Wandering Eyes

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

Express Coup (NZ) (Shamexpress) returned to her form of old when taking out the George and Mary Hennessy Open (1200m) at Phar Lap Raceway on Tuesday, and trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman are hoping she can now fulfil the potential they saw in her formative years. The five-year-old daughter of Shamexpress jumped well from her ace draw and maintained her advantage on the inside for jockey Ashvin Goindasamy, taking on the pace making role. While she led the field into the home straight, stablemate Makabar (NZ) (Swiss Ace) loomed ominously on the inside, but Express Coup showed her resolve and rallied, with her tenacity showing in the concluding stages as she strode out to a 2-1/4 length victory. Michael Pitman was confident of a bold showing on Tuesday and he was delighted to meet his mare in the winner’s stall. “I said to Ashvin that if you lead, you’ll win, it was that sort of race, it was her race to win,” he said. “We thought she would win it on her recent efforts. She failed at her last start because she hates the poly, so she won’t be going there, but prior to that her form was really good and her work at home had been extremely good. “At the top of the straight I thought, and so did Kylie (Williams, jockey aboard Makabar), that Makabar was going to go straight past her, but she just wanted to win, she tried really hard. “It was lovely because Ray and Jill Coupland (part-owners) have been a major part of my whole career, so it was great that they had a winner.” Pitman always had a lot of time for Express Coup, and he believes she can now fulfil the potential she had shown earlier in her career. “A couple of years ago, she and (subsequent Group Three performer) Third Decree (NZ) (War Decree) were the form South Island horses through the winter months,” Pitman said. “Third Decree went on with her form, but Express Coup got hurt and she might just be starting to come back to it (form). “They competed two or three times against each other and there was very little between them, but it’s history that shows Third Decree has gone right up to the top level whereas Express Coup has dropped down the grades. But she certainly has the ability.” While victorious in open company on Tuesday, Pitman said he will now be looking for a rating 75 contest for her next assignment before setting his sights on loftier goals. “She was only a 67 rater before today, and being a $22,000 race, the handicapper shouldn’t be too hard on her,” he said. “She will be eligible for a rating 75 1200m somewhere, and that’s where we will be looking at.” Pitman was pleased to secure the quinella with Makabar, and said the nine-year-old will continue to campaign through colder months. “Wherever it is wet, is where he will go,” Pitman said. “He has won open sprints at Riccarton before, so we will be aiming there.” View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Andrew Sharpe is leaning on his winning experience from last year as he looks forward to this week’s New Zealand amateur drivers’ championships. The championships kick off at Cambridge on Thursday and then head to Addington for more racing on Friday and Sunday. Last year Sharpe, who works for Ray Green at Lincoln Farms in Pukekohe, won at his first attempt. He was third equal going into the final day only to win twice at Addington to leapfrog Michael House and Cheree Wigg to claim the title. “I don’t know whether to bring the cup south or just leave it up here,” he laughs. So what will be his approach as defending champion this week? “A lot of it comes down to the horses you’re drawn and luck in the running.” Among the things he learnt last year was “not to overthink it too much.” “The key is to drive horses on their merits and there is no point overdriving them just because you need the points.” The top five drivers from both the North and South Islands over the past 12 months were selected for the championships. NORTH ISLAND – Bruce Hadley, John Kriechbaumer, Frank Phelan, Andrew Sharpe, Craig Sharpe. SOUTH ISLAND – Alan Edge, Michael House, Neil Munro, Colleen Negus, Cheree Wigg. Of the drivers at this year’s championships Colleen Negus is the most successful. She has won it twice before. She won outright in 2017 and then dead-heated with Neil Munro in 2018. The most successful amateur since the first championships in 2002 is three time champion Gavin Cook. He also won the world amateur championships in 2008. The Points allocation for the three races are as follows : 1st = 7 points 2nd = 5 points 3rd = 4 points 4th = 3 points 5th = 2 points 6th = 1 point To see Thursday’s opener for the championships click here View the full article

Friday Night Lights will be brought forward half an hour this week. Addington will host 12 races on Friday starting at 4.08pm with Auckland’s nine race card kicking off at 4.48pm. Because of Addington’s early start Trackside’s Friday Night Lights (FNL) show will start at 4pm rather than 4.30pm. Addington’s last race is set for 9.43pm with Auckland wrapping up at 8.56pm. View the full article

Every month HRNZ selects an Owner and Breeder of the Month award. It is done randomly with the only proviso being that you must have won a race during the month. For May Michelle Caig was named Breeder of the Month after Abull’s win at Winton on May 4 while Jono Ansley was the Owner of the Month after Double Parked’s success at Alexandra Park on May 23. Breeder of Month – Michelle Caig Abull’s more than five length win at Winton was his first success at start number seven. Breeder Michelle Caig wasn’t on-track as she was working out of town but “I did watch it on my phone.” “It’s a thrill to win on my home track or any track for that matter,” she says. The six-year-old is by Raging Bull out of Chloe Finn. “I like the fact Raging Bull was by Christian Cullen and like the thought of breeding to our colonial stallions,” says Caig, who’s been breeding horses for over 20 years. Sun Mist was “her rock” and the Sundon trotting mare, a daughter of the champion Merinai, has been a super producer with the likes of Sonofanearl (7 wins), Pretty Sunday (15 wins), Rosemma (10 wins), He’s Like The Wind (6 wins), and Flying Without Wings (5 wins). As for her favourite? “I don’t like to single out my best horses (it’s like asking who your favourite child is) but Leaf Stride was my heart horse.” Leaf Stride won two from 10 in this country before going to Australia. His record now stands at 10 wins from 49 starts. Now she is breeding from two broodmares. She’s Like The Wind (Majestic Son – Sun Mist) is in foal to Orlando Vici while Shake It Up (Majestic Son – All Settled Down) is in foal to Volstead. Owner of the Month – Jono Ansley Ansley is a first-time race horse owner who’s having a great run with Double Parked. He’s part of the Young Wons syndicate that co-owns the Downbytheseaside four-year-old along with Philip and Glenys Kennard. The Young Wons syndicate is made up of a number of friends and associates of syndicate “boss” George Breckon, Ken and Karen Breckon’s oldest son. “I met George and his brother Andrew at the start of 2020 and they have been excellent in the way they’ve organised this syndicate.” Double Parked has won three from 12 with five other placings with the syndicate known for its boisterous celebrations of any success. “It has been amazing to be part of the Young Wons syndicate and experiencing the journey from an idea, to the purchase, all the way to the winners’ lounge,” says Ansley, “we’ve been very fortunate Tony (Herlihy) has been able to train and race Double Parked so well and podium almost every time he hits the track, so yeah it’s been a lot of fun!” “It has been my first time owning a race horse and I have a pretty good feeling it won’t be the last!” View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Buoyed by the success of their first purchase, the Southland-based Broke Boys syndicate are doubling down. The group of 20 and 30-somethings started out with the very handy Ah Dinnae Ken and have more recently acquired a second trotter in Massive Merc. “With Ah Dinnae Ken we had a bit of money in the kitty so we thought we’d go again,” says syndicate spokesman Rory McCall, a sheep farmer from Gore (pictured above, third from right). McCall had previously raced some good performers with Wyndham trainer Craig Ferguson – “we’ve been mates right through school” – including No More Change (7 wins) and Havinaravup (4 wins). Then last year he thought it would be a good idea to get a syndicate together. “I messaged a few of the guys and got the big thumbs up.” “There are 14 of us in it – we’ll all in our late 20s – mid 30s. There are sheep farmers, builders, stock agents and shearers and whatnot.” “About half of them are completely new to racing and never had a horse before and I’d say the other half have had one or two.” Ferguson acquired Ah Dinnae Ken, which means “I don’t know” in Scottish, from fellow Southlander, Edendale trainer Alex Milne. The horse won fresh up last November and has now won three from 11 starts for Ferguson, with stakes of around $30,000. With the Broke Boys relatively flush – “I wouldn’t say we are making too much” – they’ve decided to go back to the well. Ferguson was again given the brief to get a horse that was “ready to run”. “We wanted one was that good to go now rather than buying a yearling that would take two years to start racing,” says McCall. “It’s all about getting there and watching it race.” They, along with Daryl Olphert, purchased Massive Merc from Ashburton trainer Alan Clark a couple of months ago. So far he’s had 29 starts with his solitary win coming at Addington last October. “They (the syndicate members) are dead keen to get the new one into work and racing as well,” says McCall. “He’s spelling in Canterbury at the moment and Craig will get him in the next week or so and then put him into work with the hope of racing him at the end of September.” View the full article

Derek Leung Ka-chun hopes Voyage Samurai can overcome his wide draw as he bids for career win number six in the Class Two Cheung Sha Handicap (1,650m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The 36-year-old has been on board for all five of Voyage Samurai’s victories, most recently when the pair dominated from gate to wire to win a 1,600m Class Two at Sha Tin in April. As with most of Voyage Samurai’s wins, Leung controlled the fractions to a tee before unleashing a powerful turn of foot from the...View the full article

Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. This week we saw a potential new Steeple star in the making. Plus Sam breaks down all the action from a Super Saturday at Eagle Farm. Winter Weigh In, June 9 View the full article

A determination to secure a youngster by Spirit Of Boom had a favourable outcome for Berkley Stud at Ellerslie. The Edwina Morris and Alan Jones-bred Boombox (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) was successful just at his second appearance for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike. The two-year-old was offered through Berkley’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale draft and was knocked down for $50,000 to Jim Bruford’s Brewers Bloodstock. “That was a really neat result on Saturday after we had sold him to our good friend Jim Bruford, we’re very pleased for him,” Morris said. “He was a super colt with the most amazing temperament, he never left an oat or grain and always licked the bowl clean. He never faltered and we loved him.” The dam Viaductress was purchased in foal with Boombox with the help of Pinhook Bloodstock from KBL Thoroughbreds for $50,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. “We got her in Australia, Dave Mee spotted her for us and we wanted a Spirit Of Boom and that was the only way we were going to get one,” Morris said. “She was passed in and we had to deal privately to get her, we thought we might have got her a bit cheaper, but she is a lovely style of mare. “She’s black and strongly made and the type that you would think would leave a two-year-old.” Viaductress was the winner of five races up to 1300m and left multiple winner Kentucky Rose before joining Berkley’s broodmare band. She is by the Redoute’s Choice stallion Sharkbite out of the stakes placed Encosta De Lago mare Flawless Gem and the family of the dual Group Two winner King Ivor, whose half-brothers Snake Eyes and Linney Head were international Group winners. “Sharkbite wasn’t much, but we love that Redoute’s Choice blood,” Morris said. Viaductress, who is empty, produced a daughter of Highly Recommended in 2024. “She’s a gorgeous filly and the mare will probably go to War Decree this year, he can put nice leg into them,” Morris said. The 17-year-old Highly Recommended is a Berkley resident, although his popularity has waned. “She was the only thoroughbred mare he got, he’s breeding very good sport horses now. He looks super, but he’s not commercial anymore,” Morris said. View the full article