididit and Midnight Runner hit the lead turning for home. Iffididit kicked clear at the 200m but was very wayward in the closing stages, just as He’s Tunza Grunt came powering over the top to score impressively by 1-¼ lengths. Faulkner had been slightly sceptical on entering the open contest early in his new campaign, but was thrilled to pull off the win. “I thought this may have been a bit ambitious second-up, but he’s an older horse and didn’t have a long spell, and being a lighter-framed horse, he’s come back pretty fit,” she said. “He loves those loose, heavy tracks and he’s pretty tough. “It was great to win today, I haven’t really looked at the programme but I’ll be doing that now. He was getting back down into 65 grade again, but he’ll be back up near open company now.” A son of Pure Champion out of an unraced Encosta De Lago mare Sacred Jewel, He’s Tunza Grunt has now earned over $100,000 for Diana Goodeve, a Waimate local and long-time supporter of the club alongside her late husband Bob. “It was a lovely win for Diana, she is from Waimate and they have put a lot of time and money over the years into supporting the Waimate Club,” Faulkner said. “I haven’t won this as a trainer before, and I actually ran second in it riding one of Bob and Diana’s horses years ago, back in the early nineties. “It’s probably one of Diana’s lifelong dreams to win this race, and I know Bob will be up there smiling.” Earlier in the meeting, Faulkner had taken out the opener with a new addition to her stable in Storms Ahead (NZ) (Astern). Formerly trained by co-owner Clinton Isdale, Storms Ahead was first-up since running at Pukekohe in October, but was well-backed in his southern debut closing at $2.40. In the hands of Tina Comignaghi, Storms Ahead was one of the slowest from the gates and ended up tailing the field early, as Lagobee strode out to a sizable lead. The favourite was giving his rivals a decent head start on the home turn, but going through his gears in the straight, he got up just in time to catch Queen Of Kings by a head. The son of Astern has made a good impression on Faulkner since arriving in her care and she was rapt with the effort. “Clinton Isdale part-owns this horse with Eddie Brooks, and he had sent him down with three or four weeks under his belt,” she said. “He picked up a little problem, so I’ve just been chugging him along. He’s had a good, slow, long build-up and he’s had a lot of miles in his legs. “He’s definitely not a front-running horse, but Tina said he’d come out of the gates quite awkwardly and in true Tina relaxed fashion, she let him find his feet and got him comfortable with a good amount of pace on. “He was able to get home over top, which was probably a bit of class showing through. “He’s a lovely, athletic looking horse and I don’t think that will be the last we’ll see of him, he’ll get up to 2000m or further, and he relished in the wet track today.” Bred by Inglewood Stud, Storms Ahead is out of a five-win mare Lakers Bay, who placed in a Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Handicap (1600m). The gelding was initially sold through the National Yearling Sales, but was subsequently reoffered through gavelhouse.com in May 2024, where Isdale secured the gelding for $1,000. View the full article