Wandering Eyes

The Ship & Win Bonus and Maiden Dirt Bonus will return this summer for Del Mar's 85th season of racing. Entering its 14th consecutive season at Del Mar, the Ship & Win program provides an incentive for horses from out of state to race at the seaside oval by providing a guaranteed $4,000 check for any qualified runner in their first start at Del Mar. There is also a 40% bonus applied to purse winnings for that initial start, as well as any subsequent outings during the eight-week meet. As an example, the summer meet's first-condition allowance purse of $76,000 is elevated to over $106,000 with the “S & W” supplement. Local owners and trainers continue to be strong supporters of the Ship and Win program. In the summer of 2023, 100 of the 184 “S & W” horses who came on board were owned and trained by California connections. In 2022, it was 125 of 222 “S & W” runners who were locals. The Maiden Dirt Bonus, entering its third season at the track, provides a 20% purse bonus to horses of any age in maiden special weight races on the dirt. That extra money applies to horses who run first through fifth in “open” straight maiden races and it offers a similar reward to those who run second through fifth in California-bred dirt races. This supplement results in these maiden special weight races offering $90,000 purses. The bonus is available only to those trainers who have fewer than 85 horses on the Southern California circuit. “These two programs have helped provide backbone to our daily racing cards,” said Del Mar vice president and racing secretary David Jerkens. “The inclusion of out-of-state horses adds to the depth of our racing product and the fact that the vast majority of them stay on and compete at other tracks in the state has a positive ripple effect for all of California racing.” To view the S&W program rules and eligibility requirements, visit dmtc.com/horsemen/ship-and-win. “The key metrics for a flagship meet with the status of Del Mar are quality racing, big field sizes, integrity and safety,” said Bill Nader, the CEO of Thoroughbred Owners of California. “Del Mar scores high marks across the board and, as a result, the attractive racing content drives handle, which is our sole source of purse generation. Programs like “Ship & Win” and Maiden Dirt Bonus contribute to this success.” The Del Mar summer season opens July 20 and concludes Sept. 8. The post Ship And Win Bonus and Maiden Dirt Bonus Return to De Mar in 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas and the G1 Coronation S. will both be considered for Vespertilio (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) following her excellent run in defeat in Sunday's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp. Making her first appearance since chasing home Karl Burke's Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. at the Curragh in September, Vespertilio had a wider trip than most before running on well in the closing stages to be beaten just a head and a neck into third. Trainer Willie McCreery was understandably proud of his runner's performance and another shot at top-level honours now awaits. “She ran a cracker, probably from an unfavourable draw,” McCreery summed up. “I loved the way she finished out the race, she was getting there and getting there the whole time. We couldn't be happier with her to carry on from her two-year-old career, so let's hope for a happy and fruitful summer with her. “It looked like she got the mile well and we'll have a look at Royal Ascot now. She's still in the Irish Guineas, but we'll make our minds up on that closer to the date. She's not ground dependent or anything like that. I think she doesn't mind so long as it's not extremely soft. Good, quick ground she doesn't mind–she flicks off the top of it.” The post McCreery Considers Next Target For French Guineas Third Vespertilio appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following Monday's confirmation stage, Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) remain on course for a blockbuster clash in Saturday's G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge S. at Newbury. Of the 11 possible runners, Big Rock and Inspiral are the only two who have previously been successful at the top level. Big Rock–who will be having his first start for Maurizio Guarnieri having recently left Christopher Head's Chantilly yard–made the breakthrough in Group 1 company when winning the Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot on his final start of 2023, while Inspiral was last seen gaining the sixth top-level victory of her career in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita in November. “Inspiral is in good form,” said John Gosden, who trains the five-year-old in partnership with son Thady. “I'm pleased with her going into her first run back and the plan is to run her in the Lockinge. It's a good starting point.” The Gosdens and owners Cheveley Park Stud could also be represented by last year's G3 Criterion S. winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), while Roger Varian's Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is likely to have plenty of supporters as he tries to make it three from three this year following wins in a Listed race at Doncaster and the G2 Sandown Mile. Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who filled the runner-up spot behind Charyn at Sandown, is likely to be in opposition again on Saturday, along with the placed horses from last year's G1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Hi Royal (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and Royal Scotsman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). “He's all set for the Lockinge and is in good form,” joint-trainer Oliver Cole said of Royal Scotsman, who has been off the track since finishing down the field in last year's G1 St James's Palace S. at Royal Ascot. “We couldn't be happier with him at this stage. He got bone bruising and that was the reason we stopped [last year]. He never went forward in Ireland and he never went forward at Ascot. Hopefully, he will go forward on Saturday. He's a very, very good horse, so fingers crossed.” Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who chased home Baaeed (GB) in the 2022 edition of the Lockinge, is another notable entry, while the possible field is completed by a pair of Group 2 winners from last year, Flight Plan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Witch Hunter (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), plus Charlie Johnston's prolific all-weather winner Dear My Friend (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). The post Big Rock And Inspiral Remain On Course For Newbury Showdown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding is open now for a silent auction to benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The auction coincides with the America's Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party, during which items will be displayed in person. The party will take Wednesday at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore and the auction is accessible both in person at the event and remotely for online bidders. Highlights of items available include: halters from Curlin, Mage, Street Sense; custom shadow box featuring a Well Armed halter; a Christine A. Moore Millinery fascinator; framed and signed 2024 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby win photo; signed Breeders' Cup saddle towels and programs; and signed MJC jockey silks, programs, and glasses. Bidding will close Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET. For individuals that are not present at the party, items will be shipped to the winning bidder (additional shipping costs will apply). To register for the auction and to bid, visit: abrparty.cbo.io. Tickets for the Pre-Preakness Party are available online for $35 per person, or at the door for $40 per person. To purchase tickets, click here. The post TAA Silent Auction Bidding Now Open appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The three-day under-tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training begins Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Hips 1 through 200 are scheduled to work Tuesday, followed by hips 201 through 400 Wednesday and hips 401 through 585 Thursday. The Midlantic May sale will be held next Monday and Tuesday at the state fairgrounds. Bidding begins for each session at 11 a.m. The post Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Under-Tack Show Begins Tuesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Applications for The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program's (T.I.P.) two annual awards, the Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the Young Rider of the Year Award, are now available online at tjctip.com. Applications are due June 30 The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. The award includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club. The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award recognizes riders 18 or under as of Jan. 1, 2024, who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 that can be applied to the college of their choice or to their participation in an event that furthers their involvement with horses. Created in 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows, year-end performance awards, a recreational riding program, and non-competition awards. The post T.I.P. Non-Competition Awards Applications Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In an effort to provide more accurate and consistent timing for horses across all distances, Assiniboia Downs will eliminate the run-up to the start pole for all the races at its upcoming season. Horses will now be clocked as soon as they leave the starting gate at the Winnipeg oval. In the past, horses had been given about 25 feet to run before the clock starts. “We know that the accuracy of the distances and timing of our racing is critical to our horseplayers, and we want to take full advantage of the technology to help serve our fans to the best of our ability,” said Assiniboia CEO Darren Dunn. “We have been talking about it for a while now, and with the Equibase GPS System solving the technical concerns, there was nothing holding us back to do it. We think it is the right thing to do and will help to add further transparency to the charts for horseplayers and anyone that follows our races and horses.” Assiniboia'ss official distances were re-surveyed with the installation of the Equibase GPS System, in partnership with Total Performance Data and Gmax Technology Ltd., in 2023, and minor adjustments were made to ensure the accuracy of the various distances. Two gate-to-wire timing devices are affixed to the panels of two stalls on the starting gate that will sense the precise moment the gates are opened. This technology, along with wireless beam timing sensors at the finish line, provide an exact time of the race from the starting gate to the finish line. GPS-enabled devices in the horses' saddle towels also enable live tracking and enhanced graphics for the race. “This initiative underscores ASD's commitment to advancing the integrity and transparency of Thoroughbred racing,” said Dunn. “By standardizing the starting conditions across all distances, we aim to further improve the racing experience for participants and the betting public.” The new format will debut at the track's opening night, May 20, with a first post time of 7:30 p.m. CT. The post Assiniboia Downs Eliminates Run-Up at 2024 Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On Wednesday May 8, 2024, as on all days, there were many things to be upset about: the conflagration in Gaza, the news from Ukraine, or a splash in The Guardian that said climate change is accelerating wildly. Into the bad news cycle too dropped the death of a beautiful horse, Hidden Law, who won a Derby trial at Chester exuberantly only to sustain a fatal injury just after the finishing post. Chester racecourse is a fragrant place, colourful and fizzy for its big May meeting. The sadness that settled on the 'Roodee' was conveyed sensitively by ITV Racing's presenters and sharpened our sense of what it takes to be a contender for – never mind win – Flat racing's defining Classic. The Derby has had its name loaded with prefixes by sponsors for many years and requires no extra wording now. But this year it could be known – unofficially but symbolically – as the Hidden Law Derby, in honour of all those horses who throw themselves at the Everest of Epsom's rollercoaster, with its guarantee of immortality. Fewer than 250 horses have actually won the Derby but thousands have tried. We're in Derby trial season and wrapped inside these hours of sifting and reflection is a truth that internationalisation can never change. To pass the post first at Epsom in the Derby is a dream that can withstand anything. It's so deeply embedded in Flat racing's identity that talk of falling attendances or 'diminishing' importance can unsettle us but never kill the race's magnetism. The same can be said in football of the FA Cup. We're in Derby trial season and wrapped inside these hours of sifting and reflection is a truth that internationalisation can never change In May from the Guineas onwards, British racing is drawn towards Epsom by ancient instinct. Derby trial season is one of the most enjoyable parts of the campaign. As the auditions roll on, most years require a combination in the analysis of logic, instinct, awareness of Epsom's unusual demands and the realisation that some three-year-olds are improving much faster than others at this time of year. At Lingfield Park on Saturday I watched a classic example of a horse not previously regarded as a hot Derby candidate show himself to have been crying out for a mile and a half. Ambiente Friendly, trained by James Fanshawe, not only proved his stamina but handled the turns and the descent expertly to win the Lingfield Derby Trial convincingly. To see a Derby contender emerge from outside the ranks of Coolmore and Godolphin added variety to the top six in the betting. But, with the classiest Derby trial, York's Dante Stakes, still to come, Ambiente Friendly offered only more clues, not answers, which is part of the charm of these pre-Epsom weeks. Rare is the trial from which you walk away thinking: 'We've definitely just seen the Derby winner.' Conviction has never been stronger than when Shergar won the Sandown Classic Trial like a king's messenger blasting ahead to warn of an invasion. Shergar's brilliance was so obvious that The Guardian's Richard Baerlein wrote one of the eternal lines of racing journalism: “At 8-1 for the Derby, now is the time to bet like men.” No doubt plenty of women backed him intrepidly too. At a push you could say Shergar's fate exemplified the vicissitudes of stardom even more than Hidden Law's premature death at Chester. To be kidnapped and killed by the IRA is a higher order of tragedy. Yet Hidden Law's demise has its place in the picture of this year's race, and not only because he won the Chester Vase like a prime Derby candidate. His sire, Dubawi, picked up his fourth 2,000 Guineas winner with Notable Speech but has yet to father a Derby winner. Even the name feels poignant. The hidden law of sport, and life, is that things go wrong, sometimes tragically. The Chester Vase turned out to be not only a Derby trial but a trial of life, with a random misstep plunging the winner “from poetry in motion to heartbreak,” in the words of TV Racing's Richard Hoiles. Or, as his colleague Ed Chamberlin reminded viewers: “this sport does have that trapdoor to despair.” In every race, big and small, the aficionado's subconscious carries a hope. It's not always articulated but it's always there. The hope is that they all come home safe. This is the love that displayed itself when one horse failed to do so in the Chester Vase. The greater the striving (no mission beats trying to win the Derby), the sharper the poignancy when the unforeseen intervenes. There's no such thing as a bad Derby winner: only a Derby winner that might not be as good as some or many of the others. The race is too difficult to win to create a mediocre champion. And as Hidden Law showed, if you have a horse in the starting stalls on 1 June you have already won the Lottery. The post Derby Challenge Encapsulates the Hidden Law of Life and Sport appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to be the royal patron of York Racecourse, it was announced on Monday. Both The King and The Queen have a keen interest in both racing and breeding, with the bloodstock interests of the late Queen Elizabeth II having passed into their joint ownership. This latest role builds on existing links to the sport for Her Majesty, notably as patron of the National Stud as well as being president of the Ebony Horse Club, a riding charity in Brixton, London. York Racecourse chairman, Bridget Guerin, said, “We are both honoured and thrilled that Her Majesty has agreed to be the royal patron of York. “Her well-known support of equestrian sports over many years so very much appreciated by everyone involved. We have been privileged to host Royal visits in the past and very much look forward to welcoming Her Majesty back to York.” The post Her Majesty The Queen Announced As Royal Patron Of York Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Emerging star on track for his final appearance of the season in Lion Rock Trophy on June 2View the full article

Joanne Surgenor believes she has found another exciting prospect from the family of her former multiple Group 2 winner Showoroses (pictured). Photo: Trish Dunell A tilt at stakes level is in the offing for exciting juvenile Whiskey ‘N Roses following his debut runner-up performance behind Magice over 1200m at Matamata last Wednesday. The son of Belardo was green in the concluding stages of his debut outing and showed there is a heap of improvement to come, although that might not be seen until next season. The Listed Staphanos At Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe later this month is the only race on the radar for trainer Joanne Surgenor, who is loath to ask too much of her talented young gelding too early. “He is just developing all the time,” she said. “It (talent) is definitely there, it was just unfortunate that his first start had to be left-handed because there wasn’t anything else available. “There is that Listed mile but whether he gets a mile or not (I am not sure). There is no two-year-old 1400m going into the mile. It is a $100,000 race and there is no lead up into it. “He has pulled up really well and he ate up really well, so he might go to that mile, or we might put him in the paddock. I will work him a couple of days next week and see how he is and how we feel. If we aren’t happy, we will just put him in the paddock. “I think he is going to be a super three-year-old hence why I am in doubt as to whether we push the button too much at the moment or just pop him in the paddock.” Whiskey ‘N Roses was bred by Ashford Lodges’ Peter and Sherin Walker, who also had plenty of success with his close relation Showoroses, who Surgenor trained to win five of her 20 career starts, including the Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), Group 2 Rich Hill Mile and Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), and also placed in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), Cal Isuzu Stakes and Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. “It has been a great family for us, we have been very lucky with them,” Surgenor said. While Surgenor is weighing up the immediate racing future of Whiskey ‘N Roses, she is looking forward to heading to Te Rapa this coming Saturday to resume the racing career of Dior Sauvage. “He had a tie back operation and he trialled up really well at Pukekohe (last month when winning his 1100m heat),” Surgenor said. “He then got a bit of a throat infection, so we had to back off. We are looking forward to getting him to Te Rapa next Saturday.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, May 15, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (8:40pm AEST) Visit Dabble Happy Valley is the destination for Hong Kong racing on Wednesday evening, with a competitive nine-race program set to get underway at 6:40pm local time. The rail is in the C position for the entire circuit, and with sunny skies predicted in the lead-up, punters should anticipate a genuine Good 4 surface. Below are our best bets and Happy Valley quaddie selections for the meeting. Best Bet: Copartner Prance Copartner Prance is in a rich vein of form and attempts to secure his fourth win on the trot. All three victories have come at this course and distance, with his latest outing a 1.5-length demolition of his rivals on May 1. He has the ability to lead or take a sit in his races, so with Zac Purton having all the options from barrier seven, watch for Copartner Prance to justify the short price with the top racing bookmakers. Best Bet Race 9 – #2 Copartner Prance (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Zac Purton (60kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: Noble Pursuit Noble Pursuit didn’t appreciate the testing conditions last start on April 24 and seeks to turn the tables on Flamingo Trillion. The ground along the inside rail had been deteriorating throughout the night and the son of Savabeel was asked to sprint on the inferior surface. He stuck to the task but appears more suited to circling his rivals, so with Hugh Bowman on board from stall six, Noble Pursuit should be launching down the centre of the course. Next Best Race 3 – #3 Noble Pursuit (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (58kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best Again: Glory Cloud The Caspar Fownes-trained Glory Cloud powered through the line at this track and trip on April 24 and appears set to peak heading into start six. He battled out the finish alongside Our Lucky Glory on that occasion, and although he was no match for the winner, he held the remainder of his rivals comfortably. From barrier seven, Hugh Bowman will try to find cover somewhere mid-field, and when the whips are cracking, watch for Glory Cloud to be closing best. Next Best Again Race 5 – #4 Glory Cloud (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Hugh Bowman (58kg) Bet with Bet365 Hong Kong Wednesday quaddie tips – 15/5/2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, May 15, 2024 2-3-6-8-12 1-2-4-5-7-10 1-2-3-9-11 1-2-10 Horse racing tips
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The countdown to next month’s 2024 National Weanling Sale is underway, with a quality catalogue of 150 youngsters now available to view online. Set to be held on Thursday 20 June at Karaka, the Sale offers an enticing opportunity for both pinhookers and end users to secure quality stock, with the session a proven source of racetrack and investment success. Group One winners Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) and Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) were all purchased as weanlings from Karaka for no more than $15,000. While Karaka Millions hero Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was also initially purchased from the Sale for $50,000 before being reoffered at Karaka later that year and realising $125,000. Buyers will have access to secure the same potential performers with the progeny of established sires Proisir, Savabeel, Almanzor, Per Incanto, Sweynesse and Shocking on offer, along with the final foals of champion sire Darci Brahma. Emerging sires including Super Seth, Ace High, Ardrossan, Satono Aladdin, U S Navy Flag, Hello Youmzain, Circus Maximus, and King of Comedy are well represented in the catalogue. While first season sires are strongly featured – with sons or daughters of Sword of State, Noverre, Armory, The Chosen One, St Mark’s Basilica and Wooded due to make their first appearance in the sales ring. There is plenty of quality on the dams’ side as well, featuring the progeny of 15 stakes-performing mares and 20 siblings to stakes-performers, with names such as Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir), Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor), Honorable Spirit (Charm Spirit), Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock), Whimsical (NZ) (Savabeel) and more noted among the pedigrees. Following the recent developments of the boosted Karaka Millions Series and raft of positivity in the domestic racing industry, NZB’s Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones is looking forward to the boutique sale. “We are pleased with the catalogue assembled and expect keen interest and participation from pinhookers, traders and end-users alike, especially given the feeling of the industry right now.” “There is healthy demand for our New Zealand product, given the incredible racetrack success throughout Australasia and further afield in recent seasons. “The quality and strength of our local proven stallions is as buoyant as ever and the market is eagerly anticipating the first opportunity to purchase progeny of exciting local freshman sires Armory, Noverre, Sword Of State and The Chosen One. “There is certainly something for everybody and the Karaka Millions eligibility is a big bonus,” he added. All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete for a share in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand. Selling is set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on Thursday 20 June. View the full article

Leading southern apprentice jockey and registered nurse Denby-Rose Tait fittingly celebrated International Nurses’ Day with a winning double at Ascot Park on Sunday. Originally hailing from Hawke’s Bay, Tait ventured to the Garden City to become a nurse, and soon found herself balancing a three-year degree with a jockey apprenticeship. “I am a fully registered nurse now, which is quite exciting, although I’m not practising at the moment,” Tait said. “When I graduated last year, I took a step back and decided I really wanted to give my all and commit to becoming the best jockey I can be.” She completed the early portion of her apprenticeship under Ross Beckett, and midway through the season she elected to change over to the stable of Terri Rae, based out of Riccarton Park. The move had Tait on the sidelines for eight weeks through February and March, after accumulating 16 winners in the first half of the season and topping the South Island-based apprentice ranks. The 23-year-old made the most of the time with a trip home, before commencing her term under Rae’s guidance. “Before I started with Terri, I took 10 days off and went home which was my longest stint away from work and Christchurch in four years. It was amazing to be around my family,” Tait said. “I want to be riding at my best and even though being a jockey can be all-consuming, I think it is really important to maintain that balance and just be a happy human.” Despite enjoying her time away from the saddle, Tait was counting down the days to her return, and soon picked up where she left off saluting at the Riccarton Synthetic meeting aboard Rae’s mare Morning Star. The momentum continued on Sunday at the Wairio Cup meeting, where she guided Sally McKay’s pair of Industrialist and La Opcion to victory in successive races in the two Rating 65 1400m contests. Tait had ridden McKay’s talented sprinter Henry Hubber to success earlier in the season and was thrilled to deliver a double for the local horsewoman. “I have had a bit to do with Sally’s team, she is a great person to deal with and it makes my job a lot easier when the horses are trained and prepared as well as Sally’s are,” Tait said. “It was a super effort by her and the horses. “I am so thankful to have so much support from owners and trainers after such a long stint on the sidelines as well.” Tait also paid significant credit to her new employer for the success. “Coming to Terri’s has reignited my passion not only for racing, but also being around the horses, so I’m loving it, and everything is going really well,” she said. “The way she runs her stable is immaculate and she’s an incredible horsewoman and trainer. “I’m really appreciative of the opportunities she has given me, as well as the feedback and constructive criticism on my race-day rides. It’s second to none, and I want to keep improving as much as I can with her guidance. “Hopefully moving into the later part of the season I can really emulate what she has taught me at the races.” Tait hopes to add to her tally at the Riccarton Park Synthetic meeting on Thursday, where she noted two of Russell McKay and Ashley Harrington’s runners to be strong contenders. “I have four rides for Riccarton at the moment, including little Maggie McMuffin who ran a really brave third at the last synthetic meeting in the 1400. She’ll be back in the 1200 which I think will suit her style of running,” she said. “Royce Roca is another of my rides, she’s a grand old campaigner who dug really deep and came back into form at my last start on her. “I have full faith that the McKay team will be ready to go, and hopefully they’ll both produce another brave run.” View the full article

It was a sentimental day at Arawa Park on Saturday for Cambridge trainer Lance Gussey after he recorded his first win as a trainer courtesy of Joshua Brown, a horse bred by his late father Ronald Gussey. The son of Dalghar was having just his second raceday outing, having finished fifth over 1230m at the Rotorua venue last month, before returning to post a head victory in the Peter Ludgate Memorial Race 1215 on Saturday. “We always knew that he had the speed, all we needed was to get him clear in the straight and he would do the rest. We were pretty confident and I was rapt with the win,” Gussey said. Racing was a massive part of Gussey’s father’s life, with Ronald having trained for more than three decades up until his passing two years ago, however, Gussey didn’t share his father’s passion for the sport. He still helped out at his father’s stable later in life, and upon his passing, Gussey decided to continue his father’s legacy by taking out his own trainer’s license and take over running his Cambridge barn. “I’ve never really been interested in horses or horse racing, but the reason I got involved was because my Dad knew what he was talking about and I want to finish what he started,” Gussey said. “I have always helped Dad out with the horses because he was the only one there and when he got old, and they (horses) got a bit stroppy, I had to try and lead them. “I was in the process of getting my license to help him just in the birdcage and things prior to him dying, but we didn’t end up getting there, so I thought I would finish it for him.” Joshua Brown is one of a handful of horses Gussey has continued to race and he said his father had a sentimental way of naming his horses. “Every horse he has left us is a special horse, they have all got the grandkids names,” Gussey said. “Joshua Brown is named after my sister’s boy over in Australia. We have also got Pepe Peperoni, who is named after my daughter. We had Superior Sam, who was named after my other daughter, and she has been sold to Australia. “We have got two with Alex Forbes over in Te Awamutu and we are doing two here. He has just broken-in another one for us, which we will be starting in the next couple of weeks. He has got some promising ones there including She’ll Be Right, who is Josh’s sister.” Pepe Peperoni will attempt to keep the party going when she heads to Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday where she will contest the Saddlery Warehouse 1300. “She has got a wide draw (16), but she is going to give it a crack, she is feeling pretty full of herself,” Gussey said. “She is more suited to the summer tracks, but we thought we would give her another run before we turn her out.” Gussey is also continuing his father’s breeding legacy, having welcomed a half-sister to Joshua Brown, Pepe Peperoni and She’ll Be Right, by Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin. “We have got another foal that was born in September last year, who is by Satono Aladdin out of Midnight Mistress,” he said. “She looks amazing.” View the full article

A tilt at stakes level is in the offing for exciting juvenile Whiskey ‘N Roses following his debut runner-up performance behind Magice over 1200m at Matamata last Wednesday. The son of Belardo was green in the concluding stages of his debut outing and showed there is a heap of improvement to come, although that might not be seen until next season. The Listed Staphanos At Novara Park Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe later this month is the only race on the radar for trainer Joanne Surgenor, who is loath to ask too much of her talented young gelding too early. “He is just developing all the time,” she said. “It (talent) is definitely there, it was just unfortunate that his first start had to be left-handed because there wasn’t anything else available. “There is that Listed mile but whether he gets a mile or not (I am not sure). There is no two-year-old 1400m going into the mile. It is a $100,000 race and there is no lead up into it. “He has pulled up really well and he ate up really well, so he might go to that mile, or we might put him in the paddock. I will work him a couple of days next week and see how he is and how we feel. If we aren’t happy, we will just put him in the paddock. “I think he is going to be a super three-year-old hence why I am in doubt as to whether we push the button too much at the moment or just pop him in the paddock.” Whiskey ‘N Roses was bred by Ashford Lodges’ Peter and Sherin Walker, who also had plenty of success with his close relation Showoroses, who Surgenor trained to win five of her 20 career starts, including the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m), Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile and Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), and also placed in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), Cal Isuzu Stakes and Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. “It has been a great family for us, we have been very lucky with them,” Surgenor said. While Surgenor is weighing up the immediate racing future of Whiskey ‘N Roses, she is looking forward to heading to Te Rapa this coming Saturday to resume the racing career of Dior Sauvage. “He had a tie back operation and he trialled up really well at Pukekohe (last month when winning his 1100m heat),” Surgenor said. “He then got a bit of a throat infection, so we had to back off. We are looking forward to getting him to Te Rapa next Saturday. View the full article

Following a global search over the last 2 months, NZTR is yet to attract a suitable candidate to fill the role previously occupied by Neil Jennings as NZTR’s Senior Handicapper. As an interim measure, NZTR has appointed Bruce Sherwin on a fixed term 3-month contract to fill this vacancy effective today 13th May. Bruce’s skill set is highly suited to this role, given his extensive experience in relevant handicapping areas. He has overseen NZTR’s Handicapping Complaints process since 2013 and has been an integral member of the NZTR Handicapping Review Committee since 2014, assuming the chairmanship in 2022. In 2015, Bruce was appointed to the New Zealand Pattern Committee, and from 2022, he has served as New Zealand’s representative to the Asian Pattern Committee. The NZTR Board has granted Bruce a leave of absence from the Board to undertake the role of Handicapper. During the 3-month contract period, Bruce will not serve as a director on the NZTR Board. Any potential conflicts of interest have been identified and will be actively managed to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Bruce Sherwin has undertaken that no horse he has an interest in will race during the 3-month contract period as Senior Handicapper, in accordance with Rule 525(3) of the Rules of Racing. Additionally, Bruce will not wager or provide tips related to racing during this time, as mandated by the role. Finally, NZTR will continue to search globally for a suitable full-time candidate over the next 3 months. View the full article

Robert Dennis’ results since returning to Southland continue to far exceed his expectations. The Ascot Park trainer celebrated his 12th winner this season when Loftys Gift continued her purple patch of form with victory in Sunday’s Wairio Cup (2200m). Dennis originally began training out of Woodlands and subsequently had a spell with Andrew Forsman’s Cambridge stable before returning with his family to Southland toward the end of last year. “We had our first runner in January and initially I thought if we could get five wins then I would be happy,” he said. “We haven’t gone to many meetings of late without coming home with a winner so long may that last. “Everyone knows you need good horses and good staff to do well and at the moment we’ve got the recipe right, so things are going very well. “To be in this position is really good and it’s great to turn them around and get results with tried horses for connections.” Dennis has also worked hard to complement the older members of the stable with a base for ongoing success. “We’ve got a lot of young horses coming through as well, there’s about 10 yearlings and 10-odd two-year-olds on the books,” he said. His latest success story Loftys Gift finished fourth in her southern debut before reeling off a hat-trick of victories. “She is just full of confidence at the moment and we were really happy with her going into the race,” he said. “She had improved off her previous run and the only concern was the very heavy track. I know she had won on a Heavy 10 before, but it was really testing and she got through it well enough. “She won on a Good 4 at Wingatui quite impressively and showed a good turn of foot to do so, she’s very versatile and very tough and that opens up a few options going forward. “At the moment, the next race we’re looking at is an open 2200m at Wingatui on June 2 and we’ll see how she goes there before deciding what we do after that.” Loftys Gift is raced by the Matijasevich family under their Markwood Lodge banner with the Knot Enough Syndicate. Bred by the Anderton family, the Ghibellines mare won twice for Cambridge duo Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray before relocating south. “Jack Stewart at White Robe Lodge has a connection with Matijasevichs, and he suggested to them that Lofty would suit my stable,” Dennis said. “Jack has been a big help sourcing horses for the stable and I guess other owners up north have seen us produce results with tried horses, it generates a bit more interest. “We had an owners’ day at the races on Sunday and probably had about 50-odd people through the room and about 300 owners altogether across all the horses, so it was really good. “It’s snowballing through a combination of results with good horses, good owners and good staff.” View the full article

The Dennis family name is synonymous with Southland thoroughbred racing, and on Friday Christopher Dennis added to his family’s racing legacy when notching his first official training win at Riverton. While Dennis has had a lifelong involvement in racing, he didn’t take out his training license until four years ago, and had just 15 prior starts before The Kings Girl broke through for his first win in the Waiau Valley Shearing/Aparima Electrical Maiden (1400m). Dennis was pleased to get the result with the mare he bred, who is by The King, a stallion he stands for the family at his Woodlands property. “I was really rapt,” Dennis said. “She is a Dennis family bred horse, both sire and dam, and the syndicate is predominantly family members, with a few friends of the family involved. It was a major accomplishment.” Originally in the care of Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman, The Kings Girl returned to Dennis’ care last year and he has taken a patient approach with the homebred. “We sent her up to the Pitmans to get broken in as a three-year-old as she was still a bit immature as a two-year-old, the breed likes a bit of time,” Dennis said. “She had a couple of starts with them (Pitmans). She came home and we turned her out in the paddock and I thought I would give her a go. Last year I gave her a few starts but she caught a virus during winter and it took her a wee while to get over it. She showed promise and was unlucky a couple of times. “This year she has turned the corner and we have got a couple of placings and it finally culminated with the win on Friday. We are absolutely thrilled.” The son of Martin Dennis, one of the Dennis Brothers quartet, Christopher Dennis has always had a keen interest in racing and has helped his father and uncles out over the years before deciding to take out his own license out at the start of the decade. “You don’t have much choice (about racing) when you have the Dennis surname,” Dennis quipped. “I have been following Dad and my uncles around since I was big enough to lift a dung bucket to clean out boxes. “I am just very lucky that I have got four gentlemen with 60-odd years experience each to lean on. “It is my first win under my own name and I was glad to do it at Riverton racecourse, it was the same course my uncles, Ray and Tony, won their first races as well. There is a fair bit of family history there.” The Kings Girl became her sire’s third winner, and Dennis was delighted to record his first training victory with a mare sired by the homebred son of O’Reilly. “I stand The King for the family,” he said. “He hasn’t had any mares for the last two years, but Brian Anderton is a very staunch supporter and is going to be sending a mare out (this coming season).” Dennis is pleased to have etched his name alongside many of his family members as a winning trainer, and said the Dennis family name looks to be in good hands for the future, with a number of the next generation keen to get involved in the sport. “Some of my nephews and nieces are very keen, so the next generation is coming through as well, which was good to see,” he said. View the full article

The Kings Girl winning at Riverton last Friday. Photo: Monica Toretto The Dennis family name is synonymous with Southland thoroughbred racing, and on Friday Christopher Dennis added to his family’s racing legacy when notching his first official training win at Riverton. While Dennis has had a lifelong involvement in racing, he didn’t take out his training license until four years ago, and had just 15 prior starts before The Kings Girl broke through for his first win in the Waiau Valley Shearing/Aparima Electrical Maiden (1400m). Dennis was pleased to get the result with the mare he bred, who is by The King, a stallion he stands for the family at his Woodlands property. “I was really rapt,” Dennis said. “She is a Dennis family bred horse, both sire and dam, and the syndicate is predominantly family members, with a few friends of the family involved. It was a major accomplishment.” Originally in the care of Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman, The Kings Girl returned to Dennis’ care last year and he has taken a patient approach with the homebred. “We sent her up to the Pitmans to get broken in as a three-year-old as she was still a bit immature as a two-year-old, the breed likes a bit of time,” Dennis said. “She had a couple of starts with them (Pitmans). She came home and we turned her out in the paddock and I thought I would give her a go. Last year I gave her a few starts but she caught a virus during winter and it took her a wee while to get over it. She showed promise and was unlucky a couple of times. “This year she has turned the corner and we have got a couple of placings and it finally culminated with the win on Friday. We are absolutely thrilled.” The son of Martin Dennis, one of the Dennis Brothers quartet, Christopher Dennis has always had a keen interest in racing and has helped his father and uncles out over the years before deciding to take out his own license out at the start of the decade. “You don’t have much choice (about racing) when you have the Dennis surname,” Dennis quipped. “I have been following Dad and my uncles around since I was big enough to lift a dung bucket to clean out boxes. “I am just very lucky that I have got four gentlemen with 60-odd years experience each to lean on. “It is my first win under my own name and I was glad to do it at Riverton racecourse, it was the same course my uncles, Ray and Tony, won their first races as well. There is a fair bit of family history there.” The Kings Girl became her sire’s third winner, and Dennis was delighted to record his first training victory with a mare sired by the homebred son of O’Reilly. “I stand The King for the family,” he said. “He hasn’t had any mares for the last two years, but Brian Anderton is a very staunch supporter and is going to be sending a mare out (this coming season).” Dennis is pleased to have etched his name alongside many of his family members as a winning trainer, and said the Dennis family name looks to be in good hands for the future, with a number of the next generation keen to get involved in the sport. “Some of my nephews and nieces are very keen, so the next generation is coming through as well, which was good to see,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

Italian jockey takes over from Harry Bentley on in-form galloper at the city circuitView the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Tuesday, May 14, 2024 First Race 12:20pm AEST Visit Dabble NSW racing heads to the fringe of Greater Western Sydney as the Hawkesbury Race Club prepares to host a competitive eight-part program on Tuesday afternoon. The rail is out +2m between the 450m and 1100m markers, while it sits true for the remainder of the course. Despite a Heavy 10 rating at the time of acceptances, easing weather conditions should lead to an upgrade into the Soft range prior to the opening race at 12:20pm AEST. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Until Valhalla The Ciaron Maher-trained Until Valhalla was well beaten by 5.3 lengths in her most recent start on the Kensington circuit at Randwick on April 25, proving no match for Redbreast despite holding ground on some key rivals. Expect the three-year-old filly to ping the lids under Dylan Gibbons this time, and with the drop into Class 1 company third-up looking ideal, watch for Until Valhalla to kick clear with the prize. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Until Valhalla (5) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Dylan Gibbons (59.5kg) +270 with PlayUp Next Best at Hawkesbury: Quintillion Quintillion was sensational returning from a 385-day spell at Newcastle on April 24, when he ran third after attempting to loop the field from last off a moderate tempo. Considering the lengthy break and unsuitable 1400m journey, it must be considered a pass mark for the Chris Waller-trained gelding. With an extra 100m to chase down his rivals, Quintillion can shirk the maiden tag at start seven. Next Best Race 3 – #6 Quintillion (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Lee Magorrian (59kg) +220 with Bet365 Best Value at Hawkesbury: Beluga Express Beluga Express represents terrific each-way value with online bookmakers as he heads into his first race for the Mick Attard barn. He managed one win for the Will, Ben & JD Hayes camp across five starts in Victoria, claiming his maiden at Ballarat on October 15, 2022. The colt hasn’t found any form since, but his two barrier trials leading into this suggest the change of scenery has been of major benefit. Best Value Race 5 – #3 Beluga Express (2) 3yo Colt | T: Mick Attard | J: Tom Sherry (58kg) +1900 with Neds Tuesday NSW quaddie tips – 14/5/2024 Hawkesbury quadrella selections Tuesday, May 14, 2024 3-4-5-6-11 1-3 8-10-12-16 1-2-4-5-9-10-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Casino Princess winning at Arawa Park on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A black-type assignment is looming on the horizon for Casino Princess after she capped a consistent form line with victory in Saturday’s Macmillan Accountants (1560m) at Rotorua. The five-year-old daughter of Casino Prince went into Saturday’s race as the winner of three of her nine career starts. She had placed in another four including all of her three previous appearances in her current preparation. Casino Princess resumed with a third behind Freeze Frame at Matamata in late February, then was runner-up at Tauranga to the subsequent Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) placegetter Chatahoochee. In her last start at Te Rapa on April 14, Casino Princess had a tough three-wide run, and rider Tayla Mitchell dropped her whip, but she still finished a close second behind Zantabulous. Saturday’s $35,000 Rating 75 race marked a deserved breakthrough for Casino Princess. She jumped well from the inside gate and was given an economical run by jockey Michael McNab, settling in fourth behind Madame Le Fay, Extortion and Nigella Lane. McNab moved across heels coming up to the home turn and brought Casino Princess cruising up on the outside of Extortion at the top of the straight. McNab released the brakes and Casino Princess quickly opened up a clear lead. Resuming stayer Pacheco stormed home in the last 150m to provide a late scare, but Casino Princess was far enough in front and held on by a long head. “There was a good speed and I just sat behind that, then tracked up,” McNab said. “She got out at the right time and won well. “She’s in solid form. I’ve been annoying the connections for a little while to get on her, and I finally got on her today. I was a little bit surprised by how big she is, but she’s got a good winning attitude.” From 10 starts, Casino Princess has now recorded four wins, two seconds and two thirds. She has earned $64,610 for her Tauranga owner-trainer Cliff Goss and co-owner Darryl Heaphy. Goss has now set his sights on a home-track feature on June 22 – the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m). “I’m very pleased with that,” the remarkable 92-year-old trainer said. “When she galloped at home the other day, I thought she went good enough that day to win a Railway (Group 1, 1200m), and here we are at Rotorua in May. “There’s a fillies and mares’ race at Tauranga coming up next month, and that’s going to be her next target. She has to go up into open company now. You don’t know how they’ll cope with that until you try them, but I think she can take the step up into that level.” Horse racing news View the full article

Apprentice jockey Melvis Gonzalez notched his first winning ride May 12 at Gulfstream Park, guiding Awesome Wind to a front-running 1 3/4-length victory in a maiden claiming event carded as race 4.View the full article