Wandering Eyes

“A man of my kidney.” All the way back to Falstaff, this curious expression has tokened a particular kinship in temperament or personality. In the case of Adrian Regan of Hunter Valley Farm, however, it has an uncommon resonance–both literal and figurative. In the former sense, he was fortunate that his brother should have turned out to possess not only a matching kidney when Regan needed a transplant, but also the big fraternal heart to go willingly under the knife. Regan will never forget Dr. Erickson at the Mayo Clinic coming in with the test results and announcing: “You're a very unique case.” “Jeez,” Regan thought. “That's never good.” Regan was told that they could maintain his own organs for the time being but at some point he would need a transplant. A couple of years on, the doctor rang and said that the time had come. “It's got to be done during the next year,” he said. “So you need to start looking into getting paired up with somebody.” Regan couldn't have built Hunter Valley into the force it is, alongside Fergus Galvin, without understanding the importance of pedigree. “So obviously we went to my family first,” he recalls now. “And Jarlath was a perfect match. And he had no hesitation whatsoever, even though he had a very young child at the time. I was very conscious of that, but Jarlath ploughed on, donated the kidney, and we haven't looked back.” That was February 2017, and Regan will never forget his brother's selflessness. “Oh, don't worry, I think about it a lot,” Regan says. “I'll tell you one thing: it slowed down the lifestyle, put the brakes on the partying. When you make these decisions, with Jarlath making the sacrifice he did, you just have a responsibility. It's not even a choice, you have to change your life.” Regan also stresses how fortunate he feels, to have had the care he did, and can't help wondering how things might have played out had he stayed in Ireland. Equally, of course, the niche he has found in the Bluegrass was all about an exceptional affinity with a compatriot. For it's in that other, metaphorical sense that Regan has been blessed to find a man of his own “kidney.” It is said to be perilous to go into business with friends, but his partnership with Galvin has shown them to be almost uncannily in step. Fergus Galvin and Adrian Regan | Fasig-Tipton “Well, it does seem that Fergus and myself do see things on a similar line,” Regan reflects. “I suppose that's probably the secret to the whole thing. I mean, we've had very few arguments in our time, 20 years or whatever it is now. Very few. The racing is his forte, he really knows how to spot these horses coming along. I love the farm side, the yearlings and everything, so we each have our different angles that seem to fit well. We've been very lucky.” Their friendship goes right back to the Irish National Stud course, a launchpad shared by countless horsemen of their generation. Back then, however, Regan was still adamant that he would eventually follow in the footsteps of his father, Tady, who trained under both codes on the Curragh. “I only did a small bit of the stud scene at home,” Regan notes. “And though my father had managed a stud way back when, he was training after that. So yes, definitely, even when I first came over here I always thought I'd be doing the same.” After learning the ropes with his father, Regan went to that most exacting of finishing schools, Coolcullen. “Jim Bolger was a hard taskmaster, but very fair, and I really enjoyed it down there,” Regan says. “I was there when we had five winners on [Irish] Derby Day, including St Jovite. And I used to ride a horse called Blue Judge that ran second in the English Derby. Afterwards I remember Dave Downey coming out into the yard and saying, 'Adrian Regan, that's the last time you'll be riding that horse!' I was living with Pat O'Donovan, and he was a real mentor. Great times, and there were great people there.” Indeed, even by the standards of the Bolger academy, it was an extraordinary payroll at the time: Tony McCoy, Paul Carberry, Ted Durcan, Richie Galway. But Regan stood out sufficiently, over his three years there, to be entrusted with traveling horses to France and England; and years later, Bolger sent his American mares into Regan's care at a farm he was managing prior to the foundation of Hunter Valley. Sir Mark Prescott and his string on Warren Hill | Emma Berry There would be a similar proof of hard-earned but lasting esteem from Regan's next boss, Sir Mark Prescott, who four or five years ago asked him to sell a mare for him at Keeneland. “I was only a short while with Sir Mark,” Regan recalls. “In hindsight, I was probably a little young going over there. But he gave me plenty of tips and education, and had no problem sending me off to saddle here and there.” From these masters of the old school in Europe, Regan proceeded–via a first Kentucky stint with compatriot Padraig Campion–to a very different brand, in the barn of Bob Baffert. “I was very lucky,” he says. “Eoin [Harty] was assistant at the time, and taught me plenty. Bob was good to me, too, but had a lot on his plate: we had Silver Charm, Indian Charlie, Real Quiet. The one thing that stood out to me was that when they went over to the track in the afternoon, there were very few surprises. They had a great gauge on their horses. Though Indian Charlie had won the Santa Anita Derby, everyone knew that he was going to have his hands full with Real Quiet.” Yet it was at Del Mar that Regan began to question his vocation. “Everybody was up at 4 a.m., whether you were Bob or only had three horses,” he reflects. “And I just thought to myself, 'Now, what are my chances of becoming Bob Baffert? Do I really want to be getting up at 4 a.m. the rest of my life to train a dozen horses?'” He talked it over with his father, and agreed that he should probably have another look at the breeding side. It was hard for the old man, who had set his heart on handing over his stable someday. But it is not as though the racetrack years were wasted: on the contrary, unlike so many bloodstock professionals today, Regan has thrived precisely because he never cut the thread between sales ring and winner's circle. “No doubt about it,” he agrees. “Having an understanding of what goes on at the track is definitely an advantage. Especially when it comes to choosing and prepping yearlings, though there's a big difference in what they look for here. Height is a big thing, obviously, though what they really won't live with–compared with Europe–is any amount of slackness in the pasterns.” Galvin, well established in the Bluegrass through service with Pin Oak, Newgate and Coolmore, was actually the first person Regan rang about potential openings in Kentucky. He duly made an introduction to get Regan a foothold; and then another member of the Irish diaspora, Pat Costello, alerted him to the vacancy he was about to create at the Stiltz family's Crescent Hill Farm. “You got paid as you brought in clients,” Regan recalls. “I didn't think I was experienced enough, but Pat wouldn't hear any of it. 'Don't worry about that,' he said. 'I'll fill the place and you'll learn as you go.' And it was a great crash course: how to deal with clients, how to hustle, everything like that. And I was very lucky that Tom Riddle was the vet. It must have been frustrating for him at times, having to deal with this greenhorn, but he was fantastic.” By the time the Stiltz family sold up, three or four years later, Galvin also happened to find himself at a crossroads. They had a bit of a night out, with their Chicago construction buddies John Wade and Tony Hegarty, and somehow came out the other end not just with a hangover but with a life-changing plan. “The lads were looking for a bit of land down here,” Regan recalls. “While myself and Fergus didn't have enough money to buy a fencepost. So they gave us the opportunity to buy our way in, over time. To be honest, it's just one of these really good American stories. We're all equal partners now. But without the two boys, Hunter Valley would never have happened.” Having bought the old Golden Gate Stud, 10 minutes from Keeneland, they famously landed running when buying a Johannesburg weanling privately from his breeder. The first yearling consigned under the Hunter Valley banner at the 2005 September Sale made $250,000 from Todd Pletcher, and turned out to be none other than Scat Daddy. The late Scat Daddy | Coolmore “It was a great start but, look, we didn't get ahead of ourselves either,” Regan says. “Because we knew that this wasn't going to happen every year. But we've sort of kept saying that, every year! Somehow it's just kept getting progressively better. In fairness to Fergus, he was very good at spotting fillies with upside, and we did a good bit of the claiming game, and a certain amount of foal pinhooking, which I always loved. “We've known Stephen Hillen a long time and, sharp as he is, he's been a big help. He brought David Redvers over pinhooking, many moons ago. And David introduced us to Sheikh Fahad. So we've been very lucky with the people we've met, and what it's led to.” And what it has led to–between pinhooks and homebreds, partnerships and clients, in all a couple of hundred horses selling through their drafts annually–is action all the way. “It really is,” Regan acknowledges. “But I like all aspects, and the way it changes. I love the breeding season, but at the end of it, you're ready for a change, and then you're prepping the yearlings. That would be my favorite bit. Those babies that improve in prep, they really recharge your batteries.” With the expansion of business, they were fortunate to buy some adjacent land. “That was just as we were about to breathe a bit, and so we were right back under pressure again,” Regan says. “But it was worth doing. You have to pinch yourself, what it's become. You just go out there every morning and think, 'It's only Hunter Valley, just get on with it!' “The sales have turned into a bit of a beauty pageant, haven't they, and we're always looking for the under-furnished horses, instead of paying top dollar. We let the foals do their own thing. If they're coming and they're ready, we go to November. If they need a bit of time, we wait. But I think we do a good job producing them for the sales.” He stresses the partners' debt to manager Edwyn Kiely and the rest of their team. The business is obviously not without its frustrations–top of Regan's list would be veterinary quibbles at the sales–but year after year you can set your clock by Hunter Valley, whether as breeders, consignors or buyers. Yet Regan, like so many other horsemen, offers no short cuts beyond the customary indispensables of diligence and luck. “But also Tony and John,” he emphasizes. “They trusted us to make the right decisions. I don't know if that was very wise of them, at the time, but they did. At the end of the day, and I know you hear it off everybody, we have been very lucky from the start.” As for the sweat equity required to capitalize on that luck, that was always guaranteed–whether as an Irish expatriate, or as a son of Tady Regan. “My father was a very hard worker and, without any bullying, that was always his mentality with us too,” Regan says. “I first came here when those Morrison visas came about, and said it would only be for a month. But I never went home. I do think that broke my father's heart a bit, but there were just more chances out here–chances of promotion, chances to do your own thing.” He emphasizes that the best American chance of all introduced him to his wife Kimberley; while he would never have made it over here at all, but for his mother Maire's insistence that he persevere at school until gaining his Leaving Certificate. Without that, he would have been ineligible for a visa. And actually that family work ethic brings us full circle, back to his brother. Because while Jarlath made a shorter emigration, to London, the key to his own successful career, as comedian and Irishman Abroad podcaster, has been no different. “That entertainment business, it's not everything people might imagine,” Regan says. “Jarlath went to England and drove everywhere, coming back middle of the night, night after night. And we think we work hard? But for me, that's also been the common denominator for a lot of the Irish over here. From an early stage, just listening to the first generation that had come over, that seemed to be the word that filtered through: work hard, and you'll be rewarded.” The post Shamrocks In The Bluegrass: Adrian Regan Of Hunter Valley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the announcement that the Australian auction house Inglis has expanded into American after purchasing a majority share in the Thoroughbred auction company Wanamaker's, the TDN sat down with Wanamaker's co-founder Liza Hendriks, who will stay on as CEO of the company, to discuss the re-brand to Inglis Digital USA. Q: Could you give us a little backstory on how the re-brand came about? A: When I was part of Godolphin Flying Start four and a half years ago, I was in Australia and I saw how well the online auctions were working there. It was how I decided to start Wanamaker's when I finished Flying Start. I was down at the Inglis Easter sale two years ago and I got to meet their team. From there, we kept in touch and the partnership worked seamlessly for both parties. Inglis wanted to expand because their online auctions have been working so well there. They purchased a majority share of Wanamaker's. I had previously been the sole owner. Inglis has such an incredible and historic brand. They've been running auctions for over 150 years and they've been running digital sales for nearly eight years. They're grossing over 90 million Australian dollars a year in digital sales, so they are very experienced and it has been great to be able to have them share their experience on things that have worked well and things that have not worked so well. Q: How does the digital market in Australia differ from here in the U.S.? A: They tend to be a little ahead of the curve in terms of technology throughout the industry. Digital sales have worked very well for them with being able to trade proven horses, broodmares and broodmare prospects throughout the year. Everyone there has gotten really comfortable with it and they sell over 300 horses every two weeks. In the past couple sales, they've listed over 500 every two weeks, so it's definitely still growing there. Another huge benefit that the Australian industry has seen is that it adds liquidity throughout the year with their sellers. They have been able to then reinvest that money into other horses, typically keeping it within the industry. A: Who will the team for this new venture be comprised of? I have stayed on as CEO and Kyle Wilson is the senior director of sales and recruitment. He also did Flying Start so we're excited to have him on board. He will be heading up client relationships because while it is an online sale, we want to make sure that we still have great in-person relationships and build a trustworthy brand. Kelly Brophey is the director of sales operations. She will be running everything with the sales process from entering to helping with questions that come up with buyers or sellers during the sale. We've set up an office in Lexington as well and will be based there. Q: What type of buyer do you expect Inglis Digital USA to be geared toward? A: The digital sales have worked best for proven racehorses and then fillies and mares with updates. It will be buyers that want to have immediate action on the track or want to build their broodmare band with fillies and mares that have active families. With Wanamaker's, we've seen a horse sell and then a day later it was entered in Saratoga and ran that weekend. There is such a demand for racehorses right now and this gives buyers the benefit of being able to run right away. Q: For sellers, will there be any upgrades or changes they should expect with the rebrand? A: We will charge 5% commission on sales, 3.5% on sales $100,000 or more and still no commission on RNAs. This will be aimed toward sellers who want to capitalize on recent results or if they have a filly or mare that has a big update throughout the year. We've seen with Wanamaker's and should continue to see that it adds so much liquidity and transparency to the market. Rather than trying to trade privately throughout the year, it can be online and the price can be transparent with the vetting and everything else that comes with the sales process. Q: Since Wanamaker's was launched in 2020, how have you seen the digital space change in America specifically? A: We've seen buyers and sellers get more used to trading throughout the year, whether it's buying or selling a broodmare outside of the typical season or selling horses of all ages. We can have more immediate sales rather than relying on public sales throughout the year. Another trend that we've seen is that the barrier to entry for racing has gotten lower because sometimes if a new owner goes to a sales ground they can get intimidated with how everything is working and flowing, wondering if they have to have an agent or how to vet a horse. With having all the information online publicly, we've seen new owners come into the sport. We have been able to help connect them with people and they're able to just hop on and buy a horse straightaway. Q: What do you think sets Wanamaker's and now Inglis Digital USA apart from other auction houses, both public and digital? A: We have a whole team dedicated solely to online sales. I think that's a great benefit. We're focused on online sales and not holding any horses back for a physical sale. Without having to go to a physical sale, racehorses don't have to leave the track and be out of training. Broodmares don't have to have that biosecurity risk of being exposed to the sales ground. If they're in foal or have a foal by their side, you limit the risk of exposure. They can stay right where they are and sometimes they stay at the farm where they were going to foal anyways. Q: Are there any other changes that buyers and sellers should expect with Inglis Digital USA going forward? A: We are adding an assistant to verify all vendors and set bidding limits. With our announcement, we will also have people register and request a bidding limit. We should be able to globalize quickly and market to all different areas of the world as well. If we have a racehorse or broodmare that looks like it could be marketable down in Australia, Inglis will help with their contacts. We hope to attract buyers worldwide, from South America, Europe and the Middle East. The post Q&A with Inglis Digital USA’s Liza Hendriks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Capable stayer Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) has shifted camp to prepare for the next stage of his career. The son of Jakkalberry arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday to build toward a jumping career from the successful Warrnambool stable of Symon Wilde. The seven-year-old was formerly prepared at Cambridge by Shaun Phelan, who remains part of the ownership group of the seven-time winner. “I had been in contact with a few trainers over there and he’s gone to Symon Wilde, Aaron Kuru jacked that up for me,” Phelan said. “We just thought that he’s up in the ratings a bit now and he’s obviously got flat ability, so we thought we might as well have a go with him over the jumps in Australia.” A brother to six-time winner and former stablemate Enchanted Elle, Hit The Road Jack has won four open handicaps and placed in the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), the Egmont Cup (2100m) and the Te Awamutu Cup (1600m). He has performed well in stakes company when fifth in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m), the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) and was a luckless seventh in an edition of the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). Most recently, he was runner-up in a hurdle trial at Cambridge before he was unplaced last time out in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) when denied a decent crack at them in the straight. Hit The Road Jack will have the mandatory two jumping trials in Victoria, with the first likely to be on his new home track at Warrnambool on Monday. “The syndicate thought we’d have a go and it was a good offer from them to train him so we’re quite excited about it all,” Phelan said. “It’s in their hands over there now and he might have the odd flat run, he could be competitive in a country cup somewhere.” View the full article

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's G1 2,000 Guineas runner-up Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), trained by Richard Hannon, will face seven rivals, including a trio from Ballydoyle, in Saturday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. Bidding to become only the fifth English-trained runner to win since 2010, the year of the stable's Canford Cliffs (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}), last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero is likely to start favourite over the Aidan O'Brien-trained top-level performers River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Hannon also saddles the Guineas third Haatem (Ire) by the 2019 Irish 2000 Guineas hero Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), with Jamie Spencer due to link up with Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah's colt. O'Brien will also be represented by Mountain Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never), and the field is completed by the Joseph O'Brien-trained Atlantic Coast (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), the Tetrarch S. winner Bright Stripes (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), trained by Andy Oliver, and Take Me To Church (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), representing the Jack Davidson stable. The post Eight Stand Ground for the Irish 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Doomben Cup Day 2024 Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, May 25, 2024 First Race 11:08am AEST Visit Dabble The Group 1 Doomben Cup will headline the 10-race program this Saturday afternoon as the Brisbane Racing Club hosts its second meeting at the Doomben track in as many weeks. With no rain forecast until raceday, it is expected that the track will improve from Thursday’s Soft 6 rating and then regress over the course of the meeting. The rail will be in the +2m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 11:08am AEST. Race 1: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1350m) Pacific Ruby will return from a lengthy layoff when she competes in the opening race at Doomben after the Ciaron Maher-trained mare was last seen finishing second last at Randwick on August 19. The daughter of Kermadec has been given three jumpouts before this fresh run and will seek to continue her strong first-up form (4:3-1-0). Jumping from barrer five with Craig Williams in the saddle, Pacific Ruby can settle close to the speed and show her customary dash late to run away from her rivals late. Selections: 14 PACIFIC RUBY 15 AVEBURY 8 MIDNIGHT IN TOKYO 3 WATEGOES Race 2: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1110m) Stuart Kendrick and Michael Rodd will combine with Kingston’s Here as he returns from a 32-week spell at a track where he has only missed the placings once from six starts (6:2-2-1). This six-year-old gelding has been given two trials in preparation for this fresh run, with his most recent victory over 1050m at Deagon being the better of the two. With a lot of speed expected in this race, Michael Rodd can settle this son of Rich Enuff midfield and find a back to follow before letting this guy unleash with a devastating turn of foot late. Selections: 10 KINGSTON’S HERE 12 NASHIRA 1 CONTEMPORARY 4 OSAMU Best Value Race 2 – #10 Kingston’s Here (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Michael Rodd (58kg) +2200 with Neds Race 3: Darby McCarthy (1110m) Celui will drop back from Group 3 grade last start to compete against his own age group in an Open Handicap. Although the Brent Stanley-trained colt started to struggle late, he was racing on a Heavy track for the first time and didn’t seem to like the conditions. With the Doomben track expected to be firmer and Opie Bosson retaining the ride on this son of Toronado, he should be able to find the front from barrier six. If Celui shows the same early speed and gives a strong kick on the home turn, he can record his fifth win here. Selections: 1 CELUI 10 FORTUNEER 6 SKIRT THE LAW 3 SHOW ME MERCY Next Best Race 3 – #1 Celui (6) 3yo Colt | T: Brent Stanley | J: Opie Bosson (57kg) +340 with Picklebet Race 4: Listed Bill Carter Stakes (1200m) It was hard not to be impressed with the win of Clean Energy on debut, when the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly careered away from her rivals late over 1000m at Warwick Farm on May 8. The daughter of Zoustar showed similar speed and class to her sister and three-time Group 1 winner Sunlight, as she put a space on her rivals in the final 200m. Adam Hyeronimus will take the reins again, and if Clean Energy jumps well and finds the front, it will take something special to beat here. Selections: 4 CLEAN ENERGY 9 LADY SHENANDOAH 2 LINCOLNSHIRE 1 POSTER GIRL Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Clean Energy (3) 2yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (56.5kg) +110 with Dabble Race 5: National 2YO Classic (1050m) Eneeza will return to the racetrack following a six-week freshen after her impressive win in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes on April 13 at Randwick. On that day, the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained filly showed a blistering turn of foot and held off the Golden Slipper winner, Lady Of Camelot. Dropping back from 1200m to 1050m is a slight query off a small break, but if Eneeza can settle close to the speed from barrier four, she should have too much class for this field. Selections: 9 ENEEZA 1 SPYWIRE 10 ARABIAN SUMMER 5 EMBASSY Race 6: Listed Chief De Beers (1110m) After dominating his rivals at the Sunshine Coast last start, Hardware Lane will seek back-to-back wins third-up. The John Smerdon-trained gelding settled midfield before letting down with a strong finish to record an impressive 1.8-length victory over 1000m. This son of Scissor Kick will appreciate a rise in trip to 1110m and if the surface gets heavier, that will also play into his favour. It is expected that Mark Du Plessis will adopt the same tactics as last start, and Hardware Lane will play a prominent role in the finish. Selections: 10 HARDWARE LANE 19 HELLUVA BARTY 1 SPACEWALK 14 GOLDEN BOOM Race 7: Group 3 Pam O’Neil Stakes (1600m) Over a distance short of her best, Princess Rhaenys ran home nicely over 1400m first-up at the Sunshine Coast against a similar field that she will face on Saturday. Tony Gollan has booked the in-form Damian Lane for his first ride on the daughter of Iffraaj as she seeks to claim her first victory, second-up (5:0-1-2) and third at 1600m (8:2-1-2). From barrier five, Lane doesn’t have to take this mare to the back of the field and can settle closer to midfield, which should allow her to get into the race earlier and use her turn of foot to run over the top of the leaders late. Selections: 7 PRINCESS RHAENYS 5 THALASSOPHILE 2 ZOE’S PROMISE 1 DENY KNOWLEDGE Pam O’Neil Stakes Race 7 – #7 Princess Rhaenys (5) 6yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Damian Lane (55.5kg) +900 with Bet365 Race 8: Group 2 The Roses (2000m) Scarlet Oak will compete in The Roses following her dominant win at Newcastle over 1600m, where the Chris Waller-trained filly didn’t go around a single runner and ran way from her rivals to claim a 2.4-length victory. The only blemish on this girl’s record was on the very heavy Randwick track on April 20, when she was the best of the beaten brigade in the Group 3 James HB Carr Stakes. James McDonald will take the reins for his first ride on the daughter of Kermadec, and if she produces a similar turn of foot, Scarlet Oak will prove hard to beat. Selections: 13 SCARLET OAK 1 MOLLY BLOOM 3 AMAZONIAN LASS 18 KIND OF WORDS The Roses Race 8 – #13 Scarlet Oak (5) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +270 with PlayUp Race 9: Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) The feature event of the day will be the $1 million Doomben Cup, where 16 runners are expected to battle over 2000m. The top stables of Chris Waller, Annabel Neasham, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott train nine of the horses in the field and they will seek to continue the interstate dominance of the race. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the 2024 Doomben Cup here. Race 10: Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) Freedom Rally performed very well in conditions that didn’t suit the Tony Gollan-trained gelding when he finished third on a Heavy track at the Sunshine Coast on May 11. The son of Rubick missed the start slightly and was made to race in the inferior part of the track on the inside of runners, but he still recorded the fastest 400m section of the entire meeting that day. If he jumps with the rest of the field from the inside barrier this time, Freedom Rally can claim the final race of the day with a similar finishing burst. Selections: 18 FREEDOM RALLY 12 YELLOW BRICK 15 ZARASTRO 8 HERE TO SHOCK BRC Sprint Race 10 – #18 Freedom Rally (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Craig Williams (54kg) +400 with Unibet Doomben free Saturday quaddie tips Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, May 25, 2024 1-2-5-7 1-13 1-2-3-4-14 4-8-12-15-18 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, May 25, 2024 First Race 11:25am AEST Visit Dabble Sandown Racecourse is the destination for Victorian metro racing on Saturday, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall on the radar, the track should be in Good 4 condition prior to the opening race at 11:25am local time. Best Bet at Sandown: Let’srollthedice Let’srollthedice returns to Victoria after a confidence-building win at Rosehill on April 27. The son of Dundeel fought hard for that victory, picking himself up to score by a nose. He gets a similar setup in this BM100, and with John Allen likely to gain an economical run from barrier three, expect another bold showing by Let’srollthedce as he searches for back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Let’srollthedice (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: John Allen (57kg) +260 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Cawdor French import Cawdor makes his Australian debut after a 272-day spell and looks to have acclimatised well to his new home at the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young barn. He won a recent jump-out at Cranbourne on May 6, doing it comfortably over the 1000m short course. Being first-up over 1400m shows good intent from the stable, and with Group-level form under his belt overseas, Cawdor looks perfectly placed in this BM84 contest. Next Best Race 9 – #17 Cawdor (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Luke Currie (56.5kg) +500 with Playup Best Value at Sandown: William Thomas William Thomas hasn’t found the winners’ enclosure since April 2020, but he can finally break the long run of outs in this BM78. He was held up for a run in his most recent effort at this course and distance on May 15, hitting the line with plenty in hand behind Scissor Step. He draws to get a mid-field sit with cover under Ben Allen from stall five, so with a bit more luck in transit this time, watch for William Thomas to burst clear at an each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #7 William Thomas (5) 9yo Gelding | T: John Price | J: Ben Allen (58.5kg) +900 with Picklebet Sandown Hillside quaddie tips – Saturday 25/5/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Saturday, May 25, 2024 2-7 2-3-6-7-9-11-13 7-9-12-15-17 1-2-3-7-12-17 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, May 25, 2024 First Race 11am AEST Visit Dabble NSW metro racing returns to Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a competitive 10-part program set to start at 11am AEST. The rail moves out +8m from the 900m marker to the winning post, while the remainder is out +5m. There’s no rain predicted in the lead-up, and despite some scattered showers on the day, the track should be rated a Good 4. Best Bet at Randwick: Quantum Cat Quantum Cat is third-up since arriving at the Chris Waller barn and looks to be settling in well. The European import’s latest effort at Caulfield on May 11 caught the eye, with the son of Kitten’s Joy making strong inroads from the rear of the field. He should only improve stepping up to 2400m for the first time in Australia, and with the four-year-old set to relish the conditions, he can add win number four to the tally. Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Quantum Cat (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Joshua Parr (58.5kg) +160 with PlayUp Next Best at Randwick: Rag Queen Rag Queen returns after a 105-day spell and brings an element of class to this two-year-old contest. She produced an impressive win on debut before running into a smart one in the form of Fully Lit at this course on February 10. It might be a start early before she gets to her peak, but at the price on offer with the top online bookmakers, Rag Queen deserves to be specked first-up. Next Best Race 1 – #2 Rag Queen (2) 2yo Filly | T: David Payne | J: Reece Jones (58kg) +400 with Neds Best Value at Randwick: Point King Point King is an Irish import first-up for Kris Lees and warrants respect at the each-way price with the top betting sites. The son of Zoffany has form behind 2023 Melbourne Cup favourite Vauban in the UK and has proved to be a genuine stayer in his eight career starts. Point King’s barrier trial was no indicator of his ability, and his best is more than good enough to win this wide-open BM88 contest. Best Value Race 9 – #1 Point King (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Dylan Gibbons (60kg) +1400 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, May 25, 2024 11-14 1-5-8-9-10-14 1-2-3-6-8-12 1-2-8-13-14-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The six-length G2 Dante S. winner Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) will not be supplemented for the Betfred Derby a week on Saturday with trainer William Haggas fearing the Classic test will come too soon. The long-striding chestnut colt, owned by Isa Salman Al Khalifa, ran just once at two last November and returned in late April to win a Newbury maiden before heading to York on May 16. Economics had been taken out of the Derby entries before the Dante but had been listed as second-favourite for Epsom behind City Of Troy with one final supplementary stage still available. “I said before the Dante that I didn't think the Derby was the race for him and I stand by that,” Haggas said on Thursday morning. “I'm not sure I want to go a mile and a half either, though that might change. “We want to give him more time. Sheikh Isa has been very good and has been very supportive of me.” He added, “I've got no plans really. He's a great big horse and he's clearly a good one, and I don't want to milk him. We'll stay a mile and a quarter for now, and if he can win a Group 1 then that's great. We could look at the King George and the Arc next year.” The post Economics Ruled Out of Derby Run appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

West Coast will contest the LJ Hooker Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) at Woodville on Sunday. Photo: Race Images South Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan will head over the hill to Woodville on Sunday with two of last season’s star jumpers in Berry The Cash and West Coast set to make their return over the fences in the features. A son of Mettre En Jeu, West Coast was near-unbeatable over the steeplechase fences last season, claiming the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), Wellington Steeplechase (5500m), Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) and Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m), all in the hands of Shaun Fannin. The gelding returned this year with a sharp effort for fourth over 2200m on the flat, and Oulaghan was satisfied with his final fitness preparation on May 9 at Wanganui. “We were happy enough with his two flat runs, the track was pretty dead at Wanganui the other day which anchored him a bit and nothing was really coming from the back,” he said. “The run before that was pretty good. “Condition wise, he’s pretty fit and will probably take some benefit out of a steeplechase run, but he’s pretty much up to the mark at this stage.” The eight-year-old’s rating of 99 sits well clear in Sunday’s LJ Hooker Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) and grants him the 73kg topweight, an impost he carried to victory in the Northern, alongside 72kg in the National. “He’s got a bit of weight, but being realistic, 73kg is the sealed topweight now so when you look at his record, you can’t really complain based on what he’s won,” Oulaghan said. “We’ll just stick to the program, Shaun will just ride him where he’s comfortable and go accordingly from there.” The other half of Oulaghan’s Riccarton clean sweep was Berry The Cash’s five-length romp in the Grand National Hurdles (4200m), and his fitness runs this time in have been equally as impressive winning the Jumpers Highweight (2200m) at Woodville earlier this month. He will be partnered by regular rider Portia Matthews, aiming to go one better on his narrow second-placed effort in the Manawatu ITM Awapuni Hurdle (3000m) last season to Suliman. “He’s doing well and he’s done everything right coming into Sunday,” Oulaghan said. “He’s in the bigger field there, but Portia (Matthews, jockey) knows him and we’re pretty confident based on his form and how he’s worked in the last couple of weeks.” With a long season ahead for the talented pair, Oulaghan plans to save West Coast for July features, while Berry The Cash may head to Te Rapa to contest the Waikato Hurdle (3200m) on June 15. “We don’t want to burn the candle too quickly at this end of the season, the money races are a bit later on, so we’ll just take the opportunities as they come,” he said. “West Coast probably won’t do too much until the Wellington or Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase potentially, we’ll keep him for a bit later on. “If Berry The Cash gets through Sunday alright, he might go to the Waikato Hurdle next month.” Matthews will also guide Super Spirit in the Speldhurst Mates Steeplechase (4000m), the Super Easy gelding returning to maiden company after running fourth to Izymydaad at Wanganui last-start. “He just plods away, the run at Wanganui probably brought him on a fraction and the three horses in front of him were all chase winners,” Oulaghan said. “He was the first maiden home so we can take that from the run, he was a wee bit away from the winner, but we were happy enough. “I think if he can put things together on Sunday, he should be a pretty good show.” Oulaghan’s stable will also be represented in the Property Brokers Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (2100m) by Pinkerton, a three-win son of Niagara that he also bred and owns. The six-year-old won fresh-up at the course in April and is on the back-up after running second to Tavi Ann at Hawera last Sunday. “I had this race in mind a little bit earlier on, and he missed a race a couple of weeks ago with a bit of a skin problem that took a wee while to get over,” he said. “I don’t think the back-up will worry him too much.” Horse racing news View the full article

Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan will head over the hill to Woodville on Sunday with two of last season’s star jumpers in Berry The Cash and West Coast set to make their return over the fences in the features. A son of Mettre En Jeu, West Coast was near-unbeatable over the steeplechase fences last season, claiming the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), Wellington Steeplechase (5500m), Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) and Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m), all in the hands of Shaun Fannin. The gelding returned this year with a sharp effort for fourth over 2200m on the flat, and Oulaghan was satisfied with his final fitness preparation on May 9 at Wanganui. “We were happy enough with his two flat runs, the track was pretty dead at Wanganui the other day which anchored him a bit and nothing was really coming from the back,” he said. “The run before that was pretty good. “Condition wise, he’s pretty fit and will probably take some benefit out of a steeplechase run, but he’s pretty much up to the mark at this stage.” The eight-year-old’s rating of 99 sits well clear in Sunday’s LJ Hooker Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) and grants him the 73kg topweight, an impost he carried to victory in the Northern, alongside 72kg in the National. “He’s got a bit of weight, but being realistic, 73kg is the sealed topweight now so when you look at his record, you can’t really complain based on what he’s won,” Oulaghan said. “We’ll just stick to the program, Shaun will just ride him where he’s comfortable and go accordingly from there.” The other half of Oulaghan’s Riccarton clean sweep was Berry The Cash’s five-length romp in the Grand National Hurdles (4200m), and his fitness runs this time in have been equally as impressive winning the Jumpers Highweight (2200m) at Woodville earlier this month. He will be partnered by regular rider Portia Matthews, aiming to go one better on his narrow second-placed effort in the Manawatu ITM Awapuni Hurdle (3000m) last season to Suliman. “He’s doing well and he’s done everything right coming into Sunday,” Oulaghan said. “He’s in the bigger field there, but Portia knows him and we’re pretty confident based on his form and how he’s worked in the last couple of weeks.” With a long season ahead for the talented pair, Oulaghan plans to save West Coast for July features, while Berry The Cash may head to Te Rapa to contest the Waikato Hurdle (3200m) on June 15. “We don’t want to burn the candle too quickly at this end of the season, the money races are a bit later on, so we’ll just take the opportunities as they come,” he said. “West Coast probably won’t do too much until the Wellington or Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase potentially, we’ll keep him for a bit later on. “If Berry The Cash gets through Sunday alright, he might go to the Waikato Hurdle next month.” Matthews will also guide Super Spirit in the Speldhurst Mates Steeplechase (4000m), the Super Easy gelding returning to maiden company after running fourth to Izymydaad at Wanganui last-start. “He just plods away, the run at Wanganui probably brought him on a fraction and the three horses in front of him were all chase winners,” Oulaghan said. “He was the first maiden home so we can take that from the run, he was a wee bit away from the winner, but we were happy enough. “I think if he can put things together on Sunday, he should be a pretty good show.” Oulaghan’s stable will also be represented in the Property Brokers Woodville-Pahiatua Cup (2100m) by Pinkerton, a three-win son of Niagara that he also bred and owns. The six-year-old won fresh-up at the course in April and is on the back-up after running second to Tavi Ann at Hawera last Sunday. “I had this race in mind a little bit earlier on, and he missed a race a couple of weeks ago with a bit of a skin problem that took a wee while to get over,” he said. “I don’t think the back-up will worry him too much.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman has always thought highly of two-year-old gelding Belardi, and he was pleased to see him display his talent on raceday when taking out the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m) at Taupo on Wednesday. Bred and race by The Sunlight Trust, Belardi was sixth on debut at New Plymouth a fortnight ago with Forsman believing he didn’t appreciate the Soft7 track conditions. “We were a bit disappointed first-up, but there were a few things that contributed to that,” Forsman said. “It was a hard run race and the track was a bit holding, you couldn’t really quicken in it. On more suitable track conditions, we saw the best of him yesterday. “He has always shown us good ability. He was lightly tried going to New Plymouth, as far as trials were concerned, and I think he just got caught out that day. It was good to see him bounce back to the ability that he has shown us right the way through.” Belardi may head to the spelling paddock now, although Forsman is contemplating giving him one more run this time in. “We thought that he could be a Castletown/Ryder Stakes contender but given that he didn’t really handle that track at New Plymouth the other day, it does make us a little hesitant as to what we do with him,” he said. “We may give him a break and aim him towards spring racing. His is still quite an immature horse physically, so we will just work it out as to whether we give him one more run or send him to the paddock.” Forsman is looking forward to racing at Pukekohe Park on Saturday where he has Mary Shan and Koheroa in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 1400, however, the latter may be saved for another day. “Track conditions will be the key there,” Forsman said. “Mary Shan handles tracks with cut in it, but that track could be quite deep with the rain we have had. That is the only question mark. She is going great, and we are trying her in blinkers for the first time. She has been racing well without much luck, so hopefully she can run well. “Koheroa is still learning as he goes. He is probably a doubtful starter with the way the track has come up the way it has (Heavy10 on Thursday morning).” Forsman will also be represented by Devastate and Russian Satire in the Jamieson Park 1500 and Thanks Peter & Dawn Williams 1600 respectively, while Amazing Grace will make her return after 18 months on the sidelines alongside Russian Satire. “A low barrier cost Devastate at Te Rapa the other day,” said Forsman, with the gelding drawing barrier two on Saturday. “The positive with Pukekohe is that they don’t get too far out these days. The inside few metres may be affected and hopefully he can put himself on speed and angle out to the better part of the track. I think it does look a suitable race and he is well weighted. “Russian Satire just got tripped up at Te Rapa last start, I would put a line through that run. She is a little bit hit-and-miss, she does handle some wet tracks and not others. The frustration this time of year, as always, is that you go from different tracks from week-to-week. Whether she can handle a holding Pukekohe track, if that is how it presents, that will be in the only query, but she has been going great. “Amazing Grace has been a long time off the scene. She had a suspensory injury but seems to be coming along well. She may need a run or two to get going, although she has trialled up really well, she is competitive, and she has got a bit of class. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her run a cheeky race.” View the full article

Courtney Barnes winning aboard the Stephen Marsh-trained Lovaci at Taupo on Wednesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Courtney Barnes is on track for a career-best season in the saddle and continued her winning roll with a double at Taupo on Wednesday. Originally commencing her career in the South Island, Barnes has surpassed the 30-win mark twice before, first as an apprentice in 2012/13 and last term where she accumulated 39 and a pair of stakes winners. Heading to Taupo, Barnes was sitting on 33, and she saluted in her opening ride of the meeting, guiding Irish Miss to break maiden status in the Kingsclere Stables / Roger James / Robert Wellwood (1750m). The Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Savabeel had been a $14 chance, but jumped efficiently to settle in the box-seat trailing Short, receiving the ideal split into the home straight. The filly hit the front at the 150m, and fended off race-favourites The Sky Above and Ever Charm to score by a neck. Barnes had partnered Irish Miss at each of her two prior starts, and was pleasantly surprised by the three-year-old’s speed from the barrier. “We thought she might be ridden midfield or further back, but she jumped so well that she’s put herself right there,” she said. “She travelled a lot better, got through the ground well and really found the line nicely.” After initially being sold to Rogerson Bloodstock for $140,000 at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales, Irish Miss was reoffered at breeder Sir Patrick Hogan’s Unreserved Dispersal Sale and changed hands to co-owner James Bruford for $14,000. Barnes was back in the winner’s circle three races later aboard another of Marsh’s representatives, the more-fancied Lovaci, who was the $4.50 second-favourite for the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1300m). Unlike the race-favourite Saluto, who jumped five lengths last, Lovaci went straight to the head of the field and maintained a solid tempo through the mid-stages, and never let up the pressure as she opened up by four lengths in the straight. Saluto put in a sustained effort to get within a ¾ length of the Tivaci filly, but she hung tough and collected her maiden success at start four. “I’ve had a bit to do with Lovaci, and she’s been a work progress at home so it was good to see her get the job done today,” Barnes said. “She was really nice and relaxed in front, and she was tough to hold onto the win. It was a really good effort.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Kelvin Tyler pictured with Lightning Jack. Photo: Race Images South Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler will be represented on both islands in the coming days, starting with Wingatui on Friday where he will line-up a trio of runners. He will have a two-pronged attack in the Grand Casino 75 1600 courtesy of last start placegetters Classic Diva and Zambezi Zipper, and he is hoping the former can step up in particular on Friday. “Classic Diva has disappointed because she looks good and works really well but on raceday she just doesn’t step up how we think she should,” Tyler said. “We have taken the blinkers off and hopefully that is going to change a bit for her. She probably wants the track a bit better there (rated a Soft6 on Thursday morning), we haven’t had a lot of rain here, but it is only a small field and it’s a winnable race for her I think.” Tyler will also line-up Vamos in the Ray Kean – Property Brokers 65 1600. “Vamos just over-raced over 2000m at Riccarton so we have brought him back to a mile,” he said. “He is working well and looks good. I think he is a strong miler at this stage, even though he will get over ground eventually.” Meanwhile, further north at Trentham on Saturday, stablemates Lightning Jack and Prince Alby will contest the John Cryan 2200, with the Heavy track Tyler’s biggest concern. “Lightning Jack looked a bit dour last week,” he said. “He seems as bright as can be this week. I am a bit worried of how deep the track is going to be at Trentham, I am just going to go for a drive tomorrow (Friday) and see how the track is. “He is a horse that likes to get out in the open spaces. He is only a small horse, but he is a big striding horse, so he needs plenty of clear air. It’s not a big field, so there should be plenty of room. “Prince Alby in my eyes should of won the Rotorua Cup (Listed, 2200m), he still hasn’t seen daylight. I am really happy with him, he looks magnificent and has been working really well. He won’t mind the track, so he will be a good chance.” Tyler has enjoyed campaigning in the north and said they may have one final run before returning south. “We will just take it race-by-race,” he said. “There is another nice staying race at Otaki in a couple of weeks’ time, so we might hang around for that.” Horse racing news View the full article

Belardi on his way to winning the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m) at Taupo on Wednesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman has always thought highly of two-year-old gelding Belardi, and he was pleased to see him display his talent on raceday when taking out the Dylan Johnson Bloodstock (1100m) at Taupo on Wednesday. Bred and race by The Sunlight Trust, Belardi was sixth on debut at New Plymouth a fortnight ago with Forsman believing he didn’t appreciate the Soft 7 track conditions. “We were a bit disappointed first-up, but there were a few things that contributed to that,” Forsman said. “It was a hard run race and the track was a bit holding, you couldn’t really quicken in it. On more suitable track conditions, we saw the best of him yesterday. “He has always shown us good ability. He was lightly tried going to New Plymouth, as far as trials were concerned, and I think he just got caught out that day. It was good to see him bounce back to the ability that he has shown us right the way through.” Belardi may head to the spelling paddock now, although Forsman is contemplating giving him one more run this time in. “We thought that he could be a Castletown/Ryder Stakes contender but given that he didn’t really handle that track at New Plymouth the other day, it does make us a little hesitant as to what we do with him,” he said. “We may give him a break and aim him towards spring racing. His is still quite an immature horse physically, so we will just work it out as to whether we give him one more run or send him to the paddock.” Forsman is looking forward to racing at Pukekohe Park on Saturday where he has Mary Shan and Koheroa in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 1400, however, the latter may be saved for another day. “Track conditions will be the key there,” Forsman said. “Mary Shan handles tracks with cut in it, but that track could be quite deep with the rain we have had. That is the only question mark. She is going great, and we are trying her in blinkers for the first time. She has been racing well without much luck, so hopefully she can run well. “Koheroa is still learning as he goes. He is probably a doubtful starter with the way the track has come up the way it has (Heavy10 on Thursday morning).” Forsman will also be represented by Devastate and Russian Satire in the Jamieson Park 1500 and Thanks Peter & Dawn Williams 1600 respectively, while Amazing Grace will make her return after 18 months on the sidelines alongside Russian Satire. “A low barrier cost Devastate at Te Rapa the other day,” said Forsman, with the gelding drawing barrier two on Saturday. “The positive with Pukekohe is that they don’t get too far out these days. The inside few metres may be affected and hopefully he can put himself on speed and angle out to the better part of the track. I think it does look a suitable race and he is well weighted. “Russian Satire just got tripped up at Te Rapa last start, I would put a line through that run. She is a little bit hit-and-miss, she does handle some wet tracks and not others. The frustration this time of year, as always, is that you go from different tracks from week-to-week. Whether she can handle a holding Pukekohe track, if that is how it presents, that will be in the only query, but she has been going great. “Amazing Grace has been a long time off the scene. She had a suspensory injury but seems to be coming along well. She may need a run or two to get going, although she has trialled up really well, she is competitive, and she has got a bit of class. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her run a cheeky race.” Horse racing news View the full article

Dennis Yip Chor-hong’s Derby hero primed for shot at monumental double: ‘I think he will show everyone something’View the full article

Trainer Shaun Phelan pictured with Hit The Road Jack. Photo: Trish Dunell Capable stayer Hit The Road Jack has shifted camp to prepare for the next stage of his career. The son of Jakkalberry arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday to build toward a jumping career from the successful Warrnambool stable of Symon Wilde. The seven-year-old was formerly prepared at Cambridge by Shaun Phelan, who remains part of the ownership group of the seven-time winner. “I had been in contact with a few trainers over there and he’s gone to Symon Wilde, Aaron Kuru jacked that up for me,” Phelan said. “We just thought that he’s up in the ratings a bit now and he’s obviously got flat ability, so we thought we might as well have a go with him over the jumps in Australia.” A brother to six-time winner and former stablemate Enchanted Elle, Hit The Road Jack has won four open handicaps and placed in the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), the Egmont Cup (2100m) and the Te Awamutu Cup (1600m). He has performed well in stakes company when fifth in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m), the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) and was a luckless seventh in an edition of the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m). Most recently, he was runner-up in a hurdle trial at Cambridge before he was unplaced last time out in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) when denied a decent crack at them in the straight. Hit The Road Jack will have the mandatory two jumping trials in Victoria, with the first likely to be on his new home track at Warrnambool on Monday. “The syndicate thought we’d have a go and it was a good offer from them to train him so we’re quite excited about it all,” Phelan said. “It’s in their hands over there now and he might have the odd flat run, he could be competitive in a country cup somewhere.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tony Cruz has seven Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup wins as a trainer. Aiming for an extraordinary eighth victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 May), Tony Cruz is concerned how La City Blanche and Five G Patch will handle potentially rain-affected conditions. With seven wins from 2013 to 2020, Cruz has dominated the final Group 1 of the Hong Kong season but his hopes of clinching another win in the race are tempered by the possibility of more rain over the next three days. “It’s the last Group 1 race of the season and if you have a stayer, this is the race you want to win. It’s 2400m and I like training horses for this kind of distance,” the dual Hong Kong champion trainer said. “La City Blanche likes it better on a firm track and if we’re on soft ground, it might not suit him. Five G Patch, I think he can handle either soft or firm, but I’d prefer him to be on a good track.” Former Argentine galloper La City Blanche posted his most significant Hong Kong win with victory in the Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) on 5 May, defeating stablemate Five G Patch by a nose. Three other runners engaged in the Champions & Chater Cup – Moments in Time (fourth), Russian Emperor (seventh) and Senor Toba (11th) – finished behind Cruz’s pair last-start. Matthew Chadwick retains the ride on La City Blanche, who will start from barrier seven, while Five G Patch will jump from gate five under Harry Bentley. Bidding for a third consecutive victory in the race, Russian Emperor has drawn barrier one, while Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance will begin from gate eight under William Buick. Likely leader Moments In Time will start from gate six for Lyle Hewitson, while Caspar Fownes-trained Straight Arron has drawn barrier two under Vincent Ho with stablemate Senor Toba slated to start from gate three for Andrea Atzeni. With two Group 1s this season through California Spangle – the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and the Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) in Dubai – Cruz has already had an exceptional season. His previous Champions & Chater Cup wins as a trainer came with California Memory (2013), Blazing Speed (2014 and 2016), Helene Super Star (2015), Pakistan Star (2018) and Exultant (2019 and 2020). Bidding to become the first overseas-trained horse to win the Champions & Chater Cup, Rebel’s Romance galloped on Sha Tin’s turf track this morning (Thursday, 23 May) under exercise rider Marc Halford, clocking 1m 01.02s and quickening over the final 400m in 26.1s. The winner of four international Group 1s – his most recent triumph came over star-studded opposition in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) on 30 March at Meydan Racecourse – Rebel’s Romance was also given Parade Ring schooling at Sha Tin today. Sha Tin’s 10-race card on Sunday (26 May) starts at 12.45pm HKT with the Pakistan Star Plate (1000m) for Griffins. Horse racing news View the full article

Hong Kong racing legend leans towards last-start runner-up over stablemate in Sunday’s Group OneView the full article

Clifford Park Racecourse is the home of the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) and has been in operation since 1862. Located in the south-east of Queensland, Toowoomba has been a staple amongst the provincial racing scene, consistently utilized throughout the calendar year. Clifford Park Racecourse is listed to host a staggering 45 meetings every year, usually during the twilight hours of Saturday afternoon. This gives local trainers, owners, and participants ample opportunity to see their home-bred gallopers step out under the bright lights of Clifford Park. Not only is the course used for multiple race days throughout the season, but it has also become a training facility for both up-and-coming trainers and jockeys looking to hone their skills, with terrific facilities provided by the Toowoomba Turf Club. Stakeholders in the horse racing industry are welcome to use the Clifford Park Training Centre, featuring: Grass Course Proper Inner Grass for trials, jump-outs, and gallops Educational track with practice barriers The Toowoomba Turf Club also provides locals with an outstanding space for events, such as functions, fundraising and work conferences. They have six event rooms to go along with a private bar, and with only a short drive from the airport and Toowoomba CBD, the Toowoomba Turf Club is considered one of the hottest spots in town and an outstanding provincial race course. Toowoomba horse racing news With so many meetings listed to take place during the year, the team at HorseBetting.com.au will be sure to cover all the major racing news and developments across the region and all around Australia. Here is the latest Toowoomba racing news: Punt Drunk: Racing world mourns the loss of Deane Lester Australia horse racing news 1 year ago It has been an actioned packed week in the racing world and that racing world was rocked by the news … Read More Tessa Townsend back in Darwin to boost jockey numbers Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Jockey numbers are down for the competitive six-race meeting at Darwin on Saturday, so Toowoomba-based hoop Tessa Townsend is happy … Read More Racing Queensland announces ‘King of the Mountain’ slot race Australia horse racing news 2 years ago On Tuesday, Racing Queensland (RQ) along with the Toowoomba Turf Club (TTC) announced the newest addition to the Sunshine State’s … Read More Doomben’s Saturday meeting transferred to Toowoomba Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Saturday’s 10-race metropolitan meeting has been transferred to Toowoomba, due to the Doomben surface being deemed unsuitable for racing … Read More Desleigh Forster wins Weetwood Handicap with star four year old Australia horse racing news 3 years ago After running second in the Weetwood Handicap 12 months ago with Red Chase, trainer Desleigh Forster went one better this … Read More Punt Drunk’s survival guide to the long weekend Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Welcome back to the Friday edition of Punt Drunk and it is a special one this week! We are going … Read More King Klaus reigns supreme with Toowoomba win Australia horse racing news 3 years ago King Klaus made it back-to-back wins on Wednesday in an Open Sprint at Toowoomba as he claimed his eighth career … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 28, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Horse racing around the country sees five meetings scheduled for this Wednesday afternoon. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 16, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s racing around the country sees seven horse racing meetings scheduled for this afternoon, as we build to Day 2 … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 1, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago We have six horse racing meetings to sink our teeth into throughout out our Thursday afternoon on the punt. Our … Read More Toowoomba racing tips Our expert tipsters at HorseBetting.com.au will be trying to find you all the best bets, value bets, and quaddie selections for meetings held at Toowoomba. Especially during September for the Toowoomba Cup carnival, where metro trainers send some quality equine talent. Here are our latest Toowoomba racing tips: Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | January 1, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 5 months ago 10 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Toowoomba racing tips & quaddie selections | January 1, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 5 months ago Racing heads to Toowoomba on Monday for King Of The Mountain Day. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview & quaddie tips … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | September 23, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 8 months ago 13 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Toowoomba racing tips & quaddie selections | September 23, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 8 months ago Racing heads to Toowoomba on Saturday for Toowoomba Cup Day. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview & quaddie tips for the … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | September 24, 2022 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago 10 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Toowoomba racing tips, best odds & quaddie | Saturday 24/9/2022 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago The Weetwood Handicap headlines the nine-race program at Toowoomba on Saturday afternoon. HorseBetting.com.au brings you best bets and quaddie picks … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 5, 2022 Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago 11 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | September 25, 2021 Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Horse racing around the country sees nine meetings being held on this Saturday afternoon, headline by the Group 1 Golden … Read More Toowoomba betting preview & top tips | Friday, April 16 Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Horsebetting.com.au brings you the betting preview for the twilight races held at Toowoomba on April 16. See all the top … Read More Toowoomba top betting tips, quaddie & preview | Saturday 20/2/21 Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago HorseBetting’s top punting experts bring you the best racing tips, value bets, top odds and quaddie selections for Toowoomba’s night … Read More Toowoomba racecourse address & how to travel there Clifford Park Racecourse is located at Hursley Rd, Newtown QLD 4350 and is approximately 132km from the Brisbane CBD. Located closer inland (west) to the city of Brisbane, many major stakeholders and participants head out to Clifford Park, searching for the opportunity to secure some ever-improving provincial racing prize-money. If you’re making the trip from the major city via car, you’ll need to head west on the M5 Warrego Highway and exit onto the A21 Toowoomba connection, simply follow the signs before exiting to Hursley Rd. There are flights available for air travel if you’d like to make your way to Toowoomba, while regularly scheduled buses can also help you get to Clifford Park, with these departing from Bowen Hills every Saturday morning. The Toowoomba Turf Club is located only a five-minute drive from the CBD, so driving to the location isn’t an issue for locals, with ample parking at the entrance of the course. Plan accordingly so you don’t miss the first race, usually scheduled in the late afternoon. Toowoomba racecourse dimensions & starting points The Clifford Park Racecourse is run in the clockwise direction, with a circumference of 1750m and a home straight of 360m, making it one of the more tight-turning circuits in Queensland. Being such a tight-turning track only the 1200m and 1300m starting points are from a chute position, located on the north-west side of the course in relation to the winning post. Major races held at Clifford Park, Toowoomba The Toowoomba Cup, pictured being ran in 2018, is one of the most well-known races at the Toowoomba racetrack. The time-honoured Listed Toowoomba Cup (2000m) is considered one of the biggest prizes across the Darling Downs region of Queensland, with $125,000 in prize-money up for grabs. The honour roll consists of some big names, with Chris Waller earning back-to-back wins with The Lord Mayor (2019) and Alward (2020). Meanwhile, the queen of racing Gai Waterhouse had success with Pornichet in the 2015 edition. The Listed Weetwood (1200m) is run on the same day and has received a boost in prizemoney to $150,00 in recent years, with sprinters from all across Queensland surfacing to etch their name in history, dating back to 1895. How to bet on the Toowoomba races BEST TOOWOOMBA BOOKIES Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 7 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 8 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 9 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. Australia’s online betting sites provide the best options for punters placing their wagers on Tooowoomba races and horse racing across the nation. Online bookmakers give punters all the best racing promo offers, form analysis, and best available prices for any given runner, including those at Toowoomba races. Bet365 (bet365 Review), Boombet (Boombet Review), and Unibet (Unibet Review) are just some of the best available options, with most betting apps by these companies available on Android and iOS smartphones. If you’d rather bet at the Toowoomba race track, then make sure you check out the betting ring, with all your local bookies likely to be represented to go along with regular TAB facilities. View the full article

Wagga Wagga is the largest inland city across NSW and provides quality horse racing throughout the year courtesy of the Murrumbidgee Turf Club. Since opening operation in 1849, Murrumbidgee Turf Club has been considered the major hub for racing across the Riverina region of NSW, maintaining a storied history to go along with a family friendly atmosphere for locals and tourists alike. Roughly 25 meetings throughout the calendar year are conducted at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, including the time-honoured Wagga Gold Cup, which has been running since 1873. Not only is the Murrumbidgee Turf Club known for its excellent racing throughout the year, it’s also been utilized as a training facility for some of the best country trainers across NSW, with upwards of 20 operating out of Wagga. Trainer Gary Colvin took over Colvin Racing in 1986 and has since continued to build his stable out of Wagga, with his stable flagbearer, Another One, producing a career highlight to secure victory in the $1 million Country Championships Final (1400m) in 2022. The Murrumbidgee Turf Club, like many country racing tracks, is also an excellent facility for recreational activities, such as weddings or parties, with three venues for hire – including the Members Area, Champagne Bar and Green Ridge Room. Wagga horse racing news With upwards of 25 meetings throughout the year, our team at HorseBetting.com.au are always ready to provide readers with the latest breaking news out of the Riverina region and across NSW. Here is the latest Wagga racing news: Country Championships off and running at Grafton this Saturday Australia horse racing news 2 years ago New South Wales country racing will go to an exciting new level this weekend with the first qualifier for the … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | July 5, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago With just two horse racing meetings being held around the country today, our form analysts have run their eye over … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | June 4, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Horse Racing around the country sees four meetings scheduled to be run and won this Friday afternoon. Our racing analysts … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 7, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Day 2 of the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival headlines horse racing action around the country, with the listed Wagga Gold … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 6, 2021 Australia horse racing news 3 years ago The third and final day of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival headlines the action around the country today. With The … Read More O’ So Hazy wins her way to Randwick Australia horse racing news 6 years ago O’ So Hazy has won the Wagga heat and is on her way to Randwick for the $500,000 Country Championship … Read More Arena Queen’s long trek worth the journey for Jamie Scott Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago The 290km journey from country Victoria proved most worthwhile as the six-year-old mare took home the chocolates … Read More Patient approach pays off for Spackman’s Cama De Rosas Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago After a disappointing debut in February, the five-year-old mare might just have saved her career with a shock win on … Read More Baby Don’t Cry delivers winning swansong for Widdison Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago It was a stylish finish to a successful partnership on Thursday as the six-year-old galloper claimed another victory at Wagga … Read More Racing NSW increases country cup prize money Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago IN a major boost to country racing in the state, Racing NSW announced on Wednesday that they will significantly increase … Read More Wagga racing tips The team at HorseBetting.com.au try to provide free racing tips for many of the meetings across Australia, and Wagga is no different. Our expert analysists will bring you all the best bets, value bets, and quaddie numbers throughout the season. Here are the latest Wagga race tips: Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 3, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 3 weeks ago Five thoroughbred meetings are scheduled for around Australia today. Check out HorseBetting’s free racing tips for horse racing on May … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 2, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 3 weeks ago Five thoroughbred meetings are scheduled for around Australia today. Check out HorseBetting’s free racing tips for horse racing on May … Read More Wagga Gold Cup Day preview & free betting tips | May 3, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 3 weeks ago The 2024 Wagga Gold Cup is the headline act at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club this Friday. See our top betting … Read More Wagga Town Plate Day betting tips & quaddie | Thursday, May 2 Horse Racing Tips 3 weeks ago The time-honoured Town Plate headlines Day 1 of the 2024 Wagga Gold Cup Carnival. See our free betting tips for … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 21, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 month ago Seven thoroughbred meetings are scheduled for around Australia today. Check out HorseBetting’s free racing tips for horse racing on April … Read More Sunday’s Wagga racings tips & quaddie selections | April 21 Horse Racing Tips 1 month ago The Murrumbidgee Turf Club will host a competitive eight-race card this Sunday afternoon. Check out our best bets and quaddie … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 8, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 2 months ago Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Gundagai Cup Day betting preview & quaddie tips | April 8, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 2 months ago Racing heads to Wagga for an eight-race program on Monday afternoon. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview and quaddie tips for … Read More Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | October 23, 2023 Horse Racing Tips 7 months ago Three horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Wagga racing preview, betting tips & quaddie | Monday, 23/10/23 Horse Racing Tips 7 months ago Murrumbidgee Turf Club is the destination for NSW racing on Monday afternoon, as they get set to host a competitive … Read More Wagga Racecourse addreess & how to get there Murrumbidgee Turf Club is located at Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 and is approximately 457km south-west of the Sydney CBD. Being located in the Riverina region of NSW, most visitors from the city will need to venture via car. To do this, simply travel south-west along the M31. You will arrive at your destination after approximately five hours. If you’re more inclined to travel via bus or train, head to Sydney Central Station, where regularly scheduled operations can get you to your destination in roughly the same amount of time. Be sure to plan ahead, however, with departure times varying. If you’re a Wagga local, the best way to attend the races is via car, with ample parking located at the entrance of the racecourse. Local buses, Taxi and Uber are also available if you’d prefer to leave your car at home. Wagga race track, dimensions and map Wagga Racecourse is considered a wide-open triangular track, with a circumference of 2200m and a home straight of 420m. The Wagga course proper has multiple starting positions from a chute, with the 1000m, 1400m and 1600m all joining the main course from the chute. The Wagga racecourse also has multiple inner tracks for training purposes, along with a B course to go along with the main track. Major horse races held at Wagga The Wagga Gold Cup attracts thousands of punters and is the biggest raceday held at the Wagga track. The Murrumbidgee Turf Club is the host of a massive two-day carnival at the beginning of May, with the Wagga Town Plate (1200m) on Day 1 providing an excellent precursor to the $200,000 Listed Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) on Day 2. The injection of prizemoney from Racing NSW has allowed city trainers to target the Wagga Gold Cup as well, with the likes Chris Waller taking out the race five times in the last 10 years, including the 2023 edition with Wicklow. How to bet on Wagga races BEST ONLINE BOOKIES Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 7 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 8 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 9 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. Australia’s top online bookmakers are the best and most efficient way of placing bets for Wagga and all race meetings across the nation. With the best promotional offers available, online betting sites are consistently updating to suit your needs as a punter – giving you the best fixed odds, exotics and futures markets both here and abroad. The top Wagga betting sites for horse racing meetings will also have betting apps available, with these generally being for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Australians have many of the best racing betting apps available to them, with these including mammoth brands like bet365, Ladbrokes and Unibet. With the betting landscape continuously changing in Australia, smaller on-course bookies are now going online and offering some outstanding odds.If you’re on course at Wagga, be sure to check out the betting ring with local bookmakers and TAB facilities ready to take your wagers. View the full article

Race 1 TAB ODDS SURGE EVERY RACE AT TRENTHAM MAIDEN 1400m KNIGHTS REALM (W Pinn) – Trainer Mr. C Isdale reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of KNIGHTS REALM, and it is his intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation. HAUGHTY (M Cameron) – Trainer Mr. C Cole advised Stewards, the filly underwent a veterinary examination on Monday 20 May, which revealed soreness to the near side shoulder area and underwent chiropractor treatment on Wednesday 22 May for overall general soreness. C Cole further advised HAUGHTY has now been sent for a spell. The post Rangitikei Racing Club @ Trentham, Saturday, 18 May 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 4 WAIPA EARTHWORKS 1300 SIDE EYE (J Allen) – Trainer Mr. C Wood advised to Stewards, that upon return to the stable the gelding underwent blood tests with no abnormalities being detected. C Wood further advised it is his intention to carry on with SIDE EYE’S current preparation. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing at Cambridge Synthetic, Wednesday, 15 May 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler will be represented on both islands in the coming days, starting with Wingatui on Friday where he will line-up a trio of runners. He will have a two-pronged attack in the Grand Casino 75 1600 courtesy of last start placegetters Classic Diva (NZ) (Proisir) and Zambezi Zipper (NZ) (Highly Recommended), and he is hoping the former can step up in particular on Friday. “Classic Diva has disappointed because she looks good and works really well but on raceday she just doesn’t step up how we think she should,” Tyler said. “We have taken the blinkers off and hopefully that is going to change a bit for her. She probably wants the track a bit better there (rated a Soft6 on Thursday morning), we haven’t had a lot of rain here, but it is only a small field and it’s a winnable race for her I think.” Tyler will also line-up Vamos (NZ) (Vadamos) in the Ray Kean – Property Brokers 65 1600. “Vamos just over-raced over 2000m at Riccarton so we have brought him back to a mile,” he said. “He is working well and looks good. I think he is a strong miler at this stage, even though he will get over ground eventually.” Meanwhile, further north at Trentham on Saturday, stablemates Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Prince Alby (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will contest the John Cryan 2200, with the Heavy track Tyler’s biggest concern. “Lightning Jack looked a bit dour last week,” he said. “He seems as bright as can be this week. I am a bit worried of how deep the track is going to be at Trentham, I am just going to go for a drive tomorrow (Friday) and see how the track is. “He is a horse that likes to get out in the open spaces. He is only a small horse, but he is a big striding horse, so he needs plenty of clear air. It’s not a big field, so there should be plenty of room. “Prince Alby in my eyes should of won the Rotorua Cup (Listed, 2200m), he still hasn’t seen daylight. I am really happy with him, he looks magnificent and has been working really well. He won’t mind the track, so he will be a good chance.” Tyler has enjoyed campaigning in the north and said they may have one final run before returning south. “We will just take it race-by-race,” he said. “There is another nice staying race at Otaki in a couple of weeks’ time, so we might hang around for that.” View the full article

Courtney Barnes is on track for a career-best season in the saddle and continued her winning roll with a double at Taupo on Wednesday. Originally commencing her career in the South Island, Barnes has surpassed the 30-win mark twice before, first as an apprentice in 2012/13 and last term where she accumulated 39 and a pair of stakes winners. Heading to Taupo, Barnes was sitting on 33, and she saluted in her opening ride of the meeting, guiding Irish Miss (NZ) (Savabeel) to break maiden status in the Kingsclere Stables / Roger James / Robert Wellwood (1750m). The Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Savabeel had been a $14 chance on the TAB tote, but jumped efficiently to settle in the box-seat trailing Short (NZ) (Savabeel), receiving the ideal split into the home straight. The filly hit the front at the 150m, and fended off race-favourites The Sky Above (American Pharoah) and Ever Charm (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) to score by a neck. Barnes had partnered Irish Miss at each of her two prior starts, and was pleasantly surprised by the three-year-old’s speed from the barrier. “We thought she might be ridden midfield or further back, but she jumped so well that she’s put herself right there,” she said. “She travelled a lot better, got through the ground well and really found the line nicely.” After initially being sold to Rogerson Bloodstock for $140,000 at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales, Irish Miss was reoffered at breeder Sir Patrick Hogan’s Unreserved Dispersal Sale and changed hands to co-owner James Bruford for $14,000. Barnes was back in the winner’s circle three races later aboard another of Marsh’s representatives, the more-fancied Lovaci (NZ) (Tivaci), who was the $4.50 second-favourite for the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1300m). Unlike the race-favourite Saluto (NZ) (Ardrossan), who jumped five lengths last, Lovaci went straight to the head of the field and maintained a solid tempo through the mid-stages, and never let up the pressure as she opened up by four lengths in the straight. Saluto put in a sustained effort to get within a ¾ length of the Tivaci filly, but she hung tough and collected her maiden success at start four. “I’ve had a bit to do with Lovaci, and she’s been a work progress at home so it was good to see her get the job done today,” Barnes said. “She was really nice and relaxed in front, and she was tough to hold onto the win. It was a really good effort.” Lovaci was a $280,000 purchase by Marsh at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales, with her dam Lovaeable (NZ) (Savabeel) a half-sister to multiple-Group One winner and ill-fated sire Sacred Falls. Waikato-based Barnes was one of three jockeys to claim a winning double on the card, with Opie Bosson (Sorghaghtani (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) & Incredible (NZ) )Almanzor)) and Sam Spratt (Washi (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) & Did The Trick (NZ) (Iffraaj)) also picking up a pair of winners at Taupo. She has six and seven rides at Trentham and Wingatui respectively later in the week, with Robbie Patterson’s Group Three performer Conor O’Ceirin (NZ) (Dial A Prayer) a key engagement in the Majestic Horse Floats 1400. “I’m really looking forward to riding Conor O’Ceirin at Wellington,” she said. View the full article

Superb Capitalist surges clear of Gummy Gummy. Bidding for a remarkable eighth win in the HK$13 million Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (26 May), Tony Cruz laid down a timely marker for this weekend’s feature with Superb Capitalist’s victory at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (22 May). Ridden confidently by Matthew Chadwick, Superb Capitalist slotted his fourth course and distance victory with success in the Class 2 Wiltshire Handicap (1200m) to provide Cruz with his 45th win of the season and momentum for the final Group 1 of the Hong Kong season. Preparing to saddle La City Blanche and Five G Patch in the Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup, Cruz said: “This horse is very consistent and he likes this track. “I’m going to bring him back here again for another race.” With five wins from 16 starts, the Capitalist four-year-old earned a PPG Bonus of HK$1 million as well as HK$1.59 million in prizemoney. Dennis Yip, who will start Massive Sovereign in the staying feature at the weekend, also figured prominently tonight with Lean Master’s victory. Searching for his first Group 1, Yip has already forged new territory this season with Massive Sovereign’s stunning Hong Kong Derby (2000m) triumph on 24 March and he was delighted with Lean Master’s effort to lead throughout under Harry Bentley to win the first section of the Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1200m), the gelding’s first course and distance victory of the campaign. “The horse is in very good form and everything was good for him tonight. He’s a front runner and it was difficult to catch up from behind,” Yip said of the bay, who sped straight to the front from barrier one. “He had the speed, good form and he keeps improving. He’s from Europe and he’s only a four-year-old so I think he can keep improving and go up to Class 3.” Midori Glory made a successful debut for Ricky Yiu, clinching the Class 3 Renfrew Handicap (1000m) for Matthew Poon. The Shooting To Win three-year-old won twice in Australia – at Goulburn and Taree – for Greg Hickman before export to Hong Kong and collected a PP Bonus of HK$1.5 million with tonight’s triumph as well as HK$1.04 million in prizemoney. “The draw helped him first time here, but I didn’t worry about the sharp turns because in the morning he can cope with everything,” Yiu said. “He’s acclimatised really well and Shooting To Win is a good sire for Hong Kong. The owner bought him as a yearling. “Eventually he will step up to 1200m, but I think 1000m is good at the moment. Whether it’s here or Sha Tin it doesn’t matter.” Cody Mo notched his 15th win of the campaign with Romantic Laos’ tenacious performance to land the Class 3 Selkirk Handicap (1650m) for Derek Leung after Arthur’s Kingdom struck at his 26th start in Hong Kong to claim the Chester Handicap (2200m) for Me Tsui under Karis Teetan. Now seven, the Camelot gelding was runner-up as a two-year-old in the 2019 Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2000m) when trained by Aidan O’Brien. Until tonight, the gelding had finished in the top-three only once in Hong Kong. Teetan made it a double with Forever Glorious’ tough win in the Class 4 St George’s Challenge Cup Handicap (1650m) as Francis Lui moved to 57 wins for the term, only two shy of Pierre Ng (59) with 14 meetings left in the season. Michael Chang took his season tally of wins to 14 with three-year-old New Power’s success under Keith Yeung in third section of the Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1200m) before Danny Shum-trained Satirical Fan controlled the tempo from the outset and fought courageously to land the Class 4 Lancashire Handicap (1650m) to provide Ellis Wong his 20th victory of the season. Shum completed a brace when The Perfect Match snatched a short-head victory over Telecom Speed in the second section of the Class 4 Hereford Handicap (1200m) under Hugh Bowman. “He had natural pace which is a good help here and he’s only lightly-raced so there’s certainly plenty of upside to him,” Bowman said of the Complacent three-year-old. “He showed plenty of courage.” Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday with the running of the HK$13 million Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m). Horse racing news View the full article