Wandering Eyes

Horseplayers will find a revised wagering menu for this year's 16-day Santa Anita Autumn Meet, which opens Friday, Sept. 27, 1/ST Racing said in a press release on Wednesday. The Pick Six is now has a $2 minimum after previously being a $1 base wager, but will continue to pay out 70 percent of each day's pool to tickets that have all six winners with the remaining 30 percent going to consolation payouts. If there are no tickets with six winners, 70 percent of the pool will carryover to the next race day with the remainder paid out in consolations. New to the Santa Anita wagering menu this year is a $5 minimum Late Daily Double and a $3 Late Pick Three–both feature a 15 percent takeout. Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park will combine forces to offer a $1 Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 on Saturdays and Sundays, and the $1 Super Hi 5 will only be offered on the final race of the day. The post Santa Anita Park’s Autumn Meet Unveils New Wagering Menu appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having made a habit of dismissing her peers by wide margins, Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) has to do it on a higher plane as she encounters some similarly promising opposition in Doncaster's G2 Betfred May Hill Stakes on Thursday. Having beaten the re-opposing Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) convincingly on debut on Newmarket's July Course, she returned to defy a penalty in style last month and trainer Charlie Appleby has no concerns about the hike from seven furlongs. “We feel that the step up to a mile here should hopefully bring about some more improvement, which will be needed at this level,” he said. “We have been pleased with her preparation and are looking forward to seeing how she gets on in this company. Like much of the field, we will be a lot wiser after the race.” Ballydoyle's juvenile fillies have carried all before them so far in 2024 and it could be that TDN Rising Star Ecstatic (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is ready to join the best of them. Her 3 1/4-length success in a Tipperary maiden last month bore all the hallmarks of one of the stable's past leading lights and she is bred for it, being a daughter of Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Ryan Moore picks her over the Listed Churchill Stakes scorer January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), while another notable with black-type previous is Team Valor and Gary Barber's G3 Prestige Stakes winner Anshoda (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}). A Tantalising Trio Of Pattern Races… Doncaster also stages the G2 Park Hill Stakes, or “Fillies' St Leger” is it is colloquially known, where Valmont and Ballylinch Stud's unexposed course novice winner Oxford Comma (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) encounters the proven Meon Valley gem Mistral Star (GB) (Frankel {GB}). That Hughie Morrison-trained homebred “won” the race within a race in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks last month, faring best of the remainder adrift of the three main protagonists Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix des Chenes sees Juddmonte's Deauville maiden winner Nesthorn (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}) tested against some more experienced rivals, while his trainer Francis-Henri Graffard also saddles the Aga Khan's exciting TDN Rising Star Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) in the G3 Prix d'Aumale. Impressive on debut at Chantilly in July, she meets Teruya Yoshida's acquisition Angeal (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the unbeaten winner of the G3 Prix Six Perfections at Deauville. The post Desert Flower Eyes May Hill Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jim and Dana Bernhard's Pin Oak Stud acquired a colt by Charlatan (hip 509) with an internet bid of $1 million during Wednesday's third session of the Keeneland September sale. The colt, bred by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, Paul Weitman and Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings, was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. He is out of multiple Grade I winner Midnight Lucky (Midnight Lute). After 30 yearlings sold for seven figures during the two-session Book 1 section of the September sale, hip 509 was the first to reach that threshold during Wednesday's opening Book 2 session. Earlier in the session, Alex Lieblong paid $800,000 for another first-crop son of Charlatan (hip 454) from the Eaton Sales consignment. The post Pin Oak Goes to $1 Million for Charlatan Colt 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. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 09/10/2024 Licensee: Joe Tye, trainer Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance). Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (GastroGard)-controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Wear the Crown on 7/26/24. Date: 09/10/2024 Licensee: Felix Rondan, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Drop Um on 7/25/24. Pending ADMC Violations 09/11/2024, Jamey Thomas, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine- controlled medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Wound Up on 8/14/24. 09/11/2024, Chris Englehart, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine- controlled medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Clancy Fancy on 8/11/24. 09/10/2024, Khadeem Galloway, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol-controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Voorhees, who finished third at Thistledown on 8/7/24. 09/10/2024, Robert James Gherardi, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Firocoxib-controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Kell's Kiss on 8/6/24. 09/06/2024, Clarence King, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Flunixin-controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Teewinot Pass, who won at Parx Racing on 7/3/24. 09/06/2024, Jorge Duarte Jr., trainer: Provisional suspension for a medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance–in a sample taken from Happy Cat, who finished second at Delaware Park on 5/22/24. 09/05/2024, Philip Serpe, trainer: Provisional suspension for a medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol-classed as a banned substance but permitted under tightly controlled circumstances–in a sample taken from Fast Kimmie, who won at Saratoga on 8/10/24. Read more on the story here. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Del Mar Armando Aguilar – violation date Sept. 5; $300 fine and no other available information Tyler Baze – violation date Sept. 7; One-day suspension, $250 fine The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. California Del Mar Antonio Fresu–violation date Sept. 5; Three-day suspension, careless riding Kyle Frey–violation date Sept. 7; Three-day suspension, careless riding Flavien Prat–violation date Sept. 8; One-day additional suspension, participation in out-of-state designated races The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Sept. 5-11 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien has never won the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. But it hasn't been from a lack of effort. He's had 13 starters in the race and has run some very good horses, including Galileo (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) and Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat). But his luck could very well change this year as he will take aim at the Classic with one of the best horses of this generation. The O'Brien trained City of Troy (Justify) has had an outstanding campaign in Europe, winning six of seven starts, including four Group I races. City of Troy would probably be a cinch if O'Brien were to run him in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, but the trainer has picked the bigger challenge, the Classic. O'Brien was the guest of the week on the latest edition of TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland, to explain his decision, and much more. “(Running in the Classic) was always on our minds,” O'Brien said, “We've never won Classic. It's obviously a race that we'd love to win, but we know that you need an exceptional horse to do it really. Obviously he's by Justify, which makes it very exciting and always made it look like he could be very special for us. He's handy, he stays, he's determined; has all the things you need to make this happen. It's a big ask to run on the dirt first time and with a horse that's not trained on it.” O'Brien is not taking anything for granted and has been doing everything he can to prepare the Justify colt for his first ever dirt start. That includes sending him to England on Sept. 20 to have a trial race over a synthetic surface at Southwell Race Course. “He'll fly over there,” he said. “It will be like a race dy for him. It will be on an artificial surface. Obviously, it's not dirt, but it's as close as probably we can get from here. It's a little bit of a change off of what he is used to. We'll be bringing an American stye starting gate that we have and the horses. We'll probably go a mile and we'll probably do as much as we can to have him as ready as he can be. This is going to be a big change for him. We're trying to do it gently rather than having one big shock.” O'Brien said he will bring between five and eight horses to challenge City of Troy in the mock race. That City of Troy's sire is Justify is a huge factor. He's an exceptional sire and his progeny can handle the dirt. What does O'Brien think of Justify? “When we saw him first, like he looked a different breed, O'Brien said. “He looked like a big quarter horse. When we saw him at first, we could not believe the amount of muscle and the power and the scope and the strength that he had. He was able to go a mile-and-a-half in the Belmont and the distance was no problem for him. His stock has a lot of class. They're very high cruisers, they're very genuine. They're very like Galileo's but they have more speed. I suppose what he did as a racehorse was just out of this world. That's why we're so excited about him. He looks like a massive big powerful dirt horse.” In our breeding spotlight section we looked at the WinStar stallion Constitution. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, XBTV.com and the KTA/KTOB, the team of Randy Moss, Zoe Cadman and Bill Finley, discussed a closing weekend at Del Mar that was dominated by Bob Baffert and the races at Kentucky Downs, where the purses have risen to levels that once were unfathomable. They also took on the story of Churchill Downs making changes to its 'Road to the Derby' schedule, noting that races with five horses or less will now have fewer points than those with six or more horses. Click here to watch the Writers' Room and here to access it as a podcast. The post Aidan O’Brien Joins 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

After a pair of runner-up finishes in graded stakes with disadvantageous trips, Shotgun Hottie will look to get back in a winning groove when she faces seven fillies and mares in the $400,000 Locust Grove Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs Sept. 14.View the full article

Owner-breeders David Howden and Jayne McGivern, both of whom are also heavily involved in the eventing world, have unveiled plans for a valuable class for former racehorses at Howden's Cornbury House Horse Trials. The Cornbury Racehorses Eventing Challenge is a joint initiative which will be run at the Oxfordshire event in 2025, offering a first prize of £45,000. The duo hopes that it will help to raise the profile of the suitability of Thoroughbreds for eventing. The class will be run at British Eventing Open Novice level, but using an FEI CCI2*-S dressage test in a long arena. The showjumping phase will be last and run in reverse order. The aim for subsequent years will be to run the class at British Eventing Intermediate level. Entrants must have achieved two Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) as a combination at novice level in the current season (2025). Horses must not have competed at CCI4* level or above in the past two seasons. Riders will be restricted to two entries each, and horses do not need to have raced or to have been in training, but must be registered with Weatherbys or the appropriate Thoroughbred studbook of their country of origin. Howden, the founder and president of Cornbury House Horse Trials whose homebred filly Running Lion (GB) won this year's G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, said, “I am so excited that we will be introducing this very special class at CHHT in 2025. Jayne McGivern and I share a joint-passion for both eventing and racing and for the amazing horses in those sports, and we hope to draw attention to the wonderful versatility of Thoroughbred – and to encourage our best riders to recognise their suitability for eventing and to reward them for the correct training of them.” McGivern is the owner of Dash Grange Stud and also stands Golden Horn (GB) at Overbury Stud. She added, “There is no doubt that Thoroughbreds can shine at the very top level in eventing, and I hope this class will inspire our top riders and everyone else connected to this fantastic sport to believe in them and give them the opportunities and the best care and training to reach their full potential.” The post Howden and McGivern Back Eventing Challenge for Ex-Racehorses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

From its launch in 2019, covering the five days of Royal Ascot, the World Pool has grown gradually to 33 race days this year across eight different countries. It is fair to expect to see that expansion continue apace. The international commingling of betting pools was the brainchild of Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which powers World Pool. Twenty-eight jurisdictions can now bet into that pool. “It is our vision to bring the world's finest racing to domestic customers all year round,” states the World Pool website, but it is not just punters who are benefiting from this increased liquidity in the betting pools. The racecourses included in the World Pool programme, which this year has covered fixtures in Australia, Argentina, Britain, Germany, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE, stand to gain around £500,000 in extra funding per race day. At the Asian Racing Conference, held a fortnight ago in Sapporo, Michael Fitzsimons, executive director of wagering products at the HKJC, outlined how further expansion of World Pool could help to combat the threat to racing's future from the rapid growth of illegal betting markets. He drew a comparison with the collaborative efforts within the music business which have been deployed in the battle against piracy. Fitzsimons said, “As with the music industry, we must innovate together in a manner more compelling than the illegal alternative. To do this, our goal is for World Pool to provide coverage of the IFHA's top 100 races. “To meet the challenge of the illegal market, we can't and won't stop until we too have a convenient product with all the world's best races in one place, available to a global audience, through the national pool operators in every country.” European Involvement British racing – or a section of it – is currently one of the main beneficiaries of World Pool with 18 of the 33 race days this year staged in the country, at Ascot, Epsom, Goodwood, Newmarket and York. Seventeen of the IFHA's top 100 races were run in Britain last year, according to the Longines rankings, while Ireland had three on that list and hosts four World Pool days. France does not yet have World Pool fixtures but Germany's Grosser Preis von Baden card was included in 2023 and there are now six German meetings on the schedule. With World Pool having grown from 27 to 33 race days in the last year, there is speculation that it could double in number before long. Horse Racing Ireland's CEO Suzanne Eade said during a panel discussion at the ARC, “World Pool makes our good days great days.” Its presence will be felt this weekend in particular, with both days of the Irish Champions Festival included, while the sole remaining fixture in the UK this season is British Champions Day at Ascot next month. The appearance of Japanese contender Shin Emperor (Fr) in the Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday will surely only reinforce the desire from the HKJC to encourage the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to get on board with World Pool. “If the Japanese were to amalgamate with the global pools it would increase fivefold,” said Alex Frost, CEO of the UK Tote Group, who was also in attendance at the ARC and described the expansion of the World Pool to date as “breathtaking”. Racing's Silver Bullet? That gathering of racing's leaders included a debate on the relative strength or otherwise of the world's betting markets, along with the looming spectre of the aforementioned competition from the illegal markets, which are believed to be worth an estimated US$1.7 trillion. Peter V'Landys, the CEO of Australia's Racing New South Wales, joined the panel with Eade and was unequivocal in his view of World Pool. He said, “I think it has the potential to save world racing because it really highlights the major events in every country, it puts the focus on that event and punters from all around the world can bet on that particular race.” Frost was particularly encouraged by his comments. “There is a silver bullet for global horse racing and that is tote betting done properly,” he said. “That's the most powerful message that I took out of the conference – that there is a solution.” He continued, “People have been living off steady growth but suddenly there is a bit of a wobble. Betting turnover is down in Hong Kong and Australia and everyone is suffering from a bit of a pull back other than the JRA. I sense that people are really concerned, and when you get the likes of Peter V'Landys standing up and saying there is only one solution, and Japan showing that you need a proper level of reinvestment in the racing product, I felt very invigorated by that.” He also is of the view that Britain is well positioned to benefit further from any expansion. “When you consider our level of reputation and integrity, and the time zone we are in, it is perfect for Asia,” he said. “It is more of a challenge in America.” York's Prize-Money Boost William Derby is the chief executive and clerk of the course at York racecourse, a shining beacon among tracks in the UK. Its recent Ebor meeting featured 28 races across four days, none of which offered less than £100,000 in prize-money. York's rising purses have been aided by the returns from its three World Pool days. “We're delighted to have been involved since the second wave, alongside Goodwood, in 2021,” said Derby. “That global approach is really appealing to us as a racecourse, and having people engaging in betting on our festival racing is something that we really want to encourage. “The York Race Committee took the view that we would invest all that we received in World Pool returns and put that all back into the prize funds. So our prize funds since 2019, which was our last proper Ebor without World Pool, have gone up by what we receive from World Pool. We would love for the Saturday of the Ebor Festival to be a World Pool day as we feel that the Ebor, the Melrose, the Strensall and the City of York Stakes would be really engaging content.” And in a trickledown effect, those big days at York now help to shore up some of the lesser meetings during the year. Derby added, “It has boosted the strength of our entire race programme, not just World Pool days. No race at York is worth less than £20,000 and all grades of racing have benefited, so the sport has benefited as whole, and everyone connected to it – be they owners, trainers or jockeys.” Along with the racecourses receiving a financial boost from World Pool fixtures there is value to be found for punters too. The Racing Post's betting expert Tom Segal referred to the benefits in his column this week. He said, “I invariably find that the horses I'm interested in start at much bigger prices on the World Pool than they do with the traditional bookmakers or on the exchanges, given that the majority of them aren't ridden by William Buick or Ryan Moore and aren't trained by the Gosdens or Aidan O'Brien. “Of course World Pool betting isn't going to suit everyone, with its each-way terms sometimes not that favourable. But the sizeable group of punters who like a medium-sized win bet should certainly consider the World Pool when having a wager at the big meetings.” Unsurprisingly, this is a view which is wholly endorsed by Frost. “I would like people to really get behind it now,” he said. “There are lots of people who like a bet in the UK and Ireland. We've gone beyond the stage of proving the concept. It has shown that it can help enormously, and if we are going to see the roll-out that was talked about at the Asian Racing Conference then we need to be doing everything we can to get behind it.” He continued, “That's the one thing that I would like to impress upon people, that there is a solution. And if people don't believe that the world is moving fast, it's pretty remarkable to have the next [Asian Racing] conference in Saudi. That in itself is a message. To think that wagering is going to be discussed openly in Saudi – who would have thought that even two or three years ago? It's a definite barometer of change.” The post ‘The Potential to Save World Racing’: Views on World Pool Expansion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owners Club, a mobile horse racing game featuring a contest leading up to QIPCO British Champions Day, was launched by the QIPCO British Champions Series, who teamed up with mobile gaming company Invincible GG. The free-to-enter competition aims to enhance the reach and engagement of horseracing to a digitally-minded audience of racing fans. The QIPCO British Champions Day Challenge enables UK and global entrants to own, train and race their very own thoroughbred for a chance to win an exciting prize experience. The interactive racing competition is free to download from the Apple and Google App stores. For more information on the game, please visit the Invincible GG website. Jonathan Strause, Invincible GG CEO, said, “The interactive video game industry has proven to be a powerful platform for engaging with a younger demographic. Horse racing, with its rich history and thrilling dynamics, has the potential to captivate a similar audience. By collaborating with British Champions Series on QIPCO British Champions Day, we are delivering an interactive experience that appeals to both traditional fans and new, younger enthusiasts.” The post Owners Club Mobile Game Launched By QIPCO British Champions Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler claims back-to-back doubles and looks to feature races with city circuit winners.View the full article

Listed winner Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), who ran second in the G2 Prix du Gros-Chene in June, will be part of the upcoming Tattersalls Online September Sale catalogue on Sept. 18-19, the sales company announced on Wednesday. Twice placed at group level this term and a winner of the Listed Prix Hampton for Manon Scandella-Lacaille who began training her last summer, the filly is rated 107 by Timeform. She is entered in the G3 Prix du Petit Couvert at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, Sept. 15, as well as the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye on Oct. 6. Mgheera finished third most recently in the Listed Prix du Cercle at Deauville behind subsequent G1 Nunthorpe Stakes hero Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}). A daughter of three-time winner Blue Aegean (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), the 4-year-old filly is a relative of G3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes heroine Distinctive (GB) (Tobougg {Ire}). She was bred by David Redvers and Framont, Ltd. The full Tattersalls Online catalogue will be published on Thursday, Sept. 12. Wildcard entries are still being accepted. For more information on the sale, please visit the Tattersalls Online website. The post Group-Placed Mgheera Confirmed For Tattersalls Online September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Funeral services for trainer Chuck Simon will be held Monday, Sept. 16 at the Catricala Funeral home, 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY. Viewing hours are from noon to 2 p.m. ET, with a service to follow from 2 to 2:30 p.m. ET. A round-trip private plane from Lexington has been arranged. Individuals wishing further information on that flight should contact Carlo Vacarezza at 561-714-6019. Simon, who trained for 20 years before retiring in 2019, died Sunday in Saratoga Springs, New York after a bout with cancer. He was 57 years old. The post Funeral Services Set For Chuck Simon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tracy Vigors, who ran Hillwood Stud in Wiltshire with her husband Charlie, has died at the age of 49. A skilled horsewoman who played a key role in the success of Hillwood, one of the leading British consignors and boarding farms, Vigors was also mother to two sons, Harry and Oliver, both of whom compete in pony racing and are actively involved in the stud. A message released by Charlie Vigors on Wednesday read, “Harry, Oliver and I have been overwhelmed by the love, support and kindness shown to us since the sudden passing of Tracy. The messages, letters of condolence and gifts have given us great comfort at this devastating time. “We will be having a private funeral next week and a celebration of her life at a later date. We thank you for respecting our privacy at this desperately sad time for all of us.” The news of Tracy's passing has been met with widespread sorrow by her many friends and colleagues in the racing world. Her dedication, both to her family and to all the horses at Hillwood, was evident in her social media posts, which spoke to her warmth, hard work and great horsemanship. Many enjoyed following the exploits of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, who lived out his retirement at Hillwood as a hunter for Charlie and beloved family pet. At the other end of the equine scale was Tracy's adoption of an orphan pony foal called Buttons, who also featured regularly in her bulletins on stud life. The TDN joins many others in the bloodstock industry in offering our sincere condolences to the Vigors family. The post Tracy Vigors Dies at 49 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gouache (Ger), dam of G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes winner Goliath (Ger), is to be sold at the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale A Listed-winning daughter of Shamardal, Gouache is a half-sister to the G2 Gerling-Preis winner Guardini (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}), and she will be offered in foal to Baaeed (GB). The 12-year-old mare will be consigned by Millennium Stud. Bred by the Ullmann family of Gestut Schlenderhan, the mare passed through a sale ring only last December when sold at Arqana for €200,000 to Agrolexica International Trading in foal to Blackbeard (Ire). Goliath was her second foal and she is also the dam of a three-year-old filly named Galaxy (Ger) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), while the mare's current two-year-old Go Flying (Ger) is a full-sister to Goliath from the final crop of the late Adlerflug (Ger). Gouache also has a yearling filly by Magna Grecia (Ire). Goliath, currently the top-rated older horse in training in Europe, could return to Ascot for the G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes, while the Breeders' Cup and Japan Cup are also under consideration for the four-year-old. American owner-breeder John Stewart of Resolute Racing recently bought a 75% share in the Francis Graffard-trained gelding. “Goliath's stunning victory in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes was one of the performances of the season and the world is his oyster in terms of what comes next,” said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby. “It is an honour for Goffs to be chosen to sell Goliath's dam Gouache and we are very grateful to her owners for this vote of confidence in our service which follows a record sale in 2023 when we sold the two highest-priced mares anywhere in the world.” The Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale takes place on November 22 and 23. The post Dam of Goliath Catalogued for Goffs November Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Lindsay Park team is confident Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) can give them back-to-back wins in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. The Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington is a race that can shape the spring. The Group 1 race over 1600m at Flemington on Saturday attained Group 1 status in 2013 with horses of the calibre of Fawkner (2015), Humidor (2017), Incentivise (2021), I’m Thunderstruck (2022) and Mr Brightside last year being successful. Going back further when run as a Group 2 race, horses like Sky Heights (1999), Northerly (2002), Weekend Hussler (2008) and Shocking (2010) were successful. Only eight runners will face the starter on Saturday, but all eight will be out to stamp their mark early in the Spring Carnival while also showing connections they are heading in the right direction ahead of bigger targets. The Lindsay Park stable of Ben, Will and J D Hayes are expecting Mr Brightside to put his mark on Saturday’s race, just as he did in winning last year’s edition. Mr Brightside defeated Alligator Blood in winning last year, racing third-up which followed a victory in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield the start prior. The Hayes brothers decided on a different program this year, bypassing a first-up run in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m), a race he won last year, electing to go first-up into the Memsie. Pinstriped, an opponent again on Saturday, had the better of Mr Brightside in the Memsie Stakes, but the Lindsay Park boys are confident of their gelding’s ability to improve second-up. Mr Brightside has finished out of the placings just once in six outings second-up, winning on four occasions and finishing second once. “He came through that first-up run excellently, and he’s right on track to head back to Flemington,” Ben Hayes said. “He went into the race first-up not quite ready to go. He’s got natural improvement out of the race, and we have noticed that he has tightened up since the run. “As we have seen in every other prep, he has improved into his prep, and we expect that to be the same again on Saturday. “I’m very confident about the Mr B’s chances.” Mr Brightside draw barrier four in the eight-horse field and will again be ridden by Craig Williams. Pinstriped drew widest in gate eight while imported mare Via Sistina, who has James McDonald aboard, has drew the inside barrier. Pride Of Jenni, who disappointed first-up when finishing fifth in the Memsie Stakes, has gate seven. View the full article

With the submission date now closed, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) would like to provide an update on the next steps of the Future of NZ Jumps Racing consultation process. In total, 240 submissions were received with representation across all areas of the racing industry. “The volume of submissions that we received is testament to the passion of those involved in the racing industry and is further proof of the need for immediate action,” NZTR chief executive Bruce Sharrock said. While there were differing views, 90 percent of the submissions agreed that the status quo was no longer acceptable. “In early August we asked for the industry to have their say, and they delivered with well thought out ideas and responses to support the next stage of our process in this important decision,” Sharrock said. Submissions ranged from owners, trainers, breeders and jockeys and even included racing fans and punters. “Today, a recommendation panel has been announced that will be responsible in reviewing the current state and putting forward a recommendation to the NZTR Board in October aligned to a decision-making framework,” Sharrock said. The independent panel is comprised of those with broad industry knowledge and experience. NZTR chief operating officer Darin Balcombe has been appointed Chair, and will be supported by Mark Chitty, Jessica Brosnan, Regan Donnison, Brad Taylor and Tim Mills. To ensure integrity and robustness of the process Alan Galbraith KC will provide legal overview and endorsement of the decision-making framework. NZTR would like to thank those who took the time to present a submission to the consultation and we look forward to providing more information in the coming months. View the full article

Ellerslie is set to host some of the biggest race meetings on the calendar this season, but for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) chief executive Paul Wilcox, one raceday stands above the rest. The newly installed StrathAyr track is set to host its first meeting of the season on Saturday-week, with many industry participants eager to see how it will cope with the stresses of racing after undergoing remedial work over winter. The new surface hosted its first race meeting in January to much fanfare, however, a fortnight later at the Karaka Millions meeting it came under scrutiny after a couple of horses lost their footing. The track subsequently held a handful of meetings, including Auckland Cup and New Zealand Derby Day, before two meetings in April were partially abandoned due to horses slipping. The track was set to undergo some planned remedial work over winter, however, the club’s last scheduled meeting of the season on May 25 was transferred to Pukekohe Park to allow for the work to commence immediately. Following the remedial work, the track has hosted a number of successful jump-outs and trials, including 22 heats on Tuesday, giving the club plenty of confidence heading into their opening meeting of the season. “There was a surface tension that was created when we were feeding the grass to get it to grow that created a root matting at the top layer,” Wilcox said. “We have done the renovations where we have removed that and yesterday we had no issues. We are relieved.” Wilcox said the club has been canvassing trainers for their feedback from the trials, and they have received positive reports. “So far, so good,” Wilcox said. “Craig Baker (ATR Executive General Manager of Racing) has been talking with some of the trainers this (Wednesday) morning to see how their horses have pulled up and everything seems good there. We are happy.” Over winter, ATR flew in a number of track specialists from Australia to assist with the track renovation, which Wilcox said was hugely beneficial. “We got Chris Hay, who looks after the StrathAyr tracks in Tasmania, and Liam O’Keeffe from Flemington, whose track is a sand profile track and presents the same way as ours does,” he said. “Utilising the skillset of two guys who are at the top of their game is something we are never afraid of. We got them in to help to give us the advice and changes that were needed to make sure we had the surface to present to enable racedays. “Every track has its own intricacies. It doesn’t matter if it is turf, sand or synthetic, you utilise people with the skillsets that have the knowledge of preparation. We used them and they gave us some good advice, and we had a successful day (of trials) yesterday. “We did everything in the book to get it (track) to where it needs to be.” The StrathAyr track has cost the club north of $50 million, which comes with pressure, and Wilcox said the club has felt both support and scrutiny following the track’s performance to date. “The money is irrelevant, it is making sure we have got a surface that can perform on raceday,” he said. “We had a slip, and that wasn’t good enough, so it was making sure that we can get the surface that gives the confidence to the jockeys and horses that are going around. “There has been an element of negativity, but that is to be expected in the industry that we are in. All-in-all the trainers that have been supportive of us are wanting it to go well because they are wanting to have the ability to race at Ellerslie. We have been getting some really good support.” There is plenty to look forward to at Ellerslie this season, including the blockbuster Champions Day in March, which will host the inaugural $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m). However, Wilcox said his team’s primary focus at this stage is their first meeting of the season next Saturday. “We have got the new Champions Day in March, and we are looking forward to that, but I will be a happier man when we get that 21st (of September) meeting out of the way, which is what we are focussing on,” he said. View the full article

Ozzie Kheir has an impressive string of spring contenders to look forward to across Melbourne and Sydney on Saturday, but also front of mind for the successful owner is a comparatively lowly maiden at Geelong on Friday. When Savabeel filly Exuberance (NZ) (Savabeel) contests the race for three-year-old fillies over 1140 metres, it will be the first horse to race in Kheir’s colours for Matamata (New Zealand) and Cranbourne-based trainer Mark Walker. “I met Mark for lunch and really enjoyed his company and passion towards horses,” Kheir said this week. “He is obviously extremely good at his work to achieve what he has in New Zealand and I’m very excited to have him train this filly, who looks a really nice type.” Kheir is not alone in expecting Exuberance to start the relationship with a prominent showing on Friday, as Walker sees plenty of quality in the unraced filly. “She’s shown a lot in our trials in New Zealand and jumped out well at Cranbourne, so we think she’s a nice filly,” Walker said from Cranbourne on Wednesday morning. “She can go a little bit keen, but she’s got a lot of untapped natural ability.” Kheir has also sent Walker a homebred Frankel two-year-old who Walker said is likely to one day make her mark. “She’s more of a staying type of filly,” Walker explained. “We will give her a two-year-old prep just to make sure she knows what she’s doing as a three-year-old as she looks an Oaks filly.” The Cranbourne arm of Walker’s flourishing training business is set to expand this spring after a smaller opening more than a year ago. “We’ve got 30 boxes completed and they’ve started the next stage with an office block and owners’ area and another 40 boxes and hopefully that will be ready in six-to-eight weeks’ time,” Walker said. “We won the (New Zealand) premiership last season again and we had a very good season at home. It’s good to have the best of both worlds racing in New Zealand and Australia. “These days, it’s very easy to bring them across. It’s much easier from Matatama to Cranbourne than it is from Matamata to Trentham. It’s actually easier on them.” On Saturday, Kheir has shares in the likes of highly talented group Daggers, Nadal, Interpretation and Jimmysstar at Flemington, as well as Bustling and Molly Bloom at Rosehill. View the full article

Robbie Patterson will utilise the Taranaki and Te Rapa meetings largely as stepping stones for his talented contingent, which includes the Group One-bound One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One). One Bold Cat had a breakthrough season last term, winning the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November before third and fourth placings in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) respectively. Now a six-year-old, the son of The Bold One flashed home late into third over 1200m on August 31, and Saturday’s Seaton Park 1400 at New Plymouth will set him up for a tilt at the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2100m) at Hastings in the coming weeks. “I was super rapt with him fresh-up, 1200m, and even 1400m this week is short of his best, but it’s another step towards the Arrowfield and the Livamol,” Patterson said. “I think he’s matured into his body now, he was never the biggest horse but he’s really developed into his wither, he’s looking great. “He’s working up super, so I’m looking forward to getting him up over a trip.” The race will feature other potential Arrowfield contenders, including Mustang Valley and Hi Yo Sass Bomb, while stablemate Mary Louise will take her place in the field with a different target in mind. Mary Louise collected the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) in convincing style in January, and Patterson is eyeing a return to the two-mile distance in the Gr.3 Martin Collins 161st New Zealand Cup (3200m) in November. “She’s coming up well and she’s finally really maturing into herself, she’s quite a big rangy type of horse,” he said. “At 1400, she’ll just follow them around and probably run past a couple at the finish, but we’re working back from the New Zealand Cup at the moment so it’s just getting miles under belt.” Earlier at the meeting, Ballroom Blitz will take her place in the Wash Squad 1800, aiming to add to her last-start success in the Pearl Series Maiden at Matamata last Wednesday. “We always wanted to get a Pearl Series when she could get up to a trip that suited her, so she’s ticked that box,” Patterson said. “She won well at Matamata, she looked like she was going to win a long way out so if she can take improvement from there, with a nice draw (1), I’d imagine she can be figuring in the finish.” On Sunday, Patterson will venture further afield to Te Rapa with another well-performed trio of runners, including proven mares Contribute and The Hottie. The seven-year-olds both added valuable black-type to their pages last season with Contribute taking out the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) and The Hottie placing in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Patterson indicated this could be the successful pair’s final season on the track and hopes to kick off positively in the Norris Ward McKinnon 1200. “Contribute is coming along well, she’s a seven-year-old mare now so this could be her final year, but we just hope to get some more black-type,” he said. “1200m is well short for her as well, but she’ll go to a 1400m then a mile after this, so the further she goes, the better she’ll get. “The Hottie bled at her last start down at Riccarton after a really good win on the first day, so she went for a spell and we have had no repeat of that since she’s come back. “She’s had a couple of jump-outs and gone well, she’s got a nice handy draw so she may need the run, but I think she could go a cheeky race if she’s not too far off them. “We’ll go to the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) at her next start, and we’ll see how she goes over that distance there. “I’d imagine now as a seven-year-old she’ll appreciate a little bit further, so we’ll find some nice black-type races around a mile and hopefully she can finish her racing career off with a flourish.” Completing the weekend’s representatives will be Belles Beau, a winner at two of just four starts in an identical record to his full-sister Belles Fate, who won a competitive MAAT race at Hastings last Saturday. The four-year-old will face a strong step-up in class in the Waikato Construction 1400 at Rating 75 grade, however, Patterson holds him in high-enough regard to put in an early nomination for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week. “He’s a really nice horse, he’s getting thrown in the deep end here as he’s won a maiden and a special conditions maiden so far, but I really rate him and we’ll find out exactly where we are with him,” he said. “He’s a full to Belles Fate who won last Saturday at Hawke’s Bay and it’s a nice family, so hopefully he can go on with it. Belles Fate had bone chips in her fetlocks which slowed her up for a year, but they both have taken a while to mature, and we’ve taken our time with them. “They tell us when they’re ready to race, and now they are firing on all cylinders.” View the full article

What Warrnambool Races Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2-64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Thursday, September 12, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEST Visit Dabble The Warrnambool Racing Club is the destination for a bumper eight-race meeting on Thursday, September 12. With plenty of rain leading into the meeting, the Heavy 8 track rating is likely to only improve to a Soft 6 or 7 come Thursday, while the rail will stick to its true position. The Warrnambool races are set to commence at 1:30pm AEST. Best Bet at Warrnambool: Pendle Hill Pendle Hill has been impressive without winning on his last two starts but should be breaking maiden ranks on Thursday. He was beaten a half-length at Bendigo on August 29 in a race that looks to be a handy guide going forward. Linda Meech will likely stalk the lead from barrier two, and when the gap appears in the home straight, Pendle Hill should have no issue disposing of his rivals this time around. Best Bet Race 3 – #6 Pendle Hill (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Aaron Purcell | J: Linda Meech (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best at Warrnambool: Dream Reality Dream Reality was seemingly left flat-footed at Bendigo on August 18 over 1100m, so the step up to 1300m should suit her perfectly. The five-year-old mare was a smart maiden winner on Heavy ground prior to that, so the surface should be no issue for the Redoute’s Choice progeny. John Allen will have her settled midfield, and if the five-year-old mare can hit the line as she has done in both her runs this time in, she should win this. Next Best Race 6 – #4 Dream Reality (6) 5yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (59.5kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best Again at Warrnambool: Madame Maserati Madame Maserati was far from disgraced in the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1000m) at Morphettville on April 6 before heading for a spell. The three-year-old filly has caught the eye in recent trials, and if she can bring that to raceday, she will be the one to beat in the opener. Madame Maserati is bred to handle wet tracks, and if she is anywhere near her best, it should be more than good enough. Next Best Again Race 1 – #11 Madame Maserati (6) 3yo Filly | T: Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans | J: Zac Spain (55kg) Bet with Picklebet Thursday quaddie tips for Warrnambool races Warrnambool quadrella selections Thursday, September 12, 2024 7-8-10-11 4-5 Field 1-3-7-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Thursday, September 12, 2024 First Race 1:05pm AEST Visit Dabble Provincial racing returns to Hawkesbury on Thursday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program scheduled to get underway at 1:05pm local time. The rail reverts to the true position, and with pristine spring conditions forecast in the lead-up, punters can anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. Below are our Hawkesbury racing tips for September 12. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Darling Downs Darling Downs returns after a 163-day spell and looks perfectly placed back in provincial company. The daughter of Deep Field was going through her gears nicely in a trial at this course on August 26, getting to within three lengths of Superb Guy. The 1300m first-up should be ideal, and with Jason Collett engaged from stall two, Darling Downs should get every chance to shirk the maiden tag at start four. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Darling Downs (2) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jason Collett (58kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Hawkesbury: House Of Cards House Of Cards was a shade disappointing second-up at Warwick Farm on August 21, failing to make an impression behind the smart Yorkshire. He was a dominant winner at Hawkesbury prior to that effort, and with a drop back into BM64 company, punters can expect this guy to bounce back. Gate two should allow Rory Hutchings to hold a prominent spot throughout, and when asked for the ultimate effort, House Of Cards should be bounding clear for his third career victory. Next Best Race 8 – #1 House Of Cards (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Rory Hutchings (61kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Hawkesbury: Celerity Celerity was impressive first-up at Warwick Farm on August 21 and showed plenty of class to get within a half-length of Enriched and Couples Retreat. The latter has already franked the form, going on to score a dominant victory at Hawkesbury on September 7. Zac Lloyd elects to stick aboard this Godolphin three-year-old second-up, and with barrier three giving the rising hoop all available options, it would come as some shock if Celerity wasn’t fighting out the finish. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Celerity (3) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (55.5kg) Bet with Dabble Thursday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections September 12, 2024 1-2 1-2-3-5-7-10 2-3-4-5-7-11 1-5-7 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Racing is set to return to Ellerslie next Saturday. Photo: Nicole Troost Ellerslie is set to host some of the biggest race meetings on the calendar this season, but for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) chief executive Paul Wilcox, one raceday stands above the rest. The newly installed StrathAyr track is set to host its first meeting of the season on Saturday-week, with many industry participants eager to see how it will cope with the stresses of racing after undergoing remedial work over winter. The new surface hosted its first race meeting in January to much fanfare, however, a fortnight later at the Karaka Millions meeting it came under scrutiny after a couple of horses lost their footing. The track subsequently held a handful of meetings, including Auckland Cup and New Zealand Derby Day, before two meetings in April were partially abandoned due to horses slipping. The track was set to undergo some planned remedial work over winter, however, the club’s last scheduled meeting of the season on May 25 was transferred to Pukekohe Park to allow for the work to commence immediately. Following the remedial work, the track has hosted a number of successful jump-outs and trials, including 22 heats on Tuesday, giving the club plenty of confidence heading into their opening meeting of the season. “There was a surface tension that was created when we were feeding the grass to get it to grow that created a root matting at the top layer,” Wilcox said. “We have done the renovations where we have removed that and yesterday we had no issues. We are relieved.” Wilcox said the club has been canvassing trainers for their feedback from the trials, and they have received positive reports. “So far, so good,” Wilcox said. “Craig Baker (ATR Executive General Manager of Racing) has been talking with some of the trainers this (Wednesday) morning to see how their horses have pulled up and everything seems good there. We are happy.” Over winter, ATR flew in a number of track specialists from Australia to assist with the track renovation, which Wilcox said was hugely beneficial. “We got Chris Hay, who looks after the StrathAyr tracks in Tasmania, and Liam O’Keeffe from Flemington, whose track is a sand profile track and presents the same way as ours does,” he said. “Utilising the skillset of two guys who are at the top of their game is something we are never afraid of. We got them in to help to give us the advice and changes that were needed to make sure we had the surface to present to enable racedays. “Every track has its own intricacies. It doesn’t matter if it is turf, sand or synthetic, you utilise people with the skillsets that have the knowledge of preparation. We used them and they gave us some good advice, and we had a successful day (of trials) yesterday. “We did everything in the book to get it (track) to where it needs to be.” The StrathAyr track has cost the club north of $50 million, which comes with pressure, and Wilcox said the club has felt both support and scrutiny following the track’s performance to date. “The money is irrelevant, it is making sure we have got a surface that can perform on raceday,” he said. “We had a slip, and that wasn’t good enough, so it was making sure that we can get the surface that gives the confidence to the jockeys and horses that are going around. “There has been an element of negativity, but that is to be expected in the industry that we are in. All-in-all the trainers that have been supportive of us are wanting it to go well because they are wanting to have the ability to race at Ellerslie. We have been getting some really good support.” There is plenty to look forward to at Ellerslie this season, including the blockbuster Champions Day in March, which will host the inaugural $3.5 million The NZB Kiwi (1500m). However, Wilcox said his team’s primary focus at this stage is their first meeting of the season next Saturday. “We have got the new Champions Day in March, and we are looking forward to that, but I will be a happier man when we get that 21st (of September) meeting out of the way, which is what we are focussing on,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

One Bold Cat will contest Saturday’s Seaton Park 1400 at New Plymouth. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Robbie Patterson will utilise the Taranaki and Te Rapa meetings largely as stepping stones for his talented contingent, which includes the Group 1-bound One Bold Cat. One Bold Cat had a breakthrough season last term, winning the Group 3 Counties Cup (2100m) in November before third and fourth placings in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) respectively. Now a six-year-old, the son of The Bold One flashed home late into third over 1200m on August 31, and Saturday’s Seaton Park 1400 at New Plymouth will set him up for a tilt at the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and Group 1 Livamol Classic (2100m) at Hastings in the coming weeks. “I was super rapt with him fresh-up, 1200m, and even 1400m this week is short of his best, but it’s another step towards the Arrowfield and the Livamol,” Patterson said. “I think he’s matured into his body now, he was never the biggest horse but he’s really developed into his wither, he’s looking great. “He’s working up super, so I’m looking forward to getting him up over a trip.” The race will feature other potential Arrowfield contenders, including Mustang Valley and Hi Yo Sass Bomb, while stablemate Mary Louise will take her place in the field with a different target in mind. Mary Louise collected the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) in convincing style in January, and Patterson is eyeing a return to the two-mile distance in the Group 3 Martin Collins 161st New Zealand Cup (3200m) in November. “She’s coming up well and she’s finally really maturing into herself, she’s quite a big rangy type of horse,” he said. “At 1400, she’ll just follow them around and probably run past a couple at the finish, but we’re working back from the New Zealand Cup at the moment so it’s just getting miles under belt.” Earlier at the meeting, Ballroom Blitz will take her place in the Wash Squad 1800, aiming to add to her last-start success in the Pearl Series Maiden at Matamata last Wednesday. “We always wanted to get a Pearl Series when she could get up to a trip that suited her, so she’s ticked that box,” Patterson said. “She won well at Matamata, she looked like she was going to win a long way out so if she can take improvement from there, with a nice draw (1), I’d imagine she can be figuring in the finish.” On Sunday, Patterson will venture further afield to Te Rapa with another well-performed trio of runners, including proven mares Contribute and The Hottie. The seven-year-olds both added valuable black-type to their pages last season with Contribute taking out the Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) and The Hottie placing in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m). Patterson indicated this could be the successful pair’s final season on the track and hopes to kick off positively in the Norris Ward McKinnon 1200. “Contribute is coming along well, she’s a seven-year-old mare now so this could be her final year, but we just hope to get some more black-type,” he said. “1200m is well short for her as well, but she’ll go to a 1400m then a mile after this, so the further she goes, the better she’ll get. “The Hottie bled at her last start down at Riccarton after a really good win on the first day, so she went for a spell and we have had no repeat of that since she’s come back. “She’s had a couple of jump-outs and gone well, she’s got a nice handy draw so she may need the run, but I think she could go a cheeky race if she’s not too far off them. “We’ll go to the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (Group 3, 1400m) at her next start, and we’ll see how she goes over that distance there. “I’d imagine now as a seven-year-old she’ll appreciate a little bit further, so we’ll find some nice black-type races around a mile and hopefully she can finish her racing career off with a flourish.” Completing the weekend’s representatives will be Belles Beau, a winner at two of just four starts in an identical record to his full-sister Belles Fate, who won a competitive MAAT race at Hastings last Saturday. The four-year-old will face a strong step-up in class in the Waikato Construction 1400 at Rating 75 grade, however, Patterson holds him in high-enough regard to put in an early nomination for the Group 3 TAB Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week. “He’s a really nice horse, he’s getting thrown in the deep end here as he’s won a maiden and a special conditions maiden so far, but I really rate him and we’ll find out exactly where we are with him,” he said. “He’s a full to Belles Fate who won last Saturday at Hawke’s Bay and it’s a nice family, so hopefully he can go on with it. Belles Fate had bone chips in her fetlocks which slowed her up for a year, but they both have taken a while to mature, and we’ve taken our time with them. “They tell us when they’re ready to race, and now they are firing on all cylinders.” Horse racing news View the full article

Hi Yo Sass Bomb pictured with trainer Kim Reid. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Kim Reid will get a decent line on Hi Yo Sass Bomb’s prospects at the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival when the talented mare steps out on her home track this weekend. The New Plymouth trainer will run the daughter of Complacent in Saturday’s Seaton Park Handicap (1400m) at New Plymouth where the depth of opposition will prove a handy guide. Reid is keen to test Hi Yo Sass Bomb at the elite level in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) on the closing two days at Hastings. “I did have half a mind to go to Wanganui next week for the Group Three (Metric Mile, 1600m),” she said. “Then I thought Saturday would be a really good chance to see how she stacks up against these good horses like Mustang Valley, One Bold Cat and Ladies Man. “As long as she’s running strongly to the line, we will be looking toward Hawke’s Bay.” Should Hi Yo Sass Bomb perform to expectations, the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) will be the six-year-old’s targets. The mare has yet to win beyond 1600m and her only previous attempt at a middle distance resulted in a midfield finish at Trentham, but there is confidence in the camp about her staying ability. “Nothing went right that day, she’s quite a routine horse and she lost a shoe prior to going into the birdcage and she never got any time in there,” Reid said. “She was wound up and over-raced the whole way and that’s not her, she used to do that early days but now she’s quite relaxed. “I was a bit gutted because I was really looking forward to seeing her over that distance (2200m). “She’s got a beautiful long stride and she will run it, it’s in her breeding and after her gallops she hardly blows, she’s a very naturally fit horse.” Hi Yo Sass Bomb enjoyed a successful autumn campaign with victory in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and finished runner-up in the Group 3 Taranaki Cup (1800m). Following a break, she resumed at the end of last month at Wanganui and came from back in the field to claim top honours in the open handicap over 1200m. “It was the first time I had put her over that distance, I’d never thought of her as a sprinter, and it was a tidy field with a lot of winter fit horses, so I was pretty pleased,” Reid said. “She has trained on very well and it hasn’t knocked her. “She’s a good doer and quite relaxed in general now, she used to stress a bit but she’s really come into herself.” Hi Yo Sass Bomb is very much a family horse as she is raced by Reid with her parents Graeme and Josephine, who also bred the mare. She is out of Hi Yo Soo, a daughter of Spartacus who won on five occasions up to 2200m. “We’ve got a three-year-old brother and he will be coming back in next week and he looks quite a lot like Sass,” Reid said. Horse racing news View the full article

Belclare pictured with breeder and co-owner David Woodhouse. Photo: Race Images Kiwi-bred dual Group 1 winner Belclare is set to get her first taste of Australian racing when she heads to Rosehill on Saturday to tackle the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) for new trainer Bjorn Baker. The now seven-year-old mare had a stellar racing career in New Zealand, winning 11 races for Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta, including the last two editions of the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). Owner-breeder David Woodhouse offered Belclare at Magic Millions’ National Broodmare Sale in May where she failed to meet her A$700,000 reserve, and she subsequently joined Baker’s Warwick Farm barn. “I have always had faith in her and all her Group races, apart from the Tauherenikau race (2022 Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes, 1600m), she has won pretty comfortably,” Woodhouse said. “I thought it was a no-brainer that if she didn’t sell I would carry on racing her. I raced her before in partnership with all those fellas and now I am racing her on my own. The training expenses are fairly tremendous, but it is exciting.” She has made an immediate impression on Baker, winning her two trials over 850m and 900m at Randwick last month, and Woodhouse is excited to cross the Tasman to watch his pride and joy make her Australian debut. “He (Baker) just keeps raving about her and Rachel (King, jockey), who rides her in all her track work and trials, seems to be happy,” Woodhouse said. “He (Baker) did hand out a warning that it will be a small and select field. We don’t know whether the 1200m is going to be too short for her fresh-up, but she has been trialling exceptionally well.” Belclare’s spring plans will hinge on her performance this weekend, but Woodhouse said they don’t plan to overtax the mare. “If she comes up like she looks she has come up then we will race her sparingly through the season,” he said. Woodhouse hasn’t ruled out Belclare returning to race in New Zealand this season, harbouring an ambition to record a third successive victory in the Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). “I dream about bringing her home and having another crack at the Breeders,” he said. “That is what I keep telling Lisa (Latta) to keep her happy, but there are some good races in Sydney at that time of the year as well.” While Woodhouse will be trackside in Sydney on Saturday, he will be keeping a close eye on Riccarton where his black and white colours will be carried by Connello in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). The three-year-old daughter of Time Test won one of her seven starts as a juvenile and has returned in good form this season, finishing runner-up in her 1000m trial at Foxton last month. “She ran a pretty good trial two weeks ago and we were happy enough with that to be able to send her south,” Woodhouse said. “My cousin has got a half share, he is down in Canterbury, so he is in charge on Saturday.” Horse racing news View the full article