Wandering Eyes

Despite some wet conditions, Paving (Gun Runner–Point System, by Broken Vow) relished the slop and came home a winner to clear an optional claimer at Fair Grounds on Thursday. A maiden-breaker at first-asking over the Ellis Park main track Aug. 23, the 2-year-old filly was last out of the gate this time around. Paving did not sweat what was ahead of her though and around far turn she started to get into gear. The Highlander Training Center colors of Larry Hirsch flew down the center of the course and she was up in time. Luv Your Neighbor (Constitution) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:12.31. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Highlander Training Center; B-Larry Hirsch (KY); T-Tom Amoss. Paving gets up to win R7 at @fairgroundsnola under @jose93_ortiz for trainer @tomamossracing! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/mJNlgNVdLv — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) December 4, 2025 The post Gun Runner’s Paving Traverses Slop To Clear Optional Claimer At Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the first day of scheduled racing at Aqueduct after the jockeys walked out Sunday after the first race, things returned to normal Thursday. The eight-race program was run without any interruptions as the dispute between NYRA and the local riding colony seemed to be on its way to being resolved. According to Kendrick Carmouche, the local representative for the Jockeys' Guild, the riders had several issues with NYRA. A breaking point occurred Sunday when the riders learned that NYRA Assistant Clerk of Scales Brian Pochman was told to go home after he balked at taking on additional duties. NYRA management had asked him to record the weights by hand in case a computer system in place to do the same task malfunctioned. NYRA announced Thursday that it would be installing cameras that will be focused on the scales. “As an additional integrity measure, and to modernize operations, NYRA will be installing surveillance cameras to record the weigh-in and weigh-out process for every race at all NYRA facilities,” a NYRA spokesman said in a statement. “We expect to have this system in place by year end.” In addition, NYRA made changes when it came to the position of assistant clerk of scales. “Effective today, the duties of the assistant clerk of scales have been reassigned to alternate NYRA racing officials,” the statement continued. Pochman was not fired after Sunday's incident and a NYRA official confirmed that he was still with the company. The post Racing Resumes at Big A as NYRA Makes Policy Changes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Remington Park will honor a group of five inductees into its Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame Dec. 5.View the full article

Friday night marks a special program at Remington Park with five inductees into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame to be honored around the live racing card, which kicks off with the first race at 6 p.m. CT. The special Dec. 5 ceremonies will begin with the induction of Silver Goblin (Silver Ghost), an Oklahoma-bred, a millionaire, and a multiple graded stakes winner. Human inductees will follow with prominent owners and breeders Kris and John Richter of the Richter Family Trust and Clark Brewster, and will also include track announcer Jim Byers. The Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will conclude with Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), whose career debut at Remington eventually led him to multiple graded victories, including a win in the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup in 2024. The post Five to be Inducted into Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. had the spot picked out immediately following Igniter (Volatile)'s impressive maiden win going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct Sept. 27. “Right away I said, 'Man, we got to sit on him and run him in the Remsen,'” Dutrow said. “'If he's looking for two turns, he's gonna be one of the ones.'” Igniter is one of 12 set for a fantastic renewal of the GII Remsen Stakes going 1 1/8 miles at the Big A Saturday. Drawn in post seven with Manny Franco in the irons, he is listed at odds of 6-1 on the morning-line. The Three Chimneys Farm homebred exits a pair of very productive maiden special weights. Igniter was featured in these pages following a wide-trip, third-place finish at 26-1 behind 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Golden Tornado (McKinzie) sprinting on debut at Saratoga Aug. 9. The runner-up Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) returned with a 'Rising Star' performance on Saratoga's closing day program Sept. 1 and has since added a win in the Jean Lafitte S. at Delta Downs Nov. 26. Pulpit S. winner and Awad S. runner-up Glorious Boy (Independence Hall) was also a well-beaten sixth that day. Igniter raced on top of a quick pace and ran to the money at a well-backed even-money at second asking with a one-length victory over promising next-out winner Rebel Instinct (Into Mischief), good for an 80 Beyer Speed Figure. The re-opposing full-brother to MGISW Clairiere and $5-million Keeneland September topper Courting (Curlin), a maiden winner at Aqueduct Nov. 9, was fourth in that same contest. Igniter has breezed nine times over Belmont's training track ahead of his two-turn debut, highlighted by a four-furlong bullet in :48 (1/25) Nov. 11. Rick Dutrow all smiles following Igniter's maiden win at the Big A | Walter Wlodarczyk “We took him up to Saratoga, he was a complete gentleman, just as good as he could be, and he ran a big race,” Dutrow said. “I felt like I won a stakes race watching him run that race. I was just thrilled.” Dutrow continued, “Then he trains unbelievable going to his next race and he runs huge first time going a mile at Aqueduct. Since then he's been training better and better and just in such an unbelievable zone. I cannot wait to watch this guy run again because he's training like he's looking for this right now.” Offering 10-5-3-2-1 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Remsen also features GI Champagne S. runner-up Talkin (Good Magic); and a highly anticipated rematch between Renegade (Into Mischief) and Paladin (Gun Runner) following a much-discussed disqualification at the Big A Oct. 17. Renegade, a head in front at the wire, had his number taken down for bumping into Paladin close to home. “We belong being loaded in the gate with them,” Dutrow said. “We're looking to nail two turns. If we do, and if some of the others do, it will be a heck of a horse race.” Dutrow concluded with a laugh, “It doesn't look like a weak spot, you know what I mean?” Igniter hails from the second crop of Three Chimneys Farm sophomore sire Volatile, winner of the 2020 GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. Igniter was produced by Edward P. Evans homebred Malibu Prayer (Malibu Moon), winner of the 2010 GI Ruffian Invitational H. going 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga. Malibu Prayer brought $2 million from Besilu Stables at the Evans dispersal at the 2011 Keeneland November Sale. She was subsequently purchased privately by Three Chimneys. The post Igniter ‘One of the Ones’ in the Remsen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At a time when 2-year-olds are focusing on the preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), the 5-year-old Bishops Bay is facing a prep of his own. View the full article

The Grant and Alana Williams stable are confident they'll go into the Dec. 6 Northerly Stakes (G1) with two undeniably strong chances in Western Empire and Watch Me Rock, as well as longshot Hemlock Stone.View the full article

With the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on the horizon, the 33rd UAE President Cup Dec. 6 is a glimpse at Abu Dhabi Turf Club's growth on the international scene.View the full article

Trainer Andy Simoff, who has been training Thoroughbreds since 1987, has won over 360 races while finding stakes success with horses like stakes winners Howgreatisnate (Speightster) and Alta Velocita (Il Postino). On Saturday, the Delaware-based trainer will saddle Jumping the Gun (Gun Runner), who will look to provide her conditioner with his first graded stakes victory in Aqueduct's GII Demoiselle, a nine-furlong test for juvenile fillies. “She's doing really well, and everything has gone perfect,” Simoff said. “She hasn't missed a work and the track's been good at Delaware, so that's a plus. She's training good, eating good, looks and feels good, so we're excited.” “I went to Aqueduct when I was eight or nine with my father and the first time I went, I was hooked on racing. It's kind of a full-circle moment and it would be unbelievable to win a race like [the Demoiselle].” A Kentucky homebred for John Guarnere's Imaginary Stables, the bay took a 5 1/2-furlong Delaware maiden by 1 1/2 lengths on debut in July before stretching out to six furlongs for a pair of stakes wins this summer at the Wilmington oval. She pounced from fifth-of-six to post a strong 4 1/4-length victory in the Blue Hen Stakes in August and raced more prominently to capture the restricted Small Wonder Stakes by 3 3/4 lengths in September. “She's really been amazing with no hiccups along the way, which is really difficult to do,” Simoff said. “Good shins, has trained forwardly, good in the gate–she does everything right. We liked her the first time out and she ran like we thought she would. The next two times, she won pretty easy. She's a real kind horse and will do whatever you want–sit, go to the front, so it will be interesting to see what happens.” Last out, the filly was a 1 1/2-length second to Dazzling Dame (Girvin) in the two-turn mile White Clay Creek Stakes on Oct. 11. “She drew the outside and got caught in a wide trip, but she still ran well,” Simoff said. “At the head of the lane, it looked like she was going to go by that horse, but she maybe got a little tired the last sixteenth. Her Ragozin number was higher than the winner, so that was encouraging. This race is obviously going to be a test for her, but it's time to find out what she's all about. The field looks tough, but not impossible.” Jumping the Gun is out of the stakes-winning Quality Road mare Breaking Bread, and she hails from the family of dual graded stakes-winner Pacific Gale. “I know when they're in the paddock and people get to see her, she'll be as good-looking as any horse there,” Simoff said. “I would get nervous in the other stakes and then when I'd get to the paddock, I'd be so confident. Saturday is probably going to be a little different because there will be horses that look as good as her, but probably none will look better.” Julio Hernandez returns to the irons from the inside post in the field of six. She is 6-1 on the morning line. The Demoiselle offers the top-five finishers with 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points towards the GI Kentucky Oaks and is one of six stakes races on Saturday's 11-race card, which is headlined by the GII Cigar Mile Handicap. The card also features the GII Remsen Stakes and the GIII $250,000 Elite Power Stakes in addition to a pair of $500,000 New York Stallion Stakes Series events at seven furlongs for eligible state-sired juveniles in the Great White Way Stakes and Fifth Avenue Stakes for fillies. First post is 11:20 a.m. Eastern. The post Andy Simoff Aims for First Graded Win in Demoiselle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Hanshin and Nakayama Racecourses: Saturday, December 6, 2025 6th-HSN, ¥14,250,000 ($92k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1200m NARKISSOS (c, 2, Caravaggio–Queen's Turf {Jpn}, by Deep Impact {Jpn}), whose second dam Fratte Rosa (Jpn) (Brian's Time) is a full-sister to top Japanese dirt horse Furioso (Jpn), is the third runner from his dam and is a half-brother to connections' In Your Palace (Palace Malice), recent winner of the Listed Enif Stakes and Group 3-placed on the dirt earlier this season. O-Kobayashi Eiichi Holdings LLC; B-Winchester Farm (KY); T-Tatsuya Yoshioka Sunday, December 7, 2025 3rd-NKY, ¥14,250,000 ($92k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m AMERICAN SAKURA (c, 2, Liam's Map–Schon, by Harlan's Holiday) cost 'American' owner Katsumi Yoshizawa some $400,000 at last year's Keeneland September Sale is out of a half- or full-sister to four winners, including GI Manhattan Stakes hero Spring Quality (Quality Road) and the Grade III-winning turf marathoner Holiday Star (Harlan's Holiday). The colt's third dam is Alice Springs (Val de l'Orne), a three-time graded winner and dual Grade I-placed in this country for Augustin Stable and Jonathan Sheppard. O-Yoshizawa Holdings Co Ltd; B-Benson Farm (KY); T-Yoshito Yahagi JWANENG (JPN) (f, 2, Gun Runner–Brilliant Cut, by Speightstown) is the first produce for her dam, third in the 2021 GII Santa Ynez Stakes and runner-up in that year's GI La Brea Stakes before being knocked down to Katsumi Yoshida for $775,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton February Sale. From the family of GISW Diamondrella (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), the Feb. 21 foal is kin to a now-yearling colt by Contrail (Jpn) that fetched the equivalent of $1.55 million from Susumu Fujita at the 2024 JRHA Select Sale. O-Sunday Racing Co Ltd; B-Northern Racing; T-Toru Kurita The post U.S. Conceived Gun Runner Filly Debuts For Sunday Racing at Nakayama appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At a time when 2-year-olds are focusing on the preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), the 5-year-old Bishops Bay is facing a prep of his own. View the full article

Mike Doyle, a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame trainer, has died, according to a release from Woodbine. View the full article

Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Mike Doyle has passed away, according to a Woodbine entertainment press release Thursday. He was 64. “On behalf of everyone at Woodbine Entertainment, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike's family, his friends, and the entire Woodbine racing community,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Our sport is built on the strength of the people who dedicate their lives to it, and Mike's contributions to Woodbine racing throughout his career were significant. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and his unwavering passion for horse racing was evident to all who worked with him. Mike has been an important part of our community for many years, and he will be profoundly missed.” Born in Dublin, Ireland, Mike Doyle seemed destined for a life with horses. At an early age, he became well-versed in numerous equine disciplines, including breaking and training jumpers and racehorses while still attending school. Doyle eventually moved to Canada, first finding work with Gardiner Farms before joining Woodbine trainer Jim Bentley. In 1978, Doyle took the reins as trainer for George Frostad's Bo-Teek Stable and saddled his first winner that same year. Six years later, acting on behalf of Eaton Hall Farm, Doyle purchased the filly Bessarabian, by Ontario stallion Vice Regent, for $122,000 from a friend in Ocala, Florida. Bessarabian's outstanding performances helped Doyle earn the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Trainer in 1984. Doyle trained numerous stars throughout his decorated career, including 1989 Canadian Oaks winner Blondeinamotel, Wavering Girl, and Wild Gale, whom he campaigned through the 1993 U.S. Triple Crown, finishing third in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. In 1994, he was part of the team that won the Queen's Plate with Basqueian, trained by Daniel Vella. Doyle returned full-time to the training ranks in 1997 and went on to enjoy numerous successes with longtime assistant Brent Harris– who began working with Doyle in 2000–at his side. One of those moments came on Oct. 25, 2014, when Doyle recorded his 1,000th career win with Evangeline's Hope at Woodbine. In August of this year, Doyle–who worked for some of racing's most notable owners–was officially inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. In all, Doyle concluded his career with 1,178 wins, including 29 stakes victories, and $44,219,047 in purse earnings. The post Canadian Hall of Fame Trainer Mike Doyle Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gary Stevens, the retired Hall of Fame jockey turned jockey agent, said he has purchased a home near Oaklawn previously owned by the late Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas and his wife, Laurie, the track said via a press release on Wednesday. “Laurie wanted me to have it,” Stevens said. “She said she had some other offers and she said: 'You need to be in that house.' She made it happen.” Stevens said the house is more than 80 years old, adding it's “very homey, very warm.” Lukas had made Oaklawn his winter base since 2007, eventually purchasing a home in Hot Springs. He died June 28 at the age of 89. “We flew in on his jet, landed here in Hot Springs, and dropped me off early in the morning, 7:30, 8 o'clock, right on Central, right in front of the grandstand,” said Stevens, then a rising star in Southern California. “I thought, 'holy cow!' The track's sitting right on the main street. I'd never seen anything like it. We got out of this Lincoln Town Car and opened up the trunk. Wayne handed me my tack bag, and he said, 'Do you like traveling like this?' I said: 'I love it.' He said: 'If you win today, get used to it.'” Stevens, as an agent, was an early morning fixture at the Royal Glint barn, Lukas' longtime Oaklawn home. Lukas was Oaklawn's leading trainer in 1987 and 2011 and is its eighth-winningest trainer in history with 384 victories. “They'll never be another one like him,” Stevens said. “He changed the game. He was the first one to start flying horses around. Everybody thought he was nuts having this satellite training, multiple horses at multiple racetracks. He wasn't afraid to fly in and out. Now, everybody does it.” Stevens said he will represent newcomer Eswan Flores, Travis Wales and apprentice Amanda Poston during Oaklawn's 64-day split season that begins Dec. 12. The post Hall Of Fame Jockey Stevens Takes Over Lukas Home In Hot Springs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 690 entries for its December Digital Sale which opened for bidding Thursday. The sale will close on two separate days beginning at 12 p.m. with hips 1-349, including horses of racing age, racing/broodmare prospects, broodmare prospects, stallion prospects, weanling and yearlings closing on Tuesday, Dec. 9 and hips 350-690, to include broodmares and stallion seasons, wrapping up Wednesday, Dec. 10. The catalogue features over 150 horses of racing age, 320 broodmares including mares in foal to 113 different stallions, 10 offerings from the Estate of Larry Johnson (selling without reserve), 60 weanlings, 50 yearlings and four stallion seasons. “This is the largest digital Thoroughbred sale ever conducted, and we are tremendously grateful to our sellers for supporting the December sale with such outstanding numbers,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales. “This catalogue features more than 150 horses of racing age–eligible for a wide range of conditions–as well as over 320 broodmares in foal to an impressive 113 different sires. It's the final opportunity for buyers to enhance their racing or breeding programs in 2025.” Catalogue standouts include: Wild Bout Hilary (Midnight Lute) (hip 6): 4-year-old who won this year's GIII Bayakoa Stakes at Oaklawn and is a multiple stakes winner of nearly $400,000. She is consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Catmint (Kitten's Joy) (hip 10): multiple winner and a half-sister to a pair of Grade I winners from this past weekend at Del Mar: Salamis (Speightstown), winner of the GI Hollywood Derby and Segesta (Ghostzapper), winner of the GI Matriarch Stakes. Consigned as a broodmare prospect by Crupper Bloodstock, agent. Liberal Arts (Arrogate) (hip 22): 4-year-old graded stakes winner and multiple stakes winner of nearly $600,000. He is one of only two graded stakes winning juvenile colts ever sired by Arrogate, and from the immediate family of Grade I winner and sire City of Light. Consigned as a horse of racing age by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Treadstone (Tapit) (hip 34): 2-year-old colt overcame a wide trip to win his debut at Aqueduct on November 23 going one mile on dirt. He is a half-brother to two GIII UAE Oaks winners in Polar River (Congrats) and Down On Da Bayou (Super Saver). Consigned as a horse of racing age by Gainesway, agent. Musical Rhapsody (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) (hip 35): Stakes-winning and graded stakes placed 6-year-old. Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by ELiTE, agent. Ready to Dial (Dialed In) (hip 40): 2-year-old filly is undefeated in two starts this year at two, including a victory in the Blue Mountain Stales at Penn National Nov. 26. She is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Joey Freshwater (Jimmy Creed). Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Vehemente (Vekoma) (hip 41): 3-year-old filly by Vekoma won this year's Fleet Indian Stakes at Saratoga. She is from the immediate family of Grade I winner Military (Danzig). Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Tour Player (American Pharoh) (hip 42): 4-year-old is undefeated in three starts this year, including an allowance win at Churchill Downs Nov. 30. Consigned as a horse of racing age by Bob Baffert, agent for Natalie J. Baffert. A Must See (Catholic Boy) (hip 352): A 4-year-old half-sister to multiple Grade I-winning millionaire Miss Temple City (Temple City) and graded stakes winner Priced to Perfection (Temple City). Offered carrying her first foal by champion Forte. Consigned by VanMeter Sales, agent. Rock On Layla (More Than Ready) (hip 645): A 4-year-old half-sister to Magnitude (Not This Time), winner of last weekend's GII Clark Stakes as well as this year's GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes. Her second dam is multiple Grade I-winning millionaire Octave. Offered as a broodmare by Harris Farms Inc. Also on offer in the December Digital Sale are four stallion seasons to benefit the Kansas Thoroughbred Association, which recently announced that Thoroughbred racing will return to the state in 2026. These seasons are to stallions Dialed In, Flameaway, Flat Out, and Rich Strike and are catalogued as hips 401-405. Click here to view the entire catalogue, create an account or register to bid for the December Digital Sale. The post ‘Largest Digital Thoroughbred Sale Ever Conducted’: Fasig-Tipton Catalogues 690 Entries For December Digital Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The on-farm parades for the Karaka 2026 South Island vendors are scheduled for Thursday 18 & Friday 19 December, and then making its way through the Central Districts Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 December All prospective buyers are welcome to attend to inspect yearlings ahead of Karaka 2026, while enjoying New Zealand’s finest equine properties and hospitality. NZB and NZ-based agents are also available to inspect on your behalf should you require a head start on inspections and evaluations. Get in touch with NZB team for any assistance. View and download the schedule here. View a full list of Karaka 2026 contacts here. For any enquires contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones at +64 27 274 4985 or email Kane.Jones@nzb.co.nz View the full article

A four-horse field has thrown up a minor upset at Geelong on Thursday, as the $6.50 outsider, Mark Walker’s well-bred colt Golden Pulse, saluted smartly on debut in the 1147-metre two-year-old maiden. The Yulong-owned son of Tivaci was the only colt in the field and the least favoured of the quartet, but travelled into contention strongly under Beau Mertens and finished far too well for Eternal Joy ($2.90) and Got Tickets ($3.20). Though Golden Pulse hadn’t been a standout in his jumpouts, assistant trainer Ben Gleeson felt that was far more to do with his coltish manners than anything else. “He’s always sort of been asked a bit in his jumpouts and just had a think about it,” he said. “He is a colt; he was having a real think about the fillies out the back and in the parade ring, which probably put a fair few people off. “Beau just gave him a really nice educational (run) in behind the speed. One of the horses had a run and Hayes’ are always well-drilled, so for him to put them away, it’s promising.” The two-year-old joins Melody Belle’s daughter Lyrics ‘N’ Song, now Stakes-placed after last week’s Listed Twilight Glow at Caulfield, as Walker’s only other Australian Yulong runner – both already winners. Golden Pulse is himself a half-brother to Super Seth filly La Dorada, who won the Group 1 NZ Sires’ Produce Stakes in the Te Akau colours at Trentham earlier this year. And if he continues to behave himself off the track, Gleeson is hopeful he can keep impressing on the track and keep his manhood as well. “Thrilled to get another winner for Yulong, that’s our second runner for them for a second winner,” he said. “He’s got a good brain in terms of out on the track, it’s just whether he can keep it together off the track. But I’m sure that (win) is going to really help him grow up and furnish.” View the full article

by Sue Finley and Katie Petrunyak For European consignors, the sales season is less a sprint than a marathon, beginning in the August heat at Arqana and running nearly straight through to a frenzied finale of breeding stock sales just as the winter chill signals the season's end. While many Irish and British teams pack up their supplies for the year once their last mare has stepped out of the ring at Tattersalls, plenty see the value in making one final trek across the Channel. It's the last stop in a rigorous sales stretch, but those who go the distance consider Arqana's Vente d'Elevage Sale a fitting finale. Baroda Stud led the way at the Tattersalls December Sale which closed on Wednesday, selling both the sales topper, Barnavara (Calyx), for 4.8 million guineas, and concluding the sale as the leading overall consignor with gross receipts for the 30 sold at 9,713,500 guineas. And though making it through three major sales in less than a month is a grueling prospect, Baroda's David Cox said he wouldn't miss ending the year at Arqana. “Our clients like to sell here,” said Cox, who estimated that he had been selling at Arqana for eight to 10 years. “Arqana are very good to deal with and we've had a lot of luck in the past selling some very nice mares and fillies.” In 2022, Baroda sold a pair of seven-figure fillies at the Arqana December Sale; Burgarita (Sea The Stars), who went to Godolphin for €1.7 million, and Oscula (Galileo Gold), who sold for €1 million to Ted Voute. “This year,” said Cox, “we put together a few horses of our own and then some clients also wanted to sell here so it makes sense. All the buyers come here; there's a really good group of buyers.” Baroda figures to have some attractive prospects this week in Deauville. They will offer lot 196, Beautiful Warrior (Saxon Warrior), a half-sister to French Classic winner Beauty Parlour (Deep Impact), in foal to Kingman. “We've sold some of the family in France before,” said Cox. “She'll stand out here in foal to Kingman. She's a nice big mare; a good-walking mare.” While Beautiful Warrior is one of four mares in foal to Kingman in the sale, Cox said, “We will also offer the only mare in the sale in foal to Lope De Vega in Pretty Milanova (lot 163).” She hails from the family of Blush With Pride. Among their draft of foals, he said, “We have a nice No Nay Never filly foal (lot 145) and a Havana Grey foal (177). They sold very well in the earlier sales and will be very popular.” In order to accomplish the hat trick of the back-to-back-to-back sales, planning is key, said Cox. “The sales are so on top of each other that we have to be very well organized,” he said. “Our crew go to Newmarket when we're still selling at Goffs. We have some good guys in France, so we're set up here with the gear which comes from Ireland before my staff gets here from Newmarket. I came in (Thursday) from the flight and we have to hit the ground running. People are here. We started showing at 2:00 and we were run off our feet by 3:00.” But in the end, the hard work is worth it, he said. “We've been very lucky over the years,” he said. “To be sale topper and top consignor (at Tattersalls) was great. For Tamso and I, it's a lot of hours away from the family, and a lot of time on the road. Padraig (Gahan) and the team I have at home keep the show running when we're on the road. It's great for the brand, and everyone involved.” Second behind Baroda Stud among top consignors this week at Tattersalls, The Castlebridge Consignment is also a consistent presence in Arqana. After a brief hiatus from the December Sale from 2017 to 2021, the perennial leading vendor has seen success here over the past few years. “It's a beautiful place to sell horses,” said The Castlebridge Consignment's UK-based Sales Executive Patrick Diamond. “It's a nice place to be and it gives you an opportunity to bring a slightly different horse to market. We obviously sell a good volume of horses in the mare and foal sales at Goffs and Tattersalls, so it's nice to bring a different type of horse that will maybe stand out a little, separate the drafts from across the way and hopefully suit different clients.” The Castlebridge Consignment was the leading vendor at this year's Goffs Mare Sale and Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale, a reflection of their emphasis on matching each horse to the right sale. Diamond said that bringing a draft to Arqana gives their team more flexibility for positioning horses across the breeding stock calendar. “The benefit of selling quality horses at different places is that you start to realize which clientele suits which sale and where people like to buy,” he explained. “You're trying to put different kinds of horses that suit different kinds of people based on the volume of people that might come to a sale here versus Goffs or Newmarket. It's trying to work out where each horse might deliver its maximum price.” He continued, “I think sometimes a different kind of profile of sire might suit France. In England and Ireland it's more the top-end stallions that are all well-known and sometimes in France you can put a horse that might not be the most obvious horse in the world, but people will still gravitate towards them. There's also quite a nice international contingent we've found over the last few years here. The Australians are quite keen here and the Americans look here as well. Obviously there's a strong contingent from Japan.” The Castlebridge Consignment's 14 offerings feature a mix of mares, foals and racing prospects. In-foal mares include lot 42, Embody (Acclamation), who is a full-sister to Breeders' Cup Mile victor Expert Eye in foal to Havana Grey and lot 185, Decipher (Noble Mission), a half-sister to this season's multiple Group 1 and Classic winner Minnie Hauk (Frankel). “We have a really nice draft,” said Diamond. “We have a bunch of quality fillies and broodmare prospects and then a couple of mares in foals to exciting stallions like Havana Grey. Decipher is in foal on Southern Hemisphere to Starman and is from a current Oaks-winning family. We are also offering fillies and a couple of foals that I think are at all levels of the market here and should attract buyers from across the globe.” Diamond is optimistic that, after record sales over the past few weeks, the trend will continue at Arqana. “The strength of the sales at Goffs and in Newmarket normally means that once you get to Arqana, there are a lot of people that still have orders to fill or are looking to add a quality mare to their broodmare band. It's always a really well-attended sale. It's at the end of a long season of selling horses, but Arqana do an amazing job of getting people to the sale and looking after people. Everyone comes in here in good spirits and is still keen to buy.” The post We Can See The Finish Line: International Vendors Make the Trek to Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Himika could give Bob Baffert his ninth consecutive win in the race and a fifth victory for owners Charlie and Susan Chu.View the full article

By Katie Ritz and Sue Finley There are seven stallions based in France whose first foals will sell at this week's Arqana December Sale. We talked with the connections at their stud farms to find out what they have seen in the foals, what they will bring to market of theirs this week, and what expectations are for the progeny they are about to launch into the sales arena. ACE IMPACT (Cracksman — Absolutly Me, by Anabaa Blue). Standing for €30,000 at Haras de Beaumont. 2023 Cartier Horse of the Year. At three–won the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano. Lots selling at Arqana: 233, 272, 290, 334, 354, 446, 491, 519, 532, 612, 778 Mathieu Alex, Stud Manager and Nominations at Haras de Beaumont: We are very pleased with the foals. It's obviously very exciting to get the first crop on the ground. They have his temperament. Ace Impact was fiery when he was racing, but at home he's a very kind horse and very genuine. The foals in our consignment have just had their first shows here (Thursday) morning and they showed very well. They have a good temperament, as well as the strength and size that he had, so it's very positive. The horse covered 183 mares in year one and 153 in year two, so he's been well supported from all over the world. The Ace Impact foals sold very well at Goffs and Tattersalls, so let's hope we can do the same here. MISHRIFF (Make Believe — Contradict, by Raven's Pass). Standing for €17,500 at Sumbe Montfort and Preaux. At three–won the G1 Prix du Jockey Club and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano. At four–won the G1 Saudi Cup, G1 Dubai Sheema Classic and G1 Juddmonte International Stakes. Lots selling at Arqana: 340, 344, 473, 659, 695, 699, 880 Mario Gussago, Nominations and Racing Manager at Sumbe: So far he has been very welcomed by breeders who utilized him in his first season. He has produced beautiful models. They are very elegant. Mr. [Nurlan] Bizakov got plenty of mares to him and the foals all look the part. He's stamping them quite well–a lot of class, good walk and good bone. I was looking at Mishriff yesterday with Mr. Bizakov. He's looking magnificent. He was a bit narrow after he came back from training, but he's developed very well. VADENI (Churchill – Vaderana, by Monsun). Standing for €15,000 at Haras de Bonneval. Cartier Champion Three-Year-Old. At two-Criterium du Fonds Europeen de l'Elevage. At three-won G1 Prix du Jockey Club, G1 Eclipse Stakes, G3 Prix de Guiche. Lots selling at Arqana: 275, 283, 506, 540, 694, 718, 790 Fanny Cypres, Nominations and Client Relations, Aga Khan Studs: From what I've seen, they are great athletes. I think the first foals from Vadeni are going to be very interesting because there aren't many of them on the market. They have a lot of depth about them, like Vadeni himself; and they are great walkers. Two Vadenis sold at Tattersalls and they were both very attractive foals. One of them sold very well to Japan for 200,000gns (lot 905, out of Zannda, to Paca Paca Farm), which was quite a great result. So we are looking forward to seeing what they're going to sell for here. Some of them are quite similar to Vadeni, and it will be very interesting to see how precocious they will be. Overall, they appear to be strong, great walkers, with good bone. At early stages like this, everyone dreams and speculates on how early they will be, but at the end of the day the horse will tell us. I would say he had more quality than quantity in his first book. From his first book of mares, he has produced a half-sibling to a Group 1 winner for the Aga Khan this year, Candelari; a half-brother to Rayevka and Rayif, both Group 1 performers this year; and a half to Group 1 performer Zarakem as well. He's a syndicated horse, so he's got the support of many stakeholders and people who are quite active in the business in France. Also, he doesn't only have only French shareholders, but some from England and Ireland, so it goes beyond borders. And at this sale, we will also sell the half-sister to Siyouni (Siyenica) in foal to Vadeni (lot 146). ONESTO (Frankel-Onshore, by Galileo). Standing for €10,000 at Haras d'Etreham. At two-won the Prix de Villebon. At three-won the G2 Prix Greffuhle and the G1 Grand Prix de Paris. Lots selling at Arqana: 261, 280, 482, 560, 588, 637, 733, 749, 833 Nicolas de Chambure: The Onestos we know are mainly the ones we have on the farm and we've also done a few tours to see others in the spring and in the summer, mainly in France. And we've been very happy. He's a very correct horse, and the foals' strength seems to be that they are also very correct. They have quality and it looks like they can walk. So that's very positive. There was a very nice one at Tattersalls last week that we bought from the family of Stacelita (lot 451 for 52,000gns) and we'll be looking at one here this week. I think everyone agrees that Frankel doesn't really stamp his horses. So I think Onesto is maybe following Frankel's trend a little bit in the sense that we can see plenty of the mare in them, but I think he does stamp them in the way that they're very correct and athletic. But in terms of size, and colour, I think we can still sometimes see the mare. ANGEL BLEU (Dark Angel — Cercle de La Vie, by Galileo). Standing for €6,000 at Sumbe. At two–won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, G1 Criterium International and G2 Vintage Stakes. At four–won the G2 William Hill Celebration Mile Stakes. m Stakes Lots selling at Arqana: 573, 687, 708 Mario Gussago: They look very precocious and very racey. They have good depth on them. We got good support from first-season breeders. Mr. Bizakov is supporting him with good mares, as well as Mr. [Marc] Chan, so hopefully they're going to be early and speedy like he was. EREVANN (Dubawi-Ervedya, by Siyouni). Stands for €8,000 at Haras de Bonneval. At two-won the Prix de Saint-Desir. At three-won the G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein, the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac, and the Prix Comrade. Second, G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois. Lots selling at Arqana: 338, 350, 375, 452, 454, 497, 533, 582, 613, 678, 771, 782, 795, 800 Fanny Cypres: Erevann has been a very busy boy. He has been very, very popular thanks to a good combination of price, pedigree, and performance. I guess people see a little bit in him the possibility of a Zarak, though it's going to be hard to have two Zaraks. But he because he won the same race as Zarak on debut, the Prix de Saint-Desir, and then because they look alike also in their head. They're very Dubawi in their head. But Erevann actually has a lot of Siyouni in him and that's something that he throws a lot in his foals, who are a really good mix of Dubawi and Siyouni. He has covered more mares than Vadeni, so he's going to have more foals on the ground. Two foals sold at Goffs, one for €78,000, which is quite good when you consider that the covering price is €8,000. And then he had one at Tattersalls who sold for 120,000gns to Paca Paca Farm. And people keep calling for him. We are very early in the season in terms of bookings, but he's still very busy. He never won his Group 1, but he was so close in the Prix Jacques Le Marois, a stallion-making race, that he is worth a Group 1 winner. The feedback from the breeders is that they are delighted and they want to come back and they really believe in him. In his first book of mares he had, there were siblings to Metropolitan, La Parisienne, a half-sister to Daryz, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner. So, there are some quality foals on the ground. And with these handsome boys, we have a lot to look forward to as well. BELBEK (Showcasing — Bee Queen, by Makfi). Standing for €5,000 at Sumbe. At two–won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and the G3 Prix du Bois. At three–won the G3 Prix Perth. . Lots selling at Arqana: 471, 586, 660, 691, 732 Mario Gussago: Belbek is a very important horse for us. He's the first Group I-winning homebred in France for the boss. He's a beautiful-looking horse and has done really well. His progeny look racey and precocious enough, like he was as the winner of the Lagardere. There is going to be a good bunch of Belbeks in this sale at Arqana. We have one Belbek in our consignment for a client. He looks the part. He's strong, with good bone and a good walk on him. The post The Magnificent Seven: French-Based Stallions Debut Their First Foals at Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 Longines World Racing Awards will be held at the Savoy Hotel in London on January 20. The event is organised by Longines and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The ceremony will honour the highest-rated horse in the 2025 Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (WBRR) as well as the Longines World's Best Horse Race (WBHR). The Longines WBRR are established by international handicappers according to the performance of the horses in top races. The highest rated race is determined by averaging the rankings of the first four placed horses. For the full list and further information on the Longines WBRR, please visit the IFHA website. The post Longines World Racing Awards Set For The Savoy Hotel In January appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ironhorse Stallions is welcoming New York breeders to an open house at its new location in Schuylerville on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The operation is home to Bucchero, sire of multiple Grade I winner Book'em Danno and multiple graded stakes winner Queen Maxima. Ironhorse Stallions is located at 125 Sherman Lane in Schuylerville, New York/ Visitors are instructed to enter the farm at the intersection of Sherman and Stonebridge Road. The post Ironhorse Stallions Inaugural Open House Dec. 13 in Schuylerville appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alice Haynes, who began training in Newmarket almost five years ago, has announced that she is to cease with immediate effect, citing that “racing's current financial model does not make it viable to continue”. In a statement released on social media, Haynes, 34, said, “Tonight at Chelmsford I will saddle my final runners as a trainer. It's a sentence I never imagined I would have to say. Stepping away from something that has shaped my days and captured my heart has been an incredibly painful decision but the truth is that racing's current financial model does not make it viable to continue. “There are so many people to thank: my loyal staff, our vets, farrier, suppliers, sponsor Coral and to the owners who placed their trust, their horses, and their hopes in my hands.” Haynes, a former jockey and amateur rider, sent out her first runner in February 2021 and quickly made an impression, with Amo Racing's Mr Professor becoming her first black-type winner in the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes later that year. The following season she sent Lady Hollywood, also owned by Amo Racing, to run fifth in the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint after the daughter of Havana Grey had won both the Listed Marwell Stakes and G3 Prix d'Arenberg. In the last five seasons, Haynes, a hands-on trainer who rides out daily from her base at Kremlin Cottage Stables, has saddled more than 200 winners in Britain and has won stakes races in France, Ireland and Italy. She has worked closely throughout her training career by her partner, jockey Kieran O'Neill. She added, “To my partner, Kieran, who has stood beside me through every moment of this chapter, your support has been my anchor. “As for what's next, I'm taking a step back to reflect and see where the next chapter leads. I'd love to stay involved in the sport, perhaps through media work or any opportunities that come my way, and maybe one day I'll train again. This is by no means a goodbye to a sport that has given me so much and that I love.” The post Alice Haynes Makes ‘Painful Decision’ to Stop Training appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Hayes has urged Jockey Club officials to think outside the box when it comes to accommodating Hong Kong’s “drastic oversupply” of Class Four horses. Hong Kong’s horse population is in the midst of a sustained period of growth ahead of the start of racing in Conghua, with the Jockey Club increasing ownership permits in recent years. However, until racing on the mainland begins in October next year, there will be an increased number of gallopers looking to race in a similar amount of...View the full article

Ka Ying Rising, the world’s top-rated sprinter, has delighted David Hayes in his final fast turf gallop ahead of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (LONGINES HKIR) on 14 December as a string of local contenders sharpened preparations with barrier trials at Sha Tin today (Thursday, 4 December). Ka Ying Rising will attempt to match Golden Sixty’s feat of winning 16 races in a row – a streak bettered only by Silent Witness (17 wins) as a Hong Kong, China-trained horse – when he tackles the HK$28 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) next week. Hayes believes his charge is on target after the five-time Group 1 winner surged over his final 400m in 21.6s in a sparkling turf gallop on Wednesday morning (3 December) under leading rider Zac Purton. “I thought it was as good as you could ask the horse to work. Zac quickened on him, and he said he thought that he was at his top and he gave him a little dig and he extended again,” Hayes said. “He just cantered around on the turf track and quickened the last 400 metres and ran home in 21.6 (seconds). He just gradually increased his work, and I think he would have broken 11 seconds for the last 200 (metres) without trying. “I think Zac thought it was the best he’s felt in work, so he just keeps on improving and he’ll just do steady work into the big race. We’re very happy with him.” Helios Express, who finished second to Ka Ying Rising in three Group 1 races last season and third in another, finished second to Packing Hermod in a 1200m barrier trial on dirt this morning (4 December). Ridden by Hugh Bowman, Helios Express finished ahead of four other LONGINES HKIR aspirants – Raging Blizzard (fourth), Galaxy Patch (fifth), Voyage Bubble (sixth) and Ka Ying Generation (seventh) – in an overall time of 1m 11.41s. John Size-trained pair Bundle Award (third) and Red Lion (eighth) contested the second 1200m batch, which was won by stablemate Beauty Eternal in 1m 09.74s. Massive Sovereign (fifth) and Ensued (eighth) featured in batch three, which was won by Public Attention in 1m 10.74s. Harry Eustace-trained Docklands worked in leisurely fashion on the dirt ahead of the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) – one of the four Group 1 features next week, along with the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint. Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Sunday (7 December) with the Class 5 Ashley Handicap (1650m, dirt) at 1pm. View the full article