Wandering Eyes

Cambridge Stud mare Joliestar (Zoustar) has been locked in for next month’s A$20 million The Everest (1200m) following slot holder Chris Waller Racing and Partners announcement that she will be their representative in this year’s edition. It will be the second consecutive year the Group One-winning daughter of Zoustar has represented the Chris Waller Racing and Partners slot, having finished seventh in last year’s running. Joliestar has been all class on the track since that run, winning the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m), and runner-up in the Gr.1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) behind Kiwi-bred Jimmysstar, who will also line-up in The Everest. Trainer Chris Waller has been pleased with her progression and is excited to test her talent in the world’s richest turf race once more. “She’s just gone from strength-to-strength,” he said. “What she did in the Newmarket was exceptional, and to back it up in Brisbane shows the quality she possesses. “She’s matured beautifully and we couldn’t be more excited to have her back for The Everest.” Cambridge Stud principals Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay are pleased to renew their association with the slot holders and they are looking forward to seeing their mare take on the world’s best sprinters next month. “Joliestar means a great deal to us,” Sir Brendan Lindsay said. “She’s not only flying the flag for Cambridge Stud in Australia, but she’s also building a legacy that will one day return home with her to New Zealand. “She had already achieved so much early in her career, but now she’s elevating herself into that top echelon, arguably one of Australia’s best sprinters. To see her represent our farm on a stage like The Everest is incredibly special.” Joliestar will begin her preparation towards The Everest in the Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday, a race she placed in last year. “Zac Lloyd has ridden her before when second in the All Aged Stakes,” Waller said. “She has come back really well and it’s a nice starting point.” Joliestar becomes the third Kiwi connected contender for next month’s The Everest, with New Zealand-breds Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) and Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) set to represent the Hong Kong Jockey Club and TAB slots respectively. View the full article

Thursday, Doncaster, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED PARK HILL FILLIES' STAKES-G2, £150,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 14f 115yT Field: Chorus (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Danielle (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Elana Osario (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Queens Fort (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), Santorini Star (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Strassia (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Zilfee (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Consent (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Crepe Suzette (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Floresta (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), Secret Of Love (GB) (Sea The Monn {Ger}). TDN Verdict: Connections of Danielle will be hoping it gets softer for the Lillie Langtry runner-up, who is a different kettle of fish altogether when it rains. Sir Mark Prescott will have a plan in mind for the Prix Lady O'Reilly runner-up Consent now that she has hit her stride and three-year-olds have a fine record in this “Fillies' St Leger”, having won the last five runnings. With the Give Thanks winner Elana Osario and Enable's half-sister Zilfee engaged, this is a fascinating affair with plenty of intrigue. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Doncaster, post time: 14:25, THE BETFRED MAY HILL STAKES-G2, £120,000, 2yo, f, 8fT Field: Aylin (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Moon Target (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Pacific Mission (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Rose Ghaiyyath (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Samra Green (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Sugar Island (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Swift Winds (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Timeforshowcasing (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Venetian Lace (Ire) (Masar {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Sir Mark Prescott was notably disappointed that Moon Target met with defeat in the Prestige last month and will be expecting her to make amends here, with Aylin re-opposing having chased her home at Goodwood. Aidan O'Brien collected the Prestige and supplies Sugar Island, who interestingly is out quickly after failing to meet expectations in the Flame of Tara, while Rose Ghaiyyath has her debut in Britain having made an unusual start to her career when winning Deauville's Arqana Series des Pouliches. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, ParisLongchamp, post time: 16:05, PRIX D'AUMALE-G2, €119,000, 2yo, 8fT Field: Narissa (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Princess Petrol (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Clea Chope (Fr) (Muhaarar {GB}), Madame Ly (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Green Spirit (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: Christopher Head, successful in the 2023 and 2024 editions of this contest, sends forth likely favourite Green Spirit, who finished two places and just over 1 1/2 lengths in front of TDN Rising Star Narissa in last month's G3 Prix Six Perfections. July's Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et des Jouvencelles victrix Clea Chope was last of eight, just under 3 1/2 lengths behind Green Spirit, in that seven-furlong Deauville contest and needs to find improvement here. Ed Walker trainee Princess Petrol was denied by a neck in Newmarket's G3 Sweet Solera last month and is the lone overseas contender, while Chantilly claiming winner Madame Ly completes the five-strong field. [Sean Cronin]. Thursday, ParisLongchamp, post time: 15:30, Prix La Rochette-G3, €73,200, 2yo, 7fT Field: Vardif (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Komorebi (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Kenzel (Ire) (Zelzal {Fr}), Nighttime (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Small fields are the order of the day in France and another Christopher Head representative, Nighttime, will bid to add to the trainer's wins in 2022 and 2024. The Alain and Gerard Wertheimer homebred is the only contender with black type and comes back off a clear-cut success in July's Listed Prix Roland de Chambure. Andre Fabre has eight victories in the books, but none since Visionario prevailed in 2006, and relies on Godolphin's dual winner Komorebi to rediscover his mojo in this event. Champion trainer-elect Francis Graffard saddles Chantilly conditions winner Vardif in what will surely become a tactical affair, while Christophe Ferland trainee and dual winner Kenzel is better than a seventh-of-seven finish in last month's G3 Prix Francois Boutin. [Sean Cronin]. Thursday, ParisLongchamp, post time 18:35, PRIX GLADIATEUR-G3, €73,200, 4yo/up, 15 1/2fT Field: Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), Goya Senor (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Bel Et Bien (Fr) (Hunter's Light {Ire}), Coetzee (Frankel {GB}), Mr Diafoirus (Sir Percy {GB}). TDN Verdict: Double Major is pointing towards an unprecedented treble in next month's G1 Prix Royal-Oak and appears to have this marathon at his mercy. He defeated Goya Senora for a second straight year in the recent G2 Prix Kergorlay and should confirm form again. Goya Senora finished ahead of Coetzee and Mr Diafoirus in a Dieppe conditions heat at the end of July, while dual Listed winner Bel Et Bien should not be discounted coming back off a close-up third in June's Listed Prix Moskowa. [Sean Cronin]. Friday, Doncaster, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED HOWARD WRIGHT DONCASTER CUP-G2, £150,000, 3yo/up, 17f 197yT Field: Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Hipop De Loire (Fr) (American Post {GB}), Kyle Of Lochalsh (GB) (Highland Reel {Ire}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Tashkhan (Ire) (Born To Sea {Ire}), Oxford Comma (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Pendragon (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Last year's winner Sweet William remains in good heart and is the obvious choice, but there is a chance that proper Group 1 horse Sunway could enjoy this extreme trip at the track at which he was third in the St Leger 12 months ago. Sir Mark Prescott saddles the only three-year-old and while Pendragon has improvement to find, he has a healthy weight-for-age advantage over what amount to largely beatable older horses. The trainer exploited it with the filly Alleluia in 2001, so knows what it takes. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Doncaster, post time: 14:25, THE CARLSBERG DANISH PILSNER FLYING CHILDERS STAKES-G2, £130,000, 2yo, 5f 3yT Field: Dickensian (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Exclamation (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Havana Hurricane (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}), Kansas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Military Code (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Mission Central (Ire) (No Nay Never), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}), Killavia (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Lady Iman (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Palmeira (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Revival Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}). TDN Verdict: Ballydoyle's Round Tower winner Mission Central goes again and Aidan O'Brien sees no issue with the drop back to five, but he won't be able to dominate the Molecomb winner Lady Iman over this trip if she is over her Nunthorpe experience. Revival Power beat Military Code in the Listed Roses Stakes over York's flat, fast five and should be equally suited by this track, while the Windsor Castle one-two Havana Hurricane and Dickensian are no back-numbers with plenty of experience to draw on. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Salisbury, post time: 15:25, THE IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH DICK POOLE FILLIES' STAKES-G3, £45,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Anthelia (Ire) (Supremacy {Ire}), Awaken (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Azleet (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Bella Lyra (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Dandana (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Flowerhead (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Golden Palace (GB) (Palace Pier {Ire}), Orion's Belt (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Ourbren (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Planet Seeker (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Reimagined (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Spinning Lizzie (GB) (Kameko), Vishaka (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Rescheduled from last week, this features the Albany runner-up Awaken, who has since shed her maiden status at Leicester and will be a warm order. Also in the mix is the Queen Mary runner-up Flowerhead, but she hasn't really gone on from Royal Ascot while Jeff Smith's Goodwood maiden winner Planet Seeker could be anything at this stage. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Doncaster, post time: 13:50, THE BETFRED FLYING SCOTSMAN STAKES-Listed, £65,000, 2yo, 7f 6yT Field: Avicenna (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Catullus (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Do Bronxs (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Do Or Do Not (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}), Electrical (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Frescobaldi (Ire) (No Nay Never), Hankelow (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Northern Champion (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Sir Albert (Ire) (No Nay Never), Sunset On Leros (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}). TDN Verdict: This is a race that has grown in importance in recent years since Frankel made sure it obtained Listed status and the major stables are present with unexposed types with Classic potential. Godolphin's Catullus had it easy at Yarmouth last time, but won't here with the likes of the York winners Hankelow and Frescobaldi and the Arqana Series des Poulains winner Northern Champion. He joins fellow TBT Racing-Ed Walker representative Do Or Do Not who is a rarity as a six-times maiden with four Group 2 placings. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 15:28, PRIX TURENNE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 12fT Field: Surabad (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Prosecutor (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Zarraf (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Gethin (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Maneki (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), Waldnebel (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Best Secret (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Owen Burrows trainee Gethin, who boasts a two-for-two record, has not been out since posting a wide-margin win at Newbury in April and puts his unbeaten record on the line in this black-type debut. Fellow British challenger Sea Scout has finished off the board in four stakes starts since annexing Epsom's Listed Blue Riband Trial back in May and comes back off a fourth in last month's Listed Prix Nureyev. Aga Khan Studs representative Surabad finished sixth of six in July's G1 Grand Prix de Paris and the Francis Graffard entry is better judged on his runner-up finish in Chantilly's G3 Prix du Lys and a win in April's Listed Prix de l'Avre. Wathnan Racing's Goodwood handicap winner Best Secret and G1 Deutsches Derby eight Waldnebel offer hope in an open edition, while Prosecutor and Maneki, representing Andre Fabre and Jean-Claude Rouget, merit respect. Zarraf completes the line-up. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Moon Aiming For May Hill Target appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Check out the great racing offers available from horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, September 11. Enjoy bonus back deals and other promotions to boost your betting experience. Explore these specials from top online bookmakers and get more value from your bets. Top Australian racing promotions for September 11, 2025, include: Today’s horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Hawkesbury Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Thursday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Thursday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au find these racing offers? HorseBetting.com.au reviews Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers to share the best thoroughbred promotions for September 11, 2025. Bookmakers are always competing, so if one doesn’t have a deal, another usually does. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au for daily racing bonuses and betting specials. Get better value with competitive odds and offers for existing customers. Just log in to your betting account to see what’s available. For extra help picking winners and using your bonuses wisely, check out our daily free racing tips. View all horse racing promotions View the full article

After Three Chimneys sensation Gun Runner sired the session toppers of the Keeneland September sale both Monday and Tuesday, he was back at it again Wednesday. With approximately 30 hips left to go, a Gun Runner colt hammered for $1.9 million Wednesday to Spendthrift Farm. Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent, hip 731 is out of stakes-placed Ginga (Quality Road). The mare is a half-sister to 2014 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up Top Decile (Congrats), who sold to Shadai Farm for $950,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale. She has since been exported to Japan, where she has produced Danon Decile {Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), a champion in Japan and winner of the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic in Dubai. Trainer Bob Baffert co-bred the colt with GRS. The post Spendthrift Signs for $1.9M Gun Runner Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

George Messina and Michael Lee's Fionn was as game as could be in the $2 million Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational Stakes (G3T) Sept. 10, proving best in an all-out slugfest to the wire with Candy Quest for her third consecutive graded victory.View the full article

With a burst of speed inside the final sixteenth, Fionn (Twirling Candy–Gaelic Gold, by Giant's Causeway) sailed up the rail late and got the money in the GIII Blackwood Dueling Grounds Oaks Invitational Stakes at Kentucky Downs on closing day. The Brad Cox trainee was last seen besting top filly Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes at the Spa July 5. Tabbed as the 2-1 second choice here, the dark bay bided her time for most of the race until she started to find her way toward the front from the outside down the lane. Going with Candy Quest (Connect) was a smooth move as the pair fought one another all the way to the wire. Fionn got the better of her rival in the end with a strong surge to seal the deal. The final running time was 2:05.52. Lifetime Record: 8-6-1-1. Sales History: $75,000 '23 KEESEP. O-Messina, George and Lee, Michael; B-Dixiana Farms, LLC (KY); T-Brad Cox. Fionn makes it three in a row in the G3 Dueling Ground Oaks at @kydownsracing for trainer @bradcoxracing with Flavien Prat in the irons! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/yzcQiHdx0e — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 10, 2025 The post Twirling Candy’s Fionn Takes Dueling Grounds Oaks At Kentucky Downs On Closing Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner A stern debut test has primed Leithen Louie to show his potential at Ascot Park today. The three-year-old heads to Invercargill for start two after a strong first up fourth at Oamaru for trainer Tony Stratford. Leithen Louie ($1.80FF) was well supported in his debut and is set to start at even shorter odds for start two in the Cruickshank Pryde Supporting NZHAT Mobile Pace (2.21pm). The good news for his supporters who are keen to stick with the progressive pacer on Thursday is that he’s only gotten better. “His run at Oamaru was good and he seems a bit better for it,” Stratford said. “He is going to start pretty short and as we know there are no certainties, but I would like to think he would be hard to beat.” Unbeaten in his trials before his debut, Leithen Louie clearly has plenty of upside. And Stratford’s opinion of the horse reflects that. “He has the breeding there, he’s out of Delight who was a handy mare.” “She’s a sister to Sheriff who won a derby.” “He is just a lovely wee horse and he has got a bit of a future.” Stratford also lines up last-start winner Sky Patrol at Ascot Park on Thursday (4.39pm). The pacer dominated a lower grade field in his last start at Winton when sitting parked throughout to win. “I see they have let him go in the betting a wee bit, I am not sure whether they think it is because he is up in grade.” “He sat parked and won in 1.55 last start and he seems to be improving all the time.” “He has worked terrific this week, probably the draw (7) is the only niggly thing.” Stratford also has Lydah Valley back in action at Ascot Park (1.11pm). The pacer hasn’t trialled or raced since last starting in January. “We think she is forward enough to go a nice race, we have had a bit of success getting them ready at home.” “Training on the track at Gore, you can do that.” “She’s drawn 8 while the favourite is in 1, so that doesn’t help.” “But I think she can go a good race and I don’t think she’s far away from winning in the near future.” Blair Orange takes the reins behind all three Stratford runners on Thursday. View the full article

A colt by Hill 'n' Dale's Curlin out of SW & GISP Cherry Lodge (Bernardini) sold for $1.4 million to Mike Ryan Wednesday during the third session of the Keeneland September yearling sale. Consigned by Gainesway and sold as hip 652, the chestnut was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. The March colt's dam is a full-sister to GSW Gala Award and a half-sibling to GISW Stormello (Stormy Atlantic) and to additional GSW My Best Brother (Stormy Atlantic), as well as to the dam of Canadian champion Curlin's Voyage (Curlin). The post Mike Ryan Picks Up Curlin Colt for $1.4 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chris Heyde is the founder of Blue Marble Strategy and is a Washington D.C. lobbyist who has dedicated his career to animal welfare issues. Along the way, he has had some important successes, including effectively ending horse slaughter in the U.S. But one main goal remains and has been elusive. Heyde has been fighting for passage of the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, which would prohibit the slaughter of horses in the U.S. as well as ban the shipping of them to slaughterhouses in the Mexico and Canada. Heyde joined this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland to discuss his work and why it has been so difficult to get the SAFE Act across the goal line. He was the Gainseway Guest of the Week. “It is frustrating because we have done well,” Heyde said. “We've passed it out of the House of Representatives several times. Even in the last Congress, we moved it out of there. It's just kind of getting all of those parts lined up is to get it out of the House and get it out of the Senate. Because if you've ever watched the old Schoolhouse Rock, they always knew it. The Senate was set up to be a lot slower. It's where things kind of get bogged down. They're a little bit more deliberative. “Unfortunately, we've been caught up with that, even though the bills always enjoy strong support,” he said. “I say bills because there have been several over the years. We've tried different committees, different bills, different avenues to get this done. And they've always had support. It's just the frustration that comes with animal issues. Everybody likes them. Everybody supports them. But when it comes down to that last thing, are you going to take the tax break commitment or are you going to try to ban horse slaughter?” He said that one problem is that he does not have anyone with political connections or the wherewithal to make campaign contributions to key U.S. Senators. John Hettinger was his main advocate, but he passed away in 2008. “John Hettinger, he could pick up the phone and he would get members of Congress on the phone or he would get other major business leaders to get on the phone and tell them that this is a priority,” Heyde said. “And that's really what we need. We really haven't kind of had that leadership since John passed away.” When Heyde started his work he would often hear that the end of slaughter would mean thousands of horses would be abandoned and left to walk the streets. That obviously hasn't happened. “When we started this, the excuse we would hear from everybody was, 'My God, there are 400,000 horses (going to slaughter each year),” Heyde said. “'What are you going to do with them all?' And then two years later, oh, there are 200,000 horses. 'What are you going to do with them all?' Now there's around 20,000. 'Oh my God, what are you going to do with them all?' We still hear that. “If that's ultimately an issue, then euthanize them,” Heyde said. “But do it humanely, 99 percent of horse owners do it right. They'll take their horse out and euthanize them, bury them on the property. So it was always just a red herring, because it's a great argument. It's a great way to scare people. I remember our sponsor in Illinois, when we banned (slaughter) in 2007 in that state. He was like, 'My God, you'd think I'm driving down from Chicago to Springfield and horses would be bouncing off the hood of my cars if I'd listened to everybody. Because I saw a lot of cows, but I didn't see any horses. So there isn't an argument put up for this that's justifiable.” The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Post Time (Frosted) a 17-length winner of the Polynesian Stakes at Laurel. He got a 103 Beyer figure. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/ST TV, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association and West Point Thoroughbreds, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Randy Moss wrapped up the Del Mar meet, focusing on the two Grade I's over the weekend, the GI Del Mar Debutante and the GI Del Mar Futurity. As has happened so often, Bob Baffert won both stakes. The team also looked at the overall 2-year-old picture and gave their predictions for which ones have the brightest future. Taped on Tuesday, after the first day of the Keeneland September sale, we looked at the record numbers on the opening night and projected that this, from beginning to end, would be a very strong sale. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post Animal Welfare Lobbyist Chris Heyde Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features the return of a Wootton Bassett 'TDN Rising Star'. 1.50 Doncaster, Cond, 2yo, 6f 111yT BRUSSELS (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) takes a class drop for this Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes in which stablemate Camille Pissarro managed to get beaten 12 months ago before going to win two Group 1s including a Classic. Not one of Ballydoyle's best at present, having been fourth in the July at Newmarket and second in the Listed Churchill Stakes since earning TDN Rising Star status on debut, he has time on his side but this won't be easy given the presence of the Harry's Half Million winner Song Of The Clyde (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), the G3 Prix de Cabourg winner Tadej (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) and Jel Pepper (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}) who was a place ahead of him in the July. The post Brussels Takes Aim At Valuable Donny Prize appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Next April will bring with it the 30-year anniversary of a notable birth at Iverk House Stud, that of the bay colt by Fairy King who would later deliver the ultimate triumph for a breeder by winning the Derby at Epsom under the name of Oath. To pull it off from a small farm in Piltown, County Kilkenny, which has rarely been home to more than eight active mares at any one time, was quite the feat by Max Morris and his late wife Isabel. Certainly, Max has never been blessed with the weight of numbers of the Aga Khan, the owner-breeder of Daliapour when that horse pushed Oath all the way at Epsom. Nor can he match the might of the Coolmore partners, who between them have won the Derby on 11 further occasions since Galileo gave them their first two years after Oath in 2001. For that reason alone, victory for Iverk House's homebred Furthur in this Saturday's St Leger at Doncaster would mark a stunning return to the Classic stage for Max, not least because Coolmore will have two formidable opponents standing in his way, with their latest Derby hero, Lambourn (Australia), being joined in the line-up by the relentless Goodwood Cup winner Scandinavia (Justify). For Coolmore, it's rare that 26 days go by without a Classic hopeful emerging from the latest intake of Ballydoyle bluebloods. For Max and his second wife, Lyn, they're refusing to take anything for granted as the bid day looms for their beloved son of Waldgeist, 26 years on from the heady days of Oath. “Well, you've just buggered that chance now!” jokes a superstitious Lyn when asked what would it mean for Iverk House to taste Classic glory again all of these years later. “Anyway, it's great to have a runner. I'm looking forward to the build-up to it, but I'll be very nervous on the day.” “It's a huge achievement,” Max chimes in. “And at least we can dream between now and Saturday – that's what it's all about.” Indeed it is, although it seems there wasn't much time for dreaming on a busy Wednesday morning spent in the company of the team at the neighbouring Ballylinch Stud, showing the yearlings who will shortly be heading to the sales. “We usually buy shares in the stallions at Ballylinch and they do all of our consigning for us as well,” Lyn explains, with one such share in Waldgeist being the reason why the Danetime mare Danamight headed the way of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner when he embarked on his second season at stud in 2021. “Danamight put a bit of speed in anything she bred and I think that's what Waldgeist needs,” Lyn continues. “He's getting winners now and he needs big, strong mares with big backsides on them. She filled all of the criteria and we got a lovely foal. Furthur always had the most beautiful temperament.” In Lyn's own words, Danamight “wasn't very successful” in terms of what her progeny achieved on the racecourse, at least before Furthur came along, but two of her daughters have outperformed her in that department. “Danamight did breed us Queen Of Power, the dam of our flagbearer, [multiple Group 3 winner] Garrus,” says Lyn. “We had some fun with her after I managed to get her back from Michael O'Callaghan. Michael bought her as a yearling and, after she went wrong in her last race at Ascot, he rang me at our hotel and asked if I wanted to buy her back. He was going to retire her, but he didn't want to send her to the sales because she was a favourite of his. “And Tom Lacy picked up Vida Amorosa [the unraced dam of Group 2-winning sire Persian Force] for €1,200 in Goffs. I was going to go and have a look at her, because we sold her as a foal, but Max said, 'No, you'll just go and buy her'. The Lacys did well with her which was the main thing. They probably covered her better than we would have done. Then they got the home run at Tattersalls December last year [when Vida Amorosa sold for 700,000gns], which was lovely for them. They're friends of ours and we were happy to see them having that success.” Whilst Vida Amorosa should hopefully have more good years ahead of her in the paddocks, the Morrises were devastated to lose Queen Of Power when she was foaling last year. “It's always the good ones that seems to happen to,” Lyn adds. “Vets say the most dangerous time in a filly or mare's life is when they're foaling and, by God, don't we know it. Sadly, we lost Manieree foaling as well. Her dam [Sheer Spirit] was a half-sister to Oath and she won the [G2] Blandford Stakes for us.” On a happier note, Danamight is still going strong at the age of 20, albeit she was retired after foaling a now-two-year-filly by Arizona named Queen Creek. Along with the four-year-old Sissi (Waldgeist), a daughter of Queen Of Power, it is hoped that Queen Creek will one day return to Iverk House to continue the farm's involvement with a family which can be traced back to the acquisition of Furthur's second dam, Nuit Chaud (Woodman). “Max's late wife, Isabel, bought Nuit Chaud in Keeneland from Kip and Larry McCreery,” says Lyn. “We kept Danamight because Nuit Chaud got quite a decent two-year-old colt [Hallhoo] with Mick Channon which got sold to Dubai. It's a lovely family and she's related to Danehill Dancer. “We haven't got much of the family left, except we've retained Furthur's sister by Arizona, who wouldn't be the most fashionable stallion – but then neither is Waldgeist. She'll be going up to Joseph O'Brien's in a couple of months' time. We gave most of her two-year-old year off because she's a big, tall filly, quite like Furthur. “We've also got Sissi with Joseph. She has ability, she's just got to have it firm. Before her last two races they've watered and then it's rained on top. She can't handle that, but she won her maiden at Roscommon pretty nicely. Like all of Waldgeist's progeny, she was too weak at two. She's four now and she'll probably go back into training next year.” Although looking forward to welcoming Queen Creek and Sissi to their broodmare band at the end of their racing days, the Morrises admit that they do have plans to cut back, citing the economic pressures faced by so many small breeders. “We've always had six to eight mares,” says Max. “There's a little golden rule with Thoroughbreds and breeding, going back many, many years, and I think it's 10 acres for every mare. We've kept the numbers down and kept the ground fresh for them. That's our old-fashioned way.” “We have eight mares who are coverable, but we're going to cut right back until the sales start improving,” Lyn then reveals. “We've got four yearlings and five or six foals to go to Goffs this autumn. If the foals don't make what we want, we'll bring them back and sell them as yearlings. We hope to God we can sell the yearlings decently, because it's an expensive little operation to run if you can't make your money at the sales.” There was no such problem when Furthur first went through the ring as a foal. Offered through Ballylinch at Goffs November, he sold to Paul and Michelle Motherway of TDM Bloodstock for €65,000. “We were delighted with the price,” Lyn remembers. “The Motherways had bought a New Bay out of the mare the year before, Stipulation. He was then bought by John Dance and all of his horses were not allowed to run. He didn't appear for two years, but David Loughnane has got him now and I think they're finally getting him going as a four-year-old. “So, the Motherways bought him the year before and I think Michelle fell in love with Furthur. She wasn't going to leave the sale without him and Paul said, 'What am I going to do with a Waldgeist yearling?'. They sold him for 58,000gns, virtually the same as they paid for him as a foal, but they said he was a delight to have. I've got pictures of him at the sales as a foal with the girls sort of hugging him across his back. He was just one of those lovely people.” That lovely person now has a Classic date at Doncaster in his sights for trainer Andrew Balding and owners The Merry Pranksters and Partner, with Aidan O'Brien set to provide the stiffest resistance with Scandinavia, Lambourn and, perhaps, the less-exposed Stay True (Galileo). “Three is too many, two is plenty,” Max jokes of the competition from Ballydoyle, with Lyn adding, “None would be fine by us!” The Morrises, of course, should know the O'Brien family better than most. The village of Owning they call home is also the base of Joseph O'Brien's powerful string, operating from the same yard where Aidan and Annemarie O'Brien trained before they moved to Ballydoyle. “We can go up to Joseph's any time and see them work,” Max says of their patronage of the young trainer. “We're very much involved. You get great fun when you breed a nice one. When you own them as well and you can be involved in the training alongside Joseph, it's even better. Not many people are fortunate enough to do what we can do, with such a nice guy as Joseph around as a neighbour. “We had a two-year-old last year, Last Encore, who won the Birdcatcher in Naas, and he was very much like Oath. He was out of Late Harvest, a half-sister to Manieree. Unfortunately, times are tough and we had to sell him to Saudi Arabia. I would have loved to have kept him with Joseph – we could have had some fun with him.” Win, lose or draw on Saturday, having fun is top of the list of priorities for the Morrises when it comes to following the future exploits of Furthur, with what he's achieved as a three-year-old – including a last-time-out victory in the G3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury – potentially just scratching the surface in Lyn's view. “It's lovely to breed a horse like Furthur, because hopefully we'll have further fun with him for the next two or three years,” says Max, before Lyn adds, “I think he's going to be a much better horse next year, although I would think they might sell him to Australia. There's talk of the Melbourne Cup and everything. I think as a syndicate they will probably want to get their money back, and they'd be right to, because now is the time to sell and get the money.” Should The Merry Pranksters choose to cash in, they might be tempted to ask celebrated artist Lyn to paint a portrait of Furthur to remember him by, with her previous works including the likes of Sadler's Wells, Danehill, Sea The Stars and, of course, Oath. “Max won't pay me, that's the trouble,” jokes Lyn when it's suggested that a St Leger success might earn Furthur pride of place on the walls of Iverk House. “We'll have to get the owners of Furthur to commission it instead! “We have one of Oath. I haven't done Garrus yet, but we have his photographs up on the wall. I shall have to go and raid the money box and pinch some of Max's cash. Then I'll be happy to do it.” The post “At Least We Can Dream” – Oath Breeder Back in the Classic Fold with Furthur appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The lone non-stakes winner in the six-horse $400,000 Locust Grove Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs Sept. 13, Regaled aims to build on her three consecutive stakes placings for her new connections.View the full article

Vinnie Roe, who won the G1 Irish St Leger from 2001-2004, has died. The pensioned son of Definite Article was 27. Bred by Virginia Moeran, the bay was out of Kayu (Tap On Wood) and sold for 48,000gns as a foal. In 1999, he made IR£50,000 to subsequent trainer Dermot Weld at Goffs. Vinnie Roe carried the silks of Irish film director Jim Sheridan and Antonio Balzarini, and was partnered by the legendary late Irish jockey Pat Smullen in all bar one of his 29 starts. A stakes winner and group placed as a juvenile, he won his final four starts at three including his first Irish St leger and the G1 Prix Royal-Oak. Second in the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, Vinnie Roe claimed his second Irish St Leger in 2002 and was named the Cartier Champion Stayer that year. Over the rest of his career, he added two more Irish St Legers, and also sported fourth, second, and eighth-place finishes in the G1 Melbourne Cup (2002, 2004 and 2005). At stud he covered primarily National Hunt mares, and was pensioned at Longford House Stud in Ireland after the 2019 season. His best in that sphere was the Grade 2 chase winner Vinndication. The post Irish St Leger Supremo Vinnie Roe Dies At 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift's first-crop yearling sire Jackie's Warrior cracked the seven-figure barrier Wednesday at the Keeneland September sale when a bay colt out of the placed Taking Aim (Trappe Shot) sold for $1.3 million to West Bloodstock, agent for Robert and Lawana Low. A half-brother to GSW Taking Candy (Twirling Candy), while his dam is a half to GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Tapizar (Tapit), hip 546 was bred by Dixiana Farms and consigned by Woods Edge Farm, agent. He had previously gone through the Keeneland November ring for $385,000 when selling to Bolter Bloodstock. The post Jackie’s Warrior Colt Sells for $1.3M to West Bloodstock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On Saturday at Leopardstown, they will run the Matron Stakes as part of Irish Champions Day, one of the roughly one dozen Group races that Coolmore sponsors all over the world annually. We sat down at the Keeneland September Sale and spoke with Coolmore's Director of Sales David O'Loughlin about why giving back through race sponsorships and breeding incentive funds is important to the farm. TDN: Explain the scope of Coolmore's involvement in sponsoring races around the world. DO: At the moment, we're sponsoring races all over the world and on the three continents where we're based–in Europe, in America, and in Australia. We support Group 1 races in all of the countries; in Ireland, we're doing the Matron. In England, the Nunthorpe. In France, we have the Prix Saint Alary at Longchamp. We sponsor the German Guineas as well. In America, we've got the Turf Mile here at Keeneland, and in Australia, we sponsor two Group 1s, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney. So it's a pretty broad spectrum of races. We're supporting about 12 Group races, six or seven Group 1s or Classics. TDN: You also give a lot of support to smaller, local events. DO: We sponsor a lot of other small races all over Ireland, in particular, including races at the country tracks. We do a lot of National Hunt races, and point to points. We're also doing sponsorships in Milan and in Warsaw. Basically, anywhere we're doing business and trying to work with the local breeders, we'll sponsor a race. There's a very symbiotic relationship between racing and breeding, so we feel it's very important to help out, to put something back in, to be seen, to ultimately help the customers for the breeders' stallions. It's a very symbiotic relationship. We're all in this together, so we've got to help out. TDN: Can you estimate how much you spend on this? DO: We spend about $5 million worldwide, €1.9 million of that in Europe, where we spend about €500,000 in direct sponsorships and we put €1.4 million into the European Breeders' Fund. The [Irish EBF] is very, very successful. It has been going for over 40 years now. It's a great organization. All the stallion farms support it, and we put €3.1 million into Irish racing this year. So we're the biggest single sponsor of Ireland. In America, we're doing about the same in dollar terms. We're doing about $1.9 million again, $500,0000 direct and about $1.4 million into the Breeders' Cup, which as we all know has been a huge success. We one of the biggest drivers of the American business and in Australia, again, we do direct sponsorships again of about half a million, and we have about the same again at VOBIS. So when you tie it all up, it's about $5 million in U.S. currency. TDN: Why is this an important focus for Coolmore? DO: It has always been a focus for us. Back 50 years ago, together with Airlie, Coolmore used to sponsor the Irish 2000 Guineas. That's the first big sponsorship I remember. Then Phoenix Park, the Curragh, we were always helping out with races there, and as Coolmore has grown, the whole thing has grown. As I said, we just feel we have to be part of it. We have to help out the industry and we love spreading it around. In Ireland, we're down in Cork, we're in Tipperary, we're in Naas, we're in the Curragh, we're in Leopardstown. We're going back into the grass roots and giving back a bit. And every euro, every dollar is important to racing at the moment. It's really thriving out here in America, but it's not thriving in other areas. So we try and help out. We're sponsoring a race in Warsaw. Germany's a country that's kind of struggling, so we took on the Guineas the last couple of years. We also do a race in Baden-Baden, and we've done a race in Hanover, so we've done a good bit in Germany. We invest in sponsorship in Poland as it is an emerging racing nation. We have also invested in sponsorship in China, as there could be a real future there as we have seen with the China Horse Club. Basically we feel we have to help out. TDN: What's the reaction from local people? Do you feel that people who go to the races, people who race at those small tracks, do they appreciate it? DO: We get good feedback. We provide a bit of client entertainment at some of them, not all of them. We put on a big day in York, and at Longchamp. We do a bit in Baden-Baden, too, and people really love that and it's a great way of meeting people on the ground. A lot of the breeders are quite a distance from where we are, and we don't get a chance to talk to them. We're on the edge of Europe. Mares are coming into us from Germany, Italy, England, France. A lot of time we're dealing through agents, but we find that with a good day at the races and a nice lunch, you get to know the breeders, you get to hear what's going on, what their concerns are, what they're happy with. It helps us build better relationships, so it's very beneficial in that way too. TDN: What will the Matron be like on Saturday in terms of your participation? DO: We look forward to it. It's always a very good race. It really is one of the best one-mile fillies' races in Europe. You get the older fillies meeting the three-year-olds. There is a great, great history to the race and it's on Champions Weekend, a relatively recent innovation in Ireland. It's been a huge success. It's our Breeders' Cup, and there's always great buzz in Leopardstown on the Saturday. They draw a lot of people and it's a really good day out for young people in particular, with music, bands, a good vibe, and so many Group 1 races over the weekend, so it would be one of my favourite sponsorships in the whole year. It's a day you couldn't miss. The post Q And A: Coolmore’s Global Sponsorships On Display In Saturday’s Matron appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Con Marnane returned to the Osarus Yearling Sale, from where he famously sourced outstanding sprinter Sands Of Mali, to stock up on five yearlings – and a lorry's load of French wine. Just over €1 million [€1,021,500 to be precise] was traded at the Osarus Yearling Sale on Wednesday where the top lot – a Ghaiyyath colt that went the way of Cava Associates – sold for just €45,0000. And while Marnane admitted that the overall standard at Osarus has slipped in recent times, the larger-than-life Bansha boss stressed the need to shop every sale hard in order to unearth the diamonds in the rough. “This has been a very lucky sale for us in the past,” Marnane explained, in between loading crates of wine. “We got Sands Of Mali here [€20,000] and Itsinthepost [€5,000] won eight Grade 2s in America and won over €1 million in prize-money and he came out of this place as well.” Marnane ended the sale as one of the bigger buyers numerically, with five horses sourced for a total sum of €72,000. The sale itself saw a 76% clearance rate, which was up by 14% on last year, while the €8,500 median was up by €500 and the €10,776 average also marginally up by €752. “We bought some lovely horses but it will be next year until I can tell you how good or bad we did,” Marnane continued. “You'd love if this sale went back to something like its glory days. The standard is down but, like any sale, you need to work it hard to find the nicer ones. “One thing I will say is they are lovely people in this part of France and they look after us very well. Some very good horses have come out of here and we like to support it. We were in Baden-Baden last week and we came here for this sale – we're on a European tour!” The post ‘We’re On A European Tour’ – Marnane Stocks Up At Osarus Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 09/08/2025 Licensee: George Papaprodromou, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on September 9, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Capsaicin—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Sneaker, who won the Fran's Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita on 5/24/25. Date: 09/08/2025 Licensee: Saffie Jospeh Jr., trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of internal adjudication panel. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Ranitidine—a Class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Whiskey Park, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 4/20/25. Pending ADMC Violations 09/10/2025, Michael Moore, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from One More Scoop on 8/15/25. 09/09/2025, Elias Lopez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Late Blacksmith, who won at Belterra Park on 8/6/25. 09/09/2025, Richard Joseph Hendriks, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Overspent on 8/3/25. 09/08/2025, Michael V. Pino, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (Gastrogard)—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Et's Moon Maiden on 8/8/25. 09/05/2025, John Garner Vinson, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Money Trail, who finished third at Gulfstream Park on 7/25/25. 09/04/2025, Carrie Jo Robertson, trainer: Pending alleged violation concerning Rule 3510(b), “Refusal/failure to cooperate promptly and completely with HISA/HIWU under the ADMC Program Rules.” The horse in question is Witsec. 09/04/2025, Erin Thompson, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance except in specific circumstances—in a sample taken from Motion to Adjourn, who finished fifth at Belterra Park on 6/5/25. Violations of Crop Rule Colonial Downs Gavin Ashton – violation date September 4; $500 fine, one-day suspension Del Mar Juan Hernandez – violation date September 5; $500 fine, one-day suspension Ricardo Jaime – violation date September 5; $250 fine, one-day suspension Prairie Meadows Alredo Triana – violation date September 5; $250 fine, one-day suspension Thistledown Joam Toledo – violation date September 8; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post National Regulatory Rulings: Sept. 4-10, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday was a dark day for British racing. Racing cancelled across the land while the sport's leaders made an empassioned stand in the country's seat of power against a proposed rise in betting tax, warning of plenty more dark days to come. There can be no denying the intent with which the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has set about alerting the government as to the very real threat to Britain's second-biggest spectator sport. The outcome of a proposed 'harmonisation' of betting taxes, which could see the tax on horserace betting elevated from 15 to 21 per cent, will not be known until chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out the Autumn Budget on November 26. In the interim, the BHA has led the charge, in the national media, on social media, and now on the streets of London, to warn of the dangers to a £4bn industry should this tax hike be enforced Wednesday's four scheduled race meetings at Carlisle, Uttoxeter, Lingfield and Kempton had all been moved to different dates to allow the sport to come together, the gates of all of the country's 59 racecourses firmly closed, to protest at the potential harm to a sector of the British workforce which is responsible for around 85,000 jobs and which already supplies £300m annually to the Treasury in tax revenue. It is feared that, should the tax hike be given the green light, it will cost dearly a sport which is already beleaguered by a fall in revenue from overweening affordability checks on punters and the eleventh-hour failure of an agreement over Levy reform as the previous government fell last summer. By lunchtime, jockeys unused to having a day with no race-riding wore silks emblazoned with 'Axe the Racing Tax' in Parliament Square. Tom Marquand and his wife Hollie Doyle, along with Saffie Osborne, Lily Pinchin, Oisin Murphy, Kieran Shoemark, Richard Johnson and Paul O'Brien, joined the demonstration in Westminster, before many of racing's leaders gathered in the nearby QEII Conference Centre for a rally of sorts. The BHA's acting chief executive Brant Dunshea was joined by new BHA chair Lord Allen, Jim Mullen, who took over as CEO of the Jockey Club in June, Arena Racing Company CEO Martin Cruddace, and six-time champion trainer John Gosden. “The implications are very dangerous. We're starting from a very weak position and this will take the lifeblood out of the game,” Gosden told the gathering of more than 200 people. “I have 100 employees and I won't be able to sustain that. I've been able to sustain that number this year, but if this continues the way it is going, I'll soon be in the situation of laying off 10, 20 or 30 people. That would be tragic, I desperately don't want to be in that position and you're talking to someone at the top of the tree – imagine how it is for the guys halfway down. If I can see the impact, that means they are already in the grinder. “We are not asking for anything other than to be left alone, I understand the government's position but I think this is something that will rebound.” The BHA has commissioned economic modelling which points to a potential cost to the sport in the first year of £66m, putting more than 2,750 jobs at risk. Leading jockeys joined the protest outside parliament | PA Media In his address, Dunshea said, “My job is to create an environment where our owners, breeders, trainers, racecourses, jockeys and our wonderful, wonderful stable staff all thrive. If they thrive, our sport thrives. “When our sport thrives, the people of our great nation thrive, but when people fear for their future, the nation struggles. Its people suffer and hope in an industry can decline overnight.” He continued, “The government says the purpose of this proposal is to create a simpler system. The government says its purpose is to create a more streamlined system. And the government says its purpose is to create a fairer system. The gover nment has encouraged all interested parties to participate and respond fully to this consultation. “We have, we are, and our response is clear – no, we do not support this proposed racing tax hike. British racing must be treated differently.” Dan Tomlinson, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, described the potential change in taxation as “levelling the playing field”. He said, “We know horseracing is part of the cultural fabric of the country, that's why it's the only sector that benefits from a government-mandated levy. Our wider gambling consultation is only about levelling the playing field and simplifying the system, and we are working closely with the industry to understand any potential impacts.” Those involved in British racing now have almost three months to wait before hearing the terms of the Autumn Budget which may or may not heap greater concerns on an industry already under pressure. They made their voices heard in Westminster on Wednesday. The question that will linger is whether the government was listening. The post ‘This Will Take The Lifeblood Out Of The Game’: British Racing Protests Proposed Betting Tax Rise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Marchogion, a three-time winner for Andrew Balding, and the IHRB 139-rated hurdler Runcok are some of the star lots in the upcoming Tattersalls Online September Sale. Set for 11 a.m. on September 16 and closing at the same time the following day, the sale features 183 lots. There are 147 horses-in and out-of-training, 23 broodmares, six yearlings, four stores, one foal, a breeding right to Cotai Glory and a stallion share in Kodi Bear. Marchogion (lot 71) is rated 97, and the son of Mehmas was a 55,000gns graduate of Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. He blossomed into a 160,000gns Guineas Breeze-Up alum when sold to JS Bloodstock and Opulence Thoroughbreds and is from Andrew Balding's Kingsclere draft. Set to be offered as lot 98, Runcok (Cokoriko) will be consigned by Willie Mullins's Closutton Stables. A winning chaser in addition to his tally over hurdles, the gelding is out of a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Sceau Royal (Doctor Dino). Other lots of note include Leopardstown maiden winner Falls Of Acharn (Sea The Moon) (lot 33); the placed Wootton Bassett colt Daary (lot 21); the IHRB 129-rated Lightkeeper (Walk In The Park) (lot 67); last-out winner Genie In A Bottle (Bungle Inthejungle) (lot 40); a 1/50th stallion share in multiple group sire Kodi Bear (lot 183), who is the sire of G2 Gimcrack Stakes hero Lifeplan); a breeding right in Tally-Ho's Group 1 sire Cotai Glory (lot 182); broodmare New Romance (Dubawi) (lot 174) who is out of the G2 Middleton Stakes heroine and Group 1-placed Beautiful Romance (New Approach); and Mil Et Une Nui Flo (Turgeon) (lot 171), the dam of listed hurdle winner and Grade 1 runner-up High Class Hero (Sulamani) carrying to Maxios. The post Marchogion And Runcok Lead Tattersalls Online September Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Not This Time colt out of the winning Ridingwiththedevil (Candy Ride {Arg}) sold to Albaugh Stable, St Elias, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Railbirds for $1.35 million Wednesday during the first session of Keeneland September's Book 2. The chestnut colt, consigned by Gainesway, is a half-brother to MGISP Reinvestment (Upstart). Bred in Kentucky by Whisper Hill Farm, LLC, Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD, and Brian Graves, the April-foaled colt went through the ring as hip 480. Taylor Made's Not This Time had an additional six yearlings top the $1-million mark during Book 1. The post Albaugh, St. Elias, West Point, and Railbirds Join Forces, Going to $1.35M for Not This Time Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-CD, 127k, Alw, N2L, 2yo, f, 6f, 6:30 p.m. ET 'TDN Rising Star' Tennessee Belle (Yaupon), a runaway winner at second asking for owner Boyd Racing and trainer John Ortiz at Saratoga Aug. 16, takes on winners for the first time on Churchill's opening day program. The daughter of MGISW Belle Gallantey (After Market) was previously a debut second behind subsequent GI Spinaway S. heroine and fellow 'Rising Star' Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) at the Spa July 26. The $75,000 Keeneland November weanling turned $160,000 Fasig-Tipton February yearling RNA'd for $385,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. The field of 10 also includes Albaugh Family homebred On Time Girl (Not This Time), a daughter of GIII Pocahontas S. winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies third-place finisher Girl Daddy (Uncle Mo). On Time Girl was a debut winner for trainer Brad Cox at Ellis Park Aug. 3. TJCIS PPS The post Thursday’s Racing Insights: ‘Rising Star’ Tennessee Belle Takes on Winners at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fred Maas, who has served in myriad roles in industry, politics, sports and development and is a self-proclaimed horse racing fan, has been named the 10th member of the Board of Directors of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the track announced in a release Wednesday. Maas, 68, is the current Chief of Staff and Counselor for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League, overseeing all business and legal functions. A cum laude graduate of Syracuse University, he has worked in state and local politics alongside the likes of Senators Bob Dole and John McCain, Jack Kemp and Governor Mitch Daniels. He headed up MRV Systems LLC, a manufacturer of marine robotic vehicles for the oceanographic and defense industries, and also served as a partner at Potomac Sports Properties, the exclusive developer of the PGA TOUR Inc. He also represented the TOUR on marketing, regulatory, legislative and tax matters. Maas was appointed by former California Governor Jerry Brown to a term on the California Horse Racing Board in 2017 and regularly attended races from Belmont Park to Del Mar. “Like so many opportunities in my life,” Maas said, “work has allowed me to practice in areas I care deeply about, and hopefully, make a difference.” Added DMTC President Josh Rubenstein: “Fred's energy, extensive executive experience and love for horse racing make him a wonderful fit for our Board. We're delighted to have a man of his stature and ability join us in our quest to make Del Mar and horse racing better and better.” The post Fred Maas Added To Del Mar Board of Directors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The third day at Keeneland's September sale, the first of two Book 2 sessions, kicked off with a bang Wednesday when April Mayberry signed for a Tapit colt to the tune of $1.3 million before the first hour had passed. Consigned by Gainesway as hip 413, the gray colt is out of the placed Manki (Arch). The mare has already produced GI Woody Stephens Stakes winner Drain the Clock (Maclean's Music), a young stallion who has his first yearlings this year and stands alongside Tapit at Gainesway. Bred by Nick Cosato and Tapit Syndicate in Kentucky, hip 413 is also a half-brother to MGSP Corposo (Vino Rosso). Mayberry signed the ticket for Lee Searing's CRK Stables. The post CRK Stables Strikes for $1.3M Tapit Half to Drain the Clock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club has selected David Hanley as its 2025 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year.View the full article

Hugh Bowman and Douglas Whyte made flying starts to the new Happy Valley season with doubles and Jamie Richards added to his opening-day haul with another brace on Wednesday night. Bowman and Whyte teamed up to win the city circuit’s first race of the term, the Class Five Admiralty Handicap (1,200m), with Dan Attack and the former made it a race-to-race double when he lifted Caspar Fownes’ Super Sicario to victory in the Class Five Kowloon Tong Handicap (1,650m). Whyte joined the top Australian...View the full article