Wandering Eyes

The 15th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, this year in partnership with the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will be played Aug. 1 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center beginnning at 7 p.m. The jockey team will once again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr., with trainer Todd Pletcher and agent Kiaran McLaughlin coaching the horsemen team. Mitch Levites of the NYRA TV department will once again serve as the game's announcer. “This annual game is one of the most unique and entertaining events on the Saratoga social calendar and we are always grateful to the players and the sponsors who participate and the hundreds of fans who attend each year,” said Humberto Chavez, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy lead chaplain and executive director. “Besides all the fun we have, the event helps the chaplaincy provide critical support for the chaplaincy's various programs serving the backstretch community.” The post Jockeys Versus Horsemen Charity Game Returns to Saratoga Aug. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Irish bloodstock community is in mourning following the death on Friday of respected breeder and pinhooker Eamon Fitzpatrick at the age of 81. Through his Kilminfoyle House Stud in Ballacolla, Co Laois, Fitzpatrick became renowned as an excellent judge of young stock. His many successful touches in the sales ring spanned both the Flat and National Hunt spheres, through all manner of auctions, including from the early days of the breeze-up sales. His son Michael has continued the good name of the family business and is similarly highly regarded as one of the most astute judges on the sales circuit. Paying tribute to his father, Michael Fitzpatrick said, “He had a good life. He grew up at the same time as Willie Browne, Ted Walsh, Gay and Tony O'Callaghan, and that cohort of people.” The Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale has in the last week celebrated its 50th anniversary and Fitzpatrick made headlines there in the early years when topping the sale, then held in Ballsbridge, in 1979 when selling a three-year-old by Master Owen (Ire) for 15,000gns. “That was a big achievement,” recalled Michael. “And in 2022 he broke the world record for a store in Doncaster, which was for Best Mate's half-brother. He turned out to be a horse called Inexorable who won two Grade 3s. At the time £185,000 for a store horse was madness but it was a huge achievement.” Henry Beeby, Group CEO of Goffs, was on the rostrum at the old Doncaster Bloodstock Sales (DBS) for that momentous occasion. He said, “I've known Eamon for 40-odd years and he was a very typically old-fashioned gentleman, a true stockman, and we did a lot of business with him. “I had the privilege of auctioning the half-brother to Best Mate and Eamon was charm personified when he could have been under a lot of pressure in that it was obviously a big deal. I was relatively young but he was very kind and supportive and easy to deal with.” Beeby continued, “He has passed on his horsemanship skills to Michael and I am delighted to see him doing so well. “Eamon was one of those people who was the backbone of the industry, and he was among those Irish breeders and vendors who allowed DBS to grow, because we got huge support from people like him. He was a charming man who will be very much missed.” Among other top National Hunt horses to have passed through Fitzpatrick's hands are the Grade 1-winning hurdler Knight Salute (GB) and the 2016 Thyestes Chase winner My Murphy (Ire). He also pinhooked the classy sprinter Striking Ambition (GB) from his breeder Lord Huntingdon for 7,000gns as a foal before selling him on for £28,000 to Tom Goff and Giles Bravery, for whom he won three Listed races. Later trained by Roger Charlton, the son of Makbul (GB) went on to win the G2 Goldene Peitsche at Baden-Baden among his eight stakes victories across four seasons, and finished runner-up in the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye to his stable-mate Avonbridge (GB). Michael added, “Everybody knew him. He had a good relationship with Malcolm Bastard, Robert Percival particularly, and many others. He spent 50 years of his life going to the sales, going racing and farming. When the likes of Willie Browne and a few others started going to America, he went with them and he bought a Boundary horse who topped the first day of the Craven Breeze-up Sale.” Willie Browne said of his friend and colleague, “He was very pally with my father before me, and a great friend. He was a very intelligent man who could speak on any subject and he was full of information. I was very fond of Eamon and I will really miss him. He was a proper man. “He was so proud of Michael. From day one Michael had the Midas touch and Eamon got great comfort from that.” Eamon Fitzpatrick will be laid to rest at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Ballacolla at midday on Monday, July 1. He is survived by his wife Anne, sons Johnny and Michael, daughter Fiona, daughter-in-law Caroline, and grandson Jack, to whom we extend our sincere condolences. The post ‘A Proper Man’: Tributes Paid to Kilminfoyle House Stud’s Eamon Fitzpatrick appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As the saying goes, 'One swallow does not a summer make, neither does one fine day', but Friday at the Curragh will live long in the memory as one fine day for Maurice Regan of Newtown Anner Stud. His young stallion Beckford (GB) was represented by his first runner and now boasts a 100 per cent strike-rate after that debutant, Beckman (Ire), overcame some trouble in running to win in impressive fashion. “It was a lot of fun,” says Regan, whose voice is notably hoarse as he recalls the race. “It's a little bit of a fairytale. I was watching it on the television last night and when I saw him coming through I started screaming. They thought I was having a heart attack because I was so excited. When you have the mares yourself, and now the stallion yourself, and you're following the whole story… the Beckford story we had when he was racing was a great story and with a little bit of luck he could have been a Group 1 winner.” It would appear that the Beckford story is still full of running. A winner himself on debut at the Curragh when trained by Gordon Elliott, he then claimed the G2 Railway Stakes on his next run in the Newtown Anner Stud colours before finishing second in both the G1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes and G1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes. A son of Bated Breath (GB) and Whirly Dancer (GB), a half-sister to the top-class Poet's Word (GB), Beckford then contested the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, finishing fifth to Mendelssohn, and remained in America, joining the stable of Brendan Walsh, for whom he won the Williams Walker Stakes at Churchill Downs on his sole start at three. A fracture kept him off the track for more than a year and Beckford never really recaptured his smart juvenile form in a further six starts back in Ireland. He was retired to his owner's farm in Clonmel, which is home to 60 broodmares and their followers but is not technically a stallion stud. Or so we thought. Regan fills in a few blanks for the last four years. “God rest my father, but he used to say that Beckford would come into the house, sit down and have a cup of tea. That's why we kept him because he was kind, but he has a lot of character and a huge heart.” That temperament, spliced to his good early race record and a pedigree that is improving year on year, provided the impetus for Regan to decide to breed a few of his own mares to his own stallion. That's how it always used to work, after all. Now, members of Beckford's first crop of five foals are in training with Ger Lyons, who struck with Beckman, Joseph O'Brien, Johnny Murtagh and Karl Burke. He continues, “We only covered some of our own mares as an experiment because Beckford has a secret: he's only 15 hands tall,” Regan divulges. “If he'd had a little bit of luck he'd have won a Group 1. He did win a Group 2 and was second in two Group 1s. He went to America and he got a fracture but he almost broke a track record, he came very close, and he had an unlucky trip in the Breeders' Cup. So luck didn't really fall his way racing. “We were worried about his height so we bred him to a bunch of average mares. So we said that if his horses were small we'd have them as riding ponies that we could give away. But the horses he is throwing are 16 hands-plus. What everybody has said about them is that they have great minds and great bone, and what I always knew about Beckford was that he has a huge heart. It was all about winning for him; he would always give his best.” Regan says of the feedback from his trainers, “Everybody says that they are going to win and that if they were by a well-known stallion that they would be looking at them differently. “Bill Dwan was out here looking at our yearlings, and we had horses in the field by Kingman, Lope De Vega and Sea The Stars, and his choice was the Beckford yearling.” There is just one yearling from Beckford's second crop, and one foal from his third, but next season's crop of foals will be larger. Regan continues, “We didn't want to end up with a bunch of ponies. We have 60 broodmares here and we send them to proven stallions and we always try to put them in a good home if they don't work out. You have to be conscious that you're doing the right thing for the horses in the horse business. “But from what we saw in the yearlings being broken in at the end of last year we have doubled the amount of mares that we have covered with him this year. We've 10 mares in foal to him and I have already been getting calls from people saying could they send a mare to him next year. “Joseph O'Brien, of all the two-year-olds he has in training for me, the Beckford is his choice. Karl Burke pretty much guarantees that the Beckford he has will win first or second time out. That is what gave us the confidence to go back with the mares this year. We're shocked by what we've seen. They're as good as anything you'd see at the sale.” Beckman (Beckford) opens his account at the first time of asking with a 20/1 victory in the opening race of the @DDFRacing Irish Derby Festival @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/9h660SIxew — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2024 Beckford's relative Poet's Word is in his sixth year at Boardsmill Stud in Ireland and the King George winner's Group 3-winning half-sister Malabar (Ire) (Raven's Pass) is now the dam of this season's G3 John of Gaunt Stakes winner Tiber Flow (Ire) (Caravaggio). The Regans' dual Group 1 winner Fascinating Rock (Ire) has moved to Burgage Stud, having started his career at Ballylinch Stud, and Regan admits that, if more of Beckford's offspring win this year and the interest in his horse starts to grow, he will have to stand him elsewhere. “If we have some more luck with these Beckfords I think we would have to do a partnership with a stallion stud,” he says. “We have a lot going on with the mares we have here and we don't have the experience for that so we'd probably leave that to the professionals.” It doesn't sound like Beckford would be too much trouble, wherever he stood. Regan continues, “We have a lot of horses but he is the king of the farm. He has his own paddock and he runs the show. He lives in the field with the teaser pony, so you have two stallions in the same field, no headcollars, and they are like complete pets. If you call him over at the fence, he'll come over to you and put his head on your shoulder; there's no badness in him. When the farrier is here he stands with him at the gate and they do his feet without holding him, without a headcollar. There's something about this guy – he's special.” Beckman aside, it has been a good week for the Newtown Anner Stud team, with the Regan family enjoying a winner at Naas with the homebred Mr King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), while their G2 German 1000 Guineas winner Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) ran second in the G3 Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle and is likely to return to Germany for the G1 Preis der Diana. On Sunday at the Curragh another homebred, Thor's Hammer (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), is set to be ridden by visiting American Johnny Velazquez. The Irish-born Regan, who is based in New York City and also owns stud farms in New York and Lexington, is a close friend of the renowned jockey and is hoping to be able to provide him with his first winner in Ireland. He says of his Classic winner Darnation, “We wanted to see if she could go the extra couple of furlongs which is why she ran at Newcastle, but the surface wasn't ideal for her and it was a very strong race. I hope we'll have a bit more fun with her. The mare is in foal to Dubawi and we are looking forward to more good things coming from that family.” It is clear, however, that it is Beckford who is the apple of Regan's eye. He adds, “He's more than a horse; he's got the character of a person.” The post ‘He’s More Than a Horse’: Regan Sings Praises of Freshman Sire Beckford appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G1 Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes served up a thriller, with Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}–Emulous {GB}, by Dansili {GB}) running down Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the final yards for a top-level breakthrough. With abundant rain falling on The Curragh throughout the day, the Ralph Beckett-trained 4-year-old who was herself cruelly denied late in last year's Irish Oaks held the upper hand in terms of ground preference and traded as the 11-10 favourite as a result. Settled in mid-division early by Rossa Ryan, the homebred was left behind at the top of the straight as Kieran Shoemark set sail on the Gosdens' star en route to certain victory. Picking up as she had when the six-length winner of York's G2 Middleton Fillies' Stakes last month, Bluestocking ate up the ground to pass Emily Upjohn in the last 50 yards for a half-length success, with 3 3/4 lengths back to Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in third. “Today justified the decision to stay in training and we learnt a good deal about her on Irish Oaks day last year,” Beckett said. “We know now to hold on to her a bit longer and today is perfect recompense. It's all in front of us as well.” Bluestocking overhauls Emily Upjohn near the line in a thrilling Group 1 Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes! Many congratulations to @Rossaryan15, @RalphBeckett and @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/paxiiJXQOD — The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) June 29, 2024 The post Camelot’s Bluestocking Wins Thrilling Pretty Polly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Returning to the Curragh venue at which he made a remarkable debut last month, Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Jan Brueghel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}–Devoted To You {Ire}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}) had to endure his first fight to stretch his unbeaten record in Saturday's G3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes. What was left in the tank at the end of the 10-furlong contest after he had mastered the long-time leader Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) by a neck remains to be seen, but the manner in which the 8-13 favourite hit the line with ears pricked suggests there is an abundance to come. Ryan Moore had to cajole from some way out to get the eight-length maiden winner engaged in a tussle with that Joseph O'Brien trainee, but there was a sense of inevitability come the closing stages and ultimately Jan Brueghel had overcome understandable greenness and smart older horses to maintain his momentum. The post Jan Brueghel Remains Unbeaten at The Curragh appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Emulating stablemate Matrika (Ire) 12 months ago, Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Truly Enchanting (Ire) (No Nay Never–Alluringly, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}) made the quick turnaround from Royal Ascot to provide her sire with back-to-back winners of The Curragh's G2 Airlie Stud Stakes on Saturday. Unable to mix it with the fastest fillies when 13th in the five-furlong G2 Queen Mary Stakes, the descendant of Urban Sea (Miswaki) had the pace to lay up with fellow Ascot also-ran California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}) from the outset. Despite hanging towards that G3 Albany Stakes fifth, Ryan Moore's pick of the stable's trio finally got the better of her in the final 100 yards and asserted to score by half a length, with another of the Aidan O'Brien fillies January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) 2 1/4 lengths back in third. “She got a little bit lost in the middle of the Queen Mary on fast ground, so it wasn't the right thing to do to send her there but she came out of it very well and of all our fillies Ryan thought that six with an ease in the ground would suit her best,” O'Brien explained. “She was very green, but Ryan said she wasn't near to the end of her and there was plenty in there–he said to just change her bit next time, as she was hanging right. Her bit is as soft as you can go, but she's probably taking advantage of it. No Nay Nevers handle soft ground and are tough, but he is a big influence for speed–she might get seven this year but it wouldn't be a surprise if next year she gets faster.” An exciting finish to the Airlie Stud Stakes! Truly Enchanting gets the better of California Dreamer to land Group 2 honours for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore pic.twitter.com/QTqjZpyCFd — The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) June 29, 2024 The post No Nay Never’s Truly Enchanting Best In The Airlie Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rockcliffe Stud's homebred Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}–Pepita {Ire}, by Sir Prancealot {Ire}) followed up a May 24 debut seventh at Goodwood with a breakthrough score at Windsor earlier this month and continued on a roll with a career high in Saturday's Listed Maureen Brittain Memorial Empress Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket. The Ed Walker trainee broke sharply from the stands' side stall and seized an immediate advantage in this black-type bow. In command throughout, the 9-1 chance came under pressure when threatened passing the quarter-mile marker and kept on strongly up the hill to easily account for Tales Of The Heart (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) and Arabian Dusk (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) by 1 1/2 lengths and a neck. Pedigree Notes Celandine, who becomes the 82nd stakes winner for her sire, is the third of five foals and one of two scorers from as many runners out of Listed Maggie Dickson Stakes victrix and G3 Summer Stakes third Pepita (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}), herself kin to three black-type performers headed by stakes-winning G1 Criterium International third Redolent (Ire) (Redback {GB}). Descendants of her second dam Esterlina (Ire) (Highest Honor {Fr}) include G1 Flying Five runner-up Son Of Rest (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and G2 Gimcrack Stakes second Johannes Brahms (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}). The March-foaled homebred bay, who hails from the family of G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Forest Flower (Green Forest), is full to a yearling colt and half to a weanling filly by Starspangledbanner (Aus). An excellent performance by Celandine who wins the Maureen Brittain Memorial Empress Fillies' Stakes with @TomMarquand onboard for the Ed Walker stable! pic.twitter.com/JBhbaomHbU — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) June 29, 2024 Saturday, Newmarket, Britain MAUREEN BRITTAIN MEMORIAL EMPRESS FILLIES' S.-Listed, £40,000, Newmarket, 6-29, 2yo, f, 6fT, 1:10.52, g/f. 1–CELANDINE (GB), 128, f, 2, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Pepita (Ire) (SW & GSP-Eng), by Sir Prancealot (Ire) 2nd Dam: Esterlina (Ire), by Highest Honor (Fr) 3rd Dam: Shaquick, by Shadeed 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O/B-Rockcliffe Stud (GB); T-Ed Walker; J-Tom Marquand. £22,684. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $35,525. 2–Tales Of The Heart (Ire), 128, f, 2, Mehmas (Ire)–Shoshoni Wind (GB), by Sleeping Indian (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (400,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Andrew Rosen & Marc Chan; B-Tally-Ho Stud (IRE); T-Ralph Beckett. £8,600. 3–Arabian Dusk (GB), 128, f, 2, Havana Grey (GB)–Lady Macduff (Ire), by Iffraaj (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (80,000gns Ylg '23 TATSOM; 525,000gns 2yo '24 TATBRE). O-Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa; B-Whitsbury Manor Stud (GB); T-Simon & Ed Crisford. £4,304. Margins: 1HF, NK, HF. Odds: 9.00, 4.50, 2.75. Also Ran: It Ain't Two (GB), Santa Savana (GB), Queue Dos (GB), Sunshine State (GB), Havana Gila (GB), Teej A (Ire), Pouting (GB), Tequila Rose (Ire), Miss Nifty (Ire). Scratched: Naina (GB). The post Kingman’s Celandine Makes All For Empress Triumph at HQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Curragh's Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden that opened Saturday's rain-hit card is a race with a rich history and despite the failure of Ballydoyle's trio to make the frame there was no reason to believe this year's renewal was not up to scratch. Emerging best was the Aga Khan's Hazdann (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Hazmiyra {Ire}, by Pivotal {GB}), who had no space to express himself in the straight when a non-representative ninth in the seven-furlong Gowran Park maiden won by Ballydoyle's The Parthenon (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) 13 days earlier. Always travelled strongly behind the leader Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) off the moderate early tempo, the Dermot Weld-trained 10-1 shot loomed large two out and after seizing the advantage soon after comfortably held that rival to score by a neck. “I was going to ride him forward, but he was very green going to post so I changed tack and opted to ride him in the box seat,” jockey Chris Hayes said. “We walked early and he quickened up and got there without realising and then had one ear cocked. He was badly hampered out of the gates at Gowran and Leigh [Roche] said every door was closed in his face so he looked after him. He appreciated this slower ground and I think he's got a nice future. Princess Zahra is here as well, so it's nice he won. I'd like to mix it from seven furlongs to a mile with him.” You can't put a price on experience! Hazdann, the only horse in the field to have had a run, cuts loose in the @BarronstownStud @IrishEBF_ Maiden @curraghrace for @AgaKhanStuds A colt named City Of Troy won this last season. Wonder what happened to him? pic.twitter.com/ywNr1qOse3 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 29, 2024 The post Night Of Thunder Colt Best in the Barronstown Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Consistent five-year-old Rheinberg (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was back in the winner’s circle for the first time since October when running out a strong winner of the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1440m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, the son of Swiss Ace has now won six of his 16 starts, with a further seven placings. Top jockey Mick Dee clicks with the gelding and has ridden Rheinberg to five of those victories, and crucially was back aboard for the first time since finishing second when resuming a new campaign back in March. Rheinberg was given every opportunity just behind the leaders and while runner-up St Lawrence (NZ) (Redwood) was pocketed upon straightening, the winner had first run and put the result beyond doubt. “I always keep an eye on him, because I have won a few on him now,” Dee said. “But due to me being in Adelaide or Queensland or wherever, I haven’t been able to be on him in recent runs. “It was good to get back on him today and it all worked out extremely well. He won quite comfortably. “We got a clean getaway and luckily enough were able to slot in with a bit of cover. Down the side I didn’t really want to be just sitting and waiting. On this track I wanted to let him build and go through his gears and he put the race to bed at the 400m. “I didn’t really hear anything coming too strongly and always felt like we had a decent margin. With him, I am always a bit hesitant to hit the front early. I had to today and I felt like he had more to give if something was to come and challenge.” Lindsay Park’s Ben Hayes said the smooth passage made all the difference to Rheinberg, who has been racing in great heart. “He has been racing well without winning and arguably would have gone close last start if he had got the gaps,” Hayes said. “Today it all just worked out. Michael was able to get in just behind the speed. He had no traffic at all and was strong through the line. He looks fantastic, is going really well and we couldn’t be happier. “ Both Rheinberg and St Lawrence commenced their careers in New Zealand, with the winner originally prepared at Matamata by Cody Cole, for whom he was placed in two of three starts. Like stable star Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), Rheinberg was sourced by bloodstock agent Wayne Ormond from New Zealand. Bred by Gerry Harvey, Rheinberg is by Westbury Stud stallion Swiss Ace, out of the Snitzel mare Schiffer, who won two races and finished third behind Karuta Queen (Not A Single Doubt) in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). View the full article

Victorian raider Golden Path (NZ) (Belardo) has made it back-to-back victories in Sydney with a dominant victory in the Listed W J Mckell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained son of Belardo was stepping up a grade and handled the rise with ease. Golden Path enjoyed a good run just behind the speed in fifth position throughout and was nursed around the home bend by jockey Chad Schofield. He then put his rivals to the sword to win by three and a half lengths from Touristic (Frankel), with Lord Ardmore (NZ) (Reliable Man) back in third. The Kiwi private purchase is raced by a syndicate headed by prominent owner Carl Holt, who was on hand to see the four-year-old gelding salute. “That was good,” Holt said. “The blinkers have made a big difference to him and the soft tracks he obviously likes and the team have done a great job with him. “Chad has got a lot of confidence riding him and it all measured up today. “That is the next level up for him – he has stepped up to a good level. He is getting his rating up so he can get into better races, so where to go next is a nice problem to have.” It was the fourth victory from 11 career starts for Golden Path, who has now amassed A$364,750 in prizemoney. “He is a good heavy track horse, a good 2000m horse,” winning trainer Mick Price said. “He got washed out last week and I didn’t think the 35 days between runs would worry a horse like him. “He has probably got to have the edge on him. He is a big rakish gelding and he was very well suited.” By Belardo, who previously shuttled to Haunui Farm, Golden Path is out of the winning Dubai Destination mare Golden Destination. Bred by the Wallace family’s Ardsley Stud, Golden Path was purchased for $35,000 from the 2021 Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sale by Pukekohe trainer Michael Rogers. After winning two of his three trials in New Zealand for Rogers, Golden Path was sold to clients of the Price-Kent team. View the full article

In-form mare Princess Rhaenys (Iffraaj) scored a narrow victory in the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2143m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday as the well-related daughter of Iffraaj scored a richly-deserved maiden stakes success. The Tony Gollan-trained six-year-old was sent out a well-supported $1.80 favourite with Blake Shinn in the saddle and despite not appreciating the slowly-run contest, was always within striking distance to wear down Deny Knowledge (Pride of Dubai), who set the tempo. Sporting the colours of Linda and Graham Huddy’s Peachester Lodge, Princess Rhaenys has now won six of her 26 starts, with a further nine placings, including a Group Three placing in the Pam O’Neill Stakes (1600m). Gollan was relieved to see the full sister to Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) hero Jon Snow (NZ) (Iffraaj) land a black-type success as she advanced her career prizemoney to A$584,150. “She’s so much better when she can get a more genuinely run race where she can really relax and get off the bridle and finish off,” Gollan said. “You could see early on that wasn’t going to be the case. She stepped really well and they just took an eternity to cross her. “I was really worried in the run to be perfectly honest, I like her better when she can get smothered up and relaxed and that never happened. “I was always worried about the leader (Deny Knowledge). When we eventually got her down it was a good result for the team. “She raced out of her best pattern unfortunately, but Blake summed it up well, he had no other option but to just get her to settle as good as he could. It’s great having these great jockeys like Blake Shinn on board, they get the job done for you.” By Iffraaj out of the O’Reilly mare Orinda (NZ), Princess Rhaenys was bred by the Hong Kong Breeders Club at Highview Stud. View the full article

Amberite fends off Caprice Des Dieux to score at Rosehill. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Former Kiwi galloper Amberite continues to make a good impression since joining the stable of Mornington trainer Matt Laurie, with the son of Proisir trekking north to Sydney and winning at Rosehill on Saturday. The talented four-year-old has now won twice from three starts for Laurie, with a victory at Flemington in May before finishing runner-up to Foujita San at Caulfield earlier this month. The gelding had shown plenty of talent in New Zealand, collecting two wins and five placings for Matamata trainer Vicki Prendergast, including a seven-length triumph over subsequent Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) winner Outovstock. Ridden by Regan Bayliss, Amberite led throughout and dug deep when challenged by runner-up Caprice Des Dieux, with Bright Red back in third. “He was able to lead in a very relaxed manner,” Laurie said. “He has a bit of fight, this horse. “Our initial plan was to run last week (at the abandoned Sydney meeting) and then go up to the Caloundra Cup (Listed, 2400m) but we won’t be doing that now. “I am leaning towards maybe pulling up now but there is a race at Randwick in two weeks. “I’ve only had him for three runs, he had a little bit of racing in New Zealand, and he looks like he’s at a point where we might be able to build his rating.” Laurie said he elected to keep the horse in Sydney through the week for the $160,000 contest, rather than a 2000m benchmark 78 back in Melbourne which was worth half the prize money. “We kept the horse in Sydney this week, he stayed with Gerald (Ryan) so we are thankful to him for helping me out. This is my first winner in Sydney, I’m happy to get that win,” Laurie said. From 20 starts, Amberite has now had four wins, six placings and $258,220 in stakes. He is still raced by his New Zealand owners and carries the red and black colours of the Bayly family – best known for the likes of Blue Denim, Eagle Eye, Lion Tamer and Harris Tweed, all owned by the late Phil Bayly. Amberite is one of six winners from six foals to race out of the Elusive Quality mare Elusive Elle, who is a half-sister to Group One winner Bonaria, along with stakes-winning mare Legally Bay, dam of Group One-winning sprinter and sire Merchant Navy. Bred by the Pike family’s V T W Breeding Company, Amberite was offered by Hallmark Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2021 and was bought for $120,000. Horse racing news View the full article

Desperado cruises to victory at Caulfield. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Former Kiwi galloper Desperado relished the rain-affected conditions at Caulfield on Saturday as he powered to victory under jockey John Allen. Prepared by Ciaron Maher, the six-year-old son of Ghibellines was initially prepared in New Zealand by Brian and Shane Anderton for whom he won a Gore maiden before being sold to Australia. The hardy gelding has now won five of his 18 career starts, with a further four placings and races in the colours of prominent owner Rod Lyons, with Brian Anderton and his late wife Lorraine remaining in the ownership group. Desperado came from midfield in a perfectly-timed run and raced away for a soft length and a quarter victory. “He is a quirky horse. He likes that suck run, to be back and not be there too early, so it worked out in his favour,” stable repetitive Declan Maher said. “He is having a good preparation. He went up and ran well in Sydney and then we brought him back down to Ballarat again and he is a horse that you don’t need to do a lot with. You just have to keep a smile on his face and put him in the right race.” Maher said the middle distance performer who has now won $245,162 in prizemoney is likely to carry on through the winter months. “Now that he is up and fit and racing, he doesn’t require a lot of work. He only has one gallop into his runs and he turns up and he is a naturally-fit athletic Kiwi,” Maher said. “We don’t have to do a lot with him and he handles wet ground so we might as well keep pushing on.” Bred by Brian and Lorraine Anderton, Desperado is a true White Robe Lodge product as a son of Ghibellines out of the two-time winning Yamanin Vital mare Carefree. Horse racing news View the full article

Rheinberg forges clear at Caulfield under Mick Dee. Photo: Racing Photos Consistent five-year-old Rheinberg was back in the winner’s circle for the first time since October when running out a strong winner at Caulfield on Saturday. Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, the son of Swiss Ace has now won six of his 16 starts, with a further seven placings. Top jockey Mick Dee clicks with the gelding and has ridden Rheinberg to five of those victories, and crucially was back aboard for the first time since finishing second when resuming a new campaign back in March. Rheinberg was given every opportunity just behind the leaders and while runner-up St Lawrence was pocketed upon straightening, the winner had first run and put the result beyond doubt. “I always keep an eye on him, because I have won a few on him now,” Dee said. “But due to me being in Adelaide or Queensland or wherever, I haven’t been able to be on him in recent runs. “It was good to get back on him today and it all worked out extremely well. He won quite comfortably. “We got a clean getaway and luckily enough were able to slot in with a bit of cover. Down the side I didn’t really want to be just sitting and waiting. On this track I wanted to let him build and go through his gears and he put the race to bed at the 400m. “I didn’t really hear anything coming too strongly and always felt like we had a decent margin. With him, I am always a bit hesitant to hit the front early. I had to today and I felt like he had more to give if something was to come and challenge.” Lindsay Park’s Ben Hayes said the smooth passage made all the difference to Rheinberg, who has been racing in great heart. “He has been racing well without winning and arguably would have gone close last start if he had got the gaps,” Hayes said. “Today it all just worked out. Michael was able to get in just behind the speed. He had no traffic at all and was strong through the line. He looks fantastic, is going really well and we couldn’t be happier. “ Both Rheinberg and St Lawrence commenced their careers in New Zealand, with the winner originally prepared at Matamata by Cody Cole, for whom he was placed in two of three starts. Like stable star Mr Brightside, Rheinberg was sourced by bloodstock agent Wayne Ormond from New Zealand. Bred by Gerry Harvey, Rheinberg is by Westbury Stud stallion Swiss Ace, out of the Snitzel mare Schiffer, who won two races and finished third behind Karuta Queen in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Princess Rhaenys races to victory in the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2143m) at Eagle Farm. Photo: Trackside Photography (Grant Peters) In-form mare Princess Rhaenys scored a narrow victory in the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2143m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday as the well-related daughter of Iffraaj scored a richly-deserved maiden stakes success. The Tony Gollan-trained six-year-old was sent out a well-supported $1.80 favourite with horse racing bookmakers with Blake Shinn in the saddle and despite not appreciating the slowly-run contest, was always within striking distance to wear down Deny Knowledge, who set the tempo. Sporting the colours of Linda and Graham Huddy’s Peachester Lodge, Princess Rhaenys has now won six of her 26 starts, with a further nine placings, including a Group Three placing in the Pam O’Neill Stakes (1600m). Gollan was relieved to see the full sister to Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) hero Jon Snow land a black-type success as she advanced her career prizemoney to $584,150. “She’s so much better when she can get a more genuinely run race where she can really relax and get off the bridle and finish off,” Gollan said. “You could see early on that wasn’t going to be the case. She stepped really well and they just took an eternity to cross her. “I was really worried in the run to be perfectly honest, I like her better when she can get smothered up and relaxed and that never happened. “I was always worried about the leader (Deny Knowledge). When we eventually got her down it was a good result for the team. “She raced out of her best pattern unfortunately, but Blake summed it up well, he had no other option but to just get her to settle as good as he could. It’s great having these great jockeys like Blake Shinn on board, they get the job done for you.” By Iffraaj out of the O’Reilly mare Orinda, Princess Rhaenys was bred by the Hong Kong Breeders Club at Highview Stud. Horse racing news View the full article

Golden Path was an east winner of Listed W J Mckell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Victorian raider Golden Path has made it back-to-back victories in Sydney with a dominant victory in the Listed W J Mckell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained son of Belardo was stepping up a grade and handled the rise with ease. Golden Path enjoyed a good run just behind the speed in fifth position throughout and was nursed around the home bend by jockey Chad Schofield. He then put his rivals to the sword to win by three and a half lengths from Touristic, with Lord Ardmore back in third. The Kiwi private purchase is raced by a syndicate headed by prominent owner Carl Holt, who was on hand to see the four-year-old gelding salute. “That was good,” Holt said. “The blinkers have made a big difference to him and the soft tracks he obviously likes and the team have done a great job with him. “Chad has got a lot of confidence riding him and it all measured up today. “That is the next level up for him – he has stepped up to a good level. He is getting his rating up so he can get into better races, so where to go next is a nice problem to have.” It was the fourth victory from 11 career starts for Golden Path, who has now amassed $364,750 in prizemoney. “He is a good heavy track horse, a good 2000m horse,” winning trainer Mick Price said. “He got washed out last week and I didn’t think the 35 days between runs would worry a horse like him. “He has probably got to have the edge on him. He is a big rakish gelding and he was very well suited.” By Belardo, who previously shuttled to Haunui Farm, Golden Path is out of the winning Dubai Destination mare Golden Destination. Bred by the Wallace family’s Ardsley Stud, Golden Path was purchased for $35,000 from the 2021 Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sale by Pukekohe trainer Michael Rogers. After winning two of his three trials in New Zealand for Rogers, Golden Path was sold to clients of the Price-Kent team. Horse racing news View the full article

Angela Jones and Zarastro as they take out the Group 3 Healy Stakes. Photo: Darren Winningham Young jockey Angela Jones achieved her biggest thrill in the saddle to date as she steered the Tony Gollan-trained Zarastro to victory in the Group 3 Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm. Sent around as a $9 chance with leading horse racing bookmakers, Angela Jones made great use of the five-year-old gelding’s early speed and managed to hold out race favourite Ghaanati as the pair fought for ascendancy early on. Despite seeming to burn up a few extra tickets to find the lead, Zarastro was travelling as well as any runner approaching the home turn, and despite having a wall of challengers with 200m to go, Jones managed to get the most out of her mount to go on and score in impressive fashion. Ghaanati would stick on gamely for second, whilst Hatchet came screaming home along the inside to fill the trifecta at a big price. 2024 Group 3 Healy Stakes – Zarastro Despite winning plenty of Queensland’s feature races, Zarastro’s win handed trainer Tony Gollan his first triumph in the Healy Stakes. “He was really good today. I was pretty adamant after his last start here that we had to change a few things up,” said Gollan. “I was really keen to go the 21 days into today with him. He puts a big effort into his races and his racing pattern, I want to give him that little bit of extra time between runs. “I just knew the last 10 days coming here today he was right on song. She (Angela Jones) rated him really well today. “I spoke to Ange this morning, I felt we might have been asking a bit much of him his last few, she was able to really keep him under wraps today and he was so strong through the line.” A week on after claiming the Listed Ipswich Cup on Red Wave, Angela Jones ticked off another major milestone with her maiden Group triumph. “It’s such a thrill, and to do it on him and for Tony, it just couldn’t have worked out any better,” said a jubilant Angela Jones. “Tony’s my biggest supporter so thank you, and all the Zarastro owners for keeping me on him and being happy to stick with me. “Also my manager, he does a terrific job. I know it’s a hard time to be a manager of a local jockey, but he’s done a super job throughout the carnival so it’s a big credit to him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Bella Nipotina winning the Group 1 Tatts Tiara. Photo: Darren Winningham Having been backed as if unbeatable, Ciaron Maher’s Bella Nipotina rewarded favourite punters with a comfortable victory in the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm. Having claimed the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) before finishing second in the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) and Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), the multiple Group 1 winning mare relished getting back to weight-for-age conditions against her own sex. Sent around as a $1.95 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, Ryan Maloney had the superstar mare settled just off the speed in the three wide line after jumping from barrier 15. Having gained a beautiful tow into the race approaching the home turn, Bella Nipotina ambled up alongside race leader Bubble Rock ($19) and quickly went past her. Stablemate Semana ($10) trailed Bella Nipotina wherever she went, but couldn’t match her turn of foot and had to settle for for her third Group 1 placing in her 19 start career. 2024 Group 1 Tatts Tiara Replay – Bella Nipotina Having claimed the race in 2015 with Srikandi, Ciaron Maher showed plenty of emotion as per usual following yet another Group 1 success, his 46th at the highest level. “She’s phenomenal – what she’s done,” said Maher. “I thought we’d come up here (Queensland) for maybe one run and maybe have a crack at 14 (hundred) and the Tiara but to run in all four and be as good in the last as she was in the first, phenomenal. “That’s on the back of going to Perth and running in the autumn in Sydney. “We’ll work back from the Everest, she probably has a run beforehand. “She’ll go back out to Embrook now and freshen up, they’ll look after her, have a couple weeks off and then start ticking over again.” With regular jockey Craig Williams currently carrying out his humanitarian aid mission in Ukraine, Ryan Maloney was called upon by Maher and his staff, and he rewarded them once again at Group 1 level having guided Socks Nation to a massive QLD Oaks upset earlier in the month. “She obviously loves racing, I saw her during the week and I couldn’t believe how well she keeps her condition, you would never know she’s deep into a prep like she is and she’s travelled all over Australia,” Maloney said. “Hats off to her, Ciaron, and his team. I was just the fortunate one to be able to pick her up.” “She began beautifully and I thought ‘this is going to work out perfect’. There was good, genuine speed. “I was hoping Blake (Shinn) would kick out and leave Michael (Rodd) three deep and hopefully have a bit of cover, but in the end it really didn’t matter. “She toyed with them. She got into a nice enough rhythm and good horses do what they do, they just know how to win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Former Kiwi galloper Desperado (NZ) (Ghibellines) relished the rain-affected conditions at Caulfield on Saturday as he powered to victory in the Whisky, Wine & Fire Handicap (2000m) under jockey John Allen. Prepared by Ciaron Maher, the six-year-old son of Ghibellines was initially prepared in New Zealand by Brian and Shane Anderton for whom he won a Gore maiden before being sold to Australia. The hardy gelding has now won five of his 18 career starts, with a further four placings and races in the colours of prominent owner Rod Lyons, with Brian Anderton and his late wife Lorraine remaining in the ownership group. Desperado came from midfield in a perfectly timed run and raced away for a soft length and a quarter victory. “He is a quirky horse. He likes that suck run, to be back and not be there too early, so it worked out in his favour,” stable repetitive Declan Maher said. “He is having a good preparation. He went up and ran well in Sydney and then we brought him back down to Ballarat again and he is a horse that you don’t need to do a lot with. You just have to keep a smile on his face and put him in the right race.” Maher said the middle-distance performer who has now won A$245,162 in prizemoney is likely to carry on through the winter months. “Now that he is up and fit and racing, he doesn’t require a lot of work. He only has one gallop into his runs and he turns up and he is a naturally fit athletic Kiwi,” Maher said. “We don’t have to do a lot with him and he handles wet ground so we might as well keep pushing on.” Bred by Brian and Lorraine Anderton, Desperado is a true White Robe Lodge product as a son of Ghibellines (AUS) out of the two-time winning Yamanin Vital (NZ) mare Carefree (NZ). View the full article

Some inspired support for debutant Dupont (NZ) (Belardo) paid dividends at Ruakaka on Saturday when the Jenna Mahoney-prepared runner delivered a stylish victory in the Ruakaka NZ’s Best Bet in Winter (1100m) two-year-old contest. Wins at both the Pukekohe and Cambridge Synthetic trial meetings in recent months saw the son of Belardo backed in to start a warm $3.30 favourite ahead of fellow debutant Dua Dance (NZ) (Yes Yes Yes) at the jump. Rider Kelly Myers had Dupont away nicely from barrier three but elected to take a sit on pacemakers Hard Attack (NZ) (All Too Hard) and Dua Dance as the pair cut out a steady tempo in front. Hard Attack kicked hard in the home straight and shook off the attentions of Dua Dance however Myers had Dupont winding up nicely and he burst to the lead at the 100m to score comfortably by a neck from Hard Attack, while local runner Vegas Queen (NZ) (Proisir) closed off well to take third from Dua Dance. Mahoney had expected a good run from her charge and indicated he would most likely return to the venue to contest the $60,000 final of the ITM/GIB sponsored two-year-old series. “He’s been pretty consistent right through the trials so we were confident we could get the job done today,” Mahoney said. “By the looks of him he will get over more ground, so it was good to sit off the speed today then get over the top of them. “We will probably come back for the final now as long as he comes through this. “We’re pretty confident he can get up to a mile although we got away with this (1100m) first up.” Myers was full of praise for the effort and predicted a bright future for the horse. “It was a good way to start my day after some nice trials although he is more of a three-year-old type,” she said. “He could have a promising career as turning for home I thought the two on the inside had me, but he wound up and went past them like a nice horse.” Owned by harness racing identity Gareth Dixon, Dupont is out of the Sebring mare Mazikeen (NZ) and cost just $800 when purchased from New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Online Yearling Sale in April last year. His extended family includes the Joint Top Filly on the 2010-11 Australasian 3YO Classification in Lights Of Heaven (NZ) (Zabeel) who won eight races including the 2011 Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) while she also finished third in the 2012 Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). View the full article

Exciting local three-year-old Dan Vegas (NZ) (Per Incanto) added a second victory to his unbeaten record with another dominant front-running performance in Saturday’s Truweld Engineering 3YO (1400m) at Ruakaka. The well-related gelding turned heads at the previous Ruakaka meeting on June 8, leading all the way for a smart debut victory over 1400m. He lined up for his second career appearance over the same course and distance on Saturday, taking on a talented field of three-year-olds, and was every bit as impressive. Drawn awkwardly in gate 11 of 12, Dan Vegas charged out of the gates to take the lead and move across to the rail inside the first 50m of the race. He never looked back from there and never relinquished his advantage. Challengers lined up to try to run him down in the straight, but Dan Vegas kicked again for jockey Jasmine Fawcett and maintained a clear lead all the way to the finish. He stopped the clock at 1:22.85 and finished a length and a half in front of Swycho (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) and Full Noise (NZ) (Turn Me Loose). Fawcett has been with Dan Vegas every step of the way in his promising career, guiding him to a three-length trial win in early May and then both of his raceday successes. “He’s pretty exciting,” she said. “He’s a horse that you can’t really argue with, so I just let him roll forward to take the lead. I could hear them coming at him in the straight, but he’s got a lot of class and he took off again.” A perfect two-from-two career has so far returned $40,250 in stakes for owner-breeders the Little Avondale Trust and Totara Park Stud. Dan Vegas is by Little Avondale stallion Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Miss Bluebell (NZ). That makes him a brother to stakes performers Gringotts (NZ) and Millefiori (NZ) (Iffraaj), while Miss Bluebell’s dam Operavega (NZ) (Stravinsky) is a half-sister to Vegas Showgirl (NZ) (Al Akbar), the dam of the legendary Winx (Street Cry). Dan Vegas is trained by Kenny Rae and Krystal Williams. “His full-brother Gringotts has been going pretty well over in Australia, and people might have heard of another of his relatives called Winx,” Rae said. “This is a good horse in his own right. He won his first start here really well, and I didn’t think that was a fluke, but coming into today I thought he’d need to be pretty smart to go back to back. He’s done it.” Rae concedes that his days of having Dan Vegas in the stable may be numbered. “If he passes the vet checks, he’s probably going to be sold now,” he said. “There’s been a bit of interest in him already, including someone who said they’ll definitely want to buy him if he ran first or second in this race today. “We’ll see what happens. If he’s sold, he’s sold, but I won’t be disappointed if we end up keeping him either.” Adding to a successful day for the family, close relative Vegas Queen finished third in the Ruakaka NZ’s Best Bet in Winter 2YO (1100m) earlier in the afternoon. Also bred and part-owned by Totara Park Stud’s Dirk and Nicki Oberholster, Vegas Queen (NZ) is by Proisir out of Miss Bluebell’s half-sister Miss Vegas (NZ) (Carlton House). Vegas Queen’s placing on Saturday came in her second career start, having finished sixth on debut at the same venue three weeks ago. “She’s a lovely filly that will go places,” Rae said. “But realistically she’s not a two-year-old type. We might have to take our time with her a little bit.” View the full article

In his first New Zealand steeplechase start in almost three years, Te Kahu (NZ) (Zacinto) made a stunning return to the big stage and defeated champion jumper West Coast in Saturday’s Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m). The Zacinto gelding announced his arrival as a big-time steeplechaser during the winter of 2021, winning three races including that year’s edition of the $125,000 Great Northern Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha. Trainer and part-owner Dan O’Leary took on Australia in 2022, collecting placings at Casterton and Pakenham in his only two appearances. A tendon injury then ruled him out for the remainder of that year and all of 2023, eventually returning with a second in a maiden hurdle at Woodville on May 26 and a fourth in a similar race at Te Aroha in early June. But steeplechasing is what Te Kahu does best. The original plan was for him to return to that role in an open steeplechase at Te Aroha last Sunday, but when that meeting was postponed until Thursday, O’Leary decided to roll the dice and take a shot at the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase instead. The gamble well and truly paid off. Te Kahu carried 67kg in Saturday’s $60,000 feature, which was 6kg less than the $1.60 favourite West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu). Rider Nick Downs kept a close eye on West Coast as the pair trailed front-runner Izymydaad (NZ) (Istidaad) throughout two circuits of the Hastings track. Downs made his move as the field went down the back straight for the final time, drawing up alongside Izymydaad. Te Kahu had that rival covered by the time he rounded the turn into the home straight, with West Coast saving ground closer to the inside and emerging as the only threat. That pair fought a desperate battle through the last 400m in testing Heavy10 ground. West Coast showed all of his well-known class and courage, but with the weight difference in his favour, Te Kahu pulled ahead late in the piece to triumph by two lengths. Izymydaad finished third, 10 and a half lengths behind the first pair. It was a first Prestige Jumping Race win for Downs, whose partner Caitlin McKee won the Duke Of Gloucester Cup (2100m) for amateur riders earlier on the Hastings card. “That was awesome,” Downs said. “It’s my first Prestige win, so it’s a big thrill. “He made a little mistake at one jump, but for the rest of the race he was a machine. He’s a proper jumper. I was really happy to take the ride today and grateful to Mr O’Leary for the opportunity. “I tried to stay close to West Coast for most of the race, because he’s such a good jumper. I wanted to try to avoid having any mishaps in front or beside me to upset my horse. “He kept jumping well and he put himself there. He’s pretty chilled out. I think he’s a proper Northern and National horse.” Te Kahu has now had 19 starts for four wins, eight placings and $165,744 in stakes. View the full article

Caitlin McKee celebrated her first success in the saddle on Saturday in the most prestigious race of the Flair Amateur Rider Series, the New Zealand Hunts’ Association Duke Of Gloucester Cup (2100m). Waikato-based McKee was having just her fourth ride as an amateur and partnered $36 outside chance Meandeel (NZ) (Dundeel) who was searching for a return to form in more favourable heavy conditions at Hastings. Jumping from the extreme outside barrier, McKee settled the Ken Harrison-trained gelding in the second-half of the field but was forced wide around the opening bend as Moonlight Hustler (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) took control from the front. Meandeel was sitting last of 11 at the 600m and full of running, and McKee’s tactic to stay close to the inside rail paid off as she ran down stablemate Espresso To Go (NZ) (Tavistock) and Moonlight Hustler strongly in the straight to score by three-quarters of a length. McKee was thrilled to claim her first win as an amateur, after entering the racing industry as a trackwork rider. “I’m stoked with that, I had so much horse coming into the turn and he just did exactly what I asked,” McKee said post-race. “I panicked a little bit because I thought I might end up on heels because I had my foot against the rail the whole way. “I kind of fell into it (racing) a few friends were doing it and I thought it would be easy money riding trackwork, but I love it. “I’m really enjoying it (riding in the amateurs), it’s a great series and I’m keen to be part of it all.” Harrison was complementary of McKee’s efforts post-race, indicating she is regularly involved with the running of his Cambridge barn. “She rode a ripper, I told her to stay on the rail and I didn’t think she’d quite be scraping paint that much, but it was a great ride,” he said. “Caitlin rides our horses every morning, so it was great to give her a win. “I was a bit dubious about Espresso To Go in the heavy ground today, but I thought the other fella (Meandeel) would go alright. “Ashleigh (McIntyre, jockey of Espresso To Go) rode really well too, they tell me she’s a nice rider.” 29-year-old McKee has also been involved with rehoming former Hong Kong gallopers alongside partner Nick Downs, who won the AHD – Animal Health Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) later on the Hastings card aboard Te Kahu (NZ) (Zacinto). Among the successful returnees was Not Ideal, who won last year’s Waipu Cup (1400m) in the care of Harrison. View the full article

Former Kiwi galloper Amberite continues to make a good impression since joining the stable of Mornington trainer Matt Laurie, with the son of Proisir trekking north to Sydney to land the Prague Yearlings Selling Now Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday. The talented four-year-old has now won twice from three starts for Laurie, with a victory at Flemington in May before finishing runner-up to Foujita San at Caulfield earlier this month. The gelding had shown plenty of talent in New Zealand, collecting two wins and five placings for Matamata trainer Vicki Prendergast, including a seven length triumph over subsequent Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) winner Outovstock. Ridden by Regan Bayliss, Amberite led throughout and dug deep when challenged by runner-up Caprice Des Dieux, with Bright Red back in third. “He was able to lead in a very relaxed manner,” Laurie said. “He has a bit of fight, this horse. “Our initial plan was to run last week (at the abandoned Sydney meeting) and then go up to the Caloundra Cup (Listed, 2400m) but we won’t be doing that now. “I am leaning towards maybe pulling up now but there is a race at Randwick in two weeks. “I’ve only had him for three runs, he had a little bit of racing in New Zealand, and he looks like he’s at a point where we might be able to build his rating.” Laurie said he elected to keep the horse in Sydney through the week for the A$160,000 contest, rather than a 2000m benchmark 78 back in Melbourne which was worth half the prize money. “We kept the horse in Sydney this week, he stayed with Gerald (Ryan) so we are thankful to him for helping me out. This is my first winner in Sydney, I’m happy to get that win,” Laurie said. From 20 starts, Amberite has now had four wins, six placings and A$258,220 in stakes. He is still raced by his New Zealand owners and carries the red and black colours of the Bayly family – best known for the likes of Blue Denim, Eagle Eye, Lion Tamer and Harris Tweed, all owned by the late Phil Bayly. Amberite is one of six winners from six foals to race out of the Elusive Quality mare Elusive Elle, who is a half-sister to Group One winner Bonaria, along with stakes-winning mare Legally Bay, dam of Group One-winning sprinter and sire Merchant Navy. Bred by the Pike family’s V T W Breeding Company, Amberite was offered by Hallmark Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2021 and was bought for $120,000. View the full article

Moira and Kieran Murdoch’s renowned beach training has turned around the careers of countless gallopers over the years, and former Taranaki star Shamus (NZ) (Shamexpress) added his name to that list in Saturday’s $40,000 Northpine Waipu Cup (1400m) at Ruakaka. The highly talented Shamexpress gelding was a six-time winner from 13 starts for New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock, headed by the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) as a three-year-old in 2022. He also placed in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m), and he finished a close sixth in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) in January. Saturday’s Waipu Cup was the five-year-old’s third start for the Murdochs, who took over his training when Sharrock suggested a change of scenery earlier this year. Shamus ran fifth in his first start for his new stable at Te Rapa on May 4. He carried 59kg in that open 1200m sprint and was beaten by four and a quarter lengths by Turn The Ace (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) The Murdochs then stepped Shamus up to 1400m at Ruakaka on June 8, this time under 60kg. He finished fourth, beaten by nine and a quarter lengths by Malt Time (Adelaide). That dominant winner went on to place in last Saturday’s Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m). Shamus stepped out on to an ideal Good4 track for Saturday’s Waipu Cup, and he returned to winning form in outstanding style. Ridden by 2kg claimer Ace Lawson-Carroll, Shamus settled on the outside of the front-running Trigon Lad (NZ) (Towkay) before striding forward to take command at the turn. He briefly looked vulnerable in the long Ruakaka home straight as Fonteyn (NZ) (Swiss Ace), Winning For All (Shooting To Win) and the late-flashing Gentian Blue (NZ) (Reliable Man) ate into his margin under lighter weights, but Shamus dug deep and held them all at bay to win by a long neck. The 1400m were run in a quick 1:21.71. “He kicked away really well at the turn,” Lawson-Carroll said. “Halfway up the straight I thought they might be able to catch me, but he held on and it was a big effort under that weight.” Shamus has now had 16 starts for seven wins and four placings, earning just under $240,000 in stakes for owners Noel and Ron Stanley. Buoyed by Saturday’s performance, Moira Murdoch is now keen to take Shamus back to Ruakaka for the $60,000 ITM/Gib Sprinters’ Final during the Northern Winter Championships meeting on July 13. “It was lovely to see that from him today,” Murdoch said. “I don’t think there was really much wrong with his first two runs for us, but he does seem to prefer a drier surface, so the good track today probably helped him a bit more. “The only worry in the straight was his big weight, but he kept going strongly. The Winter Final back here in two weeks’ time is definitely the next target.” View the full article