Wandering Eyes

In the TDN's Breeders' Cup Breakthrough series, we catch up with the six trainers who celebrated their first win at the Breeders' Cup World Championships in 2024. We discuss the road to securing that victory and what they hope to accomplish from here. Next up is Ger Lyons. After scoring in last year's GI Juvenile Turf Sprint with Magnum Force (Mehmas), the successful Meath-based trainer is hoping to get back to the same race this year with Lady Iman (Starman), who makes her next start in Friday's G2 Flying Childers Stakes. Read more from the series here. When Ger Lyons sent out his first Flat winner in October 1994, the two-year-old filly Maelalong (Maelstrom Lake) was his only horse in training. As Lyons recounts the story, his National Hunt string had left the yard that very morning. Few, at the time, might have imagined what lay ahead for the Co. Kildare native, who found his way into the sport without the benefit of any family connection in racing. Yet Lyons has never been one to dwell on circumstance. For him, the horizon has always mattered far more than the rearview. Even today, with his first Breeders' Cup triumph behind him, his drive is stronger than ever. “This is what I aimed for,” Lyons said as he reflected on his results from last November at Del Mar. “This is what I said I was going to do in my head. Now, saying it and doing it are two different things, but if I retire tomorrow, I've done okay. Will I ever be satisfied? Probably not. Because you always seem to be chasing it.” If determination has defined Lyons's career, it took root early. As a young boy, he watched the daily rhythm of Peter McCreery's yard from his window, and when he was older, went to work for the trainer himself. His parents urged him toward university, but Lyons had other ideas. “I knew what I wanted to do from day one,” he recalled. “I didn't want to stay in school, but there was no way that was going to happen because my parents didn't understand this game. The unwritten deal I did with them was that I'd do my Leaving Cert, but then I was out. I know I got my Leaving Cert, but I didn't even go collect it. I just went straight into McCreery's and carried on from there.” At age 20, Lyons headed to America to ride for Carl Nafzger, spending time at Keeneland and at Canterbury Park in Minnesota. He rubbed shoulders with the likes of Mike Smith, Kenny Black and Sandy Hawley—jockeys he hoped to emulate one day. All the while, he was intent on absorbing everything around him. “You learn by osmosis,” he cited. “The American exercise riders would go in and line up against the wall, waiting on their next horse to come out. I'd be in there tacking up or learning how to bandage.” One of the highlights of his time in the States was riding Smile (In Reality) in the run-up to his victory in the 1986 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint Stakes. The then-fledgling world championship meet left a lasting impression on Lyons, even if his own trajectory would soon veer in a different direction. A few years after his stint America, a serious injury as a National Hunt rider cut his career as a jockey short and set him on a new course as a trainer. Lyons ahead of his first ride for Peter McCreery | courtesy Ger Lyons The shift eventually brought Lyons full circle. Siskin (First Defence) handed Lyons his first Classic win in the 2020 Irish 2,000 Guineas and later carried him to his Breeders' Cup debut in the GI Mile. The following year, fellow Juddmonte homebred Acanella (Dansili) contested the Filly and Mare Turf. Neither Breeders' Cup attempt produced the results Lyons had hoped for, but in 2024 he struck gold when Magnum Force came flying from off the pace to win the Juvenile Turf Sprint. A homebred for Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Magnum Force's third-place effort in the G2 Flying Childers Stakes led Lyons to believe that the son of Mehmas was a good fit for five furlongs at Del Mar. “A fast five around the bend was made for a horse like him,” he explained. “The minute we saw this horse on the far side of the water, we knew he had arrived. Mentally, he was made for it. You'd see horses melting on occasion because there's a lot going on out there, but this horse just took to it. Realistically, he's a rock-and-roll six-furlong–maybe even a seven-furlong–horse, but he has the speed for five and he is only getting going. When they're stopping, he's just coming, and it played into his hands.” For Lyons, it was a victory unlike any other career accomplishment. “The highlight of highlights has been the Breeders' Cup, end of story,” he said. “We've won the Cheveley Park Stakes and we've won two Irish Classics, but they were during Covid in 2020. That's not fair to them, like I love the two horses and I love the fact they are on my CV, but I was on my own for them. The Breeders' Cup is a very good experience and if you're lucky enough to have a horse that's good enough to go, I would advise you to go.” In typical Lyons fashion, the trainer has barely stopped to reflect on the breakthrough win in the months since last year's Breeders' Cup. He said he has watched the race replay only once. “You're only as good as your last winner,” he noted. “If I hadn't trained a winner since last year's Breeders' Cup, I'd be out of business.” Magnum Force in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint | Breeders' Cup Eclipse Sportswire And so, while Magnum Force is looking to get back to top form after two unplaced starts this year, Lyons's Glenburnie Stables is riding high from the emergence of a new star. Lady Iman claimed three wins in her first four starts this year, highlighted by her score in the G3 Molecomb Stakes where she secured a 'Win and You're In' ticket to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Afterwards, Lyons was clear about his intentions of getting back to Del Mar, saying, “If I can dance on that dance floor again, I'm going as that is what racing is about for me.” In her latest start, Lady Iman took on older rivals in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes, but after breaking awkwardly she was unable to make a run at Australia's star seven-year-old Asfoora (Flying Artie) and finished 14th. On Friday, the juvenile will return to her own division for the G2 Flying Childers Stakes, following the same path as Magnum Force last year. Lyons said that if all goes well at Doncaster, the next stop will be the Breeders' Cup. “Lady Iman is a beautiful filly and I would say at this stage of her game, she is better than him, which is grand,” he said. “She has proven to be special. She has a rock-solid temperament for it and she's a five-furlong specialist who has the speed and will hit the line strong.” Lady Iman claims the G3 Molecomb Stakes | Goodwood Racecourse Developing young horses like Magnum Force and Lady Iman has always been one of Lyons's greatest passions, but with his operation's growing success, his focus has narrowed in on securing top-level talent for his stable. “I just love the two-year-olds and we're blessed with the pedigrees we've been getting in the last few years,” he said. “We built the business on making pedigrees, overachieving with pedigrees, but that only gets you so far. Back in 1994, I would have thought that I can't wait to have 30 horses, or I can't wait to have 50 or 100 horses. You're thinking as you get up it'll get easier. I can quite honestly say it just gets harder, because the higher you go, the harder you have to pedal to stay there.” If history is any guide, backing down has never been this horseman's style. “I was always pretty determined of what I wanted to do,” Lyons explained. “I knew I could do it. But it's one thing knowing it and another thing doing it. When I got a trainer's licence, I came out fighting and I've always felt that I had to fight my way.” Even as he reflects on a career milestone like the Breeders' Cup, Lyons is already looking forward. With Lady Iman showing promise and a yard full of young talent, the next challenge is already taking shape. The post Breeders’ Cup Breakthrough: Lyons Chasing Back-to-Back Success at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin The best tip in the main trot at Alexandra Park is actually hidden away in the market for another race. That race is the $400,000 Renwick Farms Dominion Trot at Addington on New Zealand Cup day and if you scroll far enough down the market you will find Belle Neige paying $151. Which is fair, because she almost certainly won’t win the Dominion. But the fact she is even entered for the great race means she is the one to beat in the 1700m mobile trot at The Park tonight. Trainers Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett have three reps in tonight’s race and while Wallis can make a case for all three she saves her highest praise for Belle Neige, winner of her last two. “We think she won’t be out of place in the major trots, we are not saying she will win them, but she might be good enough to contest them,” says Wallis. “That is why we nominated her for the Dominion and that is why she is, even from her wide draw, our best chance in that race on Friday.” While Belle Neige has won her last two starts they have been in standing starts over 2700m and 2200m and 1700m mobile sprint racing can be a mental test for some New Zealand trotters as their brain struggles to keep up to their legs. But as a former Aussie, Belle Neige not only has great mobile form but is a previous sprint winner in a 1:56.6 mile in one of the $100,000 Golden Gait races at Alexandra Park last December. “She is a mare in form and will be fitter than out other two so she has to be our best chance,” said Wallis. “Faith In Manchester is probably the toughest of the three and American Muscle is the one who might have improved the most this time in. “You would say they are three of the best trotting mares in the North Island.” The Wallis/Hackett barn is also one of the best in the North Island with their 40 wins so far this season, 38 of them with trotters, meaning they are the highest placed stable on the national premiership of those who only train the north. Team Telfer and Team Dunn are a long way ahead of them but both have stables in the North and South Islands. “We are having a good year, have some great owners and excellent staff and everybody works in well together,” says Wallis, who is the mother of Belle Neige’s driver Crystal Hackett. The stable have a promising young filly in Mad Mary in Race 1 tonight where she meets one of similar ability in Pretty In Pink and one of the pair should win. Later in the night Shegold gets her chance for the stable in Race 7, the second heat of the latest Metro Series. “She can be hard to follow but sitting close to the speed and not working from two on the second line is her go.” The stable have a rare pacer in Tuareg (R8, No.5) racing tonight and he will win a race somewhere, probably Cambridge, soon enough while they have three maidens in the last trot. There is not much between them but Royal Petite may be an improver on a disappointing last start. View the full article

The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has approved an amended awards plan that fixes in-state breeder and stallion awards at 15% of gross purses, down from the 20% rate established in 2024, according to a release from the Florida Thorougbbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA). The new rates are effective as of Sept. 1, 2025. The adjustment reflects industry funding streams legislation, the release said, but despite the cut, total awards in 2026 for Florida breeders are expected to remain level thanks to the launch of new Florida-Bred 'Export' Incentives. With the objective of promoting Florida-bred horses that race out of state, the FTBOA will dedicate as much as $1 million to reward the breeders of registered Florida-breds that win in selected conditions beyond the borders of the Sunshine State. Under the new program, breeders will receive $7,500 for a Grade I win and $5,000 for wins at Grade II or Grade III level. Breeders are eligible for 15% of earnings in non-graded stakes races (up to $4,000) and for 15% of earnings up to $3,000 in allowance and maiden special weight races. According to the release, the FTBOA estimates that Florida-bred incentives in 2026 will total more than $20 million, not including money earmarked for purses for Florida-bred races. “This initiative shows gratitude to our longtime Florida breeders and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industry wherever our nationally competitive horses succeed,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “State legislation redirected $5 million of Florida-bred purses and owner incentives to the racetracks and injected another $2 million through the FTBOA. We are grateful to the Florida Senate and Governor DeSantis for their continued support of Florida Thoroughbred breeding. Florida-bred owners and breeders can anticipate unprecedented total awards in 2026. “Florida-breds perennially stand out amongst all regional producers across the nation, both on the racetrack and in the auction ring. These all-new incentives acknowledge that equine speed is a major Florida agricultural export,” Powell continued. The 2026 programs build upon FTBOA's recent elimination of most registration fees for Florida-bred and -sired foals of 2025, further reducing costs for breeders while maintaining comprehensive support programs. Combined with the Export Incentives, these initiatives demonstrate FTBOA's commitment to supporting Florida's Thoroughbred industry through multiple avenues, the release said. The post Florida Breeders, Stallion Awards Cut, New Export Incentive To Bridge the Gap appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-CD, 120k, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 2:45 p.m. ET Our Forefathers (Constitution), a $1.2-million KEESEP yearling purchase by the Searing family's C R K Stable, makes his career debut for trainer Peter Eurton. The chestnut was produced by the Street Sense mare Via Veritas, who hails from the extended female family of GISWs Magnum Moon, Harmony Lodge, et al. Luis Saez rides. The deep field of 12 also includes: Tiz Authority (Tiz the Law), an $825,000 OBS April breezer debuting for Flatland Racing Stable and trainer Chris Hartman; and fellow firster Stirring Words (Constitution), a $975,000 FTSAUG yearling graduate for Lael Stables from the Cherie DeVaux barn. TJCIS PPS 8th-CD, 120k, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 4:22 p.m. ET Holy Seven (Into Mischief), a $700,000 FTSAUG yearling and half-brother to SW Corporate Power (Curlin), gets his career started for J and J Stables and Stonestreet Stables and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. The bay was produced by GII Golden Rod S. winner Road to Victory (Quality Road). The field of 12 also includes: Into the Beast (Into Mischief), a $475,000 OBS March breezer campaigned in partnership by West Point Thoroughbreds, St. Elias Stable, Beauty and The Beast Racing and SGV Thoroughbreds and trainer Dale Romans. TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Racing Insights: $1.2-Million KEESEP Yearling Our Forefathers Debuts at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Christophe Ferland trainee Double Major (Daiwa Major), who was on the upside of a narrow verdict in last month's G2 Prix Kergorlay, made a successful pitstop and defended his title in Thursday's G3 Prix Gladiateur, remaining on course in his quest to claim an unprecedented third G1 Prix Royal-Oak at Saint-Cloud next month. His victory provided owner-breeders Alain and Gerard Wertheimer and rider Maxime Guyon with a clean sweep of ParisLongchamp's three Group races. “This horse is really at his very best during the second part of the season and he had remained in top form since his win at Deauville [last month],” said Ferland. “The plan remains the same, which is to try to win a third Prix Royal-Oak and he goes straight for that now.” Holding sway after a swift getaway and under a firm hold on the front end for most of this marathon, the 4-5 favourite was scrubbed along when tackled by Bel Et Bien (Hunter's Light) soon after straightening for home and stayed on in resolute fashion under a late drive to deny that determined rival by a neck. There was daylight back to Coetzee (Frankel), who finished three lengths adrift in third. Pedigree Notes Double Major is one of six winners and the leading performer out of Listed Prix de Liancourt third Dancequest (Dansili), who has also produced G3 Prix de Guiche victor Flop Shot (New Approach), Listed Grand Prix de Clairefontaine third Veritas (Camelot) and a yearling colt by Saxon Warrior. Dancequest is a half-sister to G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud heroine Plumania (Anabaa) and G2 Prix de Royallieu victrix Balladeuse (Singspiel). The latter is the dam of G1 Prix Vermeille winner Left Hand (Dubawi) and Sunday's Vermeille heroine Aventure (Sea The Stars), while Plumania has four stakes performers to her credit headed by G2 Prix du Muguet winner Plumatic (Dubawi). The March-foaled bay's second dam Featherquest (Rainbow Quest) is kin to G1 Prix Lupin-winning sire Groom Dancer (Blushing Groom) and is from the family of Vermeille-winning champion Indian Rose (General Holme), G1 Prix Ganay-winning sire Vert Amande (Kenmare) and G1 Grand de Paris hero Le Nain Jaune (Pharly). #ParisLongchamp – Prix Gladiateur (Gr III) Double Major (Daiwa Major), associé à M.Guyon et entrainé par C.Ferland, vient parfaire la belle journée de la casaque Wertheimer & Frère. Il devance Bel et Bien (Hunter's Light) et Coetzee (Frankel). pic.twitter.com/R5tXiElhtS — France Galop (@francegalop) September 11, 2025 Thursday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX GLADIATEUR-G3, €73,200, ParisLongchamp, 9-11, 4yo/up, 15 1/2fT, 3:34.70, sf. 1–DOUBLE MAJOR (IRE), 130, g, 5, by Daiwa Major (Jpn) 1st Dam: Dancequest (Ire) (SP-Fr), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Featherquest (GB), by Rainbow Quest 3rd Dam: Featherhill (Fr), by Lyphard O/B-Wertheimer & Frere; T-Christophe Ferland; J-Maxime Guyon. €36,600. Lifetime Record: MG1SW-Fr & GSP-UAE, 21-9-6-3, €1,122,579. *1/2 to Flop Shot (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), GSW-Fr, $266,711; and Veritas (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), SP-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Bel Et Bien (Fr), 126, g, 5, Hunter's Light (Ire)–Ring My Bell (Fr), by Turtle Bowl (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Ecurie La Perrigne; T-Paul de Chevigny. €14,640. 3–Coetzee, 126, g, 4, Frankel (GB)–Sing Softly, by Hennessy. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Ecurie Lenglet; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (KY); T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €10,980. Margins: NK, 3, 4. Odds: 0.80, 3.90, 5.60. Also Ran: Goya Senora (Fr), Mr Diafoirus (Ire). The post Double Major Completes Wertheimer Clean Sweep of Longchamp’s Group Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ahead of the Irish Champions Festival, Ado McGuinness opens up about one of the most difficult years of his life and his reinvention as a trainer of two-year-olds When Ado McGuinness was at his lowest ebb last year, he rightly would have looked at you twice had you told him that the next 12 months would see him bag a couple of premier handicaps, become an overnight success on the west coast of America and face into the Irish Champions Festival brimming with confidence about taking out a €250,000 pot. Yet, here we are. The seasoned handicappers that made this stable sing at all of the major festivals in Ireland in recent times are no more. Many have been retired while some were lost through the high-profile split with long-time assistant and nephew Stephen Thorne, who moved 11 horses from McGuinness's stable when embarking on his own training career. That hammer-blow represented a €25,000 hole in the business through training fees that needed to be plugged every month. And fast. But with the horses-in-training market proving harder and harder to navigate due to the strength of foreign buyers, which was illustrated this year by the fact McGuinness left the July Sale at Newmarket empty-handed for the first time in his life, another reservoir needed to be sniffed out. Channelling more of his owners' resources into the yearling sale market has already proved to be a wise move and McGuinness puts his rejuvenation as a trainer down to his reinvention of sorts along with the fact his daughter Aisling and son Tadhg [23-year-old twins] have taken a more prominent role within the business. “I love training two-year-olds,” the 58-year-old says, striding out between lots at his freshly-built stable in North County Dublin. “Okay, people might not associate me with training two-year-olds, but I still won a Birdcatcher a few years ago and we also had Beau Recall, who went on and won four Group 2s and was beaten a nose in a Group 1 in America. We always tricked around with the odd two-year-old but never anything too serious. But, if I'm honest, it's given me a new lease of life over the past year. I love it. And then with the family – my daughter Aisling and son Tadhg – coming into the business, it's been great. “Thankfully we saw what was coming down the line. We bought horses like Bowerman, Current Option and Saltonstall at the horses-in-training sales but, over the past few years, the value just hasn't been there. You used to be able to go to those sales and, for say €70,000, you would be able to buy a premier handicapper. Now that same type of horses is costing twice or three times as much as he was before. You are forced to pay black-type prices for premier handicap horses and that's not a game we wanted to play.” BBA Ireland's Adam Potts with McGuinness at Tattersalls Ireland last year | Tattersalls Not only does McGuinness label juvenile Aqua Bear as his best chance of a winner at the Irish Champions Festival, but he goes as far as saying he will “be sick” if the €36,000 yearling purchase does not fight out the finish for for lucrative Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sales Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday. Aqua Bear makes up a two-pronged attack on the race for the trainer alongside Coincidental Glory. Both horses were sourced by BBA Ireland. “It's funny, Aqua Bear wouldn't have been one you'd have been dreaming about earlier on in the year,” McGuinness revealed. “But, I think if you went into most yards in the country in February and March and asked what their best two-year-olds were, they'd have a very different answer for you come September or October. That's the beauty about these two-year-olds – they can change so much throughout the year and I'm convinced Aqua Bear is a good horse now. If he doesn't pick up a big cheque on Sunday, I will be sick.” He added, “Coincidental Glory is not without a chance either. He'll run a big race. But definitely, Aqua Bear is the one. He worked very well on the Curragh the other day – pulled four lengths clear of what he was working with – and everyone was very impressed by what he did.” “I got into the car after that and I bawled crying for at least an hour driving down the road to Cork. Until the day I die, I'll never forget the tears rolling off the bridge of his nose,” – Ado McGuinness McGuinness has sent out 23 winners domestically this year, which is roughly half of what he achieved [49] in 2024. His current prize-money tally is just €328,942 short of the €790,355 the stable achieved last year but, what you won't see in any of these tables is the amount of business being done abroad. Within the space of 24 hours last month, two McGuinness-trained graduates – Later Than Planned and Yours Sincerely – made winning debuts for California-based trainer Phil D'Amato. The combined sum those runners fetched at the yearling sales was €6,000 but they sold for many multitudes of that figure after their respective efforts in Irish maidens. These are the sort of trades that are now deemed necessary for even a trainer of McGuinness's status in order to survive in Ireland. “They were only cheap yearlings,” McGuinness says of his Californian delights. “The owners couldn't get a bid in the ring for Later Than Planned so they sent him to me and Yours Sincerely only cost six grand. All of those lads will go again at the yearling sales so it's great great business for everyone involved.” He continued, “There are an awful lot of trainers who are barely surviving in Ireland because they're not trading. If you win a €100,000 handicap, or even a €200,000 handicap, you don't get a lot of money out of that as a trainer. And tell me this; how many trainers in Ireland are winning €200,000 handicaps? Not many. We all have low-grade horses and they're important to have but you won't earn any money training them. Take Laytown last week for example, we had two winners there and it was great. But it's not going to pay many bills. That's the reality of it. To survive in this game, you have to go out there and make money trading. To me, that revolves around working the sales hard.” McGuinness is better-qualified than most to comment on what life at the coalface is like for a trainer operating in Ireland. The son of a vegetable farmer, he has held a licence for more than 25 years and, in his role of chairman of the Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association, he understands and listens to the middle-to-smaller-tier handlers. However, he does not deny that, in the current climate where costs are sky-rocketing, some trainers need to help themselves before asking for help. He explained, “One of the main problems within the training ranks in Ireland right now is lads underselling themselves. When a carpenter comes down to your house, he is so much an hour and that is that. Too many trainers are undercutting each other because they are so hungry for horses. The same lads will come crying saying they're struggling. They're struggling because they're not charging enough. An empty stable won't make you money but it won't lose you any money either. If you work for nothing, you'll never be idle.” And that's one thing McGuinness will never be. When his world was turned upside down last year through the loss of his second sibling to cancer, it was the responsibility of caring for 45 horses that drove him out of his bed every morning. “I got a bit of a kicking last year,” McGuinness says without a shred of self-loathing or pity. “Shamrock pulled out 11 horses and I lost my brother Johnny the following month through cancer. He was only 54 and was the second brother I lost within the space of three years to cancer so it was shocking. It broke my heart, to be honest. I just had to keep going and buried myself in work as a form of therapy. I could easily have taken to the bed while all of this was happening but I've never been afraid of hard work and keeping busy helped.” He added, “Johnny died the first week in July last year. He was a big racing man and I always called in to see him before I went to the races. I'll never forget calling in to see him in the month of May last year. I think I was on my way to the races at Cork. At this point, he was very bad, and he sat up at the side of the bed and he just said, 'Ado, I'm f*cked.' I can still see him now. I'll never forget the tears rolling down the bridge of his nose and me going to get him a hanky. I gave him a big hug and, by God, that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Oh man, I got into the car after that and I bawled crying for at least an hour driving down the road to Cork. Until the day I die, I'll never forget the tears rolling off the bridge of his nose. Johnny was six foot four inches but here he was wasting away in the bed. He died not long after that so losing horses can be hard to take, but something like that puts life into perspective.” McGuinness regularly sends horses to the beach in Rush | Racingfotos.com McGuinness enjoyed eight of his best years as a trainer with Thorne alongside him. The latter has proved himself one of the brightest additions to the training ranks for many years and, while the relationship between the pair ended abruptly, nothing will take away the memories of A Case Of You landing the Prix de l'Abbaye and the Al Quoz Sprint or even Current Option scooping the Sovereign Path Handicap on what was then known as Irish Champions Weekend in 2019. “It just didn't end the way it should have ended,” McGuinness said of the split. “That's the sad part about it. We enjoyed success together and it probably shouldn't have ended like that.” Memories alone are not enough to sustain anyone in sport. Especially not in the dog-eat-dog world that is the training ranks in Ireland. McGuinness agrees and, having come out the other side of what he openly admits was one of his most difficult years both in business and personally, he is optimistic about the next chapter. He said, “The Irish Champions Festival is watched by people all over the world and, the more people you meet and the more people who know your name, the better in this business. You have to get out there as a trainer and make people aware of who you are and what you can do. It's never about what you have achieved in this game, it's always about what you are going to achieve next. Last week's winners are forgotten about very quickly. Don't get me wrong, memories are brilliant, and we have had some brilliant memories. But what is most important is what you're going to do tomorrow, next week, next month and next year.” The post Ado McGuinness: ‘Memories Are Great But What You Do Tomorrow Is More Important’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, Doncaster, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED HOWARD WRIGHT DONCASTER CUP-G2, £150,000, 3yo/up, 17f 197yT Field: Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Hipop De Loire (Fr) (American Post {GB}), Kyle Of Lochalsh (GB) (Highland Reel {Ire}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Tashkhan (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}), Oxford Comma (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Pendragon (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Last year's winner Sweet William remains in good heart and is the obvious choice, but there is a chance that proper Group 1 horse Sunway could enjoy this extreme trip at the track at which he was third in the St Leger 12 months ago. Sir Mark Prescott saddles the only three-year-old and while Pendragon has improvement to find, he has a healthy weight-for-age advantage over what amount to largely beatable older horses. The trainer exploited it with the filly Alleluia in 2001, so knows what it takes. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Doncaster, post time: 14:25, THE CARLSBERG DANISH PILSNER FLYING CHILDERS STAKES-G2, £130,000, 2yo, 5f 3yT Field: Dickensian (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Exclamation (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Havana Hurricane (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}), Kansas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Military Code (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Mission Central (Ire) (No Nay Never), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}), Killavia (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Lady Iman (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Palmeira (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Revival Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}). TDN Verdict: Ballydoyle's Round Tower winner Mission Central goes again and Aidan O'Brien sees no issue with the drop back to five, but he won't be able to dominate the Molecomb winner Lady Iman over this trip if she is over her Nunthorpe experience. Revival Power beat Military Code in the Listed Roses Stakes over York's flat, fast five and should be equally suited by this track, while the Windsor Castle one-two Havana Hurricane and Dickensian are no back-numbers with plenty of experience to draw on. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Salisbury, post time: 15:25, THE IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH DICK POOLE FILLIES' STAKES-G3, £45,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Anthelia (Ire) (Supremacy {Ire}), Awaken (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Azleet (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Bella Lyra (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Dandana (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Flowerhead (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Golden Palace (GB) (Palace Pier {Ire}), Orion's Belt (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Ourbren (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Planet Seeker (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Reimagined (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Spinning Lizzie (GB) (Kameko), Vishaka (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Rescheduled from last week, this features the Albany runner-up Awaken, who has since shed her maiden status at Leicester and will be a warm order. Also in the mix is the Queen Mary runner-up Flowerhead, but she hasn't really gone on from Royal Ascot while Jeff Smith's Goodwood maiden winner Planet Seeker could be anything at this stage. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Doncaster, post time: 13:50, THE BETFRED FLYING SCOTSMAN STAKES-Listed, £65,000, 2yo, 7f 6yT Field: Avicenna (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Catullus (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Do Bronxs (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Do Or Do Not (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}), Electrical (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Frescobaldi (Ire) (No Nay Never), Hankelow (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Northern Champion (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Sir Albert (Ire) (No Nay Never), Sunset On Leros (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}). TDN Verdict: This is a race that has grown in importance in recent years since Frankel made sure it obtained Listed status and the major stables are present with unexposed types with Classic potential. Godolphin's Catullus had it easy at Yarmouth last time, but won't here with the likes of the York winners Hankelow and Frescobaldi and the Arqana Series des Poulains winner Northern Champion. He joins fellow TBT Racing-Ed Walker representative Do Or Do Not who is a rarity as a six-times maiden with four Group 2 placings. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 15:28, PRIX TURENNE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 12fT Field: Surabad (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Prosecutor (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Zarraf (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Gethin (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Maneki (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), Waldnebel (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Best Secret (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Owen Burrows trainee Gethin, who boasts a two-for-two record, has not been out since posting a wide-margin win at Newbury in April and puts his unbeaten record on the line in this black-type debut. Fellow British challenger Sea Scout has finished off the board in four stakes starts since annexing Epsom's Listed Blue Riband Trial back in May and comes back off a fourth in last month's Listed Prix Nureyev. Aga Khan Studs representative Surabad finished sixth of six in July's G1 Grand Prix de Paris and the Francis Graffard entry is better judged on his runner-up finish in Chantilly's G3 Prix du Lys and a win in April's Listed Prix de l'Avre. Wathnan Racing's Goodwood handicap winner Best Secret and G1 Deutsches Derby eight Waldnebel offer hope in an open edition, while Prosecutor and Maneki, representing Andre Fabre and Jean-Claude Rouget, merit respect. Zarraf completes the line-up. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 15:40, THE BETFRED ST LEGER S.-G1, £700,000, 3yo, Open, 14f 115y Field: Carmers (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Furthur (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Rahiebb (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Scandinavia (Justify), Stay True (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Tarriance (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Verdict: Judged on the evidence of the first day's racing here, staying power is going to be a must and Scandinavia certainly has that. From one of Coolmore's finest Classic families, he has surged to promise in the last two months and mastered last year's Leger runner-up Illinois in the Goodwood Cup. Lambourn was so disappointing in the Voltigeur that it leaves a question mark over what looked a rock-solid Leger proposition beforehand. Winning the Derby and Irish Derby in the manner of a true stayer, he would probably be the more likely candidate of the pair if he is back to his best. Galileo's last Classic runner Stay True and the Queen's Vase winner Carmers were in front of Lambourn at York and both promise to improve significantly for this step up in trip in what will probably be an Irish-dominated affair. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 17:30, ROYAL BAHRAIN IRISH CHAMPION S.-G1, €725,000, 3yo/up, 10f 0y Field: Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Royal Champion (Ire) (Shamardal), Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Zahrann (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Given the likelihood of soft ground for this, it is very hard to envisage Anmaat not having a big say. One of the few to have beaten Calandagan, he may have too much for the race's obvious favourite Delacroix who won a falsely-run Eclipse but yet is described by Aidan O'Brien as needing a strong pace. This renewal is light on heavyweight players, so Japan's Shin Emperor who was third in what was probably a stronger renewal of this 12 months ago may not have to improve on that to continue Japan's fine recent record in Europe. Zahrann is on the upgrade, but his win in the Royal Whip leaves him probably short of what is required. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:25, COOLMORE AMERICA 'JUSTIFY' MATRON S.-G1, €240,000, 3yo/up, 8f 0y Field: Duckadilly (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Queen Of Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Vera's Secret (Ire) (Epaulette {Aus}), Atsila (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Cercene (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: Revived by her win in the Prix Rothschild, Fallen Angel bids for another overseas triumph with January looking to close the narrow gap between them from Deauville and become the bride for once. Second to Porta Fortuna 12 months ago, Fallen Angel holds the key but it might be a mistake to have taken Danny Tudhope off given how well they connect. The surprise Coronation heroine Cercene reverts to a mile after being put in her place by Whirl in the flag-started Nassau, while Vera's Secret is three-for-three around here and has two Group 3s over seven under her belt from her trio of visits. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 13:50, THE BETFRED CHAMPAGNE S.-G2, £150,000, 2yo, Open, 7f 6y Field: Cape Ashizuri (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Cape Orator (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Gewan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Oxagon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Under new ownership, the Acomb winner Gewan continues exactly on the Chaldean path for the same stable. Oxagon earned TDN Rising Star status with his eight-length Sandown romp, while the two “Capes” have claims. Cape Orator looked ready for this grade when bossing Deauville's Arqana Criterium d'Ete and Cape Ashizuri registered a taking debut success at Ayr. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Doncaster, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED PARK S.-G2, £140,000, 3yo/up, 7f 6y Field: Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Room Service (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Zoum Zoum (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), East Hampton (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Marvelman (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Zabeel Alkabeir (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Back over seven, last year's Middle Park and Dewhurst winner Shadow Of Light bids to get back on track and it is probably a case of leaving it as late as possible to employ his deadly kick. Connections of the John Of Gaunt winner Ten Bob Tony have been patient and the ground has come right at last, while Audience needs to bounce back after a spell in the wilderness but has a flat track and his ideal trip to help. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:55, TONYBET SOLONAWAY S.-G2, €120,000, 3yo/up, 8f 0y Field: Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Johan (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}), Lord Massusus (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}), Mutasarref (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Skukuza (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Comanche Brave (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Copacabana Sands (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Comanche Brave probably has the most upside, with his Jersey third backing up a fine effort behind Henri Matisse in the G3 Ballylinch Stud Stakes here in March. Things haven't happened for last year's Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ this term, but there is always another day for a colt of his class while there is no reason to expect a drop-off from the G3 Desmond Stakes-winning veteran Johan. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:20, KPMG CHAMPIONS JUVENILE S.-G2, €90,000, 2yo, Open, 8f 0y Field: A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Benvenuto Cellini (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Hardy Warrior (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Montreal (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Nil Bua Gan Dua (American Pharoah). TDN Verdict: It's an all-O'Brien affair, as Aidan, Joseph and Donnacha supply the runners in what will be a historic moment for Irish racing's supreme dynasty. The colts that Ballydoyle choose for this staging post are pointers to their Derby thoughts for the year ahead and it is no surprise that Benvenuto Cellini and Montreal carry the standard here. Kept back since his taking maiden win at Killarney, the former is a son of Newspaperofrecord who has already produced the smart full-sister Giselle, while TDN Rising Star Montreal is a half to Cayenne Pepper who couldn't have done any more than win by eight lengths over course and distance last month. As ever, Joseph has irons in the fire in Hardy Warrior who had Montreal back in third over this track and trip in July and the maiden Nil Bua Gan Dua, while Donnacha's Futurity fourth A Boy Named Susie completes the landmark line-up. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:50, CMG GROUP S.-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, 12f 0y Field: Al Aasy (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Sons And Lovers (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Fleetfoot (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Sunchart (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), Mo Ghille Mar (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Omni Man (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Reyenzi (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), It's A Heartbeat (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Verdict: This is competitive stuff, with the perpetual Group 3 winner Al Aasy looking to see off some smart Irish runners and the Deutsches Derby runner-up Convergent. Last year's winner Trustyourinstinct looks even better in 2025, while there is a chance that we haven't seen the best of Ballydoyle's Acapulco Bay during a frustrating campaign. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 14:15, BALLYLINCH STUD IRISH EBF INGABELLE S.-L, €60,000, 2yo, Open, 7f 0y Field: Brownstown (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Caught U Sleeping (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Inbox (GB) (Ectot {GB}), Kensington Lane (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Killashee Warrior (GB) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Mighty Danu (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Red Autumn (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Sukanya (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Teewinot (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Venosa (Gun Runner). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Diamond Necklace will be a warm order to kick off Irish Champions weekend in style for Ballydoyle and with good cause. The blueblood went through her Curragh debut with so much promise it is impossible not to envisage her in the 2026 Classics and anything other than a win will be deflating. Mighty Danu looked one to follow on her winning debut at Galway, while the Prestige fourth Sukanya had that form boosted on Thursday. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Round Tower Winner On A Mission In Flying Childers, As St Leger Draws Seven appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Set to begin Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 and run through Mar. 29, Gulfstream Park's 2025-2026 Championship Meet will offer a schedule with 68 stakes, 27 graded, worth $15.2 million in purses, 1/ST Racing said in a Thursday press release. The signature South Florida meet is highlighted by the $3 million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the $1 million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Jan. 24, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. On closing weekend, the $1 million GI Curlin Florida Derby is scheduled for Mar. 28. The key Kentucky Derby prep is in its 75th installment. Stall applications for the 84-day meet are due Sunday, Sept. 28. Click here to view the entire schedule. The post Gulfstream’s ’25-’26 Championship Meet Offers 68 Stakes Worth $15.2 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fresh from Thursday's Group-race breakthrough with G2 May Hill Stakes heroine Aylin, the St Mark's Basilica bandwagon looks set to roll on through this weekend, with the first-season sire set to be represented by big-race runners everywhere from Doncaster to Woodbine. Thesecretadversary, the first black-type winner for his sire in last month's Listed Churchill Stakes at Tipperary, is set to line up in Saturday's GI Summer Stakes over in Canada for Fozzy Stack. There he'll have the assistance of one Frankie Dettori, the man who rode St Mark's Basilica to the first of his five career Group 1 victories in the Dewhurst Stakes. Closer to home, 'TDN Rising Star' Diamond Necklace will put her unbeaten record on the line in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown, the scene of her sire's final Group 1 success in the Irish Champion Stakes on this very weekend. The blue-blooded filly, who fetched a sale-topping €1.7 million at Arqana last August, showed more than a bit of top-class potential when making a winning debut at the Curragh last month. And then there's Cape Ashizuri who, whilst perhaps under the radar amongst St Mark's Basilica's 13 first-crop winners to date, shouldn't be underestimated when he steps up markedly in grade for Saturday's G2 Champagne Stakes on Town Moor. With top-level entries later this autumn in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and Dewhurst, this is a colt who has always been held in high regard by John and Sean Quinn at their Highfield Stables in Malton, even if the 10/1 SP for his debut win at Ayr might suggest otherwise. “He was working nicely at home and showing good ability, but I think the main principals in that race had all had at least one run,” Sean says of confidence levels in the camp going to Ayr. “They were seemingly well fancied and, when you look at it with hindsight, rightly so. It's a maiden that has worked out phenomenally well – I think everything behind him is now around rated 80 or higher. “We thought he was capable of winning at six [furlongs], because he had the raw ability, but we always felt that seven might be better for him.” A debut success for Cape Ashizuri (St Mark's Basilica), who finished strongly under Jason Hart for John and Sean Quinn in the Ayrshire Cancer Support @BritishEBF Maiden @ayrracecourse pic.twitter.com/7D23lODFfZ — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 6, 2025 That debut display had a sense of deja vu about it, with Cape Ashizuri mirroring his half-brother, The Wow Signal, by winning first time out over the six furlongs at Ayr, in the familiar maroon silks with mauve epaulets belonging to the Quinn's long-time supporter Ross Harmon. “The Wow Signal was probably more precocious,” says Quinn when asked to compare Cape Ashizuri with their two-year-old champion who later won the G2 Coventry Stakes and G1 Prix Morny for Al Shaqab Racing. “We've had some very good two-year-olds, but he had proper raw ability and power, a real bull of a horse. He would be the best we've had to date. “But this horse has strengthened up lovely through the year. He's now 40 kilos heavier than when he won at Ayr, so we feel, physically, he's done very well.” Explaining why Cape Ashizuri hasn't been seen on a racecourse since early-July, the trainer continues, “He was due to run in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot. He travelled down the day before and when the lads were doing their evening checks they found he'd spiked a temperature. He couldn't run the next day and needed an easy week after that, so that just knocked us off track slightly.” Now back in peak condition, Cape Ashizuri also had the option of returning in Friday's Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes at Doncaster, but his connections have decided to dive in at the deep end for Saturday's Group 2 where he'll face the G3 Acomb Stakes scorer Gewan (Night Of Thunder) and 'TDN Rising Star' Oxagon (Frankel), an eight-length winner on his second start at Sandown. “I had a good chat with Ross about it and we just thought that the Flying Scotsman was certainly no gimme,” Sean explains. “There are 10 runners in that race, some nice colts. We thought there would be fewer runners in the Champagne, which there are. With it being a Group 2 and more money on offer, we thought it was well worth a go. “Obviously, those races close early, so you have to have your bases covered if you feel that you have a good one,” he adds of Cape Ashizuri's Group 1 entries. “We've touched on it there, he has the pedigree to be a good one, and he's always pleased us at home.” One of seven winners from as many runners out of the unraced Muravka (High Chaparral), Cape Ashizuri is also a half-brother to Unicorn Lion, a multiple Grade 3 winner in Japan, and the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes heroine Matrika, both by No Nay Never. Another sibling, Vichy Listed winner Miss Infinity (Rock Of Gibraltar), is the dam of the G3 Prix Quincey victor Make Me King (Dark Angel), while the Quinns' G2 City Of York Stakes scorer Breege (Starspangledbanner) is out of Muravka's Zoffany daughter, Wowcha. With that pedigree, Sean was not optimistic of securing the St Mark's Basilica colt when he was offered at the Arqana October Yearling Sale, but in the end his price tag of €75,000 was by no means prohibitive. “I wasn't at Arqana, but Hamish Macauley rang me and said that he liked the horse,” Sean remembers. “I thought he might not be too easy to buy, but Hamish said, 'Look, we'll do our due diligence, get him vetted, etc., and then wait and see.' I spoke to some of the Coolmore partners, who gave the horse a good endorsement, and they said they would stay involved if he came our way. That was great, so Ross owns him and the Coolmore partners have a part of him as well. “Ross has been with us an awfully long time and never had a horse anywhere else. He's had plenty of good ones and plenty of bad ones, but it would be great to have another nice one for him.” Safe Voyage (Fast Company), whose 14 wins included the G2 Boomerang Stakes at Leopardstown on this weekend five years ago, would be the best horse Harmon has had with the Quinns, while none of us will forget John Fairley's flying mare Highfield Princess (Night Of Thunder), whose four Group 1 wins included an Irish Champions Festival success of her own in the 2022 Flying Five Stakes. Her death early last year inevitably left a significant void to be filled at Highfield Stables, but nobody can accuse the Quinns of not working tirelessly in their pursuit of the next superstar, with Sean conducting this interview the best part of 4,000 miles from home in Lexington. “They're incredibly hard to find and, even if you think you've found one, they're incredibly hard to buy,” he says of the search for horses who can perform at the top table. “We're always looking and I'm in Keeneland at the moment. The trade over here is very strong, and we haven't bought anything yet, but you've got to keep looking and moving forward. We're here for the week, so we'll see if we can come away with something.” The post Cape Ashizuri Sits Champagne Test on Big Weekend for St Mark’s Basilica appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Larry Donlin won his 1,000th Thoroughbred race Sept. 10 when West Island crossed the finish line first in the eighth race at Canterbury Park.View the full article

Charlie Appleby hopes to work some familiar magic as he saddles Notable Speech for the Sept. 13 Woodbine Mile (G1T), a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T).View the full article

The $500,000 Summer Stakes (G1T) is one of three races scheduled for Sept. 13 at Woodbine that are part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" Challenge Series. View the full article

The Jockey Club and The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) will host a state breeder organization workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. ET in the Oaks Room at Churchill Downs to share current programs to help identify best practices and areas of growth, according to a press release from the club on Thursday morning. Topics include everything from an overview of national trends to perspectives from various breeder programs. For more information, please contact Jamie Haydon at jhaydon@jockeyclub.com or (859) 224-2750. The post The Jockey Club And TOBA To Hold State Breeders Workshop At Churchill Nov. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The million-dollar parade at the Keeneland September sale continued early in Thursday's fourth session of the auction when April Mayberry went to $1.4 million to acquire a colt by Flightline (hip 794). The bay colt, bred and consigned by Dixiana Farms, is out of Layla (Union Rags), a full-sister to Grade I winner Express Train. Mayberry was bidding on behalf of C R K Stable's Lee Searing. The colt was the 49th of the auction to bring seven figures and the eighth from the first crop of Lane's End's champion Flightline to reach the mark. The post $1.4-Million Flightline Colt Kickstarts Keeneland Thursday Session appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a Wootton Bassett daughter of Qemah. 4.10 Doncaster, Mdn, 2yo, f, 7f 6yT WID (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) debuts for Al Shaqab Racing in this race won 12 months ago by the sire's Whirl and is a homebred daughter of the Coronation Stakes and Prix Rothschild heroine Qemah (Danehill Dancer). Ralph Beckett has charge of the newcomer, whose peers include the similarly-unraced Fractional (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Dunchurch Lodge Stud's William Haggas-trained daughter of the Prix Marcel Boussac winner Proportional (Beat Hollow) whose daughter First Instinct (Bated Breath) is a Listed winner who was placed in the Sandy Lane. They have it to do taking on experienced fillies including Newsells Park Stud's Classic Cuvee (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), a Roger Varian-trained half-sister to Legatissimo (Danehill Dancer). The post Qemah Filly Set For Donny Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As a former professional jockey, I reached a point where I had to step away from the sport and change professions to prioritize my mental health. Because I know what it feels like to be in that position, I never want another jockey to feel they are without support or options. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month–a time to shine a light on mental health, share hope, and remind people that reaching out for help is a sign of strength. I've been working with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Jockeys' Guild to address the unique mental wellness challenges jockeys face and drive change across the sport. I spent 12 years as a jockey before retiring due to mental health struggles. What the public sees on race day often hides a much harsher reality–one that nearly destroyed my life and family. Being a jockey means putting your life on the line every day while also maintaining incredibly demanding physical standards. At 5'9″, I had to keep my weight at 114 pounds through strict dieting and constant self-discipline. Even as I won 253 races in 2019, the strain on my body and mind was mounting, and by 2024, my win total had dropped to just 42. The combination of physical strain and injuries took a real toll on my mental health. Like many professional athletes, I tried to push through and keep everything bottled up. For a long time, I saw therapy as a sign of weakness, something that went against the toughness and resilience the sport demands. But the stress became overwhelming, and it was affecting both my career and my family life. With the encouragement of my wife, jockey Katie Davis, I finally sought help, and that decision changed everything. Instead of losing what mattered most, I found the tools to cope, heal, and continue forward with a healthier perspective. Therapy changed my life. It gave me a safe space to express my problems to someone who truly understood. I learned to sort out what I could and couldn't control, practiced meditation, and focused on positivity. These tools taught me how to stay strong and calm through the toughest situations. I started eating healthier and taking ice baths to help with pain management. Most importantly, I realized that seeking help wasn't weakness, it was the strongest thing I could do. My decision to retire was not just about leaving racing. It was about choosing to be a better father and husband. Walking away from the only profession I had ever known was scary, but it was also the clearest decision I have ever made. Now, working with HISA and Jockeys' Guild, my goal is to make sure other jockeys do not have to go down the same destructive path I did and are able to remain in the sport while safely and effectively managing their mental health. This is where Congress can make a real difference. We need federal funding to develop comprehensive support systems: therapists who understand the unique pressures of our sport, nutritionists who can help jockeys maintain weight safely, personal trainers for injury prevention, education programs, and recovery equipment – all the things most other professional athletes already have access to. The industry has made progress in recognizing these needs, including new initiatives like HISA and the Jockeys' Guild's partnership with Onrise, which gives jockeys access to confidential, athlete-specific mental health care. But we still need greater, well-funded support that reaches every corner of the racing community. HISA and Jockeys' Guild, along with the congressional Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, will host a Professional Athlete Roundtable on mental health at the United States Capitol on September 16. The goal is to raise awareness of the issues jockeys face by bringing together jockeys and other professional athletes to discuss our unique mental health challenges and the importance of access to appropriate resources. The stigma around mental health in sports is slowly breaking down, but lasting change requires real, institutional support. Jockeys, like other professional athletes, have long provided the American public with entertainment and relaxation, and the racing industry provides economic value to communities all over the country. Now it is time for policymakers to provide its athletes with support in return. I made the difficult decision to step away from racing to focus on my well-being and my family. With congressional funding and industry commitment to mental health, future jockeys can access the support they need without facing that same difficult choice. –Trevor McCarthy is a retired jockey, winner of 1,871 races and member of the Jockeys' Guild who now works with HISA and the Guild on mental health initiatives. The post Letter To The Editor: Congressional Action Needed to Support Jockeys’ Mental Health appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy's purple patch continued at Doncaster on Thursday as Santorini Star (Golden Horn) proved strongest in the G2 Park Hill Stakes over the St Leger trip. In front from the outset under Tom Marquand, the 7-2 second favourite outstayed the year-younger Consent (Lope De Vega) in the closing stages to prevail by a neck. “She won over two miles at York and the fact that she stays so well is what has won her the race,” Maureen Haggas said of the four-year-old. “She's really tough and Tom gave her a beautiful ride. We gave her a break in the summer and she seems to have come back a changed woman! She's going to be a broodmare for Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy, who are top-class people with top-class advisors so this was really important.” Gutsy! Santorini Star grinds it out to score in the Group 2 @Betfred Park Hill Fillies' Stakes under @TomMarquand! A first win in the race for @WilliamHaggas pic.twitter.com/fT14TNUeW6 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 11, 2025 The post More Big-Race Glory For Bloom And McAleavy As Santorini Star Wins The Park Hill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Of course, my Dad introduced me to the Thoroughbred business. Both of my parents did. They met each other in the Thoroughbred business at Walmac where my Mom worked. I remember from my childhood, if only vaguely, running around Johnny Jones's offices, pretending to be a cowboy like he was. I dressed as Zorro for Halloween one of those years and couldn't wait to show off to Johnny! My Dad was working at Vinery or maybe Watercress at that time. I remember his red Toyota truck and I remember his work boots. They didn't fit me yet, but I sure tried to wear them. What a stinging and emblematic memory trying to fit into his boots. My feet are bigger now, but he was still the better man. My Dad didn't take me along too often during his workdays. They were too long for me and I was too impatient as a child to tolerate looking at a hundred or more horses a day. But I remember a few trips. I remember visiting Castleton Lyons to see Malibu Moon. I wore that yellow Malibu Moon hat for years until it was bleached white by the sun. It was so stretched out and rancid that I simply could not be seen in public with it! I remember scurrying across the street to Taylor Made after a junior golf tournament at what was known then as the Highpoint Golf Course or more affectionately the 'Goat Patch.' I didn't even know if my Dad was there that day, but if I got to walk around the property to soak it all in that was fine with me. If I could see my Dad it would be even better. If John Hall was around too that would be the best, even though he was a Red Sox fan. I remember jumping up and down in our living room with my Mom, watching Mine That Bird win the Kentucky Derby. I knew it was a big deal for my Dad, but I don't think I really understood the gravity of that win. I was especially excited because I had placed a $2 win bet on that 50-1 gelding and was about to have $100. That was a lot of money for a 14-year-old kid. My Dad's phone was swamped from all the calls before the race even went off. That was a better excuse than the time he ruined his phone dropping it into a bowl of sausage gravy at Paula Deen's restaurant. My Dad taught me golf and the sport sent me to college. For years as I was growing up he told me, “Keep your left arm straight, and your right elbow in your side.” Not perfect advice, but it served me well for a long time. At least long enough to start beating him at the game we loved and enjoyed together. Of all my Dad's horse friends, I met many of them on the golf course for the first time. I cherish those memories from Cabin Brook, Houston Oaks, and Widow's Watch. He carried my bag as my caddie in our first Lexington Junior City Championship when I was maybe 12, and he helped me get over myself when I didn't break 100 that year. He almost certainly gave me a good dressing down over my temper too. We won two consecutive father-son outings at The Bull when I was in high school. He surprised me in Bowling Green in my senior year at the KHSAA State Championships. Golf was what we did together. I still prefer Quarter Pounders and Diet Coke because that's what he got us for lunch on the way to Avon Golf Course when I was just a kid. I'm sure I could fill pages and maybe even a book. Maybe I will. What can I say is that he was my Dad. I share his name. He's the senior and I'm the junior. My wife Alexa and I have a foster daughter and son. If we have the opportunity to adopt them, the son will be Stuart Andrew Angus III. I like tradition and I appreciate legacy–my Dad left a legacy. The stories being shared about him are a tremendous and powerful testament to that. I thought he was larger than life and I'm pleased now to discover by all your accounts that it was true. These 'Stu Stories' will be a treasure to me forever and I very sincerely appreciate every single one that is contributed. –Drew Angus (a.k.a. Rooster) Editor's Note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friends are encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. Please email suefinley@thetdn.com if you have a story to share. The post Stu Story #11 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's hitherto undefeated Green Spirit (Kingman) made a black-type breakthrough in last month's G3 Prix Six Perfections and provided her owner-breeders, trainer Christopher Head and jockey Maxime Guyon with a quickfire pattern-race double when dominating the closing stages of Thursday's G2 Prix d'Aumale at ParisLongchamp. Positioned within range of the pace at the tail of the five-strong field through halfway, the 7-10 favourite was urged forward with 500 metres remaining and ridden out once quickening to the front approaching the final furlong to outbattle the reopposing Six Perfections placegetter and TDN Rising Star Narissa (Siyouni) in ultimately snug fashion. The winning margin was 1 1/4 lengths, with 1 3/4 lengths back to Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et des Jouvencelles victrix Clea Chope (Muhaarar) in third. Pedigree Notes Green Spirit is the eighth of 10 foals and one of six scorers out of G3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial runner-up Sapphire Pendant (Danehill Dancer), herself a full-sister to Listed Feilden Stakes second King George River. Descendants of her second dam Butterfly Blue (Sadler's Wells), herself a daughter of GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Santa Susana Stakes-winning matriarch Blush With Pride (Blushing Groom), include GI American Oaks heroine Paris Lights (Curlin) and the Grade I-placed mother and son America (A.P. Indy) and First Captain (Curlin). The February-foaled homebred bay is a half-sister to G3 Prix des Chenes and G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil victor Ecrivain (Lope De Vega), Listed Prix Occitanie third Starifique (Sea The Stars), a yearling colt by Curlin and a weanling filly by Good Magic. A good day for @CHeadRacing, just gets better! Green Spirit comes home strongly to score in the Group Two Prix d'Aumale at ParisLongchamp! pic.twitter.com/zTHSmDaOyh — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 11, 2025 Thursday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX D'AUMALE-G2, €119,000, ParisLongchamp, 9-11, 2yo, f, 8fT, 1:39.95, sf. 1–GREEN SPIRIT, 126, f, 2, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Sapphire Pendant (Ire) (GSP-Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 2nd Dam: Butterfly Blue (Ire), by Sadler's Wells 3rd Dam: Blush With Pride, by Blushing Groom (Fr) O/B-Wertheimer & Frere; T-Christopher Head; J-Maxime Guyon. €67,830. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, €136,430. *1/2 to Ecrivain (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), MGSW-Fr, $214,922; and Starifique (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), SP-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Narissa (Ire), 126, f, 2, Siyouni (Fr)–Narmeen (Fr), by Le Havre (Ire). TDN Rising Star. O/B-Aga Khan Studs; T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €26,180. 3–Clea Chope (Fr), 126, f, 2, Muhaarar (GB)–Mercifully (Fr), by Whipper. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€32,000 Ylg '24 ARQOCT). O-Alain Jathiere, Gousserie Racing & Gerard Augustin Normand; B-Alain Chopard; T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €12,495. Margins: 1 1/4, 1 3/4, NK. Odds: 0.70, 3.10, 8.80. Also Ran: Princess Petrol (GB), Madame Ly (Fr). The post Wertheimers at the Double as Undefeated Green Spirit Notches Prix d’Aumale Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Howden and Ascot have renewed their partnership for another five years until 2030, the racecourse announced on Thursday. The partnership, which began in 2021, underscores both organisations' commitment to excellence in horse racing and the broader equine industry and ensures continued collaboration across all Ascot racedays, with Howden's branding prominently featured around Ascot Racecourse, including throughout Royal Ascot. The Howden Christmas Racing Weekend has also become a highlight of the festive season, featuring prominent races such as the G1 Howden Long Walk Hurdle and the G2 Howden Noel Novices' Chase. Felicity Barnard, CEO, Ascot Racecourse, said, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Howden, a company that shares our passion for horse racing and commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration and exploring new opportunities together over the next five years.” David Howden CBE, CEO, Howden, added, “I'm absolutely delighted that we're renewing our partnership with Ascot Racecourse – the best of British and the supreme pinnacle of the racing world. I couldn't be more excited to extend this glorious relationship and continue bringing the thrills, the magic and the joy to racegoers for another five years.” The post Ascot And Howden Renew Partnership For Another Five Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Not seen since snagging July's Listed Prix Roland de Chambure, Alain and Gerard Wertheimer homebred Nighttime (Wootton Bassett) continued on the upgrade with a first pattern-race triumph in Thursday's G3 Prix La Rochette at ParisLongchamp. The Christopher Head trainee, who graduated over seven furlongs at Saint-Cloud in June, was on the front end early and accepted a tow from fellow Wertheimer entry Kenzel (Zelzal), who had been baulked at the break, after the first two furlongs. Shaken up to launch his bid with a quarter-mile remaining, the 7-10 pick gained an edge passing the furlong pole and was ridden out to hold the late threat of Komorebi (Pinatubo) by 3/4-of-a-length. Francis Graffard nominee Vardif (Siyouni) kept on well in the closing stages and finished the same margin adrift in third. Pedigree Notes Nighttime is the third of four foals and one of two scorers out of a full-sister to Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes winner and G2 Ribblesdale Stakes runner-up Mori (Frankel). His dam Daytime (Frankel) is also kin to G3 Sandown Classic Trial and G3 N E Manion Cup victor Midterm (Galileo), stakes-winning G3 Musidora Stakes second Noon Star (Galileo) and the dual stakes-placed Indelible (Shamardal). Nighttime, whose second dam is multiple Group 1-winning GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Midday (Oasis Dream), is a half-brother to G3 Prix Cleopatre victrix Halfday (Lope De Vega) and a weanling colt by Zarak. A colt of real potential for @CHeadRacing! Nighttime digs deep to land the Group Three Prix la Rochette at ParisLongchamp! pic.twitter.com/TYqReypcAC — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 11, 2025 The post Nighttime Continues Ascent With La Rochette Triumph at ParisLongchamp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The signs are that the end of summer is bringing a new force into the reckoning in St Mark's Basilica and Coolmore's first-crop sire was at the forefront again on Thursday as his daughter Aylin captured Doncaster's G2 May Hill Stakes. Third last time in Goodwood's seven-furlong G3 Prestige Stakes, Al Shaqab and Amo Racing's 5-1 second favourite relished this stamina-sapping mile test and stayed on for David Egan to overhaul Pacific Mission (Lope De Vega) late on and score by 3/4 of a length. “I thought she was going to struggle three out, but the extra furlong suited her,” trainer Karl Burke said. “She ran well last time, but got in a little bit of trouble. The question is now whether to go again in the Fillies' Mile or Marcel Boussac. She was very fit today and so it's a little bit of a question mark as to how she will take this race and whether another run will be one too many.” So game! AYLIN battles to victory in the Group 2 @Betfred May Hill Stakes…@DavidEgan99 | @karl_burke | @DoncasterRaces pic.twitter.com/5yoX7wBSPL — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 11, 2025 The post St Mark’s Basilica Momentum Continues As Aylin Takes The May Hill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to the structure of Doncaster's Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes on Thursday, Advertise's Calendar Girl was “chucked in” as they say in Britain and duly scooped the big 6 1/2-furlong pot for her Kennet Valley Syndicate. Carrying 8-3 due to her sire's Sales median, the Owen Burrows-trained 45,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 purchase who had won at Newbury and been second at Epsom over seven was produced late by Saffie Osborne to overwhelm the Harry's Half Million winner Song Of The Clyde (Sergei Prokofiev) in the closing stages and prevail by half a length. “Dropping back a half-furlong wasn't ideal, but they went quick and her ability got her through,” Burrows said of the winner, whose yearling three-parts brother also goes to the October Book 2 Sale as lot 1090. “She had 8-3 as well and that helped. She's a big girl and she wants a mile, Jim [Crowley] really liked her first time and thought she was a Stakes filly, but she's had a hard race there so we'll see.” Off bottom weight, Calendar Girl lands the Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes! @DoncasterRaces | @OsborneSaffie | @OwenBurrowsRace pic.twitter.com/6lEV2iGivY — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 11, 2025 The post Calendar Girl Swoops For Valuable Doncaster Prize appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column. By Brittany Graham As the harness racing scene really starts to heat up, here is what has caught my eye this week. Black Booker War Chief was exceptional on debut in the first heat of the Woodlands Sires Stakes for two-year-old colts and geldings behind Cyclone Rebel and appears to have a very bright future. Drawing gate 12, the big son of Captaintreacherous was spotting the leaders close to 10 lengths with a lap to go before charging home to only be beaten a length. He tracked the eventual winner, before tipping extremely wide on the turn and doing his best work in the last 100 metres. He recorded the quickest closing sectionals of the race and gives all impressions that he will improve from the debut run and a better gate next time. He also lacks for nothing in the breeding department and operates out of the right stable (Purdon and Phelan). Trial Star Treasure Cove was of many eyecatchers at the Rangiora trials on Wednesday as part of a star-studded line up. A two-time winner from 13 career starts to date, the Stonewall trainee has seemingly enjoyed a mid-season break after making a mistake at his last start in the Kotare Downs Rangiora 3YO Stakes back in May. I noticed some gear changes to try and iron out some of his previous tractability issues, and he went to the line under a strong hold in a quick last section. Returning on a kind enough rating of 45, he should find himself in the winner’s circle at short notice if that trial was anything to go by. Australian News Kevin Seymour has confirmed that ‘Operation New Zealand Cup’ is officially underway with his superstar pacer Leap To Fame. While it has been a long-term plan, the enticement to stay home for the revamped Queensland Summer Carnival including the Blacks A Fake and Sunshine Sprint was a topic of contention. The now richest standardbred of all time in the Southern Hemisphere is only a fortnight away from trialing before he targets the Victoria Cup on October 18 at Melton. ‘Larry’ is doubtful to have a preparatory race start on New Zealand soil, instead likely heading to the Cup Trial to get familiar with Addington Raceway. His stablemate Aroda is once again nominated after taking his place in the 2024 edition of the great race, however, would need to improve his current ranking 23. More likely to join his stablemate is star three-year-old Fate Awaits who is being targeted towards The Velocity and New Zealand Derby post his luckless Eureka 9th last Saturday at Menangle. Milestone Watch After his successful steer aboard stable runner The Night Agent in the last at Alexandra Park last Friday night, Scott Phelan now sits on 599 career driving successes. He will partner Im Sandra Dee as his lone drive this weekend when the in-form filly takes on a Nevele R Fillies heat as race 6 in Auckland on Friday night. Despite taking a back seat for regular stable driver Zachary Butcher more often than not these days, Phelan is operating with a very healthy UDR of .254 in the sulky this season. Best of the Weekend Belle Neige is a trotting mare in excellent form, in search of three straight victories at Alexandra Park on Friday night. With an excellent mobile record and plenty of prior gate speed, she should be able to maintain the gate advantage over her main market rival Matty A. View the full article

What Geelong Races Where Geelong Racecourse – 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219 When Friday, September 12, 2025 First Race 1:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Geelong Racecourse is set to host a competitive eight-race meeting this Friday afternoon on a track rated a Soft 5. Showers are forecast for race day, but it shouldn’t see the track downgrade further than the Soft 5 posted at the time of acceptances. The rail will be out 4m from 1700m to 800m and 6m for the remainder, with the first race jumping at 1:10pm AEST. Best Bet at Geelong: Bring Forth Progressive stayer Bring Forth has found his groove and strikes a BM66 (2440m) that sets up beautifully. He’s rock-hard fit, stays all day, and draws to park on speed without working from gate five. The Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) yard rarely misses when they aim one at these provincial staying races, and the 1.5kg claim for Luke Cartwright keeps him nicely in at the weights. Tactically, he can control the race outside the leader, build from the 800m and break them with a sustained run. If the track plays fair, his staying strength should prove the difference late. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Bring Forth (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Luke Cartwright (a1.5) (62kg) Next Best at Geelong: Act Natural Phillip Stokes looks to have found the right maiden for Act Natural. He’s been ultra-consistent with a picket fence of seconds around him, and the race shape here looks perfect: genuine tempo from a few drawn wide should let Daniel Stackhouse slide across from gate nine, land one-off with cover, and produce at the 300m. His ratings are already good enough to win an average provincial maiden, and a Soft 5 shouldn’t blunt his turn of foot. With race fitness on side and a tidy map, Act Natural gets every chance to break through. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Act Natural (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Daniel Stackhouse (59.5kg) Best Value at Geelong: Rubology At double-figure odds with horse racing bookmakers, Rubology appeals each-way in the penultimate event. He resumes off a stable switch with a strong fresh record and brings metro-benchmark form lines that read well against this lot. The map looks kind: from barrier 11 Craig Newitt can slide across to sit one-off just behind a hot tempo, then angle into clear air from the 400m. If the inside chops out late, that wider lane suits his style. Best Value Race 7 – #2 Rubology (11) 6yo Gelding | T: Peter Gelagotis | J: Craig Newitt (61kg) Friday quaddie tips for Geelong Geelong quadrella selections Friday, September 12, 2025 5-10-11 1-2 1-2-3-11 4-6-10-14 Horse racing tips View the full article